Posts

Jan 28, 2026 Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 28 January 2026

Content India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) International Data Privacy Day (28 January) India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Why in News ? Concluded at the 16th India–EU Summit on 27 January 2026, the FTA marks culmination of negotiations relaunched in 2022, reflecting strong political commitment to rules-based trade. Announced jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, signalling elevation of India–EU relations from transactional trade to strategic economic partnership. Relevance GS 2 (International Relations): Deepening India–EU strategic partnership, trade diplomacy, mobility of professionals, and institutional cooperation with a major global bloc in a multipolar and rules-based international order. GS 3 (Economy, Agriculture, Environment, S&T): Export competitiveness, value-chain integration, Make in India, agricultural market access, CBAM-linked climate trade norms, and cooperation in clean tech, AI, semiconductors, and digital trade. Strategic Significance of India–EU FTA Global Economic Weight India, the world’s 4th largest economy, and the EU, the 2nd largest, together account for nearly 25% of global GDP and about one-third of global trade. Integration of two large, diverse, and complementary economies enhances supply-chain resilience, reduces overdependence on single geographies, and strengthens multipolar global trade architecture. Trusted Partnership Narrative The FTA positions India and the EU as trusted partners committed to openness, predictability, sustainability, and inclusive growth amid rising protectionism and geopolitical fragmentation. Trade and Investment Impact Goods Trade Expansion In 2024–25, India–EU goods trade stood at INR 11.5 lakh crore, with Indian exports of INR 6.41 lakh crore poised for accelerated growth under preferential market access. Over 99% of Indian exports by trade value receive preferential entry into the EU, representing India’s deepest goods market access commitment in any FTA to date. Labour-Intensive Sectors Boost Nearly USD 33 billion exports from textiles, apparel, leather, marine products, gems and jewellery will see EU tariffs up to 10% eliminated on entry into force. Enhanced competitiveness directly benefits MSMEs, women workers, artisans, and informal-sector employment, aligning trade liberalisation with inclusive growth and social equity objectives. Sector-Specific Provisions Agriculture and Processed Foods Tea, coffee, spices, fruits, vegetables, and processed foods gain favourable access, improving farmer incomes, rural value chains, and India’s credibility as a reliable agri-exporter. Sensitive sectors such as dairy, cereals, poultry, soymeal, and select fruits remain fully protected, balancing export promotion with food security and livelihood concerns. Automobiles and Manufacturing Carefully calibrated, quota-based auto liberalisation allows EU manufacturers limited access while preserving domestic industry space and reinforcing Make in India manufacturing ecosystems. Reciprocal EU market access opens long-term export opportunities for India-made automobiles, auto components, and engineering goods within European value chains. Services, Mobility, and Human Capital Services Market Access EU grants predictable access across 144 subsectors, including IT/ITeS, professional services, education, and R&D, strengthening India’s position as a global services powerhouse. India’s commitments in 102 EU-priority subsectors facilitate technology inflows, investment, and high-value services integration without compromising domestic regulatory autonomy. Mobility Framework The FTA establishes a facilitative framework for business visitors, intra-corporate transferees, contractual service suppliers, and independent professionals across 37 and 17 subsectors respectively. Provisions include entry and work rights for dependents, student mobility frameworks, post-study opportunities, and pathways towards future social security agreements. Sustainability, Technology, and Regulations CBAM and Climate Cooperation Forward-looking CBAM provisions secure MFN assurances, technical cooperation on carbon pricing, recognition of verifiers, and financial support to help Indian exporters meet climate norms. Constructive engagement mitigates risks of green protectionism while aligning trade expansion with India’s climate commitments and low-carbon industrial transition. Digital, IPR, and Emerging Technologies The FTA reinforces TRIPS-consistent IPR protection, affirms the Doha Declaration, and recognises India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library, preventing biopiracy and misappropriation. Cooperation in artificial intelligence, clean technologies, semiconductors, and digital trade supports India’s innovation ecosystem and long-term technological self-reliance. Governance and Institutional Design Provisions cover customs facilitation, SPS and TBT disciplines, SME cooperation, digital trade, and regulatory transparency, reducing non-tariff barriers that often constrain Indian exporters. Embedded review, consultation, and response mechanisms ensure adaptability to evolving technologies, regulatory complexities, and future economic shocks. Challenges and Criticisms Compliance with stringent EU standards on environment, labour, and data may strain MSMEs without adequate domestic capacity-building and financial support mechanisms. CBAM-related reporting and verification costs could initially disadvantage carbon-intensive Indian exports despite cooperation assurances. Way Forward Strengthen MSME readiness through standards infrastructure, skilling, digital compliance tools, and export finance aligned with FTA opportunities. Leverage the FTA to integrate deeper into EU value chains, attract quality investment, and advance India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision through trade-led growth. International Data Privacy Day (28 January) Why in News ? International Data Privacy Day, observed on 28 January, commemorates Convention 108 (2006) and reinforces India’s commitment to citizen-centric, secure, and accountable digital governance. PIB Delhi highlighted India’s evolving data protection framework, anchored in the DPDP Act, 2023 and DPDP Rules, 2025, alongside enhanced cybersecurity investments in Budget 2025–26. Relevance GS 2 (Polity & Governance): Operationalisation of the Right to Privacy through the DPDP Act, 2023 and DPDP Rules, 2025, strengthening citizen rights, institutional accountability, and digital governance trust. Significance of Data Privacy in Digital Governance Democratic and Governance Imperative Data privacy safeguards individual autonomy, informational self-determination, and dignity, transforming privacy from a technical issue into a core democratic and constitutional governance principle. Robust privacy frameworks enhance trust in government-led digital platforms, ensuring legitimacy, accountability, and sustained citizen participation in large-scale digital public service delivery. Enabler of Responsible Innovation Strong data protection regimes allow ethical, secure, and lawful data use, enabling innovation while preventing misuse, profiling harms, surveillance excesses, and systemic cyber vulnerabilities. India’s Expanding Digital Footprint Scale of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) India’s DPI, including Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, MyGov, and eSanjeevani, operates at population scale, making data a critical public resource requiring strong privacy-by-design safeguards. MyGov hosts over 6 crore users, while eSanjeevani has delivered more than 44 crore telemedicine consultations, underscoring inclusion alongside heightened data protection responsibilities. Connectivity and Digital Inclusion India is the world’s 3rd-largest digitalised economy, supported by over 101.7 crore broadband subscribers and ultra-low mobile data costs of around USD 0.10 per GB. Citizens spend nearly 1,000 minutes online on average, embedding digital platforms into identity, payments, healthcare, education, and grievance redressal, amplifying privacy and cybersecurity risks. Privacy and Cybersecurity Imperative Exponential growth in digital interactions has increased volumes of sensitive personal data, intensifying exposure to cyber frauds, breaches, identity theft, and data misuse. Recognising these risks, Budget 2025–26 allocated ₹782 crore for cybersecurity projects to safeguard digital public infrastructure and national cyber resilience. Legal and Institutional Framework for Data Protection Information Technology Act, 2000 The IT Act provides the foundational legal framework for e-governance, electronic records, digital signatures, and cybersecurity, enabling secure digital transactions and online public services. Key provisions and institutions like CERT-In, adjudicatory bodies, and Sections 69A and 70B support content regulation, national security, and cyber incident response mechanisms. IT Intermediary Guidelines Rules, 2021 The Rules mandate due diligence, time-bound grievance redressal, and accountability for intermediaries, including social media platforms, marketplaces, search engines, and telecom service providers. By defining intermediary obligations, the Rules aim to create a safer, transparent, and trusted online environment without stifling innovation or free expression. Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 Core Philosophy and Scope Enacted in August 2023, the DPDP Act governs digital personal data processing, including digitised offline data, balancing privacy protection with innovation, service delivery, and economic growth. The Act follows a SARAL approach—Simple, Accessible, Rational, Actionable—ensuring clarity, ease of compliance, and practical enforceability for citizens and organisations. Institutional Architecture The Data Protection Board of India oversees compliance, investigates breaches, and enforces corrective actions, strengthening institutional accountability and public trust in digital governance. Citizens are recognised as Data Principals, while entities determining data use are designated Data Fiduciaries, clearly defining rights, duties, and liability structures. Rights of Citizens under DPDP Act Citizens have rights to give or refuse consent, access information, correct, update, and erase personal data, ensuring meaningful control over personal digital footprints. Mandatory breach intimation, grievance redressal within ninety days, and nomination rights enhance transparency, accountability, and continuity of data rights. Special protections exist for children and persons with disabilities, requiring verifiable guardian consent except for essential services like healthcare, education, and real-time safety. DPDP Rules, 2025 Notified in November 2025, the Rules operationalise the Act by detailing compliance mechanisms, citizen interfaces, fiduciary obligations, and enforcement procedures. Together, the Act and Rules establish a clear, balanced, and future-ready data governance regime that protects privacy while enabling responsible innovation and digital growth. Additional National Cybersecurity Measures Institutional Coordination CERT-In functions as the national nodal agency for cyber incident prevention and response, proactively securing India’s communications and information infrastructure. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) enables national-level prevention, detection, and investigation of cybercrime, especially crimes against women and children. Citizen-Centric Protection Systems Platforms like the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and helpline 1930 enable rapid reporting of cyber frauds, safeguarding personal and financial data at scale. The Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre enables real-time coordination among banks, telecom providers, and law enforcement to block compromised accounts and digital identifiers. Capacity Building and Awareness Initiatives like CyTrain, Cyber Commando Programme, ISEA, CSPAI, and Cyber Swachhta Kendra strengthen skilled manpower, AI security readiness, and citizen cyber hygiene. Challenges and Gaps Ensuring compliance readiness among MSMEs and small digital platforms remains challenging due to costs, technical capacity constraints, and evolving regulatory expectations. Rapid technological change in AI, big data, and cross-border data flows demands continuous regulatory adaptation without undermining innovation or ease of doing digital business. Way Forward Embed privacy-by-design across all digital public platforms, strengthen regulatory capacity, and enhance coordination between data protection and cybersecurity institutions. Expand citizen awareness, invest in indigenous cybersecurity technologies, and align India’s data governance with global best practices while preserving digital sovereignty.

