Legacy IAS
The Hindu
UPSC News Analysis
UPSC News Analysis
Mains-Oriented Daily Analysis
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Bengaluru Edition
Table of Contents
- PRAHAAR: India’s First National Counter-Terrorism Policy GS-III Security
- India–Brazil Relations & Multilateral Coordination GS-II IR
- India’s Energy Shift Through Green Ammonia GS-III Energy
- Adolescent Mental Health Crisis in India GS-II Social
- AI Impact Summit & India’s AI Governance Strategy GS-III S&T
- WhatsApp vs CCI: Data Privacy & Competition Law GS-II Governance
- Crowd Control SOP & Karnataka High Court Directive GS-II Polity
- Tribal Women’s Inheritance Rights — SC Ruling GS-I Society
- India–Canada Relations Reset: PM Carney’s Visit GS-II IR
- IDFC First Bank Fraud & Banking Oversight GS-III Economy
- U.S.-India Trade Deal & Russian Oil Imports GS-II / III
- Electoral Roll Revision in West Bengal — SIR Process GS-II Polity
- Upper Caste Voting Patterns & BJP’s Electoral Base GS-I Society
- Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks — West Asia Tensions GS-II IR
GS-III: Internal Security
PRAHAAR: India’s First National Counter-Terrorism Policy
📋 A. Issue in Brief
- The Union Home Ministry released India’s first-ever anti-terror policy titled PRAHAAR — the National Counter Terrorism Policy and Strategy.
- The policy addresses terrorism on land, water, and air fronts and flags threats from cross-border sponsored terrorism, cyber-attacks, and organised criminal networks.
- It also emphasises the misuse of drones, dark web, crypto wallets, and encrypted communication by terror groups.
📚 B. Static Background
- Article 355 — Duty of the Union to protect States against external aggression and internal disturbance.
- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 — India’s primary anti-terror legislation.
- National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008 — Created post-26/11 Mumbai attacks.
- Pahalgam terror attack (April 2025) — Triggered accelerated NIA coordination with State anti-terror units.
- Union Home Minister had announced the policy drafting on November 7, 2024.
🗺️ C. Key Dimensions
🧠 Mind-Map: PRAHAAR Policy Framework
PRAHAAR — National Counter-Terrorism Policy
Threat Landscape
- Cross-border sponsored terror (Jihadi outfits)
- Global groups — al-Qaeda, IS sleeper cells
- Drone/robotics misuse in Punjab & J&K
- Cyber-attacks from hackers & nation states
Critical Sectors Protected
- Power, Railways, Aviation
- Ports, Defence, Space
- Atomic Energy
- Digital infrastructure
Policy Pillars
- Criminalise all terrorist acts
- Deny access to funds, weapons, safe havens
- Uniform anti-terror structure across States
- Legal expert association at every stage
Challenges Flagged
- CBRNED material access
- Encryption & dark web anonymity
- Organised crime-terror nexus
- Radicalisation via social media
🔍 D. Critical Analysis
- No religion linkage: The policy explicitly states India does not link terrorism to any specific religion, ethnicity, or civilisation — important for secular governance.
- Standardisation challenge: Creating a uniform anti-terror structure across States is difficult due to varying police capacities and federal constraints (Police is a State subject — Entry 2, State List).
- Technology gap: Indian agencies face challenges in countering encryption and dark web — requires investment in cyber forensics and international cooperation.
- Community engagement: Engaging moderate preachers and NGOs for de-radicalisation is positive but must avoid profiling concerns.
- Implementation test: India has had strong laws (UAPA, NIA Act) but the conviction rate remains low — a policy is only as effective as its execution.
🛤️ E. Way Forward
- Strengthen Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) for real-time intelligence sharing between Centre and States.
- Invest in AI-driven surveillance and counter-drone technology.
- Build community resilience programmes to counter radicalisation at grassroots level.
- Enhance international cooperation — FATF compliance, Interpol coordination, bilateral treaties.
- Periodic review of the policy with a sunset clause mechanism.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: PRAHAAR policy • Article 355 • UAPA • NIA Act • CBRNED • Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) • Entry 2 State List
Mains Q (GS-III): “India’s first National Counter-Terrorism Policy PRAHAAR addresses multi-dimensional security threats. Critically evaluate its provisions and the challenges in implementing a uniform anti-terror structure in a federal polity.” (250 words, 15 marks)
GS-II: International Relations
India–Brazil Relations & Multilateral Solidarity
📋 A. Issue in Brief
- Brazilian President Lula da Silva visited India last week. Both nations agreed to double trade to $30 billion by 2030.
