Legacy IAS
The Hindu
UPSC News Analysis
UPSC News Analysis
Mains-Oriented Daily Current Affairs
Monday, 23 February 2026 — Bengaluru Edition
GS I · GS II · GS III · GS IV · Essay
📑 Table of Contents
- 1Lula’s Call for “Tariff Unionisation” — Reforming Global Trade Negotiations
- 2US Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s IEEPA Tariffs
- 3India-US Trade Deal — Concerns Over Agriculture & Sovereignty
- 4India Joins Pax Silica Alliance — Semiconductor & AI Geopolitics
- 5GCC 4.0 — India’s Global Capability Centre Revolution
- 6Women’s Reservation Act — Constitutional Roadblock & the 2029 Question
- 7Freedom of Speech of MPs — Article 105 & Expunction Debate
- 8Karnataka Plans Curbs on Mobile Phone Use for Children Under 16
- 9New CPI Base (2024) — A Clearer Inflation Signal
- 10Human-Elephant Conflict — Chikkamagaluru Deaths & Governance Failure
- 11West Bengal Electoral Roll Crisis — SIR & Judicial Intervention
- 12Fluorescent Proteins as Quantum Sensors — Science & Technology
- 13Pakistan Strikes Along Afghan Border — Regional Security
- 14Chinnaswamy Stadium Stampede Aftermath — Accountability & Urban Planning
Article 01
Lula’s Call for “Tariff Unionisation” — Reforming Global Trade Negotiations
A. Issue in Brief
- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called on countries facing US tariffs to form “negotiating blocs” instead of engaging individually with the US.
- Brazil and India — both slapped with 50% tariffs by the US — are among the hardest hit. Lula compared the situation to trade union negotiations: individually workers (countries) always lose against a bigger employer (superpower).
- Lula also called for UNSC reforms, advocating permanent seats for India, Brazil, Germany, Nigeria, Mexico, and Egypt.
B. Static Background
- BRICS grouping — Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (now expanded).
- WTO Principles — Most Favoured Nation (MFN), National Treatment, reciprocity.
- UNSC reform — G4 nations (India, Brazil, Germany, Japan) have long sought permanent membership.
- Global South — Concept gaining traction since Bandung Conference (1955), NAM movement, and India’s Voice of Global South Summit (2023).
- IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 1977) — US law used by Trump for tariffs, now struck down by US Supreme Court.
C. Key Dimensions
| Arguments FOR Negotiating Blocs | Arguments AGAINST / Challenges |
|---|---|
| Collective bargaining power — prevents “divide and rule” tactics by superpowers | Divergent national interests — e.g., India and Brazil have different export profiles |
| Historical precedent — EU negotiates as one bloc; ASEAN has RCEP | Free-rider problem — some members may benefit without contributing |
| Protects policy space of developing nations (agriculture subsidies, food security) | US retaliation risk — bloc formation may invite harsher punitive measures |
| Strengthens South-South cooperation and multipolarity | WTO compatibility — may conflict with existing bilateral/FTA frameworks |
🧠 Mind-Map: Lula’s “Unionisation” Proposal
US Tariffs (50% on India & Brazil)
BRICS Membership Threats
Russian Oil Import Pressure
⬇
Lula’s Proposal: Form Negotiating Blocs
⬇
Collective Bargaining
UNSC Reforms
Multipolarity
South-South Cooperation
D. Critical Analysis
- India’s Strategic Autonomy: While bloc negotiations are appealing, India’s foreign policy doctrine of “issue-based alignments” (Jaishankar doctrine) may be constrained within rigid bloc structures.
- Power Asymmetry: Lula correctly identifies the fundamental imbalance — small countries negotiating individually with the US face inherent disadvantage, akin to a single worker vs. a large employer.
- UN Reforms Stagnation: UNSC reform has been stuck for decades due to P5 veto power. Lula’s call, though principled, lacks a practical roadmap.
- Trade vs. Geopolitics: The tariff issue is not purely economic — it is tied to BRICS membership, oil purchases from Russia, and broader geopolitical alignment questions.
E. Way Forward
- India should pursue plurilateral coalitions on specific issues (agriculture, digital trade) rather than permanent blocs — preserving flexibility.
- Strengthen WTO dispute resolution mechanism (currently non-functional Appellate Body).
- Use platforms like G20, BRICS+, Voice of Global South to coordinate negotiating positions.
- Push for text-based negotiations at UNSC on reform — move beyond rhetorical commitments.
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: IEEPA (1977), Section 122 of Trade Act of 1974, G4 nations, BRICS+ expansion (2024), MFN principle of WTO, Voice of Global South Summit.
📝 Mains Model Question (GS-II, 15 Marks)
“The call for ‘tariff unionisation’ by developing nations reflects the deepening crisis of multilateralism. Examine the feasibility and challenges of collective trade negotiations by Global South countries against protectionist measures by developed nations.”
Article 02
US Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s IEEPA Tariffs — Checks & Balances in Action
A. Issue in Brief
- The US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled 6-3 that President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs is unconstitutional.
- The Court held that IEEPA does not authorise the President to impose tariffs — no “clear congressional authorization” existed. Trump responded by threatening 15% tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.
B. Static Background
- IEEPA (1977) — Grants the US President power to regulate commerce during national emergencies; never previously used for tariffs.
