📰 Daily News Analysis
The Hindu – UPSC Mains-Oriented
News Analysis
News Analysis
Bengaluru Edition
Sunday, 22 February 2026
Legacy IAS
UPSC Civil Services Coaching • Bengaluru
“Analysis, not reporting — the UPSC way.”
📑 Table of Contents
- U.S. Tariff Developments & India’s Trade Strategy GS-II / GS-III
- AI Impact Summit: 85 Nations Sign New Delhi Declaration GS-II / GS-III
- India–Brazil Pacts on Critical Minerals & Trade GS-II / GS-III
- 8% Voters Removed After Special Intensive Revision (SIR) GS-II
- Union–State Relations: Stalin’s Push for Recalibration GS-II
- Bangladesh Set to Restore Visa for Indian Nationals GS-II
- Central Forces Deployment in West Bengal Ahead of Elections GS-II
- POCSO Court Orders FIR Against Religious Leader GS-II / GS-IV
- India–U.S. Naval Cooperation in Indo-Pacific GS-II / GS-III
- Devanagari Script Push for Northeast Tribal Languages GS-I / GS-II
- Nepal Elections: Gen Z Protests & Democratic Shift GS-II
- New Kashmir Wheat Varieties: Crop Cycle Innovation GS-III
- India’s Green Hydrogen Transition & SAF GS-III
Article 01
U.S. Tariff Developments & India’s Trade Strategy
A. Issue in Brief
- The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs imposed under IEEPA, ruling they exceeded presidential authority.
- Trump immediately announced a temporary 15% baseline tariff on all imports under Section 122 of the Trade Act, 1974 (valid for 150 days).
- India’s Commerce Ministry is “studying” implications; Congress demands the India-U.S. interim trade deal be put on hold and renegotiated.
B. Static Background
- IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act): Allows the U.S. President to regulate commerce during national emergencies — SC ruled tariffs under it exceeded authority.
- Section 122, Trade Act 1974: Permits the President to impose up to 15% tariff for 150 days to address balance-of-payments concerns; needs Congressional approval for extension.
- Section 232, Trade Expansion Act 1962: Tariffs on national security grounds (50% on steel & aluminium remain intact).
- De minimis exemption: Previously allowed duty-free import of items valued under $800/day — suspended by Trump in August 2025.
- India-U.S. interim deal (announced Feb 2, 2026): Reduced general tariff on Indian goods from 50% → 18%.
C. Key Dimensions
| U.S. Tariff Mechanism | Status Post-SC Ruling | Impact on India |
|---|---|---|
| Reciprocal Tariffs (IEEPA) | ❌ Struck down | Potential refund claims for duties paid since April 2025 |
| Section 122 (15%, 150-day) | ✅ Active from Feb 24 | New baseline tariff; needs Congress to extend |
| Section 232 (Steel/Aluminium — 50%) | ✅ Intact | India’s steel & aluminium exports fell ~66% in Dec 2025 |
| De minimis suspension | ✅ Intact | Hurts small exporters & e-commerce players |
| India-U.S. Interim Deal (18%) | ⚠️ Legal basis unclear | Congress calls for renegotiation |
🔄 Flowchart: U.S. Tariff Developments — Sequence of Events
Trump imposes reciprocal tariffs (IEEPA)
→
U.S. SC strikes them down (6-3 ruling)
→
Trump invokes Section 122: 10% → 15% tariff
→
150-day limit; needs Congress to extend
→
India “studying” implications; deal future uncertain
D. Critical Analysis
- Checks & Balances: SC ruling reinforces U.S. constitutional separation of powers — tariff authority requires explicit Congressional sanction, limiting executive overreach.
- India’s dilemma: The interim deal was negotiated under threat of 50% tariffs; with reciprocal tariffs struck down, India’s bargaining power improves significantly.
- Refund uncertainty: Tariff collections between April 2025–Feb 2026 may face protest/refund claims — only U.S. “importer of record” benefits, not foreign exporters.
- Section 122 limitations: Temporary (150 days), capped at 15%, designed for balance-of-payments — not geopolitical leverage. Congressional extension uncertain with mid-term election politics.
- Sectoral impact: Steel, aluminium, textiles, e-commerce exports continue to face headwinds from Section 232 and de minimis suspension.
- Global ripple effect: Trade deals with EU, UK, Japan, Vietnam also rendered “one-sided” — countries may renegotiate.
E. Way Forward
Renegotiate strategically: India should leverage improved bargaining position to secure better terms, especially safeguarding agriculture and MSME sectors.
Diversify export markets: Reduce over-dependence on U.S. — strengthen ties with EU, ASEAN, Africa under “China+1” frameworks.
Strengthen WTO mechanisms: Push for multilateral rule-based trade order rather than bilateral deal-making under coercion.