- Agreements signed on critical minerals, steel mining, and digital cooperation.
- Lula urged developing nations to “unionise” rather than negotiate individually with the U.S., amid U.S. tariff pressure (50% tariffs on both India and Brazil).
📚 B. Static Background
- BRICS — Both are key members; India hosts the BRICS summit this year.
- IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) — Promotes South-South cooperation.
- G-4 (India, Brazil, Germany, Japan) — Seeking UNSC permanent membership reform.
- International Biofuel Alliance — Co-founded by India and Brazil for alternative energy.
- U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump’s rationale for reciprocal tariffs.
📊 C. Key Dimensions
| Aspect | India–Brazil Convergence | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Trade | Target $30bn by 2030; critical minerals cooperation | Current trade ~$15bn; non-tariff barriers persist |
| Multilateralism | BRICS, IBSA, G-4 alignment | U.S. pressure on BRICS ties; threat of secondary sanctions |
| Energy | Biofuel Alliance; ethanol cooperation | Both face U.S. fossil fuel push & tariff threats over Russian oil |
| UNSC Reform | G-4 solidarity for permanent seat | P-5 resistance; African Union demand for own seats |
| Geopolitics | Strategic autonomy; resist bloc politics | Balancing ties with both U.S. and China |
🔍 D. Critical Analysis
- Lula’s call for “unionising” developing nations is significant — reflects the need for collective bargaining against U.S. unilateralism.
- Both countries postponed trade meetings with the U.S. after the Supreme Court ruling — indicates a strategic recalibration.
- India and Brazil must balance BRICS solidarity without antagonising Washington, especially on Iran trade and Russian oil.
- Electoral timing: Lula faces elections later this year — continuity of this engagement is not guaranteed.
🛤️ E. Way Forward
- Institutionalise India-Brazil Strategic Dialogue beyond leadership summits.
- Develop India-Brazil corridor for critical minerals to diversify from China-led supply chains.
- Coordinate BRICS+ response to U.S. tariff policies collectively.
- Use the G-4 platform to push UNSC reform during the upcoming UN General Assembly session.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: BRICS members • IBSA • G-4 • International Biofuel Alliance • India-Brazil trade target
Mains Q (GS-II): “In the context of rising protectionism and U.S. tariff wars, evaluate the significance of India-Brazil cooperation for strengthening the multilateral order.” (250 words, 15 marks)
GS-III: Energy & Environment
India’s Energy Shift Through Green Ammonia
📋 A. Issue in Brief
- India’s green ammonia auction under SECI’s SIGHT programme has set new global cost benchmarks — 40-50% lower than the EU’s H2Global auction.
- Seven bidders secured 13 contracts for green ammonia supply to 13 fertilizer plants across India.
- India’s approach is positioned to shape global clean ammonia market structures.
📚 B. Static Background
- National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023) — ₹19,744 crore allocation; targets 5 MMT green hydrogen production by 2030.
- SIGHT Programme — Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition under the Mission.
- SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India) — Nodal agency for renewable energy auctions.
- Green ammonia = Nitrogen + Green hydrogen (produced from renewable energy electrolysis).
- India’s fertilizer sector imports ~30% of total ammonia requirement — energy security linkage.
🔄 C. Key Dimensions
🔄 Flowchart: Green Ammonia Value Chain in India
Renewable Energy (Solar/Wind)
→
Green Hydrogen (Electrolysis)
→
Green Ammonia (N₂ + H₂)
↓
SECI SIGHT Auction
→
10-year Fixed Price Contracts
→
13 Fertilizer Plants (Coastal)
↓
Replaces ~30% of ammonia imports
→
Energy Security + Decarbonisation
| Parameter | India (SECI Auction) | EU (H2Global) |
|---|---|---|
| Price discovered | ₹49.75–₹64.74/kg ($572–$744/tonne) | 40–50% higher |
| No. of bidders | 15 bidders; 7 awardees | Limited participation |
| Contract duration | 10-year fixed-price | Shorter durations |
| Production subsidy | ₹8.82/kg → ₹5.3/kg (declining) | Different model |
| Grey ammonia cost (India) | ~$515/tonne | — |
🔍 D. Critical Analysis
- Cost gap narrowing: Green ammonia at $572/tonne vs grey at $515/tonne — near price parity achievable with subsidies.
- Concentration risk: One company won 6 out of 13 contracts (3,70,000 tonnes/year) — raises market competition concerns.
- Delivery points near coastal areas enable shipping-based transport — smart logistical design.
- Challenge: Sustained renewable energy supply, hybrid systems with storage, and grid access regulations need harmonisation.