- Section 122, Trade Act of 1974 — Allows 15% tariffs for 150 days to address balance-of-payments problems.
- Section 232, Trade Expansion Act of 1962 — Used for aluminium/steel tariffs (unaffected by this ruling).
- Separation of Powers — Fundamental constitutional doctrine. Comparable to India’s Article 73 (executive power) vs. Article 265 (no tax except by authority of law).
C. Key Dimensions
🔄 Flowchart: Impact of SCOTUS Ruling
SCOTUS Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs (6-3)
⬇
Trump shifts to Section 122 (15% max, 150 days)
Section 232 tariffs (steel, aluminium) unaffected
⬇
India’s FTA negotiations in limbo
Punitive tariff ceiling effectively reduced
Democratic checks & balances reaffirmed
D. Critical Analysis
- Judicial Activism vs. Restraint: The ruling demonstrates robust judicial review — even Trump-appointed conservative justices voted against him, upholding the principle that the executive cannot assume powers not explicitly granted by Congress.
- India’s Negotiating Position: Indian trade negotiators are now in “limbo” — the terms of debate on which sectors to open up have fundamentally changed. The US’s punitive potential is “defanged to an extent.”
- Comparative Perspective: In India, Article 265 provides a similar check — “No tax shall be levied or collected except by authority of law.” The Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) established the Basic Structure doctrine as a comparable safeguard.
- Limits of the Ruling: Trump still has Section 122 (though limited to 15% for 150 days) and Section 232 — the victory for free trade is partial, not complete.
E. Way Forward
- India should use this window to recalibrate FTA negotiations with the US — the balance of leverage has shifted.
- Strengthen WTO-based dispute resolution as a complement to bilateral negotiations.
- Constitutional Lesson: Strong, independent judiciaries are critical for democratic checks — relevant for India’s own debates on judicial independence.
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: IEEPA (1977), Section 122 of Trade Act 1974, Section 232 of Trade Expansion Act 1962, SCOTUS composition (6-3 conservative-liberal), Article 265 of Indian Constitution, Separation of Powers.
📝 Mains Model Question (GS-II, 10 Marks)
“The US Supreme Court’s ruling striking down presidential tariffs underscores the importance of checks and balances. Compare the judicial review mechanisms in the US and India in the context of executive overreach.”
Article 03
India-US Trade Deal — Agriculture, Sovereignty & Farmer Concerns
A. Issue in Brief
- The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has written to President Murmu urging dismissal of Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal over the India-US bilateral trade deal, calling it detrimental to farmers.
- Key concerns: withdrawal of 11% cotton import duty (August 2025) crashing domestic cotton prices, threat to 55 lakh apple farmers, and maize imports as DDG (Dry Distilled Grain) impacting 120 lakh corn farmers.
- Congress has called the deal “Abki baar Trump se haar” and demanded renegotiation, especially of agricultural clauses.
B. Static Background
- WTO Agreement on Agriculture — Pillars: Market Access, Domestic Support, Export Subsidies.
- MSP (Minimum Support Price) — Government procurement guarantee for 23 crops.
- Peace Clause (Bali 2013) — Protects India’s food security programmes from WTO challenges.
- FTA Impact Studies — NITI Aayog has noted that hasty FTAs can hurt domestic manufacturing and agriculture.
C. Key Dimensions
| Sector | Concern | Impact (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Removal of 11% import duty crashed domestic prices | Millions of cotton farmers face losses |
| Apples | Cheaper US apple imports threaten domestic growers | ~55 lakh apple farmer families at risk |
| Maize/Corn | Import of DDG (Dry Distilled Grain) depresses domestic maize prices | ~120 lakh corn farmers affected |
| Dairy & Poultry | Potential future opening under expanded deal | Livelihood impact on small/marginal farmers |
D. Critical Analysis
- Transparency Deficit: No terms were placed before Parliament while it was in session — raising questions about executive accountability in trade negotiations.
- Structural Vulnerability: India’s small and marginal farmers (86% of total) cannot compete with heavily subsidised US agriculture.
- Policy Contradiction: The government promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat and doubling farmer income while liberalising imports that directly compete with domestic produce.
- Geopolitical Trade-off: The deal appears driven by broader strategic considerations (countering tariff threats, securing tech partnerships) at the cost of agricultural sector interests.
E. Way Forward
- Conduct sector-specific impact assessments before signing any FTA — involve farmer organisations and state governments.
- Build safeguard mechanisms (trigger-based import duties, anti-dumping provisions) into trade agreements.
- Ensure Parliamentary oversight of trade agreements — follow models like the EU where Parliament ratifies treaties.
- Strengthen agricultural competitiveness — invest in cold chains, food processing, and quality standards to make Indian farmers export-ready.
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: WTO Agreement on Agriculture (3 pillars), Peace Clause (Bali 2013), MSP crops (23), DDG (Dry Distilled Grain), SKM (Samyukt Kisan Morcha), Section 122 Trade Act 1974.
📝 Mains Model Question (GS-III, 15 Marks)
“Trade liberalisation in agriculture often disproportionately affects developing nations’ small farmers. In light of the India-US trade deal, critically analyse the need for safeguard mechanisms in bilateral trade agreements to protect India’s agrarian economy.”