Jan 28, 2026 Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 28 January 2026

Content Rupee Depreciation Amid Macroeconomic Stability: Causes, Concerns, and Policy Options Fuel Efficiency Norms for Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) Rupee Depreciation Amid Macroeconomic Stability: Causes, Concerns, and Policy Options Why is it in News? Despite strong macroeconomic fundamentals, the Indian rupee has depreciated nearly 6% since April 2025, triggering market anxiety and public debate on exchange-rate management. The fall coincides with U.S. tariff actions against India, raising concerns that geopolitical and diplomatic pressures, not economic weaknesses, are driving capital outflows and currency instability. Relevance GS 3 (Economy): Core relevance to exchange rate management, capital flows, balance of payments, monetary policy limits, REER, and external sector vulnerability despite strong fundamentals. Practice Questions Despite strong macroeconomic fundamentals, the Indian rupee has witnessed sharp depreciation. Analyse the causes and discuss why capital outflows, rather than trade deficits, are driving this trend. (15 marks) Macroeconomic Context — Fundamentals Remain Strong Growth, Inflation, and External Balance India’s real GDP growth for the current year is estimated at 7.4%, placing it among the fastest-growing major economies globally. CPI inflation ended 2025 at 1.33%, below the RBI’s lower tolerance band for four consecutive months, indicating strong price stability. Current account deficit in H1 2025–26 stood at just 0.76% of GDP, significantly lower than 1.35% in the previous year. Extent and Nature of Rupee Depreciation Recent Trends Since April 2025, the rupee has depreciated by about 6%, despite low inflation and modest current account pressures. This contrasts with 2022, when nearly 10% depreciation was driven by economic factors such as aggressive U.S. Federal Reserve rate hikes. Trade Deficit Not the Primary Cause India’s merchandise and services trade deficit during April–December 2025 was $96.58 billion, only moderately higher than $88.43 billion in the same period last year. The size of the trade deficit alone does not explain the sharp downward pressure on the rupee. The Real Villain — Capital Outflows Reversal of Capital Flows Net capital inflows of $10.6 billion in April–December 2024 turned into net outflows of $3.9 billion during the same period in 2025. Portfolio investors reacted sharply to heightened geopolitical uncertainty and policy unpredictability, accelerating outflows from equity and debt markets. U.S. Tariff Actions and Investor Sentiment The U.S. imposed a cumulative 50% tariff on Indian exports, citing reciprocal trade concerns and India’s crude imports from Russia. Threats of an additional 25% tariff linked to trade with Iran, though Iran accounts for only 0.15% of India’s total trade, amplified market fears disproportionately. From Economics to Diplomacy — Nature of the Shock Non-Economic Drivers of Currency Pressure Unlike conventional currency depreciation driven by inflation differentials or interest-rate gaps, current rupee weakness is rooted in geopolitical signalling and diplomatic uncertainty. Tariffs are being weaponised as tools of foreign policy, shifting the resolution space from macroeconomic management to diplomatic negotiation. Risk of Self-Reinforcing Capital Flight Every incremental fall in the rupee raises required rupee returns for foreign investors, increasing the likelihood of further capital outflows. Equity sell-offs linked to capital flight directly depress stock markets, tightening financial conditions domestically. RBI’s Role and Exchange Rate Management India’s Exchange Rate Regime Since 1993, India follows a market-determined exchange rate regime, with RBI intervention aimed at reducing volatility rather than pegging the rupee. Volatility management has implicitly included moderating sharp depreciations to prevent disruptive macroeconomic shocks. Limits of Monetary Intervention RBI intervention cannot counter sustained capital outflows driven by non-economic fears; it can only smoothen the pace of depreciation. Asymmetric intervention, while reducing volatility, inevitably influences exchange-rate levels, warranting greater transparency in RBI communication. Why Devaluation Is Not a Solution ? Limited Export Gains Rising import content of Indian exports dilutes competitiveness gains from a weaker rupee in global markets. High U.S. tariffs negate potential price advantages for Indian exporters, especially in the American market. Inflationary Risks on Imports About 25% of India’s merchandise imports consist of crude oil, making depreciation inflationary through higher fuel and input costs. With India’s inflation already lower than many advanced economies, deliberate devaluation lacks economic justification. Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) Perspective Exchange-rate correction is warranted primarily when domestic inflation diverges significantly from trading partners, assessed through the REER framework. Artificial undervaluation, as seen in some economies, risks being labelled currency manipulation, inviting trade retaliation and reputational costs. Way Forward — Policy and Diplomacy Diplomatic Resolution as Primary Lever Early trade and tariff resolution with the U.S. is critical to restoring investor confidence and reversing capital outflows. Diplomatic engagement, not monetary adjustment, remains the most effective instrument to stabilise the rupee under current conditions. Role of RBI and Domestic Policy RBI should continue calibrated intervention to smoothen volatility while clearly communicating its policy intent to anchor market expectations. Strengthening domestic financial markets and maintaining macroeconomic credibility can mitigate secondary spillovers from external shocks. Conclusion The current rupee depreciation reflects confidence shocks driven by geopolitics rather than economic fragility, marking a shift from macroeconomic to diplomatic determinants of currency stability. Until capital outflows reverse through external engagement, the RBI can only manage volatility, underscoring the primacy of trade diplomacy in safeguarding macroeconomic stability. Fuel Efficiency Norms for Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) Why is it in News? In July 2025, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) released a draft proposal introducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emission standards for LCVs for the 2027–2032 period. This marks India’s first regulatory intervention for sub-3.5 tonne commercial vehicles, long excluded from CAFE norms despite rapid growth driven by e-commerce and logistics. Relevance GS 3 (Environment, Economy, Science & Tech): Direct relevance to climate change mitigation, clean mobility, emission standards, industrial transition, EV adoption, and balancing decarbonisation with affordability. Practice Questions Light Commercial Vehicles have remained a blind spot in India’s clean transport policies. Examine how the proposed fuel efficiency norms can reshape India’s decarbonisation pathway. (15 marks) Background — A Regulatory Blind Spot Passenger Cars vs LCVs India has regulated passenger cars through CAFE norms, setting fleet-wide CO₂ targets, but LCVs operated without fuel efficiency mandates for years. LCVs are highly utilised, clocking more kilometres per day than private cars, amplifying their cumulative emissions impact. Scale of the LCV Challenge Market Size and Electrification Gap LCVs accounted for 48% of India’s commercial goods vehicles in 2024, making them central to freight and last-mile delivery. Electrification remains extremely low at just 2%, highlighting a major gap in India’s clean mobility transition. Emissions Profile of LCVs Current CO₂ Intensity India’s LCV fleet averaged 147.5 g CO₂/km in 2024. Without the marginal 2% share of electric LCVs, emissions would rise to 150 g CO₂/km, underscoring the outsized impact of even limited electrification. Automaker Resistance and Policy Signal Industry Pushback Automakers lobbied for full exemption of LCVs from fuel efficiency standards, citing price sensitivity and high costs of upgrading ICE technologies. The government rejected the demand, signalling strong commitment to transport decarbonisation and regulatory parity across vehicle segments. Electric LCV Market — Current Reality Technology and Cost Constraints Existing e-LCV models typically offer sub-35 kWh battery packs with maximum ranges of ~150 km, reflecting cautious manufacturer entry. Most conventional LCVs cost below ₹10 lakh, while BEV equivalents exceed this threshold, creating a steep upfront cost barrier. Incentive Inconsistencies Central schemes like PM E-DRIVE exclude LCVs, weakening demand signals. Select States such as Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh offer incentives, partially offsetting acquisition costs but lacking nationwide uniformity. Fuel Efficiency Standards and Electrification Dynamics Lessons from Passenger Cars After 8 years of CAFE norms, BEVs constitute only ~3% of India’s passenger car fleet, illustrating the limits of lax standards. When standards are weak, manufacturers prefer incremental ICE optimisation over investing in electrification. The Critical CO₂ Threshold ICCT research identifies 116.5 g CO₂/km as the tipping point where electrification becomes more cost-effective than ICE-only compliance. BEE’s proposed standard of 115 g CO₂/km marginally crosses this threshold, enabling but not strongly incentivising e-LCV adoption. Role of Super Credits and Compliance Design Super Credit Mechanism Super credits count each BEV multiple times for compliance, lowering effective fleet emissions on paper and making electrification economically attractive. Regions like China, the EU, and the US have used super credits to accelerate early-stage EV adoption. India’s Draft Proposal — Mixed Signals The draft assigns zero CO₂ value to e-LCVs and introduces super credits, supporting BEV entry. However, extending credits to hybrids and select ICE technologies risks delaying full electrification by enabling compliance without BEVs. Risk of Repeating Passenger Car Mistakes Continued incentives for hybrids and ICE offsets may prolong ICE dominance, fragment markets, and weaken long-term decarbonisation outcomes. Evidence from passenger cars shows that relaxed standards and prolonged transitional incentives stall electrification at low levels. Way Forward — Policy Design Imperatives Strengthening Standards Emission targets must be stringent enough to make electrification the least-cost compliance pathway, not merely one option among many. Strategic Incentive Use Super credits should be temporary and BEV-focused, with a clear phase-out timeline as battery costs decline and volumes scale up. Policy Coordination Aligning central incentives with State EV policies can reduce upfront cost barriers and unlock scale economies for e-LCV manufacturing. Conclusion With 48% fleet share and only 2% electrification, LCVs represent India’s largest untapped decarbonisation opportunity in road transport. Smart regulation, stringent standards, and disciplined incentive design will determine whether LCVs catalyse clean mobility or replicate the slow transition seen in passenger cars.