- Global comparison: South Korea’s CHPS and EU’s hydrogen import strategy complement India’s model — potential for interoperable certification.
🛤️ E. Way Forward
- Develop blended finance facilities with extended off-take agreements for project bankability.
- Align certification frameworks with global norms for cross-border ammonia trade.
- Strengthen safety standards and monitoring frameworks for long-term viability.
- Position India as a green ammonia export hub leveraging low renewable energy costs.
- Links to SDG 7 (Affordable Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: National Green Hydrogen Mission • SIGHT programme • SECI • Green ammonia vs grey ammonia • H2Global • CHPS (South Korea)
Mains Q (GS-III): “India’s green ammonia auction under the SIGHT programme has set global benchmarks for clean energy procurement. Discuss how this can accelerate India’s energy transition while ensuring energy security.” (250 words, 15 marks)
GS-II: Social Issues / GS-IV: Ethics
The Quiet Crisis of Adolescent Mental Health in India
📋 A. Issue in Brief
- The Ghaziabad tragedy (three adolescent girls passing away) has spotlighted India’s growing child and adolescent mental health crisis.
- 7–10% of Indian adolescents have diagnosable mental health conditions; 5–7% of school-aged children have ADHD.
- India has fewer than 10,000 psychiatrists for 1.4 billion people — with a tiny fraction specialising in children.
📚 B. Static Background
- National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) — Launched in 1982, revised in 2003.
- Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 — Rights-based framework for mental healthcare.
- Ayushman Bharat – Health & Wellness Centres — School health services component.
- Tele-MANAS — National tele-mental health helpline launched in 2022.
- Economic Survey 2025-26 explicitly acknowledged rising mental health challenges among youth.
- WHO guidelines (2019) on excessive screen exposure among children.
🧠 C. Key Dimensions
🧠 Mind-Map: Adolescent Mental Health — Causes, Impacts & Solutions
Adolescent Mental Health Crisis
Root Causes
- Early trauma, neglect & chronic stress
- Smartphone/internet addiction
- Academic pressure & competition culture
- Social media overexposure
- COVID-19 accelerated screen dependency
Systemic Gaps
- Only ~10,000 psychiatrists nationally
- Schools prioritise academics over wellbeing
- Stigma delays help-seeking
- No routine school-based screening
- Fragmented referral pathways
Impact
- Co-morbidities (ADHD + anxiety + depression)
- Academic decline & dropout risk
- Self-harm & suicidal ideation
- Long-term productivity loss
- Social withdrawal & isolation
Way Forward
- Routine school-based mental health screening
- Train teachers as first responders
- Regulate adolescent social media use
- Strengthen Tele-MANAS reach
- Parent support groups & community counselling
🔍 D. Critical Analysis
- Evidence-practice gap: India’s research base has grown but translation into routine care is slow.
- Paediatricians — the first contact — rarely screen for emotional/behavioural issues.
- Schools remain a critical weak link — emotional wellbeing not integrated into curriculum.
- Ethical dimension: Childhood should foster wellbeing, resilience, and connection — not just competitiveness (links to GS-IV).
- Several States considering regulatory steps to limit adolescent social media use — draws from Australia, France, South Korea precedents.
🛤️ E. Way Forward
- Earmark dedicated funding for child mental health under National Mental Health Programme.
- Mandate school-based mental health screening and wellness programmes.
- Develop clear guidelines on digital use in schools.
- Strengthen community-based counselling for low-income families.
- Align with SDG 3 (Good Health) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: Mental Healthcare Act 2017 • NMHP • Tele-MANAS • Economic Survey 2025-26 • ADHD statistics • WHO screen time guidelines (2019)
Mains Q (GS-II / GS-IV): “India’s adolescent mental health crisis demands a paradigm shift from academic-centric schooling to a holistic wellbeing-based approach. Discuss the challenges and suggest a multi-stakeholder framework.” (250 words, 15 marks)
GS-III: Science & Technology
AI Impact Summit & India’s AI Governance Strategy
📋 A. Issue in Brief
- The AI Impact Summit in New Delhi drew massive attendance, with 89 countries signing a declaration on voluntary AI commitments.
- Editorial concern: India’s strategy relies too heavily on deployment of AI models rather than training and fine-tuning — risking future dependency.
- India’s advantage in labour costs will be smaller than in the ITeS era if it does not invest in AI R&D.
📚 B. Static Background
- IndiaAI Mission (2024) — ₹10,372 crore allocation for AI compute, innovation, datasets.
- NITI Aayog’s National Strategy for AI (2018) — Identified healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities, and mobility as focus sectors.