Article 04
India Joins Pax Silica Alliance — Semiconductor Geopolitics & Strategic Alignment
A. Issue in Brief
- India has joined the Pax Silica alliance, a US-led coalition focused on AI infrastructure and critical minerals.
- The move complements domestic initiatives — India Semiconductor Mission, IndiaAI, National Critical Mineral Mission.
- However, it risks economic retaliation from China, rigid export control expectations, and constraining India’s preference for “issue-based alignments”.
B. Static Background
- India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) — ₹76,000 crore (revised) initiative for fab, ATMP, design ecosystem.
- Critical Minerals — 30 minerals identified by India (lithium, cobalt, gallium, germanium, rare earths).
- CHIPS Act (US) — $52 billion for semiconductor manufacturing and R&D.
- Supply Chain Resilience — Post-COVID, nations are diversifying away from China-dependent supply chains.
C. Key Dimensions
| Potential Benefits | Potential Risks |
|---|---|
| Secure raw materials supply and advanced equipment access | Chinese retaliation — trade friction, pressure on APIs, mineral supplies |
| Attract foreign investment in semiconductor ecosystem | Rigid export controls — may clash with India’s strategic autonomy |
| India’s massive demand can justify new supply chains not pegged to China | Domestic AI rules may be shaped by US-led bloc expectations |
| Add geopolitical weight to democratic tech governance | Financial burden on smaller Indian firms due to strict security audits |
D. Critical Analysis
- Strategic Autonomy Dilemma: India’s doctrine of not locking into alliances faces a test — Pax Silica’s “trusted ecosystems” framework may demand greater alignment than India is comfortable with.
- India’s Leverage: India offers scale (massive market), engineering talent, and assembly capacity — this gives it bargaining power within the alliance to negotiate favourable terms.
- China Factor: India imports ~65% of API ingredients and significant electronics components from China. Any retaliation could disrupt critical supply chains.
- Execution Challenge: The success depends on whether Pax Silica moves beyond “talks” to build a real-world supply chain — from mining to chip fabrication to AI deployment.
E. Way Forward
- Negotiate flexible participation terms — preserve “opt-out” options on specific export control commitments.
- Build domestic critical mineral processing capacity — reduce import dependency.
- Use alliance membership to accelerate technology transfer for semiconductor fabrication.
- Maintain balanced relations with China — trade interdependence requires pragmatic engagement alongside alliance commitments.
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: Pax Silica, India Semiconductor Mission, CHIPS Act (US), Critical Minerals list (30 minerals), IndiaAI Mission, National Critical Mineral Mission, ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, Packaging).
📝 Mains Model Question (GS-II, 15 Marks)
“India’s entry into the Pax Silica alliance marks a shift from non-alignment to issue-based alignment in technology geopolitics. Discuss the strategic implications of this move for India’s semiconductor ambitions and its relations with China.”
Article 05
GCC 4.0 — India’s Global Capability Centre Revolution
A. Issue in Brief
- India now hosts 1,800+ GCCs employing ~2 million professionals, transitioning from “back office” cost-cutting centres to global innovation hubs managing strategy, R&D, and IP creation.
- 58% of GCCs are investing in Agentic AI — autonomous AI systems that can reason and execute complex tasks.
- Key challenges: talent gap (AI security, quantum-resistant cryptography), cybersecurity threats (13.7% of global cyber-attacks), and OECD Global Minimum Tax (Pillar Two) altering tax arbitrage.
B. Static Background
- GCC Evolution: GCC 1.0 (cost arbitrage) → 2.0 (process excellence) → 3.0 (innovation) → 4.0 (end-to-end product ownership & Agentic AI).
- DPDP Act, 2023 — India’s data protection law imposing compliance obligations on GCCs handling global data.
- OECD Pillar Two — Global Minimum Tax of 15% for MNCs with revenue above €750 million.
- Safe Harbour Rules — India’s 24% markup for software R&D under transfer pricing.
C. Key Dimensions
🔄 GCC Evolution: Four Waves
GCC 1.0
Labour Arbitrage
Routine IT/BPO
Labour Arbitrage
Routine IT/BPO
GCC 2.0
Process Excellence
Shared Services
Process Excellence
Shared Services
GCC 3.0
Innovation Hubs
R&D Centres
Innovation Hubs
R&D Centres
GCC 4.0
Agentic AI, IP Creation
Global Strategy
Agentic AI, IP Creation
Global Strategy
D. Critical Analysis
- Talent Paradox: India produces millions of engineers, but demand for niche skills (AI security, quantum cryptography, cloud architecture) vastly exceeds supply — triggering wage inflation that may erode India’s value proposition.
- Cybersecurity Vulnerability: India-based centres handle 13.7% of global cyber-attack incidents — making cybersecurity the most expensive operational mandate.
- Geographic Diversification: Expansion to Tier-II cities (Coimbatore, Indore, Kochi) is promising but dependent on infrastructure development.
- Fiscal Uncertainty: The OECD Pillar Two (15% minimum tax) combined with India’s 24% transfer pricing markup creates fiscal unpredictability for MNC boards.
E. Way Forward
- Introduce “Single-Window Clearance” for GCCs (proposed in 2026-27 Budget).
- Rationalise transfer pricing and provide R&D tax safe harbours for fiscal certainty.
- Deepen industry-academia collaborations — redesign engineering curricula for deep tech skills.