Jan 28, 2026 Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 28 January 2026

Content India–EU FTA Finalised: Sectoral Gains, Market Access, and Strategic Trade Reset Syria’s Kurdish Regions: Autonomy, Conflict, and Geopolitics Supreme Court on Acid Attacks: Asset Seizure, Victim Compensation, and Deterrence India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Anchoring Indian Manufacturers into Global Value Chains Republic Day 2026 & the Bactrian Camel India–EU FTA Finalised: Sectoral Gains, Market Access, and Strategic Trade Reset Why is it in News? India and the European Union have finalised the India–EU Free Trade Agreement, described as the “mother of all deals”, marking India’s most comprehensive trade pact with a major developed bloc. The agreement delivers deep tariff liberalisation in goods and services, covering economies that together account for ~25% of global GDP, with major implications for exports, jobs, and value chains. Relevance GS Paper 2 (International Relations) India–EU strategic partnership, trade diplomacy, economic agreements Role of FTAs in India’s foreign policy and multipolar global order India–EU relations in a protectionist and fragmented global trade system GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy) External sector, exports–imports, trade balance Impact of FTAs on MSMEs, employment, and value chains Manufacturing, services trade, Make in India, export competitiveness Scale and Coverage of the Agreement Overall Trade Architecture The FTA covers trade in goods, services, and investments, with unprecedented depth compared to India’s earlier FTAs, especially with developed economies. It aims to structurally integrate Indian producers into European and global value chains, beyond short-term export gains. Market Access for Indian Exports Zero-Duty Access for Labour-Intensive Sectors Labour-intensive sectors worth ₹2.87 lakh crore (~$33 billion) in exports, currently facing EU duties of 4%–26%, will enter zero duty from entry into force. These sectors are critical for employment generation, particularly for MSMEs, women workers, and export clusters. Sectors with Complete Duty Elimination Marine products face duties up to 26%, chemicals 12.8%, plastic and rubber 6.5%, and leather footwear 17%, all eliminated fully. Textiles and apparel (12%), base metals (10%), gems and jewellery (4%), furniture (10.5%), and toys and sports goods (4.7%) gain full duty-free access. Partial Tariff Reductions An additional 6% of India’s exports will see tariff reductions, including poultry products, preserved vegetables, bakery items, and processed foods. Select marine and processed food products gain incremental access beyond zero-duty categories. Services Market Access for India EU Commitments The EU has committed market access across 144 services sub-sectors, covering IT/ITeS, professional services, education, and other business services. This strengthens India’s position as a global services hub, complementing goods exports with high-value services trade. What India Has Conceded to the EU ? Tariff Line Liberalisation India will eliminate or reduce duties on 92.1% of tariff lines, covering 97.5% of EU exports to India. 49.6% of tariff lines will see immediate duty elimination once the agreement comes into force. Phased Liberalisation 39.5% of tariff lines will undergo phased tariff elimination over 5, 7, and 10 years, allowing domestic industry adjustment. An additional 3% of products will see gradual tariff reductions, not full elimination. EU Export Gains in Indian Market High-Technology and Capital Goods EU exporters gain duty-free access for machinery, electrical equipment, aircraft, spacecraft, optical and medical devices. Imports of high-tech EU goods are expected to reduce input costs, improve productivity, and support Indian manufacturing competitiveness. Core Industrial and Consumer Sectors Chemicals, plastics, pharmaceuticals, motor vehicles, iron and steel, precious metals, and select agricultural products gain improved access. These imports are expected to diversify India’s sourcing, lowering dependency on limited supplier geographies. Services Access for the EU in India Indian Commitments India has opened 102 services sub-sectors aligned with EU priorities, including professional, business, telecom, maritime, financial, and environmental services. This is expected to attract investment, technology transfer, and best practices into India’s services ecosystem. Sensitive Sectors and Negotiated Compromises Automobiles and Wine Negotiations on automobiles and wine were contentious due to domestic sensitivities and political economy concerns. Both sides agreed on quota-based access systems, balancing market opening with protection of domestic producers. Economic and Strategic Implications Manufacturing and GVC Integration Zero-duty access for key export sectors anchors Indian manufacturers into European supply chains, supporting Make in India and export-led growth. Lower-cost imports of high-end machinery improve industrial upgrading and competitiveness. Employment and MSMEs Labour-intensive export expansion supports job creation, especially in textiles, leather, marine products, gems, and furniture sectors. MSMEs gain stable access to a large, high-income consumer market. Challenges and Caveats Compliance with EU standards on environment, labour, SPS, and technical regulations may strain MSMEs without adequate domestic capacity-building. Phased tariff elimination requires active industrial policy support to prevent import surges from harming vulnerable sectors. Way Forward Domestic Readiness Strengthen standards infrastructure, export finance, skilling, and logistics to fully leverage FTA gains. Align the FTA with PLI schemes, MSME support, and trade facilitation reforms. Strategic Trade Positioning Use the India–EU FTA as a platform to reposition India as a reliable manufacturing and services partner in a fragmented global trade order. Conclusion The India–EU FTA represents a structural shift in India’s trade strategy, combining deep market access, services liberalisation, and value-chain integration. Its success will depend on domestic preparedness, regulatory capacity, and the ability to translate tariff preferences into sustained competitiveness. Syria’s Kurdish Regions: Autonomy, Conflict, and Geopolitics Why is it in News? Renewed fighting erupted in northeast Syria between government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), threatening to dismantle Kurdish autonomy built since the 2011 civil war. The conflict follows the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime (December 2024) and stalled negotiations between interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and Kurdish authorities over autonomy and integration. Relevance GS Paper 2 (International Relations) West Asia geopolitics, internal conflicts and regional stability Role of non-state actors (SDF, militias) in international politics Foreign interventions: Türkiye, U.S., regional power dynamics GS Paper 1 (World Geography & Society) Ethnic groups (Kurds), identity politics, regional autonomy movements Political geography of West Asia Location and Strategic Importance Kurdish Regions of Syria (Rojava) Syria’s Kurdish-populated regions lie in the north and northeast, bordering Türkiye, Iraq, and the Euphrates basin, making them geopolitically sensitive and resource-rich. These areas include Kobane, Qamishli, al-Hassaka, Raqqa, and Deir al-Zour, controlling key border crossings, oil fields, and agricultural zones. Who Are Syria’s Kurds? Demography and Political Aspirations Kurds constitute roughly 10% of Syria’s population and have long demanded autonomy in Kurdish-majority regions, citing historical marginalisation by Damascus. Following the Syrian army’s withdrawal in 2012, Kurdish groups established self-rule through local councils, militias, and parallel administrative institutions. Supreme Court on Acid Attacks: Asset Seizure, Victim Compensation, and Deterrence Why is it in News? In January 2026, the Supreme Court of India recommended seizure and auction of assets of convicted acid attackers to compensate victims and strengthen deterrence. The Court urged the Centre to consider legislative interventions, calling acid attacks crimes warranting extraordinary punitive measures beyond routine sentencing. Relevance GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance) Supreme Court’s role in law-making through judicial activism Victim compensation, access to justice, rule of law Federal coordination between Centre and States GS Paper 1 (Indian Society) Gender-based violence, crimes against women Social justice, dignity, and human rights Constitutional and Legal Context Acid Attacks in Indian Criminal Law Acid attacks are punishable under Sections 326A and 326B of IPC, prescribing minimum 10 years imprisonment, extendable to life, with mandatory fine for victim treatment. Despite statutory provisions, low conviction rates and prolonged trials weaken deterrence, necessitating innovative judicial and legislative responses. Victim Compensation Jurisprudence The ruling reinforces Article 21 (Right to Life with Dignity) by prioritising victim rehabilitation, medical care, and economic security over purely retributive justice. Supreme Court’s Key Observations Asset Seizure as Deterrence The Court observed that punishment without economic consequences fails to deter acid attacks, especially against women and children, making asset confiscation essential. It recommended probing convicts’ assets, imposing embargoes, and creating third-party rights restrictions to ensure enforceable victim compensation. Beyond Conventional Sentencing Acid attacks were described as crimes requiring “extremely painful state action”, as ordinary imprisonment alone does not reflect the gravity of lifelong physical and psychological harm. Governance and Administrative Dimensions Role of States and Police States were directed to submit year-wise data on acid attacks, including charge sheets, convictions, pending appeals, and rehabilitation details of survivors. Police were instructed to investigate financial assets of accused persons, ensuring transparency and enforceability of compensation orders. Legal Aid and Access to Justice The Court assured best legal representation for the survivor, directing appointment of senior advocates to address systemic access-to-justice barriers. Social and Ethical Dimensions Gender Justice and Vulnerable Groups Acid attacks disproportionately affect women, often targeting autonomy, identity, and dignity, transforming the crime into a gendered form of violence. The ruling aligns with substantive equality, recognising structural vulnerabilities rather than treating crimes as isolated individual acts. Survivor-Centric Justice Emphasis on compensation reflects a shift from accused-centric criminal law to survivor-centric restorative justice, acknowledging lifelong trauma, disability, and social exclusion. Data and Evidence