- GPU infrastructure deficit: India’s data centre capacity growing but GPU costs push up domestic deployment costs.
- Digital India programme and India Stack provide the digital public infrastructure base.
📊 C. Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Opportunity | Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Large user base; digital infra ready | Dependency on foreign models & cloud |
| Training & R&D | IITs, AIIMS, ISRO capabilities | GPU costs; limited sovereign compute |
| Governance | 89-nation declaration; voluntary norms | “Consensus at all costs” may dilute safety standards |
| Democratisation | Closing digital divide; AI for agriculture/health | “Inference gap” — rural areas still underserved |
| Global South Leadership | India can shape norms for developing nations | Great power rivalries may sideline smaller nations |
🔍 D. Critical Analysis
- India must avoid becoming just a consumer of AI developed elsewhere — need for sovereign AI capabilities.
- The editorial rightly flags that “consensus at all costs” is not appropriate — India must articulate its own optimistic but prudent governance model.
- The PLI scheme model alone may not be sufficient without strong R&D, technology partnerships, and skilled labour.
- Ethical concerns: AI diffusion without safety standards risks job displacement, bias, and privacy violations.
🛤️ E. Way Forward
- Build sovereign AI compute infrastructure — public-private partnership model for GPU clusters.
- Invest in AI foundational models in Indian languages.
- Push for binding safety standards at multilateral AI forums, not just voluntary commitments.
- Bridge the “inference gap” — ensure rural and marginalised communities benefit from AI.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: IndiaAI Mission • NITI Aayog AI Strategy • GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) • India Stack • Pax Silica alliance
Mains Q (GS-III): “India’s AI strategy must move beyond deployment to training and governance. Critically evaluate India’s approach at the AI Impact Summit and suggest measures for sovereign AI development.” (250 words, 15 marks)
GS-II: Governance / GS-III: IT
WhatsApp vs CCI: Data Privacy & Competition Law
📋 A. Issue in Brief
- WhatsApp told the Supreme Court it does not share data with Meta and will comply with NCLAT directions on user consent by March 16, 2026.
- The CCI had imposed a ₹213.14 crore penalty on WhatsApp for its “take-it-or-leave-it” 2021 privacy policy.
- The case involves the intersection of competition law, data privacy, and platform regulation.
📚 B. Static Background
- Competition Act, 2002 — Section 4 (abuse of dominant position).
- Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 — Addresses data privacy comprehensively.
- CCI found WhatsApp’s prior consent mechanism was “manufactured” — users forced to share data or lose access.
- NCLAT upheld the CCI’s penalty and directed user choice restoration.
- Article 21 — Right to Privacy (Puttaswamy judgment, 2017).
🔄 C. Key Dimensions
🔄 Flowchart: WhatsApp Data Privacy Case Timeline
WhatsApp 2021 Privacy Policy Update
→
“Take-it-or-leave-it” consent mandate
↓
CCI Investigation — Abuse of Dominance (S.4)
→
₹213.14 crore penalty
↓
NCLAT upheld penalty; directed user choice
→
WhatsApp appeals in Supreme Court
↓
SC: Privacy of “silent consumers” must be protected
🔍 D. Critical Analysis
- Data as a competition issue: CCI’s intervention recognises that data monopoly by Big Tech can distort markets — aligns with EU’s Digital Markets Act.
- SC’s strong stance: Comparing data sharing to a “decent way of committing theft” — signals robust judicial approach to digital rights.
- DPDP Act gaps: While it addresses consent, enforcement mechanisms and Data Protection Board are still nascent.
- Platform power: WhatsApp has 500+ million users in India — network effects make “opt out” effectively meaningless for most users.
🛤️ E. Way Forward
- Operationalise the Data Protection Board under DPDP Act with teeth.
- Develop interoperability mandates (like EU’s DMA) to reduce platform lock-in.
- Strengthen CCI’s digital competition cell for technology market oversight.
- Promote data portability as a user right — enabling genuine choice.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: CCI • Competition Act S.4 • NCLAT • DPDP Act 2023 • Puttaswamy Judgment • EU Digital Markets Act
Mains Q (GS-II): “The CCI penalty on WhatsApp highlights the emerging intersection of competition law and data privacy in digital markets. Discuss the regulatory challenges and the way forward for India.” (250 words, 15 marks)
GS-II: Polity & Governance
Crowd Control SOP — Karnataka HC Directive
📋 A. Issue in Brief
- The Karnataka High Court directed that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Crowd Control and Mass Gathering Management will be enforced until the State enacts a law.