- Offer capital subsidies for Tier-II expansion to distribute the economic benefits geographically.
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: GCC (Global Capability Centre), Agentic AI, DPDP Act 2023, OECD Pillar Two (Global Minimum Tax — 15%), Safe Harbour Rules, NASSCOM.
📝 Mains Model Question (GS-III, 15 Marks)
“India’s evolution from the ‘world’s back office’ to a global innovation hub through GCCs represents a structural economic shift. Discuss the opportunities and challenges of the GCC 4.0 model, with special reference to talent gaps and cybersecurity concerns.”
Article 06
Women’s Reservation Act — Constitutional Roadblock & the Delimitation Question
A. Issue in Brief
- The Women’s Reservation Act (2023) reserves 1/3 of Lok Sabha and State Assembly seats for women — but links implementation to the first Census after 2026 and subsequent delimitation.
- This makes 2029 implementation constitutionally impossible. Women’s reservation cannot begin before at least 2034.
- Former CEC S.Y. Quraishi argues this delay was “by design” — to avoid displacing 181 male incumbents overnight.
B. Static Background
- 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam).
- Article 15(3) — Enables special provisions for women and children.
- Article 82 — Delimitation after each Census.
- 73rd & 74th Amendments — 33% reservation for women in Panchayats and Municipalities (already operational).
- Delimitation Commissions: Four since Independence; none completed in under 3 years; the 2002 Commission took 6 years.
- Freezing of Seats (1976, extended 2001) — Seats frozen based on 1971 Census to prevent southern states from losing representation due to successful population control.
C. Key Dimensions
🔄 Constitutional Timeline: Why 2029 is Impossible
Census 2027 (data collection)
⬇ 12-18 months
Data verification & publication (early 2029)
⬇
Delimitation Commission constituted (Art. 82)
⬇ 3-6 years (historical precedent)
Delimitation completed (2032-33 at earliest)
⬇
Women’s Reservation Effective: 2034 Elections (at earliest)
| Design Gap | Implication |
|---|---|
| No Rajya Sabha / Legislative Council reservation | Upper Houses remain unrepresented |
| No OBC sub-reservation | OBC women (~40% of female population) excluded from proportional quotas |
| Rotation mechanism unclear | Women candidates may shift constituencies every 5 years — destabilising |
| North-South seat imbalance entangled | Women’s rights hostage to a half-century-old demographic debate |
D. Critical Analysis
- “Representation delayed is representation denied”: Women who celebrated in 2023 will wait through an entire election cycle (2029) before the Act takes effect.
- Political Design: Linking reservation to delimitation avoids displacement of male incumbents — the Lok Sabha may expand to ~800-888 seats, absorbing the one-third reservation without displacing anyone.
- Federal Tension: Delimitation will reallocate seats among states based on population — southern states (which controlled population) will resist losing proportional representation.
- Panchayat Success: 33% reservation in local bodies (73rd/74th Amendments) has been operational since 1993 — proving that women’s representation works at scale.
E. Way Forward
- Delink reservation from delimitation — amend the Constitution to allow implementation within current constituencies for two election cycles.
- Alternatively, expand Lok Sabha by ~180 seats earmarked exclusively for women before full delimitation.
- Extend reservation to Rajya Sabha and Legislative Councils.
- Include OBC sub-reservation to ensure proportional representation.
- Publish clear rotation rules developed in consultation with women’s organisations.
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: 106th Amendment Act (2023), Article 15(3), Article 82, 73rd/74th Amendments, Delimitation Commission, Census history (2027 scheduled), Lok Sabha seat freeze (1976/2001), Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.
📝 Mains Model Question (GS-II, 15 Marks)
“The Women’s Reservation Act (2023) has been called a ‘historic promise’ that may not become a ‘constitutional reality’ until 2034. Critically examine the constitutional and political obstacles to its implementation, and suggest a feasible roadmap for immediate operationalisation.”
Article 07
Freedom of Speech of MPs — Article 105 & the Expunction Debate
A. Issue in Brief
- Excessive expunction of parliamentary speeches has raised concerns about Article 105 (freedom of speech in Parliament) being undermined.
- LoP Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to the Chairman complaining that cuts rendered his speeches incoherent.
- Former Lok Sabha Secretary General P.D.T. Achary argues that Rule 380 permits expunging only offending “words,” not sentences or paragraphs.
B. Static Background
- Article 105 — Powers, privileges, and immunities of Parliament and its members (freedom of speech).
- Article 121 — No discussion on judge conduct except during removal motion.
- Rule 380 — Speaker’s power to expunge unparliamentary, defamatory, indecent, or undignified words.
- Erskine May — Authority on parliamentary procedure; defines parliamentary privileges as “indispensable” for legislators.
- Nehru’s Convention — PM present during Question Hour; listening to Opposition speeches to understand ground reality.
D. Critical Analysis
- Weaponisation of Rules: Mindless application of expunction rules can make speeches incoherent and effectively silence the Opposition — undermining the very purpose of parliamentary democracy.
- Constitutional Safeguard: The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that restrictions on fundamental rights should not eclipse those rights. The same principle applies to parliamentary privileges.
- Democratic Erosion: India appears to be “the only Parliament in the democratic world where a leader of the Opposition is effectively prevented from speaking” — a concerning trend.