Highlighted by the Court High Courts reported highest pending acid attack cases in Uttar Pradesh (198), followed by West Bengal (160), Gujarat (114), Bihar (68), and Maharashtra (58). Persistent pendency indicates implementation gaps despite existing legal frameworks and Supreme Court guidelines on acid regulation and victim support. Challenges and Gaps Enforcement and Capacity Issues Many perpetrators belong to economically weaker sections, limiting recoverable assets and challenging the practical effectiveness of asset auction mechanisms. Weak monitoring of acid sale regulations and inconsistent rehabilitation schemes dilute preventive and restorative outcomes. Federal and Institutional Coordination Absence of uniform survivor rehabilitation schemes across States results in unequal access to medical, legal, and economic support. Way Forward Legislative and Policy Reforms Enact explicit provisions for mandatory asset confiscation and auction in acid attack convictions, similar to economic offence frameworks. Strengthen Victim Compensation Schemes with guaranteed minimum payouts, inflation indexing, and long-term livelihood rehabilitation. Preventive and Regulatory Measures Enforce strict licensing, tracking, and digital monitoring of acid sales, coupled with awareness campaigns and rapid-response medical protocols. Conclusion The Supreme Court’s intervention marks a shift from symbolic punishment to economically enforceable justice, reinforcing deterrence and survivor dignity. Translating judicial intent into legislative action and administrative capacity is critical to eliminating acid violence and ensuring meaningful justice. India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Anchoring Indian Manufacturers into Global Value Chains Why is it in News? Industry bodies and CII have highlighted that the India–EU FTA will anchor Indian manufacturers into global value chains, following its conclusion at the 16th India–EU Summit (January 2026). The FTA is projected to deepen trade engagement between two major economies accounting for ~25% of global GDP, with significant implications for manufacturing, exports, and MSMEs. Relevance GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy) Manufacturing growth, industrial policy, GVC integration MSMEs, export-led growth, employment generation Technology transfer, logistics, productivity enhancement GS Paper 2 (International Relations) Trade as a strategic tool in diplomacy India–EU economic cooperation amid China-plus-one strategy Strategic Importance of FTA for Manufacturing Global Value Chain (GVC) Integration The FTA reduces tariff and non-tariff barriers, enabling Indian manufacturers to integrate into European production networks, moving from low-value assembly to higher value-added stages. Predictable market access enhances India’s attractiveness as a manufacturing base for firms seeking China-plus-one and resilient supply chain strategies. Market Access and Tariff Liberalisation Zero-Duty Access to EU Market The textiles and clothing sector gains zero-duty access across all tariff lines, opening the EU’s $263.5 billion import market to Indian exporters. Phased tariff reduction on automobiles and auto components enhances long-term competitiveness while allowing domestic industry adjustment and technology absorption. Sector-Specific Manufacturing Gains Textiles and Apparel Zero-duty access is expected to drive 20–25% annual export growth, compared to the current ~3% EU market growth rate, boosting yarn, garments, and home textiles. Labour-intensive manufacturing expansion directly benefits MSMEs, women workers, and export clusters, strengthening inclusive industrialisation. Automobiles and Engineering Gradual tariff reduction on fully built units and components influences investment decisions, encouraging localisation, platform manufacturing, and future exports to Europe. Automotive OEMs view the FTA as strategically aligning Make in India with global standards, emissions norms, and advanced manufacturing practices. Technology, Services, and Manufacturing Linkages Technology Transfer and Services Embedded Manufacturing Improved access for IT, engineering, and technology services supports advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0 adoption, and digital integration of factories. Cross-border provision of services and easier professional mobility strengthens manufacturing–services convergence, critical for global competitiveness. Pharmaceutical and Medical Manufacturing API and Value-Added Medicines Near-zero tariff access improves India’s position in formulations, APIs, and value-added medicines within the EU, enhancing scale and regulatory credibility. Pharmaceutical exports gain structural competitiveness, supporting India’s role as a reliable supplier in global healthcare value chains. MSMEs and Long-Term Industrial Impact MSME Integration into GVCs The FTA enables MSMEs to participate in long-term contract manufacturing, reducing entry barriers to European markets through stable demand and standards alignment. Enhanced access improves productivity, compliance capabilities, and export diversification beyond traditional markets. Geopolitical and Strategic Context Amid rising protectionism and geopolitical fragmentation, the FTA strengthens India–EU economic trust and reduces vulnerability to unilateral trade actions elsewhere. Diversified export destinations enhance India’s external sector resilience and strategic autonomy in global trade governance. Challenges and Caveats Compliance with stringent EU standards on environment, labour, and product quality may strain MSMEs without adequate skilling, finance, and standards infrastructure. Benefits will be uneven unless domestic manufacturing upgrades keep pace with global competition and regulatory expectations. Way Forward Domestic Preparedness Strengthen standards infrastructure, export credit, cluster-based skilling, and technology upgrading to ensure manufacturers fully leverage FTA market access. Strategic Industrial Policy Align the FTA with PLI schemes, Make in India, and logistics reforms to convert tariff access into durable manufacturing competitiveness. Conclusion The India–EU FTA is not merely a trade agreement but a structural lever for embedding Indian manufacturing into global value chains. Its success will depend on domestic capability-building, MSME readiness, and strategic alignment between trade policy and industrial transformation. Republic Day 2026 & the Bactrian Camel Why is it in News? On Republic Day 2026, two Bactrian camels named ‘Galwan’ and ‘Nubra’ marched on Kartavya Path, highlighting India’s civilisational links with Central Asia. The camels feature in the Animal Contingent alongside Zanskar ponies and indigenous Army dogs, led by the Remount & Veterinary Corps, emphasising indigenous and frontier ecologies. Relevance GS Paper 1 (Indian Culture & History) Silk Road, trans-Eurasian trade routes Cultural exchanges between India, Central Asia, and China Historical mobility of goods, ideas, and religions GS Paper 1 (Geography – Physical & Human) Adaptation of species to extreme environments Human–animal–environment interaction in desert economies India–Ladakh–Silk Road Connection Ladakh as a Civilisational Crossroads Ladakh, the only region in India with Bactrian camels, was historically an independent kingdom connected to trans-Eurasian Silk Road trade networks. The region linked India with China, Central Asia, Persia, and West Asia, facilitating exchanges of goods, ideas, religions, and technologies across harsh geographies. Evolution and Classification of Camels Camelid Evolution The camelid family comprises three genera and seven species, with Camelus dromedarius (single-humped) and Camelus bactrianus (double-humped) as domesticated species. Genetic studies identify Camelus ferus as a distinct wild species, a cousin rather than ancestor of the domesticated Bactrian camel. Domestication and Geographic Origins The Bactrian camel was domesticated 5,000–6,000 years ago, likely in Uzbekistan and West Kazakhstan, not Mongolia as earlier assumed. The term “Bactrian” derives from ancient Bactria (modern Balkh, Afghanistan), known in Sanskrit sources as Bahlika or Tukhara. Distribution of Bactrian Camels Eurasian Spread Today, domestic Bactrian camels are found mainly in Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan, with small populations in India and Pakistan. China hosts the largest population, concentrated in Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu, reflecting historical Silk Road corridors. ‘Ships of the Silk Road’ Adaptation to Extreme Environments Bactrian camels are uniquely adapted to extreme cold and heat, capable of surviving prolonged thirst, hunger, and saline water consumption. They thrive in terrains like the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts and mountain ranges such as the Pamir and Tian Shan. Load Capacity and Mobility A single Bactrian camel could carry ~180 kg and travel 35–40 km per day, making it the backbone of transcontinental caravan trade. Their sensitivity to sandstorms and ability to eat thorny, saline vegetation enhanced survival on long desert routes. Trade, Culture, and Knowledge Flows Goods and Commodities From the 5th millennium BCE to the 18th century, Bactrian camels transported jade, horses, metals, fruits like watermelon, and luxury goods across Eurasia. Jade entered China through Yumen (Jade Gate) near Dunhuang, carried predominantly by Bactrian camel caravans. Transmission of Ideas and Religion Buddhist monks Faxian and Xuanzang travelled from China to India on Silk Road caravans using Bactrian camels and other pack animals. These journeys enabled the transmission of Buddhism, texts, art, and philosophical ideas between India, China, and Central Asia. Historical Accounts and Evidence Faxian’s Observations Faxian described the Taklamakan desert as deadly and impassable without caravan support, noting survival depended on pack animals and oasis networks. Dry bones in the desert served as the only navigation markers, underscoring the indispensability of camels. Xuanzang’s Distinction Xuanzang recorded the presence of single-humped camels in Sindh, clearly distinguishing them from double-humped Bactrian camels of Central Asia. His accounts provide early ethnographic and zoological insights into regional animal use. Civilisational Significance The Bactrian camel enabled sustained Afro-Eurasian connectivity, integrating economies, cultures, and belief systems across continents for over two millennia. Symbolised in Chinese culture as the “Mack truck of the Silk Road”, it represented the ecological backbone of long-distance trade networks. Conclusion The Republic Day 2026 inclusion of Bactrian camels symbolises India’s deep historical links with Central Asia and China, beyond modern geopolitical narratives. By enabling the movement of people, goods, animals, and ideas, the Bactrian camel quietly shaped the foundations of early globalisation across Eurasia.