- This arose from the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede (June 4, 2025) that claimed 11 lives.
- The SOP has been forwarded to the Legislative Assembly’s scrutiny committee alongside the Karnataka Crowd Control Bill, 2025.
📚 B. Static Background
- Public Order — State List (Entry 1) under Seventh Schedule.
- Disaster Management Act, 2005 — Provides framework for crowd-related emergencies.
- Previous stampedes: Hathras (2024), Vaishno Devi (2022), Elphinstone Bridge Mumbai (2017).
- HC appointed Senior Advocate S. Susheela as amicus curiae to draft the SOP.
🔍 D. Critical Analysis
- Judicial activism: The HC filling a legislative vacuum with an enforceable SOP is a positive example of judicial governance.
- Challenge: SOPs without statutory backing have limited enforceability and accountability.
- India lacks a comprehensive national law on crowd management — each State follows ad hoc protocols.
- Need for technology integration: AI-based crowd monitoring, real-time density sensors, and digital ticketing systems.
🛤️ E. Way Forward
- Fast-track the Karnataka Crowd Control Bill — can serve as a model legislation for other States.
- Develop National Guidelines for Mass Gathering Management under NDMA.
- Mandate crowd density audits for all large-scale events.
- Training of police and event organisers in crowd psychology and evacuation protocols.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: Public Order — State List Entry 1 • Disaster Management Act 2005 • Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede • Amicus curiae
Mains Q (GS-II): “Recurring stampede tragedies in India expose the absence of a comprehensive crowd management framework. Evaluate the Karnataka HC’s SOP approach and suggest measures for nationwide adoption.” (150 words, 10 marks)
GS-I: Society / GS-II: Polity
Tribal Women’s Inheritance Rights — Supreme Court Ruling
📋 A. Issue in Brief
- The Supreme Court (October 2025) ruled that the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 cannot apply to Scheduled Tribes under any circumstances.
- The ruling overturned the HC practice of granting inheritance rights to “Hinduised” tribal women under the Act.
- This raises the question: How should tribal women get equal inheritance rights without being forced to choose between tribal identity and Hinduism?
📚 B. Static Background
- Hindu Succession Act, 1956 — Section 2(2) explicitly excludes Scheduled Tribes.
- Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 15(3) (Special provisions for women).
- Article 46 — State to promote educational and economic interests of STs.
- Fifth and Sixth Schedules — Special provisions for tribal areas.
- Nawang v. Bahadur (2025) — The case that settled the law.
- Ram Charan v. Sukhram — SC recognised excluding daughters from property violates equality.
- Mizoram model — Codified customary succession laws as a reference.
📊 C. Key Dimensions
| Approach | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Apply Hindu Succession Act to STs | Immediate gender equality | Erases tribal identity; unconstitutional (violates S.2(2)) |
| “Hinduisation” route | Gave rights to some tribal women | Forces identity conversion; discriminatory |
| Codify customary laws (Mizoram model) | Preserves tribal identity + gender parity possible | Customary laws may themselves be patriarchal |
| Separate legislation for ST inheritance | Tailored solution; respects tribal uniqueness | Legislative will needed; slow process |
🔍 D. Critical Analysis
- The SC correctly held that only Parliament can extend the Hindu Succession Act to STs — courts cannot legislate.
- The earlier “Hinduisation” practice was a negation of constitutional protection for tribal identity.
- However, the ruling creates a legal vacuum — tribal women remain at the mercy of patriarchal customary practices.
- Tension: Protecting tribal identity vs. ensuring gender justice — requires nuanced legislative intervention.
🛤️ E. Way Forward
- Introduce a special enactment governing inheritance among indigenous populations with gender parity.
- Codify customary laws of succession across tribal States on the Mizoram model.
- Ensure tribal women’s participation in the law-making process — not top-down imposition.
- Align with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and Constitutional Article 14, 15(3), 46.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: Hindu Succession Act S.2(2) • Nawang v. Bahadur (2025) • Article 14, 15(3), 46 • Fifth & Sixth Schedule • Mizoram succession code
Mains Q (GS-I / GS-II): “The Supreme Court’s ruling that the Hindu Succession Act cannot apply to Scheduled Tribes protects tribal identity but leaves tribal women without inheritance rights. Suggest a legislative framework that balances both.” (250 words, 15 marks)
GS-II: International Relations
India–Canada Relations Reset: PM Carney’s Visit
📋 A. Issue in Brief
- Canadian PM Mark Carney arriving in India (Feb 27–March 2) for trade talks — part of a three-nation Indo-Pacific tour (India, Australia, Japan).