- Ivor Jennings’ Warning: “The minority agrees that the majority must govern and the majority agrees that the minority should criticise. The process of parliamentary government would breakdown if there were no mutual forbearance.”
E. Way Forward
- Adopt a narrow interpretation of Rule 380 — expunge only specific offending words, not entire passages.
- Ensure bipartisan oversight of expunction decisions through a parliamentary committee.
- Restore conventions like PM attending Question Hour and listening to Opposition speeches.
- Strengthen the institution of the Speaker as a neutral arbiter (UK model of Speaker resigning party membership).
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: Article 105, Article 121, Rule 380, Erskine May, Parliamentary Privileges, Anti-Defection Law (10th Schedule).
📝 Mains Model Question (GS-II, 15 Marks)
“The excessive use of expunction powers by presiding officers threatens to undermine the constitutional guarantee of free speech in Parliament. Discuss the safeguards needed to balance parliamentary discipline with the rights of elected representatives under Article 105.”
Article 08
Karnataka Plans Curbs on Mobile Phone Use for Children Under 16
A. Issue in Brief
- The Karnataka government is considering restrictions on mobile phone usage by children under 16.
- CM Siddaramaiah cited examples of Australia and European countries that have imposed curbs on social media and mobile phone use for minors.
- The state is also planning an initiative called “Mobile bidi pustaka hidi” (Put down your mobile and pick up a book).
B. Static Background
- Australia’s Social Media Ban (2024) — Banned social media for children under 16.
- EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) — Mandates platforms to protect minors.
- US COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) — Regulates data collection from children under 13.
- DPDP Act, 2023 (India) — Section 9 requires verifiable parental consent for processing children’s data.
- Article 21A — Right to Education; Article 39(f) — Protection of children from exploitation.
D. Critical Analysis
- Enforcement Challenge: How will the government enforce phone restrictions in private homes? The Australian model relies on platform-level age verification, not blanket device bans.
- Digital Divide Risk: In an era of digital education (PM e-VIDYA, DIKSHA), restricting device access may disadvantage children from lower-income families who depend on smartphones for learning.
- Ethical Dimension: Balancing child protection (preventing addiction, exposure to harmful content) with children’s digital rights and access to information.
- Root Cause: The problem isn’t devices but addictive design by social media platforms — regulation should target platforms, not blanket device restrictions.
E. Way Forward
- Target platform-level regulation (mandatory age verification, default privacy settings for minors) rather than device-level bans.
- Promote digital literacy curricula in schools (responsible use, recognising misinformation).
- Encourage parental control tools and awareness campaigns.
- Ensure any regulation does not impede digital education access for disadvantaged children.
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: DPDP Act 2023 (Section 9 — children’s data), Australia social media ban, EU DSA, US COPPA, Article 21A, Article 39(f), PM e-VIDYA, DIKSHA portal.
📝 Mains Model Question (GS-II / GS-IV, 10 Marks)
“Discuss the ethical and governance challenges in restricting mobile phone and social media use by children. Is a blanket ban approach preferable to platform-level regulation? Justify your answer with global examples.”
Article 09
New CPI Base Year (2024) — Revised Inflation Measurement
A. Issue in Brief
- India’s inflation index has been updated to CPI 2024 base year, reorganising the consumption basket from 6 categories to 12 (aligned with COICOP 2018).
- Key change: food weight reduced; housing and services weight increased — reflecting evolving consumption patterns.
- States like Telangana (5%), Kerala (3.67%), Tamil Nadu (3.36%), Rajasthan (3.17%), Karnataka show higher inflation under the new index due to higher service costs.
B. Static Background
- CPI (Combined) — Published by MoSPI (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation).
- COICOP 2018 — Classification of Individual Consumption According to Purpose (UN standard).
- HCES (Household Consumption Expenditure Survey) — Used to update CPI weights.
- RBI’s Inflation Targeting Framework — CPI is the anchor; target: 4% ± 2% (Monetary Policy Committee).
- Joseph Lowe (1822) — First proposed weighted price indices during Napoleonic wars.
C. Key Dimensions
| Feature | Old CPI | New CPI (2024 Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of categories | 6 broad groups | 12 distinct groups (COICOP 2018) |
| Food weight | Higher | Reduced (reflecting consumption shift) |
| Housing & services | Lower, underrepresented | Higher — captures rent, health, education, transport |
| Rural housing | Not fully captured | Explicitly included |
| RBI implications | Inflation driven mainly by food prices | Service price persistence better captured — aids monetary policy |
D. Critical Analysis
- Better Signal for RBI: Food prices are volatile (rise and fall quickly); service prices are “sticky” (remain high longer). The new CPI enables RBI to distinguish transitory from persistent inflation — critical for interest rate decisions.
- State-Level Clarity: Under the old CPI, inflation across states was largely driven by food prices. Now, differences in consumption structure (urbanisation, services intensity) show up — explaining why services-intensive southern states show higher inflation.
- Rajasthan Anomaly Explained: The explicit inclusion of rural housing and utilities in CPI 2024 corrects the previous understatement of non-food inflation in predominantly rural states.
E. Way Forward
- Use the revised CPI to refine monetary policy transmission — calibrate rate decisions based on persistent (services) vs. transitory (food) inflation.
- Regularly update HCES data to keep CPI weights reflective of actual consumption.