Jan 22, 2026 Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 22 January 2026

Content Judicial Removal (Impeachment of Judges) in India Water Bankruptcy & the Case for Water Accounting Judicial Removal (Impeachment of Judges) in India Context Trigger Renewed debate following failed / stalled removal attempts against higher judiciary judges despite serious allegations . Recent References Parliamentary discussions and legal commentary highlighting procedural roadblocks under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. Rising concerns about accountability deficit in higher judiciary. Raises tension between judicial independence vs accountability. Relevance GS II – Polity & Governance Judicial accountability vs judicial independence Constitutional mechanisms for removal of judges Separation of powers & checks and balances Role of Parliament and Presiding Officers Institutional reforms in judiciary Practice Question “The impeachment mechanism for judges in India prioritises independence over accountability.”Critically examine the statement in the light of constitutional provisions and recent debates.(250 Words) Conceptual & Static Foundation Core Concept Judicial Removal : A constitutional mechanism to remove a judge of the Supreme Court or High Court on grounds of: Proved misbehaviour Incapacity Constitutional Basis Article 124(4) – Supreme Court judges Article 217(1)(b) – High Court judges Statutory Framework Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 + Judges (Inquiry) Rules, 1969 Historical Evolution Constituent Assembly Intentionally made removal difficult to protect judicial independence. Post-1950Justice Soumitra Sen (2011) – resigned before final removal. Trend Shift from moral authority of judiciary → demand for institutional accountability. Constitutional & Legal Dimensions Key Articles Article 124(4): Removal by Parliament with special majority. Article 124(5): Parliament empowered to regulate procedure. Procedure Motion signed by: 100 MPs (Lok Sabha) or 50 MPs (Rajya Sabha) Admission by Speaker / Chairman 3-member Inquiry Committee: SC judge HC Chief Justice Distinguished jurist Supreme Court Interpretation C. Ravichandran Iyer v. Justice A.M. Bhattacharjee (1995): High ethical standards expected; impeachment is not sole accountability mechanism. Separation of Powers Issue Presiding officer’s discretionary power creates a constitutional grey zone. Governance & Administrative Dimensions Institutional Actors Parliament (political threshold) Presiding Officers (Speaker / Vice-President) Inquiry Committee (quasi-judicial) Key Governance Gap No obligation on Speaker/Chairman to: Admit motion Provide reasons for rejection Coordination Issue Judiciary investigates itself → perception of bias. Result Accountability becomes procedurally hostage to political discretion. Economic Dimensions Indirect Economic Impact Weak judicial accountability: Undermines investor confidence Affects contract enforcement Increases litigation uncertainty World Bank (Rule of Law Index logic) Judicial credibility directly correlates with ease of doing business and economic growth. Social, Ethical & Equity Dimensions Ethical Concerns Judges exercising power over citizens without effective removal threat. Impact on Vulnerable Groups Victims of judicial misconduct (women, litigants) face: No external redress Closed institutional processes Constitutional Values Article 14 (Equality before law) Article 21 (Due process, dignity) SDG Link SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Security / Technology Dimensions Security Angle Loss of public faith can fuel: Institutional distrust Democratic erosion Technology Absence of transparent digital disclosure mechanisms for complaints. Data & Evidence Zero judges removed through full impeachment since 1950. Over 5 impeachment motions moved; most failed at admission stage. Special Majority Requirement: Majority of total membership + 2/3rd of members present & voting. Judicial Vacancies: Over 25–30% vacancies in High Courts (Law Ministry data), amplifying institutional stress. Challenges, Gaps & Criticisms Structural / Institutional Issues Over-concentration of power in Speaker/Chairman. Judiciary effectively judging its own members. Implementation & Design Issues No time-limit for: Admission of motion Completion of inquiry Extremely high political threshold discourages MPs. Expert / Committee Criticism ARC (2nd ARC, Ethics in Governance): Recommended independent judicial oversight mechanism. Legal Scholars Impeachment is a “dead letter”—symbolic, not functional. Way Forward Procedural Reforms Speaker/Chairman should record written reasons for admission/rejection. Statutory time-bound stages for inquiry. Institutional Reform Establish Judicial Complaints Commission (revive NJAC-like accountability without compromising independence). Transparency Annual public report on judicial complaints (anonymised). Ethical Safeguards Strong in-house mechanisms with external oversight. Constitutional Balance Accountability without executive dominance. Prelims Pointers Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 governs impeachment procedure. Special majority required in both Houses. Presiding officer not constitutionally bound to admit motion. “Proved misbehaviour” is not defined in the Constitution. No impeachment possible after judge’s resignation. Water Bankruptcy & the Case for Water Accounting Context Trigger Editorial discourse on “Water bankruptcy” highlighting unsustainable water extraction amid climate shocks. Context India facing simultaneous floods, droughts, groundwater depletion, and water quality collapse. Climate change amplifying hydrological extremes. Relevance GS I – Geography Water resources Climate change and hydrological extremes Human–environment interaction GS III – Environment & Economy Water security and food security Agricultural sustainability Climate adaptation Natural resource management Practice Question What is meant by “water bankruptcy”? Explain how climate change and governance failures are accelerating water stress in India.(250 Words) Conceptual & Static Foundation Core Concept Water Bankruptcy A structural condition where water withdrawals exceed natural recharge, leading to: Irreversible depletion Ecological damage Declining water quality Long-term economic & human security risks Core Idea Treats water as natural capital, not an infinite public good. International Reference UN-Water: Warns of a global demand–supply gap of ~40% by 2030. Historical Evolution Traditional Phase Community-based systems (tanks, stepwells, johads) ensured local recharge–use balance. Post-Green Revolution Shift to: Tube wells Free/subsidised electricity Water-intensive crops Current Phase Climate-driven hydrological instability + governance failure → water bankruptcy. Constitutional & Legal Dimensions Constitutional Position Water is a State subject – Entry 17, State List. Union Role Entry 56, Union List: Inter-state rivers. Article 262: Inter-state river disputes. Key Laws / Policies National Water Policy (2012) – non-binding Model Groundwater Bill – limited state adoption Judicial Interventions Supreme Court: Right to clean water implicit under Article 21. Federal Challenge Fragmented authority with weak enforcement capacity. Governance & Administrative Dimensions Institutional Landscape Ministry of Jal Shakti Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) State water resource departments Governance Gap No mandatory water accounting at basin/state/farm level. Centre–State Issues Data asymmetry Politicisation of river disputes Implementation Deficit Schemes focus on supply augmentation, not demand management. Economic Dimensions Macroeconomic Impact Agriculture (~80% of freshwater use) most vulnerable. Water stress threatens food security & rural livelihoods. Productivity Loss Over-irrigation → soil salinity, declining yields. Economic Survey Insight Efficient irrigation can significantly improve water-use productivity. Global Evidence World Bank links water scarcity to GDP loss of up to 6% in water-stressed economies. Social, Ethical & Equity Dimensions Equity Concerns Rich farmers access groundwater; poor depend on failing surface sources. Gender Dimension Women bear disproportionate burden of water scarcity. Ethical Issue Inter-generational injustice: current extraction mortgaging future needs. DPSP & SDG Link Article 39(b): Equitable distribution of material resources. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Environmental / Climate Dimensions Climate Linkages Himalayan snow decline Erratic monsoon Intense rainfall + long dry spells Ecological Impact Wetland loss River baseflow reduction Biodiversity stress Pollution Nexus Lower flows → higher concentration of pollutants. Data & Evidence India extracts ~250 billion cubic metres of groundwater annually – highest globally. ~10.8% of India’s groundwater units are over-exploited or critical (CGWB-2025). Per capita water availability declined from ~5,000 m³ (1950) to ~1,486 m³ today. Agriculture uses ~80% of freshwater. UN projects 40% global water deficit by 2030. Challenges, Gaps & Criticisms Structural / Institutional Issues Absence of basin-level water governance. Weak groundwater regulation. Implementation & Design Issues Free power incentives distort farmer behaviour. Lack of real-time data on withdrawals and recharge. Poor adoption of micro-irrigation beyond subsidies. Expert / Committee Criticism NITI Aayog (CWMI): Warns of severe water stress threatening India’s growth trajectory. CAG Reports Highlight inefficiencies in irrigation projects and command area development. Way Forward Water Accounting Mandatory basin-level and aquifer-level water budgeting. Demand Management Crop diversification away from water-intensive crops. Rationalisation of electricity subsidies. Institutional Reform Strengthen CGWB with regulatory powers. Technology Remote sensing + AI for real-time water monitoring. Community Approach Revive traditional water harvesting systems. Policy Alignment Update National Water Policy with legal backing. Prelims Pointers Water is a State subject, not Union. Groundwater is not explicitly regulated by a central law. India is the largest groundwater extractor globally. National Water Policy is non-binding. CWMI is released by NITI Aayog, not Ministry of Jal Shakti. Water scarcity ≠ drought; scarcity can exist even in high rainfall areas.

Jan 22, 2026 Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 22 January 2026

Content India–AI Impact Summit 2026 Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) India–AI Impact Summit 2026 Background and Context The India–AI Impact Summit 2026, marks India’s effort to position Artificial Intelligence as a development enabler rather than a purely commercial or military technology. Scheduled from 16–20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the Summit will be the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, reflecting India’s leadership in inclusive digital governance. Relevance : GS Paper 3 Science and technology, economy, and security: AI as a driver of productivity, digital public infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, startup growth, AI compute infrastructure, and strategic technological self-reliance. Key Features of the Summit Scale and Structure The Summit is designed as a five-day multi-stakeholder programme covering policy dialogue, research collaboration, industry engagement, innovation showcases, and public outreach across AI governance and deployment domains. The India AI Impact Expo 2026 is expected to host 300+ exhibitors from 30 countries across 10+ thematic pavilions, showcasing AI transition from pilots to large-scale deployment. Foundational Vision: The Three Sutras People The “People” Sutra emphasises citizen-centric AI, focusing on healthcare access, personalised education, financial inclusion, and multilingual digital services aligned with India’s demographic and social diversity. Planet The “Planet” Sutra positions AI as a sustainability enabler through precision agriculture, climate monitoring, efficient resource utilisation, and environmentally responsible technology adoption supporting India’s climate and SDG commitments. Progress The “Progress” Sutra highlights AI-driven productivity gains, governance efficiency, digital public infrastructure strengthening, and innovation-led economic growth, supporting India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Sectoral Applications Highlighted AI in Healthcare AI-enabled telemedicine, remote diagnostics, and medical image analysis improve healthcare access in rural areas, supporting early detection of TB, cancer, and chronic diseases while reducing travel and diagnostic delays. AI in Agriculture and Rural Economy AI-based weather prediction, pest forecasting, drone monitoring, and satellite