- Focus areas: trade negotiations (CEPA), energy, AI, defence, critical minerals.
- Aims to reset ties damaged during Trudeau era over the Khalistan / Nijjar killing controversy.
📚 B. Static Background
- Hardeep Singh Nijjar — Khalistani separatist killed in Canada (June 2023); Canada accused India of orchestrating the killing.
- CEPA — Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (under negotiation since 2010).
- NSA Ajit Doval’s Canada visit (Feb 2026) — First high-level security dialogue in years; agreed on a shared workplan.
- Both are Quad members alongside the U.S. and Japan.
- Carney also visited Beijing recently — restoring Canada-China trade ties.
🔍 D. Critical Analysis
- Positive signal: NSA-level engagement and Attorney-General’s request to suppress some evidence show Canadian sensitivity to India’s concerns.
- However, the Nijjar trial (four arrested persons) remains a potential flashpoint.
- CEPA progress is crucial — bilateral trade is well below potential given diaspora links and complementary economies.
- Carney’s China visit before India signals Canada’s balancing act in the Indo-Pacific.
🛤️ E. Way Forward
- Conclude CEPA negotiations — critical minerals and nuclear energy cooperation are key.
- Establish joint counter-terrorism mechanism to address Khalistan separatism professionally.
- Leverage Quad partnership for Indo-Pacific security and supply chain resilience.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: CEPA • Quad members • India-Canada bilateral trade • Indo-Pacific Strategy
Mains Q (GS-II): “Discuss how PM Carney’s India visit can reset India-Canada relations. What are the key areas of convergence and lingering challenges?” (150 words, 10 marks)
GS-III: Economy & Banking
IDFC First Bank ₹590 Crore Fraud & Banking Oversight
📋 A. Issue in Brief
- IDFC First Bank reported a ₹590 crore fraud involving employees colluding with outsiders using forged physical cheques.
- Isolated case at one Chandigarh branch involving Haryana government entity accounts.
- Stock fell 16.18%; RBI monitoring the situation; KPMG appointed for forensic audit.
📚 B. Static Background
- Banking Regulation Act, 1949 — RBI’s oversight powers.
- Section 36AD — RBI’s power to supersede bank management in case of mismanagement.
- Precedents: PNB-Nirav Modi fraud (₹13,000 crore), ABG Shipyard fraud (₹22,842 crore).
- Employee Dishonesty Insurance — Bank to recover ₹35 crore from insurance.
🔍 D. Critical Analysis
- “Traditional fraud” (physical cheques) in a digital age exposes manual process vulnerabilities in banks.
- Internal controls failure: Four staff suspended, but how did forged cheques bypass reconciliation for an extended period?
- Government accounts risk: Public money placed in private banks needs enhanced monitoring protocols.
- Haryana de-empanelled IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank — government confidence shaken.
🛤️ E. Way Forward
- Mandate real-time reconciliation systems for all government accounts in banks.
- Strengthen concurrent audit and whistleblower mechanisms in banking.
- Enhance RBI’s supervisory technology (SupTech) for early fraud detection.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: Banking Regulation Act • KPMG forensic audit • Employee Dishonesty Insurance • PNB fraud precedent
Mains Q (GS-III): “The IDFC First Bank fraud highlights persistent vulnerabilities in India’s banking system despite digital transformation. Critically examine and suggest systemic reforms.” (150 words, 10 marks)
GS-II / GS-III: Trade & Economy
India–U.S. Trade Deal & Russian Oil Import Implications
📋 A. Issue in Brief
- India postponed trade delegation visit to Washington to finalise the Interim Agreement after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump’s reciprocal tariff rationale.
- Without tariff threats, India can resume buying cheaper Russian oil without penalty.
- India intends to import $500 billion worth of energy, aircraft, technology, and coking coal from the U.S. over 5 years.
📚 B. Static Background
- U.S. reciprocal tariffs: 50% tariffs imposed on India; now struck down by U.S. SC.
- India’s crude oil imports from Russia fell to a 38-month low in December 2025.
- U.S. oil is ~8% more expensive than Russian oil imports.
- India-U.S. Interim Agreement: Expected to reduce tariffs on American imports in exchange for tariff relief.
🔍 D. Critical Analysis
- The U.S. SC ruling gives India strategic breathing space — no immediate legal basis for tariff penalties on Russian oil.
- However, the U.S. could use Congressional legislation to reimpose tariffs — not a permanent reprieve.
- Delayed deal = delayed tariff reductions on U.S. imports — hurts Indian consumers but protects domestic manufacturers temporarily.