- Develop state-specific inflation indices for targeted fiscal and social policy.
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: CPI base year changed to 2024, COICOP 2018, HCES, MoSPI, RBI inflation target (4% ± 2%), MPC, 12 CPI categories, Joseph Lowe (1822), WPI vs CPI distinction.
📝 Mains Model Question (GS-III, 10 Marks)
“The revision of the Consumer Price Index base year to 2024 provides a clearer inflation signal by giving greater weight to services over food. How does this revision improve the Reserve Bank of India’s ability to conduct effective monetary policy?”
Article 10
Human-Elephant Conflict — Second Death in Chikkamagaluru & Governance Gaps
A. Issue in Brief
- A second death in one week due to elephant attack in Hunasehalli, Chikkamagaluru taluk, triggered public protests and police lathi-charge.
- Protesters demanded compensation of ₹50 lakh, a government job for the deceased’s family, and a permanent solution to human-elephant conflict (HEC).
- The Forest Department had been conducting elephant capture operations for four days before the second death occurred.
B. Static Background
- Project Elephant (1992) — Centrally Sponsored Scheme for elephant conservation.
- Elephant Corridors — 101 identified corridors; encroachment and fragmentation are primary causes of HEC.
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 — Elephants in Schedule I; killing is a punishable offence.
- IUCN Status — Asian Elephant: Endangered.
- SC rulings: Several orders on maintaining elephant corridors and restricting development in buffer zones.
D. Critical Analysis
- Governance Failure: Despite knowing the threat (first death on Feb 16), the administration failed to either capture the elephant or adequately warn/relocate workers in the area before the second death.
- Structural Cause: Expansion of coffee plantations into elephant habitat, fragmentation of corridors, and inadequate buffer zones.
- Compensation Inadequacy: Current government compensation for wildlife attack deaths is far below the ₹50 lakh demanded — creating resentment.
- Pattern of Reactive Response: Government action (capture operations, official visits, compensation promises) occurs only after deaths and protests — no proactive early warning or prevention systems.
E. Way Forward
- Implement AI-based early warning systems (thermal imaging, drone surveillance) in conflict-prone areas.
- Secure and restore elephant corridors — remove encroachments, use eco-bridges.
- Increase ex-gratia compensation and streamline disbursement through direct benefit transfer.
- Adopt community-based HEC management models (Kerala’s Rapid Response Teams as a model).
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: Project Elephant (1992), 101 Elephant Corridors, Schedule I (WPA 1972), IUCN Endangered (Asian Elephant), Mike Pandey elephant corridor documentary, Elephant Reserves.
📝 Mains Model Question (GS-III, 15 Marks)
“Rising human-elephant conflict reflects both ecological degradation and governance failure. Discuss the causes of increasing HEC in India and suggest a comprehensive framework combining conservation, technology and community participation.”
Article 11
West Bengal Electoral Roll Crisis — SIR, Trust Deficit & Judicial Intervention
A. Issue in Brief
- The Supreme Court directed judicial officers to complete the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, citing a persistent “trust deficit” between the state government and the Election Commission.
- The Calcutta HC Chief Justice constituted committees for smooth compliance. Unless electoral rolls are finalised, the Assembly election schedule cannot be announced.
- The EC is deploying 480 companies of CAPF by March 10.
B. Static Background
- Article 324 — Superintendence, direction, and control of elections vested in the Election Commission.
- Electoral Roll Revision — Continuous (annual) and Special Intensive Revision (before elections).
- Representation of the People Act, 1950 — Governs preparation and revision of electoral rolls.
- SC in Mohinder Singh Gill (1978) — Wide powers of ECI under Article 324 to ensure free and fair elections.
D. Critical Analysis
- Trust Deficit: The SC’s use of judicial officers indicates complete breakdown of trust between the state administration and ECI — an extraordinary measure in Indian democratic history.
- Federal Tensions: State government non-cooperation with a constitutional body (ECI) raises serious questions about cooperative federalism in election management.
- Precedent Concerns: Judicial officers conducting SIR disrupts normal court functioning — the HC had to form committees to manage case backlogs.
E. Way Forward
- Strengthen ECI’s operational independence — insulate from state government interference (Anoop Baranwal case, 2023 — SC directed independent selection of ECs).
- Establish permanent SIR protocols with defined timelines and accountability.
- Consider technology-driven voter verification (Aadhaar-linked, biometric) to reduce scope for manipulation.
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: Article 324, SIR (Special Intensive Revision), RPA 1950, Anoop Baranwal case (2023), Mohinder Singh Gill (1978), CAPF deployment for elections.
📝 Mains Model Question (GS-II, 10 Marks)
“The Supreme Court’s direction for judicial officers to conduct electoral roll revision in West Bengal reflects a trust deficit between state governments and the Election Commission. Discuss the implications for India’s election management framework.”
Article 12
Fluorescent Proteins as Quantum Sensors — A Biological Breakthrough
A. Issue in Brief
- Two studies published in Nature show that fluorescent proteins can be modified to detect magnetic fields and radio waves from inside living cells — effectively functioning as quantum sensors.
- Researchers at University of Chicago (EYFP variant) and University of Oxford (MagLOV proteins) achieved these results independently.
- This opens the path to genetically encoded quantum sensors — a new class of hybrid quantum-biological technologies.