imagery enhance farm productivity, reduce input waste, and support farmer incomes through tools like Kisan E-Mitra and regional-language advisories. AI in Education and Learning Adaptive learning platforms, AI tutors, and real-time language translation enable personalised education, reduce learning gaps, and improve accessibility through national platforms such as DIKSHA. AI in Finance and Commerce AI strengthens financial inclusion through real-time fraud detection, alternative credit scoring for unbanked populations, and 24/7 banking chatbots improving efficiency and consumer trust in digital financial systems. AI in Governance and Public Services AI-assisted translation of court judgments, smart city optimisation, faster scheme processing, and AI-enabled case management improve transparency, access to justice, and efficiency of government service delivery. Seven Chakras: Framework for Global Cooperation Human Capital Focuses on equitable AI skilling and reskilling ecosystems to prepare India’s workforce for AI-driven economic transitions while aligning talent development with national demographic advantages. Inclusion for Social Empowerment Promotes scalable AI solutions for last-mile service delivery, enabling marginalised communities to access governance, welfare schemes, and digital services efficiently. Safe and Trusted AI Seeks to operationalise responsible AI principles into interoperable governance frameworks, strengthening data protection, algorithmic transparency, and public trust without stifling innovation. Resilience, Innovation and Efficiency Addresses environmental and resource challenges posed by large-scale AI systems, ensuring sustainable adoption while preventing widening digital and technological divides. Science Leverages AI to accelerate scientific discovery, especially in health, agriculture, and climate research, while addressing inequities in access to data, compute, and research infrastructure. Democratising AI Resources Aims to ensure equitable access to AI compute, datasets, and foundational tools for startups, researchers, and public institutions, supporting fair participation in global AI value chains. AI for Economic Growth and Social Good Identifies high-impact AI use cases that simultaneously drive productivity and address social challenges, positioning AI as an engine for inclusive and sustainable development. AI Impact Events and Knowledge Outputs Pre-Summit and Regional Engagements Eight Regional AI Conferences (Oct 2025–Jan 2026) across Indian states identify region-specific AI use cases, capacity gaps, and policy inputs feeding into Summit deliberations. Main Summit and AI Compendium The Main Summit, structured around the seven Chakras, received 700+ global proposals, while the AI Compendium (17 February 2026) documents real-world AI applications across priority sectors. Flagship Challenges and Capacity Building AI for ALL, AI by HER, and YUVAi Global Youth Challenge promote scalable AI solutions, women-led innovation, and youth participation, offering awards up to ₹5 crore and ₹85 lakh respectively. India AI Tinkerpreneur bootcamp builds AI and entrepreneurial skills among school students (Classes 6–12), fostering early innovation and problem-solving capabilities. Institutional Framework Supporting the Summit MeitY provides policy direction and inter-ministerial coordination, anchoring AI within national digital governance and trusted technology frameworks. IndiaAI Mission shapes Summit themes around compute infrastructure, datasets, indigenous models, skilling, and startups, advancing inclusive and responsible AI adoption. STPI supports startups and MSMEs through incubation, infrastructure, and global linkages, enabling broad-based participation in India’s AI innovation ecosystem. Digital India ensures AI solutions align with citizen-centric governance, accessibility, transparency, and scalable digital public infrastructure. Expected Outcomes The Summit is expected to strengthen AI governance frameworks, assess regional preparedness, support workforce transition, and foster sustained partnerships across government, academia, startups, and industry. Conclusion The India–AI Impact Summit 2026 positions AI as a strategic development enabler, integrating governance, innovation, and inclusion while reinforcing Digital India and advancing national self-reliance in AI capabilities. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) Background and Context Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana was launched on 22 January 2015 under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign to promote long-term financial security, education, and empowerment of the girl child. As SSY completes 11 years in January 2026, it has evolved from a savings instrument into a nationwide social-financial intervention reinforcing gender equality and future-oriented family planning. Relevance : GS Paper 1 Women empowerment and social change: Gender equality, girl-child education, delayed marriage, demographic dividend, and transformation of patriarchal social norms through financial inclusion. GS Paper 2 Welfare schemes and governance: Design, implementation, federal outreach, financial inclusion, convergence with Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and role of the State in social protection. Key Features and Scale of the Scheme Coverage and Reach Since inception, over 4.53 crore SSY accounts have been opened, with cumulative deposits exceeding ₹33 lakh crore as of December 2025, indicating wide public trust and adoption. Interest Rate and Safety SSY currently offers an 2% annual interest rate, among the highest government-backed small savings rates, with full sovereign guarantee on principal and interest, ensuring low-risk long-term wealth creation. Objectives and Vision of SSY SSY aims to encourage early financial planning for daughters’ education and marriage, linking household savings behaviour with broader goals of women’s empowerment, human capital formation, and intergenerational social mobility. By integrating financial security with social transformation, SSY reinforces the idea that investing in girls strengthens families, communities, and national development outcomes. Eligibility and Account Structure Who Can Open an Account ? Parents or legal guardians can open one SSY account for an Indian girl child from birth till 10 years of age at post offices or authorised public and private sector banks. Account Limits and Management Only one account per girl child is allowed, with a maximum of two accounts per family, except in cases of twins or triplets, subject to documentary proof. The account is operated by the guardian until the girl attains 18 years, after which she assumes control, reinforcing financial autonomy and responsibility. Deposit Rules and Interest Calculation Deposit Requirements The minimum annual deposit is ₹250, while the maximum permissible contribution is ₹5 lakh per financial year, with deposits allowed for 15 years from account opening. Interest Accrual Mechanism Interest is calculated on a monthly basis and credited annually at the end of the financial year, ensuring uninterrupted compounding even if the account is transferred geographically. Withdrawal and Maturity Provisions Partial Withdrawal for Education Up to 50% of the balance at the end of the preceding financial year can be withdrawn for education once the account holder attains 18 years or passes Class 10. Withdrawals may be taken as a lump sum or in installments, limited to one withdrawal per year for five years, strictly linked to actual educational expenses. Maturity and Premature Closure The account matures after 21 years from opening, with early closure permitted only in cases of marriage after age 18 or death of the account holder. Premature closure is not allowed within the first five years, safeguarding long-term savings discipline and scheme integrity. Financial and Tax Benefits Deposits under SSY qualify for tax deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, offering an Exempt–Exempt–Exempt (EEE) style benefit. Even after maturity, if the account is not closed, it continues to earn interest at the Post Office Savings Account rate, preventing erosion of accumulated savings. Economic and Social Significance SSY functions as both a financial inclusion tool and a social empowerment mechanism, encouraging households to prioritise girls’ education, delayed marriage, and economic independence. By strengthening women’s human capital, SSY contributes indirectly to workforce participation, productivity enhancement, and the long-term vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Governance and Administrative Design The scheme is implemented through India Post and authorised banks, ensuring last-mile accessibility, portability across India, and integration with Aadhaar-based identification systems. Regular interest rate notifications by the Ministry of Finance align SSY returns with macroeconomic conditions while maintaining its attractiveness among small savings instruments. Challenges and Limitations Awareness gaps in remote and socio-economically backward regions limit optimal coverage, despite high aggregate account numbers. Inflation-adjusted real returns may fluctuate over long durations, making complementary investments and financial literacy essential for maximising long-term benefits. Way Forward Strengthening financial literacy campaigns, especially in rural and aspirational districts, can improve informed participation and timely deposits. Integrating SSY with digital platforms, school enrolment drives, and women-centric welfare schemes can enhance convergence and developmental impact. Conclusion Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana represents a strategic blend of financial prudence and social reform, transforming household savings into a powerful instrument for gender equality and inclusive national development.

Jan 22, 2026 Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 22 January 2026

Content Prior Sanction for Corruption Charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 Citizen-Centric Healthcare Delivery and Use of Technology Accelerating Subsidence of India’s River Deltas Governor’s Address to the State Legislature Japan’s Post-Fukushima Nuclear Restart Urban Traffic Congestion in Indian Cities: Bengaluru and Pune Prior Sanction for Corruption Charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 Why in News ? Trigger Supreme Court’s split verdict on the constitutional validity of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), 1988, which mandates prior government sanction before initiating inquiry/investigation against public servants. Context PIL challenging Section 17A as: Shielding corruption Diluting investigative autonomy Government’s defence: protection of honest decision-making. Relevance GS Paper II Anti-corruption framework Accountability vs administrative discretion Role of executive in investigations Rule of Law and separation of powers GS Paper IV Ethics in public administration Accountability of public servants Public office as public trust Conceptual & Static Foundation Core Concept – Prior Sanction Prior Sanction A statutory requirement mandating approval from the competent authority before: Prosecuting (Section 19, PCA) Investigating decisions taken by public servants (Section 17A, PCA). Purpose Prevent vexatious, politically motivated or frivolous prosecution. Legal Background – Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 Enacted to consolidate laws relating to corruption among public servants. Covers: Bribery Criminal misconduct Abuse of official position 2018 Amendment Inserted Section 17A. Section 17A – What Does It Mandate? Provision No police officer shall conduct any enquiry, inquiry or investigation into: Any offence alleged to have been committed by a public servant In discharge of official functions Without prior approval of the competent authority. Scope Applies to decision-making acts, not necessarily bribe-taking in every case. Exception Does not apply where: Person is caught red-handed accepting bribe. Constitutional & Legal Dimensions Arguments Supporting Section 17A Protects bona fide administrative decision-making. Prevents policy paralysis and “fear psychosis”. Executive has the right to regulate prosecution of its officials. Comparable to Section 197 CrPC (sanction for prosecution). Arguments Against Section 17A Violates Article 14 (arbitrariness; unequal protection). Undermines: Rule of Law Independent investigation Converts sanctioning authority into a judge of its own cause. Prior sanction before investigation (not just prosecution) is excessive. Supreme Court Jurisprudence Vineet Narain v. Union of India (1998) Struck down executive interference in corruption probes. Emphasised institutional independence of CBI. Subramanian