- India must adopt a “wait-and-watch” approach while diversifying energy sources.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: Reciprocal tariffs • India-U.S. Interim Agreement • Russian oil import trends • EEPC India
Mains Q (GS-II / GS-III): “Analyse the implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s tariff ruling on India’s trade negotiations with the U.S. and its energy imports from Russia.” (250 words, 15 marks)
GS-II: Polity & Governance
Electoral Roll Revision (SIR) in West Bengal
📋 A. Issue in Brief
- Following a Supreme Court order, ~250 judicial officers began resolving Special Intensive Revision (SIR) cases for West Bengal’s electoral rolls.
- ~58 lakh names were deleted from draft voter list; ~45 lakh disputed SIR cases pending.
- Central forces deployed; final rolls scheduled for February 28; supplementary rolls may follow.
📚 B. Static Background
- Article 324 — Election Commission superintendence, direction, and control of elections.
- Representation of the People Act, 1950 — Provides for preparation and revision of electoral rolls.
- SIR — Intensive field-level verification of voter lists by Booth Level Officers.
- West Bengal elections approaching — clean electoral rolls are critical for free and fair elections.
🔍 D. Critical Analysis
- Judicial involvement in SIR is unprecedented — reflects distrust in State-level administrative processes.
- 58 lakh deletions is massive — raises questions about earlier laxity in roll maintenance.
- Deployment of Central forces signals the EC’s concern about law and order during the process.
- Challenge: Completing 45 lakh disputed cases by February 28 is extremely tight — supplementary rolls likely.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: Article 324 • SIR process • RPA 1950 • Election Commission powers • Booth Level Officers
Mains Q (GS-II): “The Special Intensive Revision process in West Bengal required Supreme Court intervention and judicial officer deployment. Discuss the implications for electoral integrity and the autonomy of the Election Commission.” (150 words, 10 marks)
GS-I: Indian Society
Upper Caste Voting Patterns & BJP’s Electoral Base
📋 A. Issue in Brief
- Data from the National Election Study (NES) by Lokniti-CSDS shows that upper caste Hindu voters have steadily consolidated behind the BJP since 2014.
- In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, ~60% of upper caste voters backed the NDA, with 53% voting directly for BJP.
- This consolidation is geographically widespread — not limited to Hindi heartland States.
📚 B. Static Background
- Upper castes — Historically dominant in Indian polity; form a modest but cohesive share of the electorate.
- UGC Equity Regulations, 2026 controversy — Triggered upper caste discontent, held by SC.
- Mandal Commission (1990) — OBC reservations had initially fragmented upper caste vote.
- National Election Study (NES) — Conducted by Lokniti-CSDS since 1996.
🔍 D. Critical Analysis
- The BJP’s upper caste consolidation forms a “durable pillar” of its electoral coalition — important for understanding Indian politics.
- Policy debates (like UGC regulations) perceived as affecting upper caste interests carry disproportionate political weight.
- The data is useful for UPSC in understanding voting behaviour, caste dynamics, and party systems in India.
- Important for Essay paper topics on democracy, social justice, and representation.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: Lokniti-CSDS • National Election Study • Mandal Commission • UGC regulations
Mains Q (GS-I): “Analyse the trend of upper caste voter consolidation behind the BJP and its implications for competitive politics and social policy in India.” (150 words, 10 marks)
GS-II: International Relations
Iran–U.S. Nuclear Talks & West Asia Tensions
📋 A. Issue in Brief
- Iran’s President Pezeshkian expressed cautious optimism about talks with Washington, calling them “encouraging”.
- Third round of U.S.-Iran talks set for February 26 in Geneva; Oman mediating.
- U.S. envoy Witkoff stated Trump’s red lines: “Zero enrichment; get the material back”.
- India has advised all nationals to leave Iran amid fears of potential U.S. military strikes.
📚 B. Static Background
- JCPOA (2015) — Iran nuclear deal; U.S. withdrew under Trump in 2018.
- June 2025 — Israel and U.S. attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities.
- IAEA — International Atomic Energy Agency monitors Iran’s enrichment.
- Chabahar Port — India’s strategic asset in Iran; Parliamentary committee raised concerns about its funding.
- Iran enriching up to 60% uranium — close to weapons-grade.
🔍 D. Critical Analysis
- The U.S. demand for “zero enrichment” is maximalist — Iran unlikely to agree without significant concessions.
- Massive U.S. military deployment (aircraft carriers, fighter jets, missile shields) creates pressure but risks escalation.
- India’s stakes: PM Modi visiting Israel amid these tensions; Chabahar Port funding in question; Indian nationals in Iran at risk.