Build domestic resilience: PLI schemes, quality infrastructure, and trade facilitation to make Indian exports globally competitive irrespective of tariff regimes.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: IEEPA, Section 122 of Trade Act 1974, Section 232 of Trade Expansion Act 1962, De minimis exemption, U.S. Court of International Trade, “liquidation” in U.S. customs law.
Mains Question (GS-III, 15 marks)
“The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on presidential tariff authority has significant implications for India’s trade strategy. Critically examine the impact of evolving U.S. trade policy on India and suggest a way forward for India’s trade diplomacy.”
Article 02
AI Impact Summit: 85 Nations Sign New Delhi Declaration
A. Issue in Brief
- 85 countries and 3 international organisations signed the New Delhi Declaration at the AI Impact Summit, including the U.S. and China.
- The Declaration offers a “Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI” — voluntary, non-binding — focused on knowledge sharing, equitable access, and workforce development.
B. Static Background
- Previous AI governance efforts: Bletchley Declaration (2023, UK), Paris AI Summit (2024) — U.S. rejected safety commitments at Paris.
- Guiding principle: “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya” (Welfare for all, Happiness for all).
- Global AI Impact Commons: Voluntary initiative to exhibit AI use cases for governments.
- AI dominance: U.S. and China control ~70% of AI products and research globally.
C. Key Dimensions
🧠 Mind-Map: New Delhi Declaration — Key Pillars
New Delhi AI Declaration
Access & Equity
Charter for Democratic Diffusion of AI; promote access to foundational AI resources
Safety & Trust
Secure, trustworthy, robust AI; industry-led voluntary measures; “glass box not black box”
Human Capital
AI literacy, workforce reskilling, vocational training, public official training
Innovation
Global AI Impact Commons; locally relevant innovation; resilient ecosystems
D. Critical Analysis
- Non-binding nature: Like the G20 declarations, commitments are voluntary — enforcement remains a challenge. No binding regulatory framework emerged.
- Safety diluted: While safety is mentioned, the emphasis leans heavily on knowledge sharing rather than regulatory guardrails — reflects U.S. influence resisting binding AI safety norms.
- Digital divide concern: Despite rhetoric on equitable access, AI development remains concentrated in U.S. and China; Global South needs compute infrastructure, not just declarations.
- India’s positioning: India successfully brought U.S. and China onto the same platform — diplomatic achievement similar to G20 New Delhi Declaration on Ukraine.
- Bhutan PM’s caution: “AI must remain a tool for humans” — highlights need for ethics, regulation, oversight.
E. Way Forward
Binding global AI governance: Move from voluntary to enforceable frameworks — possibly through a dedicated UN agency for AI (like IAEA for nuclear).
India as AI bridge: Leverage demographic dividend + IT expertise to position as AI talent hub for Global South.
Compute sovereignty: Invest in domestic GPU/chip manufacturing (India Chip JV with HCL-Foxconn), data centres, and sovereign AI models.
Ethical AI framework: Develop India-specific AI regulation balancing innovation with rights — based on principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: New Delhi Declaration on AI (2026), Global AI Impact Commons, “Charter for Democratic Diffusion of AI”, Bletchley Declaration, Paris AI Summit, Gelephu Mindfulness City (Bhutan).
Mains Question (GS-III, 15 marks)
“Discuss the significance of the New Delhi Declaration on AI. Can voluntary, non-binding frameworks effectively govern a technology dominated by a few nations? Suggest measures for inclusive and ethical AI governance.”
Article 03
India–Brazil Pacts on Critical Minerals & Trade Expansion
A. Issue in Brief
- India and Brazil signed agreements on rare earth and critical minerals, steel mining, and launched a digital partnership action plan.
- Both committed to trade beyond $20 billion by 2030; Brazil’s President proposed $30 billion target. Both discussed U.S. tariff developments.
B. Static Background
- Critical Minerals: Essential for EV batteries, semiconductors, defence, renewables. China dominates ~60-70% of processing supply chains.
- India-Mercosur PTA: Preferential trade agreement with South American bloc (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay).
- Global Biofuel Alliance: Launched in 2023 by India, Brazil, U.S. — now impacted by Trump’s fossil fuel focus.
- BRICS: Both India and Brazil face threats of higher U.S. tariffs over BRICS membership.
- Current bilateral trade: ~$12–15 billion. Brazil is India’s biggest trading partner in Latin America.
C. Key Dimensions
| Area of Cooperation | Significance |
|---|---|
| Critical Minerals | Diversification from Chinese supply chain dominance; strategic for energy transition & defence |
| Steel Mining | India is a major steel producer; access to Brazilian iron ore reserves strengthens supply security |
| Digital Partnership | Joint action plan on digital technologies — leverages India’s IT strength with Brazil’s market |
| Mercosur PTA Expansion | Market access for Indian goods in South America; South-South trade corridor |
| Biofuel Alliance | Ethanol, biodiesel cooperation — both nations are sugarcane producers |
D. Critical Analysis
- Strategic convergence: Both face 50% U.S. tariffs, BRICS pressure, and need to diversify from China — shared vulnerabilities drive cooperation.