Swamy v. Manmohan Singh (2012) Sanction must be granted or denied within reasonable time. Current Split Verdict (2024–25) One judge: Section 17A unconstitutional (violates equality, investigative autonomy). Other judge: Section 17A valid; sufficient safeguards already exist. Status Matter referred to a larger constitutional bench. Governance & Administrative Dimensions Institutional Impact Investigating agencies (CBI, State ACBs) face procedural delays. Key Governance Concern Executive control over initiation of corruption probes. Centre–Agency Tension Dilutes operational autonomy promised post–Vineet Narain reforms. Outcome Shift from deterrence-based anti-corruption to permission-based enforcement. Economic Dimensions Weak anti-corruption enforcement: Increases cost of governance Discourages investment Affects ease of doing business World Bank Governance Indicators Corruption control directly linked to economic efficiency and growth. Social, Ethical & Equity Dimensions Ethical Dilemma Protection of honest officers vs accountability of corrupt officials. Equity Issue Citizens face barriers to justice due to: Delayed investigations Institutional shielding Ethical Framework (GS IV) Public office as a public trust Accountability as core value of ethical governance. SDG Link SDG 16: Effective, accountable institutions. Data & Evidence PCA amended in 2018 to insert Section 17A. Sanction requirement applies to decision-related acts, not trap cases. India’s ranking in global corruption perception indices consistently highlights governance concerns. Multiple corruption cases delayed due to sanction-related bottlenecks (Parliamentary Standing Committee observations). Challenges, Gaps & Criticisms Structural / Institutional Issues Executive dominance over anti-corruption machinery. Conflict of interest: Government decides on investigation of its own officials. Implementation & Design Issues No statutory time-limit for granting sanction under Section 17A. Scope of “decision taken in official capacity” is ambiguous. Prior sanction at pre-investigation stage is globally unusual. Expert / Committee Criticism Second ARC (Ethics in Governance) Stressed need for independent anti-corruption institutions. Legal scholars: Section 17A risks becoming a protective shield, not a procedural safeguard. Way Forward Procedural Safeguards Sanction decision should be: Time-bound Reasoned Balanced Approach Limit prior sanction to: Policy decisions Not routine administrative or financial acts. Institutional Reform Independent sanctioning authority (outside executive control). Judicial Oversight Allow courts to override sanction denial in exceptional cases. Legislative Clarity Clearly define “official decision” vs corrupt act. Prelims Pointers Section 17A inserted by 2018 amendment to PCA. Sanction under Section 17A is before investigation, not prosecution. Section 19 PCA deals with sanction for prosecution, not inquiry. Vineet Narain case relates to CBI independence, not PCA directly. Citizen-Centric Healthcare Delivery & Use of Technology Contextual Background Trigger Lancet Commission (2025–26) report calling for a citizen-centric, publicly financed, and technology-enabled healthcare system in India. Context Persistent gaps in: Access Quality Financial protection in India’s healthcare. Post-COVID recognition of: Health as a public good Need for system-wide reform, not scheme-based fixes. Relevance GS Paper II Health as a public good Welfare state and social sector governance Centre–State relations in healt GS Paper III Human capital development Technology in service delivery Conceptual & Static Foundation Core Concept – Citizen-Centric Healthcare Citizen-Centric Healthcare A system where: Citizens, not diseases or insurance packages, are at the centre. Emphasis on continuity of care, not episodic treatment. Key Principles Universality Equity Public financing Accountability Lancet’s Core Assertion Health systems should be publicly financed and publicly provided, with technology as an enabler—not a substitute. Historical Evolution of Health Policy in India Post-Independence Focus on public health infrastructure (PHCs, CHCs). 1990s–2000s Gradual shift towards: Privatisation Out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE). Recent Phase Insurance-led approach (e.g., PM-JAY). Emerging Shift From insurance-centric → care-centric health systems. Constitutional & Legal Dimensions Constitutional Basis Article 21: Right to life interpreted to include right to health. Article 47 (DPSP): Duty of the State to improve public health. Legal Reality Health is a State subject (Entry 6, State List). Judicial Interpretation Supreme Court: Access to healthcare integral to dignity. Constitutional Gap No enforceable right to healthcare yet. Federal Implication Need for strong Centre–State coordination without encroachment. Governance & Administrative Dimensions Lancet Commission’s Diagnosis Fragmented health system: Preventive, promotive, curative care poorly integrated. Institutional Recommendations Strengthen: Primary healthcare as the foundation. Referral-based, integrated care pathways. Governance Reform Shift from: Disease-specific vertical programmes To people-centred, life-cycle-based care. Centre–State Issues Uneven capacity Fiscal asymmetry Accountability Citizens should have voice and grievance redressal in health systems. Economic Dimensions Public Health Spending India spends ~2.1% of GDP on health (Economic Survey). Out-of-Pocket Expenditure Still ~45–50% of total health expenditure. Lancet’s Economic Argument Preventive and primary care reduce: Long-term costs Hospitalisation burden. Macroeconomic Link Poor health outcomes reduce: Labour productivity Human capital formation. Global Evidence Publicly funded health systems are more cost-effective and equitable. Social, Ethical & Equity Dimensions Equity Concerns Poor, women, elderly disproportionately affected by: OOPE Fragmented care. Ethical Lens Healthcare as: Right Public trust Moral obligation of the State. Dignity & Consent Citizen-centric care emphasises: Patient dignity Informed consent Continuity of care. SDG Link SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. Technology Dimensions Role of Technology (Lancet View) AI, digital platforms, health data systems should: Support clinicians Improve diagnostics Enable continuity of care. Indian Context Digital Health Mission Electronic Health Records (EHRs). Risks Tech-first approach may: Exclude digitally marginalised Undermine doctor–patient relationship. Principle Technology should augment, not replace, human care. Data & Evidence Nearly 30 experts contributed to the Lancet Commission. India’s OOPE ~45–50% of total health expenditure. Public health spending ~2.1% of GDP. Primary healthcare prevents up to 70% of avoidable hospitalisations (global estimates). India faces a dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Challenges, Gaps & Criticisms Structural / Institutional Issues Over-reliance on private sector. Weak primary healthcare in many States. Fragmented service delivery. Implementation & Design Issues Insurance schemes prioritise: Hospital care over prevention. Human resource shortages: Doctors, nurses, allied health workers. Poor integration of digital health platforms. Expert / Committee Criticism Lancet Commission Warns against: Insurance-only solutions Market-driven healthcare. Public Health Experts Emphasise need to rebuild public provisioning capacity. Way Forward Policy Shift Move from insurance-centric to care-centric health policy. Financing Increase public health spending to ≥3% of GDP. Primary Care Strengthen Health and Wellness Centres as first point of contact. Technology Use AI, digital records for: Preventive care Chronic disease management. Equity Focus Design systems for: Poor Elderly Rural and tribal populations. Governance Institutionalise citizen feedback and accountability mechanisms. Prelims Pointers Health is a State subject, not Union. Right to health is judicially derived, not explicit. Lancet Commission favours public financing, not privatisation. Technology is an enabler, not a substitute. OOPE remains high despite insurance expansion. Accelerating Subsidence of India’s River Deltas Contextual Background Trigger An international research study published in Nature (January 14, 2026) revealing systemic land subsidence across major river deltas, including six in India. Key Finding In several Indian deltas, land subsidence exceeds the rate of sea-level rise, magnifying coastal risk. Motivation of Study Global lack of high-resolution subsidence data for river deltas despite supporting ~340 million people worldwide Relevance GS Paper I Geomorphology: river deltas Human–environment interaction GS Paper III Climate change impacts Disaster risk reduction Environmental degradation Conceptual & Static Foundation Core Concept – Delta Subsidence Subsidence Gradual sinking of land elevation due to: Natural sediment compaction Isostatic and tectonic processes. Human-Accelerated Subsidence Excessive groundwater extraction Reduced sediment supply Urban load and infrastructure pressure. Key Insight Human actions have transformed a slow geological process into an urgent environmental crisis. Scientific & Technical Basis of the Study Data Source ESA Sentinel-1 satellite (2014–2023). Methodology Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR). Spatial resolution: 75 metres. Analytical Tool Random Forest Machine Learning model. Stressors Analysed Groundwater storage (NASA–German GRACE satellites). Sediment flux. Urban expansion. Key Findings – Indian River Deltas Deltas Identified Six Indian Deltas Studied Ganges–Brahmaputra Brahmani Mahanadi Godavari Cauvery Kabani. Magnitude & Pattern of Subsidence Extent 90% of Ganges–Brahmaputra, Brahmani, Mahanadi deltas affected. Rate Average subsidence exceeds regional sea-level rise in: Ganges Brahmani Mahanadi Godavari Kabani. Critical Threshold 77% of Brahmani and 69% of Mahanadi sinking at >5 mm/year. Urban Hotspot Kolkata: Subsidence accelerated by: Urban load Resource over-extraction. Environmental & Climate Dimensions Climate Interaction Subsidence + sea-level rise = compound coastal hazard. Impacts Increased coastal and river flooding. Permanent land loss. Saltwater intrusion contaminating: Freshwater aquifers Agricultural soils. Ecosystem Stress Wetland degradation. Mangrove vulnerability. Climate Risk Framing Ganges–Brahmaputra delta shifted from: “Latent threat” (20th century) To “Unprepared diver” (21st century). Economic Dimensions Livelihood Impact Agriculture and fisheries affected by salinisation. Infrastructure Risk Damage to: Ports Transport networks Urban assets. Migration Pressure Environmental degradation → distress migration. Macro Risk Coastal economic hubs face long-term viability threats. Social, Ethical & Equity Dimensions Vulnerable Populations Delta regions house: High population density Poor adaptive capacity. Equity Concern Those contributing least to climate change bear disproportionate costs. Resource Conflict Freshwater scarcity may intensify: Inter-sectoral Inter-regional conflicts. SDG Link SDG 13 (Climate Action) SDG 14 (Life below Water) SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities). Governance & Administrative Dimensions Institutional Capacity Gap Risk increasing faster than governance response. Policy Blind Spot Coastal planning often ignores vertical land movement. Centre–State Coordination Fragmented responsibility for: Water extraction Urban planning Coastal regulation. Regulatory Gaps Weak enforcement of groundwater regulation. Inadequate sediment management in river basins. Data & Evidence 40 global deltas studied; 6 in India. Spatial resolution: 75 m (high-resolution). >340 million people depend on global deltas. >90% area affected in three major Indian deltas. Subsidence rates exceed sea-level rise in most Indian deltas studied. Study period: 2014–2023. Published in Nature, January 14, 2026. Challenges, Gaps & Limitations Structural / Data Limitations GRACE groundwater data less accurate for small deltas. Sediment flux data not fully updated. 