- Ayatollah Khamenei’s warning that any attack would trigger regional war makes diplomacy critical.
🛤️ E. Way Forward
- India must maintain strategic engagement with both Iran and Israel — balancing act is critical.
- Secure Chabahar Port operations regardless of U.S.-Iran tensions through diplomatic channels.
- Support multilateral diplomacy through the IAEA framework for any nuclear deal.
- Ensure evacuation preparedness for Indian nationals in the Gulf region.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: JCPOA • Chabahar Port • IAEA • Uranium enrichment levels (3.67% / 20% / 60% / 90%) • Oman’s mediation role
Mains Q (GS-II): “Discuss the challenges for India’s foreign policy arising from the escalating U.S.-Iran tensions in West Asia, with specific reference to Chabahar Port and energy security.” (250 words, 15 marks)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
PRAHAAR is India’s first-ever National Counter Terrorism Policy and Strategy, released by the Union Home Ministry in February 2026. It addresses terrorism threats across land, water, and air fronts, flags cyber-attacks and drone misuse by terror groups, and proposes a uniform anti-terror structure across all States. It aims to criminalise all terrorist acts and deny terrorists access to funds, weapons, and safe havens.
SIGHT (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition) is a programme under India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission. Under SIGHT, SECI conducted India’s green ammonia auction, attracting 15 bidders and selecting 7 awardees for supplying green ammonia to 13 fertilizer plants. The discovered prices were 40-50% lower than the EU’s H2Global auction, setting new global cost benchmarks.
In Nawang v. Bahadur (2025), the Supreme Court reaffirmed that Section 2(2) of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 explicitly excludes Scheduled Tribes from its purview. The Court ruled that only Parliament has the authority to extend the Act to tribal communities, and courts cannot direct legislative changes. This protects the unique cultural identity of tribal communities but leaves tribal women without statutory inheritance rights.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a ₹213.14 crore penalty on WhatsApp for its “take-it-or-leave-it” 2021 privacy policy, which it found to be an abuse of market dominance under Section 4 of the Competition Act. The case is important for UPSC as it lies at the intersection of competition law, data privacy (DPDP Act 2023), and digital platform regulation — key topics in GS-II and GS-III.
India and Brazil cooperate through multiple multilateral groupings: BRICS (developing nations’ bloc), IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa trilateral), G-4 (for UNSC reform with Germany and Japan), and the International Biofuel Alliance. Both nations face similar U.S. tariff pressures (50% each) and coordinate to protect the multilateral order. Brazilian President Lula urged developing nations to “unionise” rather than negotiate individually with Washington.
SIR is an intensive field-level verification process of voter lists conducted by the Election Commission before elections. In West Bengal, the process required Supreme Court intervention, with ~250 judicial officers deployed to resolve ~45 lakh disputed cases. About 58 lakh names were deleted from the draft voter list as deceased, permanently shifted, or untraceable. It is governed under the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and Article 324 of the Constitution.
The U.S. demands “zero enrichment” and return of all highly enriched uranium stockpile from Iran. Iran, currently enriching up to 60% uranium, insists on a diplomatic solution and claims its programme is civilian. Three rounds of talks (mediated by Oman) have taken place in Muscat and Geneva. India’s stakes include PM Modi’s Israel visit, Chabahar Port operations, Indian nationals in Iran, and energy security — requiring a delicate diplomatic balance.
India faces a growing crisis with 7-10% of adolescents having diagnosable mental health conditions and 5-7% of school children having ADHD. With fewer than 10,000 psychiatrists nationally, the infrastructure gap is severe. The Economic Survey 2025-26 (January 2026) explicitly highlighted rising mental health challenges among young people and proposed preventive strategies. Key issues include screen addiction, academic pressure, inadequate school counselling, and stigma around mental health.
IDFC First Bank reported a ₹590 crore fraud where employees at a Chandigarh branch colluded with outsiders using forged physical cheques on Haryana government accounts. Four staff were suspended and KPMG was appointed for forensic audit. For UPSC, this case is relevant under GS-III (banking sector reforms), highlighting vulnerabilities in internal controls, the need for real-time reconciliation systems, and the importance of RBI’s supervisory technology (SupTech).
The AI Impact Summit in New Delhi saw 89 countries sign a voluntary declaration on AI commitments. India’s approach focuses on deploying AI models rather than training them domestically — a strategy criticized for creating foreign dependency. Key concerns include the “inference gap” (rural areas not benefiting), high GPU costs, and the need for sovereign AI compute infrastructure. India needs to balance being an AI adoption hub with building its own foundational AI capabilities.