- Global South leadership: India-Brazil axis strengthens developing world’s voice in multilateral forums (G20, BRICS, WTO).
- Critical minerals race: Securing alternative supply chains is vital for India’s semiconductor and EV ambitions — Brazil’s reserves offer a significant opportunity.
- Implementation challenge: Past targets have been missed; logistics, distance, and lack of direct connectivity remain barriers.
E. Way Forward
Critical Minerals partnership: Establish joint mining ventures and long-term supply contracts; create a bilateral critical minerals stockpiling mechanism.
Trade connectivity: Enhance maritime and air connectivity; explore rupee-real bilateral trade settlement.
South-South model: Use India-Brazil cooperation as template for broader Global South engagement under G20 and BRICS frameworks.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: India-Mercosur PTA, Global Biofuel Alliance, Critical Minerals — lithium, cobalt, rare earths, BRICS composition, Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL).
Mains Question (GS-II, 15 marks)
“Analyse the strategic significance of India-Brazil cooperation on critical minerals in the context of global supply chain diversification. How can South-South cooperation counter the geopolitical pressures from major powers?”
Article 04
8% Voters Removed After Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in 9 States & UTs
A. Issue in Brief
- Nearly 8% of voters (1.70 crore) were removed across 9 States/UTs after the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
- Voter strength fell from 21.45 crore → 19.75 crore. Gujarat saw highest deletions (13.4%); Kerala lowest (3.22%).
- In West Bengal, SIR has seen intense litigation between EC and the State government; SC allowed final list publication on Feb 28.
B. Static Background
- Constitutional basis: Article 324 — superintendence, direction, and control of elections vested in the Election Commission.
- Electoral rolls: Governed by the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
- SIR: A comprehensive revision exercise to identify duplicate, dead, or shifted voters — different from routine annual revision.
- Bihar precedent: SIR ahead of 2024 Assembly election reduced voter list from 7.89 crore to 7.43 crore.
C. Key Dimensions
| State/UT | Voter Deletions (%) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat | 13.40% | Published Feb 17 |
| Andaman & Nicobar | 16.87% | Published Feb 22 |
| Chhattisgarh | 11.77% | Published Feb 22 |
| Goa | 10.76% | Published Feb 22 |
| Puducherry | 7.50% | Published Feb 14 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 5.96% | Published Feb 22 |
| Rajasthan | 5.74% | Published Feb 22 |
| Kerala | 3.22% | Published Feb 22 |
| Lakshadweep | 0.36% | Published Feb 14 |
D. Critical Analysis
- Cleaning vs. disenfranchisement: While removing bogus voters improves electoral integrity, large-scale deletions (16.87% in A&N) raise concerns about genuine voters being wrongly removed.
- Trust deficit: SC noted “persistent trust deficit” between West Bengal government and EC — judiciary had to intervene to break the stalemate.
- Political implications: SIR often becomes politically contentious, with ruling parties suspecting targeted deletions in opposition strongholds.
- Transparency gap: Lack of real-time public access to deletion data and grievance redressal mechanisms.
- Federalism concern: EC’s unilateral SIR process vs. State government cooperation — highlights Centre-State friction in election management.
E. Way Forward
Technology-driven rolls: Aadhaar-linked voter ID (with safeguards), real-time deduplication using AI/ML to reduce need for mass revision exercises.
Grievance mechanism: Robust, time-bound appellate process for wrongly deleted voters before final publication.
Stakeholder participation: Include political parties, RWAs, and civil society in the verification process for transparency.
EC-State cooperation: Institutionalise consultative framework between EC and State machinery for SIR, as recommended by various reform committees.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: Article 324, Representation of the People Act 1950, Registration of Electors Rules 1960, SIR vs. annual revision, EPIC (Electoral Photo Identity Card).
Mains Question (GS-II, 10 marks)
“The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is a double-edged sword — it cleanses voter lists but risks disenfranchisement. Discuss with reference to the recent SIR exercise and suggest reforms.”
Article 05
Union–State Relations: Tamil Nadu CM’s Push for Recalibration
A. Issue in Brief
- Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin released Part I of a High-Level Committee report on Union-State Relations (headed by Justice Kurian Joseph).
- He argued that centralisation has failed and called for “right-sizing” the Union — not weakening it, but restoring State autonomy.
B. Static Background
- Constitutional framework: Seventh Schedule — Union List, State List, Concurrent List. Articles 245–254 on legislative relations.
- Key Commissions: Sarkaria Commission (1988), M.M. Punchhi Commission (2010) — both recommended respecting federal balance.