B. Static Background
- Fluorescent Proteins — Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2008 (GFP — Green Fluorescent Protein, Shimomura, Chalfie, Tsien).
- Quantum Sensing — Using quantum mechanical properties (superposition, entanglement) for ultra-precise measurements.
- Radical Pair Mechanism — Proposed explanation for how migratory birds sense Earth’s magnetic field.
- NV-Diamond Sensors — Current state-of-the-art solid-state quantum sensors; extremely sensitive but difficult to place inside cells.
C. Key Dimensions
| Feature | Solid-State Quantum Sensors (Diamond) | Protein-Based Quantum Sensors (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | Extremely high | Currently lower (but improving) |
| Placement in cells | Very difficult | Natural — cells produce them from genetic instructions |
| Target specificity | Limited | Can be fused to other proteins for precise positioning |
| Operating conditions | Ultra-cold labs | Room temperature (in E. coli bacteria) |
| Genetic encoding | Not possible | Programmable through DNA |
D. Critical Analysis
- Paradigm Shift: The assumption that warm, crowded biological environments would destroy fragile quantum states has been challenged — quantum effects survive in living cells.
- Applications: Could track protein shape changes, monitor biochemical reactions in real time, reveal drug-target binding with unprecedented precision — revolutionary for drug discovery and personalised medicine.
- Challenges: Lower sensitivity than solid-state devices, shorter coherence times, photobleaching concerns. But fluorescent proteins themselves took decades to become routine tools — similar improvement trajectory expected.
E. Way Forward
- India’s National Quantum Mission (₹6,003 crore) should include bio-quantum sensing as a research priority.
- Encourage interdisciplinary research between quantum physics and biology departments.
- Potential applications in drug discovery, cancer diagnostics, and personalised medicine — align with India’s biopharma ambitions.
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: Fluorescent Proteins (Nobel 2008), Quantum Sensing, MagLOV protein, EYFP, Radical Pair Mechanism, NV-Diamond sensors, National Quantum Mission (₹6,003 crore), Nature journal.
📝 Mains Model Question (GS-III, 10 Marks)
“Recent breakthroughs in protein-based quantum sensors represent a convergence of quantum physics and biology. Discuss the significance of this development for biomedical research and India’s National Quantum Mission.”
Article 13
Pakistan Strikes Along Afghan Border — Regional Security Dynamics
A. Issue in Brief
- Pakistan military claimed killing 70-80 militants in strikes along the Afghan border targeting TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan) hideouts.
- Afghanistan condemned the strikes as a violation of sovereignty, saying civilian areas in Nangarhar and Paktika were hit. Locals reported those killed were “neither Taliban nor military personnel.”
- Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry summoned Pakistan’s Ambassador and handed a formal protest note.
B. Static Background
- TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan) — Pakistani Taliban; distinct from Afghan Taliban; opposes the Pakistani state.
- Durand Line — Disputed 2,670 km border; Afghanistan has never formally recognised it.
- Taliban 2.0 Government (since Aug 2021) — Pledged not to allow Afghan soil to be used against other countries but has limited control over TTP.
- Operation Azm-e-Istehkam — Pakistan’s ongoing counter-terrorism operation.
D. Critical Analysis
- Sovereignty vs. Security: Pakistan’s strikes mirror the US’s “war on terror” model of unilateral cross-border operations — raising the same sovereignty questions that Pakistan itself objected to regarding US drone strikes.
- Civilian Casualties: Disputed casualty claims undermine credibility — Pakistan claims militant targets while locals report civilian deaths.
- India’s Interest: Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions can create both risks (spillover instability, refugee crises) and opportunities (weakened Pakistan-Taliban nexus).
- Implications for Afghanistan: The Taliban government faces a dilemma — harbouring TTP risks Pakistani strikes; evicting TTP risks internal tribal opposition.
E. Way Forward
- India should monitor developments closely and strengthen border security in J&K (note: 3 JeM terrorists killed in Kishtwar on the same day).
- Support multilateral counter-terrorism frameworks (SCO-RATS, FATF).
- Maintain engagement with both Pakistan and Afghanistan through diplomatic channels to prevent regional destabilisation.
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: TTP (vs. Afghan Taliban — distinction), Durand Line, JeM (Jaish-e-Mohammed), SCO-RATS, FATF, Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, Nangarhar province.
📝 Mains Model Question (GS-II, 10 Marks)
“Pakistan’s cross-border military strikes in Afghanistan reflect the escalating Pakistan-Taliban tensions. Analyse the implications of this development for regional stability in South Asia and India’s security interests.”
Article 14
Chinnaswamy Stadium Stampede Aftermath — Accountability & Urban Planning
A. Issue in Brief
- Karnataka Cabinet has given conditional approval for IPL matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where 11 RCB fans died in a stampede in June 2025 during unticketed victory celebrations.
- The Cunha Commission found KSCA had not implemented safety recommendations. No chargesheet has been filed yet; the HC restrained police from filing one without its permission.
- All five suspended police officers have been reinstated. The families of the deceased still await justice.
B. Static Background
- Disaster Management Act, 2005 — Framework for disaster response; crowd management falls within its ambit.
- National Disaster Management Guidelines on Crowd Management.
- Uphaar Cinema Fire Case (1997) — Landmark case establishing venue owner liability for crowd safety failures.