- Rajmannar Committee (1971): TN’s own committee that first demanded recalibration of Centre-State relations.
- Concurrent List issue: Article 254 — Central law prevails over State law in case of conflict; States argue this reduces their legislative space.
- Finance Commission: Conditional transfers and rigid Centrally-sponsored schemes templates limit State flexibility.
C. Key Dimensions
🧠 Mind-Map: Centralisation Concerns Raised by TN
Centralisation Has Failed — TN’s Argument
Legislative
Union legislation on Concurrent List subjects dilutes State laws; subordinate rule-making at national level overrides State legislation
Financial
Conditional Finance Commission transfers; rigid CSS templates; revenue concentration at Centre
Administrative
Large Central ministries duplicate State functions; micro-management of State priorities
Outcomes
Regulatory complexity, chronic underfunding, blurred accountability, erosion of State capacity
D. Critical Analysis
- Legitimate concerns: Over-centralisation through CSS with rigid conditionalities reduces States’ ability to innovate and respond to local needs.
- Counter-argument: Certain national standards (education, environment, labour) require Central legislation to prevent a race to the bottom.
- Fiscal federalism: States bear over 60% of expenditure but control less revenue — Finance Commission recommendations often come with strings attached.
- Political context: Non-BJP ruled States have been most vocal about centralisation — risk of the debate becoming partisan rather than constitutional.
- Global comparison: Federations like Germany, Canada, Australia have stronger sub-national autonomy with cooperative federal frameworks.
E. Way Forward
Implement Punchhi Commission recommendations: Strengthen Inter-State Council, ensure Governor’s neutrality, rationalise Concurrent List subjects.
Flexible CSS: Convert rigid Centrally-sponsored schemes to block grants allowing States design flexibility.
Strengthen ISC: Make Inter-State Council a regular constitutional platform for Union-State dialogue, not an ad-hoc body.
Cooperative federalism 2.0: Move beyond NITI Aayog consultations to genuine power-sharing in concurrent subjects.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: Sarkaria Commission, Punchhi Commission, Rajmannar Committee, Article 254, Article 263 (Inter-State Council), 7th Schedule, Concurrent List, Centrally Sponsored Schemes.
Mains Question (GS-II, 15 marks)
“Has the progressive centralisation of legislative and fiscal powers undermined the federal character of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with reference to the recent demand for recalibration of Union-State relations.”
Article 06
Bangladesh Set to Restore Visa for Indian Nationals
A. Issue in Brief
- After the BNP-led government took charge following elections, Bangladesh is moving to normalise visa facilities for Indian visitors.
- Visa issuance was halted in December 2025 amid protests targeting Indian missions. India’s daily visa issuance fell from 8,000+ pre-2024 to ~3,000.
B. Static Background
- July-August 2024: Overthrow of Sheikh Hasina government — relations deteriorated, security threats to Indian missions.
- February 2026: BNP Chairman Tariq Rahman sworn in as PM; diplomatic outreach from both sides.
- Neighbourhood First Policy: India’s stated approach to prioritise neighbours — tested severely by Bangladesh developments.
- People-to-people ties: Medical tourism, education, trade, cultural exchanges — all disrupted by visa suspension.
D. Critical Analysis
- Positive signal: Visa restoration indicates BNP government’s pragmatic approach to India relations despite political differences.
- Security concerns persist: Attacks on Indian missions and visa centres reflect deeper anti-India sentiment that visa normalisation alone won’t resolve.
- People-centric diplomacy: Visa disruption disproportionately affected ordinary Bangladeshis seeking medical treatment and education in India — humanitarian dimension.
- Strategic stakes: India-Bangladesh relations are critical for connectivity (Act East Policy), counter-terrorism, water sharing, and trade corridors.
E. Way Forward
Engage BNP constructively: Build institutional ties that survive regime changes — depersonalise bilateral relations.
Address genuine concerns: Resolve Teesta water sharing, trade imbalances, and border issues to reduce anti-India sentiment.
Connectivity projects: Expedite rail, waterway, and digital connectivity under bilateral frameworks.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party), Neighbourhood First Policy, Act East Policy, Teesta Water Sharing, India-Bangladesh bilateral trade, Land Boundary Agreement (2015).
Mains Question (GS-II, 10 marks)
“How has the political transition in Bangladesh impacted India-Bangladesh bilateral relations? Discuss the challenges and opportunities for India’s Neighbourhood First Policy.”
Article 07
Central Forces Deployment in West Bengal Ahead of Elections
A. Issue in Brief
- The Election Commission decided to deploy ~480 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in West Bengal from March 1, in two phases, ahead of Assembly elections.
- Deployment described as a “confidence-building measure”; final electoral rolls after SIR scheduled for Feb 28.
B. Static Background
- Constitutional basis: Article 324 empowers EC to superintend elections; can requisition forces under Section 129 of RPA, 1951.
- CAPFs involved: CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, CISF — deployed to ensure free and fair elections.
- Political history: CAPF deployment in WB has been contentious — TMC has historically opposed it, alleging Central interference.
- Calcutta HC: Cancelled judicial officers’ leave to ensure SIR compliance — reflects judiciary’s proactive role.
D. Critical Analysis
- Federalism tension: Central forces deployment in State elections always raises questions about State police autonomy and federal balance.
- Electoral integrity: History of political violence in WB justifies enhanced security — voter confidence requires neutral force presence.
- SC’s role: Supreme Court’s involvement in SIR process (allowing publication dates, noting “trust deficit”) is an extraordinary judicial intervention in election management.
- Proportionality question: Whether 480 companies is proportionate or excessive — needs objective assessment based on threat perception.
E. Way Forward
Transparent deployment criteria: EC should publish threat assessment methodology to justify CAPF quantum.
Strengthen State police neutrality: Implement Police Reforms (Prakash Singh case directives) to make State police more independent during elections.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: CAPFs — CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, CISF; Article 324; Section 129 RPA 1951; Prakash Singh v. Union of India (2006); Model Code of Conduct.
Mains Question (GS-II, 10 marks)
“Discuss the constitutional and practical considerations involved in the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces during State elections. Does it strengthen or undermine federalism?”
Article 08
POCSO Court Orders FIR Against Religious Leader
A. Issue in Brief
- A POCSO court in Prayagraj ordered police to file an FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and an aide for alleged sexual exploitation of two minors (aged 14 and 17) at his ashram.
- Despite complaints to police, no FIR was registered — the court had to intervene, directing a “fair and independent probe”.
B. Static Background
- POCSO Act, 2012: Protection of Children from Sexual Offences — provides for special courts, mandatory reporting, and stringent punishment.
- Section 7(a), Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988: Related to bribery charges (applied in parallel cases).
- Mandatory FIR: Under POCSO, police are obligated to register FIR upon receiving information of child sexual abuse — failure to do so is itself an offence.
- Judicial direction for FIR: Courts can direct registration under Section 156(3) CrPC / Section 175(3) BNSS when police fail to act.
D. Critical Analysis
- Police inaction: Failure to register FIR despite complaints reveals institutional reluctance to act against powerful religious figures — undermines rule of law.
- Judicial intervention: Court stepping in to order FIR highlights both the judiciary’s protective role and the systemic failure of law enforcement.
- Vulnerability of minors: Religious institutions as spaces of exploitation — children are particularly vulnerable in guru-shishya power dynamics.
- Ethical dimension (GS-IV): Conflict between social reverence for religious leaders and legal accountability; duty vs. devotion; institutional integrity.
E. Way Forward
Zero-tolerance enforcement: Mandatory action under POCSO regardless of the accused’s social standing — accountability for police officers who delay/refuse FIR.
Child protection protocols: Mandatory CCTV, safeguarding officers, and background checks in all religious/educational institutions handling minors.
Judicial monitoring: Time-bound investigation and trial under POCSO — fast-track courts with victim-sensitive procedures.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: POCSO Act 2012, Section 156(3) CrPC / Section 175(3) BNSS, Mandatory reporting under POCSO, Special Courts under POCSO, Child Sexual Abuse.
Mains Question (GS-IV, 10 marks)
“When law enforcement agencies fail to act against powerful accused in cases of child sexual abuse, it reflects a deeper ethical crisis of institutional integrity. Discuss with reference to the POCSO Act’s provisions and suggest measures to ensure accountability.”
Article 09
India–U.S. Naval Cooperation in Indo-Pacific
A. Issue in Brief
- U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Koehler emphasised that India and U.S. have a “critical role” in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and Indo-Pacific.
- Both navies operate P-8I aircraft and MH-60R helicopters; joint exercises include Malabar, MILAN, RIMPAC. The Quad is “not created to contain any particular country.”
B. Static Background
- Quad: U.S., India, Japan, Australia — security dialogue + practical cooperation in Indo-Pacific.
- Key exercises: Malabar (naval), MILAN (multilateral), RIMPAC (world’s largest maritime exercise).
- Foundational agreements: LEMOA (2016), COMCASA (2018), BECA (2020) — enable interoperability.
- iCET: Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies — deepens tech cooperation.
- Chinese naval expansion: 370+ warships (world’s largest navy by number); String of Pearls strategy in IOR.
D. Critical Analysis
- Strategic alignment: Shared interest in freedom of navigation, rules-based order — but India maintains strategic autonomy and avoids formal alliance.
- Interoperability gains: Common platforms (P-8I, MH-60R) enable real-time coordination — force multiplier for HADR and ASW operations.