- Hillsborough Disaster (UK, 1989) — 97 deaths; led to comprehensive stadium safety reforms including the Taylor Report.
D. Critical Analysis
- Accountability Deficit: Despite 11 deaths, no chargesheet filed, suspended officers reinstated, and the stadium reopened for matches — the message is deeply troubling for rule of law.
- Government Culpability: The Chief Minister’s office organised open-air felicitation and announced a victory parade that never happened — directly contributing to the crowd chaos. The CM’s sacking of his political secretary was an “indirect admission of culpability.”
- Knee-Jerk to Normalcy: The blanket ban on matches was a knee-jerk reaction covering government culpability; its reversal now appears driven by commercial interests (IPL season, defending champions) rather than genuine safety compliance.
- Ethical Question (GS-IV): When public anger cools, does governance accountability simply evaporate? The article starkly states: “Cricket goes on, no accountability yet.”
E. Way Forward
- Implement comprehensive crowd management protocols based on the Taylor Report model (UK).
- Ensure independent safety audits of all stadiums before major events — not self-certification by organisers.
- Time-bound investigation and chargesheet to ensure justice for the 11 families.
- Develop statutory framework for event safety — currently India lacks a dedicated law for crowd management at large events.
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers: Disaster Management Act 2005, Uphaar Cinema Case, Taylor Report (UK), NDMA Guidelines on Crowd Management, Cunha Commission.
📝 Mains Model Question (GS-IV, 10 Marks)
“The resumption of cricket at a stadium where 11 fans died in a stampede — without accountability or comprehensive safety reforms — raises serious ethical questions. Discuss the ethical obligations of the state in ensuring accountability for crowd management failures at public events.”
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Pax Silica is a US-led coalition focused on securing the supply chain for AI infrastructure and critical minerals. India joined to complement its domestic semiconductor and AI missions, attract investment, secure raw materials access, and influence global technology governance standards. However, it carries risks of Chinese retaliation and potential constraints on India’s strategic autonomy.
The SCOTUS ruled 6-3 that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorise the President to impose tariffs. The Court found no “clear congressional authorization” for such extraordinary power, noting that IEEPA contains no reference to tariffs or duties. This upholds the separation of powers principle — only Congress has the constitutional authority to levy taxes and duties.
The 106th Constitutional Amendment Act (2023) links implementation to the first Census after 2026 and subsequent delimitation of constituencies. Since the Census is scheduled for 2027, data publication by early 2029, and delimitation historically takes 3-6 years, implementation before the 2029 general elections is constitutionally impossible. The earliest possible implementation would be the 2034 elections.
India revised its Consumer Price Index base year to 2024, reorganising the consumption basket from 6 to 12 categories aligned with the international COICOP 2018 standard. The key change is reduced weight for food and increased weight for housing and services, reflecting evolved consumption patterns. This helps the RBI better distinguish between transitory food-price inflation and persistent service-price inflation for monetary policy decisions.
Brazilian President Lula proposed that countries facing US tariffs should form “negotiating blocs” instead of engaging individually, drawing on his trade union background. This is relevant for UPSC topics including International Relations (multilateralism, Global South cooperation), Economy (trade policy, WTO framework), and Governance (collective bargaining in international trade). It connects to India’s diplomatic doctrine of “issue-based alignments” and UNSC reform demands.
GCCs are offshore centres established by multinational corporations that have evolved from cost-cutting “back offices” to sophisticated innovation hubs managing global strategy, R&D, and intellectual property creation. India hosts over 1,800 GCCs employing nearly 2 million professionals. The GCC 4.0 era involves end-to-end product ownership and heavy investment in Agentic AI. They are significant for employment, technology transfer, and India’s positioning as a global innovation capital.
Article 105 guarantees freedom of speech to Members of Parliament, subject to constitutional provisions and rules of the Houses. The current debate concerns excessive use of Rule 380 (expunction power) by presiding officers, rendering Opposition speeches incoherent. This is important for UPSC as it covers parliamentary privileges, separation of powers, role of Opposition in democracy, and the tension between parliamentary discipline and free expression — all core GS-II and GS-IV themes.
Certain fluorescent proteins can be modified so that when they absorb light, they form “radical pairs” — two molecules with unpaired electrons whose interaction is sensitive to magnetic fields. By engineering proteins like EYFP and MagLOV, scientists can detect magnetic fields and radio waves from inside living cells. Unlike solid-state quantum sensors (diamond-based), protein sensors can be produced naturally by cells through genetic instructions. Applications include tracking protein shape changes, monitoring biochemical reactions in real-time, and drug discovery.
Key concerns include: removal of 11% cotton import duty crashing domestic prices, threat to 55 lakh apple farmer families from cheaper US imports, maize imports as DDG (Dry Distilled Grain) affecting 120 lakh corn farmers, and lack of parliamentary oversight in trade negotiations. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha has demanded the Commerce Minister’s dismissal, while the Congress party has called for renegotiation of agricultural clauses.
The Supreme Court’s unprecedented direction for judicial officers to conduct the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal reflects a complete breakdown of trust between the state government and the Election Commission. This has implications for the independence of the ECI under Article 324, cooperative federalism in election management, and the principle that free and fair elections are the bedrock of Indian democracy. Assembly elections cannot be scheduled until electoral rolls are finalised.