- Balancing act: India engages with U.S. in Quad while maintaining BRICS ties and dialogue with China — multi-alignment strategy.
- Eastern Naval Command: Visakhapatnam’s ENC recognised as strategically positioned for Indo-Pacific operations — India’s maritime domain awareness expanding.
E. Way Forward
Enhance maritime domain awareness: Shared satellite data, Information Fusion Centre for IOR (IFC-IOR in Gurugram) to counter grey-zone threats.
Indigenous capability: Accelerate indigenous aircraft carrier, submarine, and drone programmes to reduce dependency.
Minilateral approach: Strengthen Quad Plus, I2U2, and bilateral naval ties with France, Japan, Australia for comprehensive Indo-Pacific security architecture.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: Quad, LEMOA, COMCASA, BECA, iCET, Malabar Exercise, MILAN, RIMPAC, IFC-IOR, P-8I Poseidon, MH-60R Seahawk, Eastern Naval Command.
Mains Question (GS-II, 15 marks)
“Examine the strategic significance of India-U.S. naval cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. How does India balance its maritime partnerships with its policy of strategic autonomy?”
Article 10
Devanagari Script Push for Northeast Tribal Languages
A. Issue in Brief
- Home Minister Amit Shah urged Northeast tribal communities with unwritten languages to adopt Devanagari script, claiming it would protect linguistic identities.
- CPI(M) criticised the move as cultural hegemony that threatens the region’s cultural diversity, saying speakers must have freedom to choose their script.
B. Static Background
- Eighth Schedule: Lists 22 languages; many NE languages are not included despite being widely spoken.
- Article 29: Right of minorities to conserve their distinct language, script, and culture.
- Article 350A: Facilities for instruction in mother tongue at primary stage for linguistic minorities.
- NEP 2020: Emphasises mother tongue/regional language as medium of instruction up to Grade 5.
- NE linguistic landscape: Hundreds of tribal languages — many use Roman script (introduced by missionaries), some have indigenous scripts (Ol Chiki for Santali).
D. Critical Analysis
- Script ≠ Language: Imposing Devanagari doesn’t “protect” languages — it may alienate communities already using Roman or indigenous scripts.
- Historical precedent: Bodo and Santali communities fought for and won recognition of their scripts — top-down imposition contradicts these movements.
- Practical concerns: Devanagari may not accommodate all phonetic sounds of NE tribal languages — linguistic mismatch.
- Cultural autonomy: Article 29 protects the right to conserve language and culture — script choice is integral to cultural identity.
- Political subtext: Seen as part of broader Hindi-centric cultural nationalism — deepens NE suspicions of homogenisation.
E. Way Forward
Community-driven script choice: Let each linguistic community decide its script — government should support documentation and digitisation in the chosen script.
Technology support: Develop Unicode standards and digital tools for all NE scripts and languages, regardless of script family.
Linguistic mapping: Comprehensive survey (like George Grierson’s Linguistic Survey) to document endangered NE languages and preserve them in their authentic form.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: Eighth Schedule (22 languages), Article 29, Article 350A, Article 351 (promotion of Hindi), Ol Chiki script (Santali), Linguistic Survey of India, NEP 2020 language policy.
Mains Question (GS-I, 15 marks)
“Critically evaluate the proposal to adopt Devanagari script for tribal languages in Northeast India that lack a written script. How does it intersect with the constitutional right to conserve language and culture?”
Article 11
Nepal Elections: Gen Z Protests & Democratic Churning
A. Issue in Brief
- Nepal heads for March 5 parliamentary elections, triggered by Gen Z protests (Sept 2025) that killed 77 people and forced PM K.P. Sharma Oli to resign.
- The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) rides a reform wave against traditional parties (Nepali Congress, CPN-UML); 68 parties, 3,000+ candidates contesting 275 seats.
B. Static Background
- Nepal’s Constitution (2015): Federal democratic republic; mixed electoral system — 165 FPTP + 110 PR seats.
- Gen Z protests (Sept 2025): Youth-led protests against corruption, mis-governance, old-guard politics — 77 dead.
- Interim government: Former CJ Sushila Karki led interim administration; dissolved House; called elections.
- India-Nepal significance: Open border, Treaty of Peace & Friendship (1950), hydropower cooperation, cultural ties — political stability in Nepal is vital for India.
D. Critical Analysis
- Democratic maturity: Constitutional mechanism worked — protests led to resignation, interim government, and fresh elections within months.
- Anti-incumbency wave: Disillusionment with Nepali Congress and CPN-UML mirrors global trend of youth rejecting establishment politics.
- RSP’s challenge: Street wave may not translate to electoral victory — weak organisational structure compared to traditional parties.
- India’s interest: Political instability in Nepal opens space for Chinese influence; India must engage constructively with whatever government emerges.
E. Way Forward
India’s approach: Engage all political parties in Nepal — avoid perception of favouring any one party; focus on people-to-people ties.
Deepen economic ties: Fast-track hydropower projects, connectivity, and trade facilitation to make India-Nepal relations beneficial for Nepali citizens.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: Nepal’s 2015 Constitution, FPTP+PR mixed system, Treaty of Peace & Friendship 1950, Rastriya Swatantra Party, Gen Z protests 2025, India-Nepal open border.
Mains Question (GS-II, 10 marks)
“Discuss the significance of the upcoming Nepal elections for India-Nepal relations. How should India recalibrate its engagement with Nepal in light of the changing political landscape?”
Article 12
New Kashmir Wheat Varieties: Solving the Crop Cycle Problem
A. Issue in Brief
- SKUAST-Kashmir developed two wheat varieties — Shalimar Wheat-3 (SW-3) and Shalimar Wheat-4 (SW-4) — that mature early (by late May–early June), solving the rice-wheat rotation problem in Kashmir.
- Both are yellow rust resistant; SW-3 is bio-fortified with iron, zinc (40+ ppm), 12% protein; potential yield up to 38 quintals/hectare.
B. Static Background
- Rice-wheat rotation: Mainstay of Kashmir’s food security — wheat (rabi, Oct–May) followed by paddy (kharif, June–Oct).
- Problem: Earlier varieties from sub-tropical regions matured late (June–July), delaying paddy transplantation.
- Conventional breeding: Cross-breeding and pedigree selection over 9–10 years — not genetically modified.
- Yellow rust: Fungal disease (Puccinia striiformis) — major threat in Kashmir’s cool, moist climate.
- Bio-fortification: Aligns with National Food Security Mission and POSHAN Abhiyaan goals.
C. Key Dimensions
| Feature | SW-3 | SW-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Maturity | First week of June | Last week of May |
| Yellow rust resistance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Bio-fortified | ✅ Iron, Zinc (40+ ppm), Protein 12% | Standard |
| Yield potential | Up to 38 q/ha | Comparable |
| Suited altitude | Up to ~1,850 m | Up to ~1,850 m |
| Dual purpose | Grain + Fodder | Grain + Fodder |
D. Critical Analysis
- Cropping system fit: Early maturity is a game-changer for Kashmir’s tight rice-wheat rotation — even marginal time savings have cascading benefits.
- Trade-off managed: Negative correlation between early maturity and yield — breeders accepted this trade-off prioritising cropping system integrity.
- Nutritional security: Bio-fortification addresses hidden hunger (iron, zinc deficiency) — particularly relevant for remote areas like Gurez valley.
- Fodder dimension: In border areas like Gurez, wheat stalks are essential winter fodder — dual-purpose varieties serve both food and livelihood security.
E. Way Forward
Scale distribution: Expand seed multiplication and distribution through KVKs and State Agriculture Department beyond pilot areas.
Climate-resilient breeding: Continue developing varieties adapted to shifting weather patterns — integrate genomics for faster breeding cycles.
Farmer training: Scientific package of practices must accompany seed distribution — extension services critical for adoption.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: Rice-wheat cropping system, Yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis), Bio-fortification, Pedigree selection, SKUAST-Kashmir, POSHAN Abhiyaan, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), National Food Security Mission.
Mains Question (GS-III, 10 marks)
“How can region-specific crop breeding address the challenges of cropping system sustainability and nutritional security? Discuss with reference to recent innovations in Kashmir’s wheat varieties.”
Article 13
India’s Green Hydrogen Transition & Sustainable Aviation Fuel
A. Issue in Brief
- Honeywell India is supporting India’s green hydrogen transition — helping enterprises move from pilots to scalable, bankable assets across refining, fertilizers, steel, and city gas distribution.
- India is also positioned to play a role in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) development using biomass-based feedstock.
B. Static Background
- National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023): Target — 5 MMT green hydrogen production by 2030; ₹19,744 crore outlay.
- Green Hydrogen: Produced by electrolysis of water using renewable energy — zero carbon emissions.
- Grey to Green transition: India’s refineries currently use grey hydrogen (from natural gas) — switching to green hydrogen is key for decarbonisation.
- SAF: Aviation accounts for ~2% of global CO₂ emissions; SAF from biomass can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80%.
- India’s NDC: Reduce carbon intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2070.
C. Key Dimensions
🔄 Flowchart: Green Hydrogen Value Chain in India
Renewable Energy (Solar/Wind)
→
Electrolyser (Water → H₂ + O₂)
→
Green Hydrogen
→
End Use: Refining, Fertilizers, Steel, Mobility, City Gas
D. Critical Analysis
- Cost challenge: Green hydrogen costs ~$4-5/kg vs. grey hydrogen at $1.5-2/kg — electrolyser costs and renewable intermittency are key barriers.
- Infrastructure gap: Lack of hydrogen storage, transport, and distribution infrastructure — requires massive investment.
- Electrolyser dependency: India imports most electrolysers — need for domestic manufacturing under PLI schemes.
- SAF opportunity: India has abundant biomass (crop residue, municipal waste) — can become SAF production hub if regulatory and technology barriers are addressed.
- Private sector role: Companies like Honeywell, Reliance, Adani, L&T are entering the space — PPP model essential for scaling.
E. Way Forward
Demand creation: Mandate green hydrogen procurement quotas for refineries and fertilizer units (Green Hydrogen Purchase Obligation).
Cost reduction: Scale up electrolyser manufacturing; leverage falling solar costs; develop hydrogen storage solutions.
SAF policy: Introduce SAF blending mandate for domestic airlines; create biomass-to-SAF supply chains.
International partnerships: Green hydrogen corridors with EU, Japan, Australia for export; leverage India-Brazil cooperation for biofuels.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: National Green Hydrogen Mission, Electrolyser, Green vs. Grey vs. Blue Hydrogen, SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), SIGHT Programme (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition), PLI for Electrolysers, India’s NDC targets.
Mains Question (GS-III, 15 marks)
“Critically examine the challenges and opportunities in India’s green hydrogen transition. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission be leveraged to achieve India’s climate commitments?”
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What did the U.S. Supreme Court rule regarding Trump’s reciprocal tariffs in February 2026?
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), ruling that they exceeded presidential authority. Trump then imposed a temporary 15% baseline tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act, 1974, valid for 150 days.
Q2. What is the New Delhi Declaration on AI signed at the AI Impact Summit 2026?
The New Delhi Declaration was signed by 85 countries and 3 international organisations at the AI Impact Summit. It offers a “Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI” — a voluntary, non-binding framework to promote equitable access to AI resources, support locally relevant innovation, and strengthen resilient AI ecosystems. Both the U.S. and China are signatories.
Q3. Why is the India-Brazil agreement on critical minerals significant for UPSC?
Critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, rare earths) are essential for EVs, semiconductors, defence, and renewable energy. China dominates 60-70% of processing. India-Brazil cooperation helps diversify supply chains, strengthens South-South cooperation, and is directly relevant to GS-II (International Relations), GS-III (Economy, Science & Tech), and Essay papers.
Q4. What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
SIR is a comprehensive revision exercise conducted by the Election Commission to clean voter rolls by identifying duplicate, deceased, or shifted voters. Unlike routine annual revision, SIR involves intensive door-to-door verification. In the 2026 exercise, nearly 8% of voters were removed across 9 States and Union Territories.
Q5. What are the key arguments for recalibration of Union-State relations as raised by Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin argues that progressive centralisation — through Union legislation on Concurrent List subjects, conditional Finance Commission transfers, rigid Centrally-sponsored schemes, and large Central ministries duplicating State functions — has eroded State capacity. He calls for “right-sizing” the Union to restore State autonomy, not weaken national unity.
Q6. What is POCSO Act and why was the Prayagraj court’s order significant?
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, provides stringent punishment for child sexual abuse and mandates FIR registration upon receiving information. The Prayagraj POCSO court’s direction to file an FIR against a religious leader was significant because police had failed to register FIR despite complaints — highlighting institutional reluctance to act against powerful accused.
Q7. How do the new Kashmir wheat varieties (SW-3, SW-4) help farmers?
Shalimar Wheat-3 and SW-4 mature by late May–early June, unlike earlier varieties that extended into June-July. This allows farmers to transplant paddy on time, maintaining the critical rice-wheat rotation. Both varieties are yellow rust resistant. SW-3 is also bio-fortified with iron, zinc, and 12% protein, addressing nutritional security in remote areas.
Q8. What is India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and its relevance for UPSC 2026?
The National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023) targets 5 MMT green hydrogen production by 2030 with ₹19,744 crore outlay. Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy and is crucial for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors like refining, steel, and fertilizers. It is relevant for GS-III (Environment, Economy), Essay, and Prelims (Science & Tech).
Q9. Why is the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in elections a debated topic?
CAPF deployment ensures free and fair elections in violence-prone States, but raises federalism concerns about State police autonomy. The Election Commission deploys forces under Article 324, while State governments often view it as Central interference. The balance between electoral integrity and federal autonomy makes it a recurring UPSC topic under GS-II (Polity).
Q10. What triggered the Nepal March 2026 elections and why does it matter for India?
Gen Z protests in September 2025 (77 deaths) forced PM K.P. Sharma Oli to resign, leading to fresh elections on March 5, 2026. The Rastriya Swatantra Party rides a reform wave against traditional parties. For India, political stability in Nepal is crucial — it affects the open border, hydropower cooperation, Act East connectivity, and the balance of Chinese influence in the neighbourhood.