40 deltas not fully globally representative. Policy & Implementation Gaps Absence of: Delta-specific adaptation plans. Integrated river basin–delta governance. Urban expansion unchecked in vulnerable zones. Way Forward Integrated Delta Management Basin-to-delta planning integrating sediment flow. Groundwater Regulation Enforce sustainable extraction limits. Urban Planning Restrict high-load infrastructure in subsiding zones. Nature-Based Solutions Mangrove restoration as natural buffers. Technology Use Institutionalise satellite-based subsidence monitoring. Governance Capacity Shift deltas from “unprepared divers” to climate-resilient systems. Policy Alignment Mainstream subsidence into: Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Disaster management planning. Prelims Pointers Subsidence ≠ sea-level rise; both compound risk. Sentinel-1 is operated by ESA, not NASA. GRACE measures groundwater storage, not surface water. Urbanisation can accelerate subsidence even without tectonic activity. Delta sinking can exceed sea-level rise → higher flood risk. Subsidence is partly natural, but now human-amplified. Governor’s Address to the State Legislature Contextual Background Trigger Karnataka Governor–State Government face-off over deletion of portions of the Governor’s address to the State Legislature, particularly references critical of the Union government (e.g., MNREGA fund delays). Context Similar confrontations recently witnessed in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, indicating a patterned Centre–State–Governor tension. Relevance GS Paper II Role of Governor Constitutional conventions Centre–State relations Federalism GS Paper IV Constitutional morality Neutrality of constitutional offices Conceptual & Static Foundation Governor’s Address – Constitutional Concept Governor’s Address A constitutional formality where the Governor addresses the Legislature at: First session after general elections First session of each year. Nature Not personal views of the Governor. Reflects the policies and programmes of the elected State government. Constitutional & Legal Dimensions Relevant Constitutional Provisions Article 176 Governor shall address the Legislative Assembly/Council. Article 163 Governor to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in limited discretionary areas. Article 168 Defines the State Legislature. Article 175(2) Governor may send messages to the House(s), again on aid and advice. Supreme Court Interpretation Shamsher Singh v. State of Punjab (1974) Governor is a constitutional head, not an independent authority. Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker (2016) Governor cannot act contrary to or without ministerial advice except where Constitution explicitly allows. Key Principle Governor has no veto over content of the address. Governance & Federal Dimensions Core Issue Whether a Governor can: Refuse to read the address. Unilaterally delete or modify portions approved by the Cabinet. Constitutional Position Governor cannot alter substance of the address. At best, may: Suggest changes Seek clarifications. Federal Concern Governor acting as: Neutral constitutional umpire vs De facto agent of the Union. Trend Increasing politicisation of gubernatorial office undermines cooperative federalism. Democratic & Ethical Dimensions Democratic Principle Governor’s address represents the mandate of the electorate, not Raj Bhavan’s discretion. Ethical Issue Unelected authority diluting or blocking: Legislative debate Executive accountability. Institutional Morality Respect for: Popular sovereignty Cabinet responsibility. Challenges, Gaps & Criticisms Structural Issues Ambiguity in conventions vs codified rules. No explicit constitutional remedy for: Refusal to read address Selective omission. Institutional Criticism Punchhi Commission Warned against misuse of Governor’s office for partisan ends. Sarkaria Commission Governor should be a bridge, not a barrier, between Centre and State. Way Forward Codify Conventions Parliamentary/legislative rules clarifying: Mandatory reading of Cabinet-approved address. Judicial Clarification Clear ruling on consequences of Governor’s refusal. Governor’s Conduct Adherence to: Constitutional morality Political neutrality. Structural Reform Implement commission recommendations on: Appointment Tenure security Removal norms for Governors. Federal Ethos Reinforce cooperative, not confrontational, federalism. Prelims Pointers Governor’s address is under Article 176, not Article 174. Content belongs to Council of Ministers, not Governor. Governor has no discretionary power over address content. Refusal to read address ≠ constitutional veto. SC judgments consistently uphold aid and advice principle. Japan Restarts Nuclear Power Plant Post-Fukushima Contextual Background Trigger Japan restarted the Kashiwazaki–Kariwa nuclear power plant, the world’s largest nuclear power facility, marking the first restart since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Source International news reports (January 2026). Context Restart occurred despite: Strong public opposition Persistent concerns over earthquake and tsunami risks. Relevance GS Paper III Nuclear energy Energy security Disaster management Conceptual & Static Foundation Nuclear Power in Japan – Core Context Japan is a seismically active country with high exposure to: Earthquakes Tsunamis. Fukushima Daiichi Disaster (2011) Triggered by a tsunami following a major earthquake. Led to: Shutdown of all nuclear reactors Long-term evacuation Loss of public confidence in nuclear energy. Rationale Behind Restart Energy Security Dimension Japan is: Resource-poor Highly dependent on imported fossil fuels. Nuclear restart aimed at: Reducing energy import bill Ensuring stable baseload power Supporting industrial competitiveness. Climate & Emissions Dimension Nuclear energy viewed as: Low-carbon baseload energy Essential for Japan’s net-zero commitments. Restart aligns with: Decarbonisation goals Reduced reliance on coal and LNG. Safety, Environmental & Disaster Dimensions Location Risk Kashiwazaki–Kariwa located near: Seismically active coastal zones. Concerns Raised Risk of: Nuclear accident Radiation leakage Long-term ecological damage. Public Opposition Protests by residents and activists citing: Fukushima precedent Inadequate disaster preparedness. Government Response Assurance of: Enhanced safety checks Strict regulatory oversight. Governance & Regulatory Dimensions Regulatory Changes Post-Fukushima Establishment of stricter nuclear safety norms. Enhanced role of independent nuclear regulators. Trust Deficit Restart despite opposition highlights: Gap between expert assessment and public perception. Key Governance Question Can technological safeguards substitute for public consent? Economic Dimensions Cost Considerations Nuclear restarts reduce: High LNG and oil import costs. Industrial Impact Stable electricity crucial for: Manufacturing High-tech industries. Risk Cost Potential nuclear accident would impose: Massive economic Social Environmental costs. Data & Evidence Kashiwazaki–Kariwa is the world’s largest nuclear power plant. Restart is the first major nuclear reactivation in Japan since 2011. Fukushima disaster caused: Mass evacuations Long-term radiation concerns. Japan imports a major share of its energy requirements. Challenges, Gaps & Criticisms Structural Issues Nuclear plants in high-risk seismic zones. Long-term waste disposal unresolved. Governance Gaps Limited public participation in decision-making. Over-reliance on expert-driven risk assessment. Ethical Criticism Normalisation of nuclear risk post-Fukushima. Potential erosion of precautionary principle. Way Forward Risk-Based Decision Making Nuclear expansion must integrate: Disaster risk assessments Climate resilience. Public Engagement Transparency and consent crucial. Technological Safeguards Continuous upgrades, independent audits. Diversified Energy Mix Balance nuclear with renewables. Indian Context Lessons for: Coastal nuclear plants (Kudankulam) Disaster preparedness and evacuation planning. Prelims Pointers Fukushima disaster occurred in 2011, not 2004. Kashiwazaki–Kariwa ≠ Fukushima Daiichi. Nuclear power is low-carbon, but not risk-free. Energy security ≠ energy safety. Seismic risk is a critical factor in nuclear siting. Urban Traffic Congestion in Indian Cities – Bengaluru & Pune in Global Rankings Contextual Background Trigger TomTom Traffic Index 2025 ranked Bengaluru as the 2nd most congested city globally and Pune as 5th. Context Raises concerns amid State narratives projecting Bengaluru as a “future-ready/global tech city”. Relevance GS Paper I Urbanisation and migration GS Paper II Urban governance Municipal capacity GS Paper III Infrastructure Sustainable transport Productivity losses Conceptual & Static Foundation Core Concept – Urban Traffic Congestion Traffic Congestion A condition where travel demand exceeds road network capacity, leading to: Reduced speeds Longer travel times Higher fuel consumption and emissions. Measurement (TomTom Methodology) Average speeds during peak hours Time lost due to congestion Extra travel time compared to free-flow conditions. Key Findings (2025 Index Highlights) Bengaluru Average peak-hour speed: ~13.9 kmph. Congestion level: ~74.4% (year-on-year increase). Time to travel 10 km: ~36 minutes. Annual time lost during rush hours: ~168 hours. Pune Ranked 5th globally for congestion. Comparative Mumbai ranked 18th; performs better on average speed than Bengaluru. Governance & Administrative Dimensions Urban Planning Deficits Road-centric expansion without proportional public transport growth. Fragmented land-use and transport planning. Institutional Issues Weak coordination among: Municipal corporations Traffic police Urban development authorities. Policy Mismatch Global branding vs ground-level service delivery. Data & Evidence Bengaluru: 2nd most congested city globally (2025). Pune: 5th globally. Average peak speed in Bengaluru: ~13.9 kmph. Annual time lost in congestion (Bengaluru): ~168 hours. Congestion level increased year-on-year. Way Forward Public Transport First Accelerate metro, suburban rail, and bus rapid transit. Integrated Urban Planning Transit-oriented development (TOD). Demand Management Congestion pricing in core zones. Staggered office timings, remote work incentives. Technology Intelligent traffic management systems (AI-enabled signals). Institutional Reform Unified metropolitan transport authorities. Sustainability Promote non-motorised transport (walking, cycling). Prelims Pointers TomTom Traffic Index is a global, not Indian, report. Congestion ranking ≠ population size ranking. High GDP cities can still have poor mobility outcomes. Average speed during peak hours is a key congestion metric. Flyovers alone do not solve congestion structurally.

Jan 21, 2026 Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 21 January 2026

Content One Station One Product (OSOP): Celebrating Regional Identity Through Indian Railways India–AI Impact Summit 2026: Welfare for All, Happiness of All One Station One Product (OSOP): Celebrating Regional Identity Through Indian Railways Background One Station One Product (OSOP) is an Indian Railways initiative launched in 2022 to promote indigenous products by integrating local craftsmanship with the national railway transport and market infrastructure. The scheme aligns with broader national priorities such as Vocal for Local and Atmanirbhar Bharat, using public infrastructure to enable decentralised, market-led, inclusive economic development. Relevance GS I (Culture & Society): Preserves and promotes regional crafts, indigenous food traditions, and living cultural heritage through everyday public spaces like railway stations. GS II (Governance & Social Justice): Illustrates innovative, inclusive governance by using public infrastructure for livelihood creation and empowering women-led SHGs and marginal artisans. GS III (Economy & Infrastructure): Strengthens MSMEs and non-farm rural employment through infrastructure-led, market-based local economic development. Current Status and Scale Coverage and Physical Outreach As of 19 January 2026, OSOP has been implemented across 2,002 railway stations, with 2,326 dedicated outlets operating within station premises across diverse geographical and cultural regions. Beneficiary Reach Since its launch in 2022, OSOP has generated direct livelihood opportunities for more than 1.32 lakh artisans, weavers, self-help groups, and small producers nationwide. Objectives of the OSOP Scheme Economic Objectives OSOP aims to provide assured, high-footfall market access to local producers, reducing dependency on intermediaries and improving income realisation for informal and micro-enterprises. Social Objectives The initiative promotes inclusive growth by integrating women-led SHGs, rural artisans, and marginal producers into formal market spaces traditionally inaccessible to them. Cultural Objectives OSOP seeks to preserve and revitalise traditional crafts, indigenous food items, and regional specialities that were facing declining demand due to industrial standardisation. Key Features of the Scheme Station–Product Mapping Each railway station is mapped to a unique local product representing regional identity, including handlooms, handicrafts, GI-tagged goods, agro-products, spices, and traditional sweets. Implementation Mechanism Implementation is decentralised through railway divisions in coordination with state governments, MSME departments, KVIC, cooperatives, and local self-help group networks. Economic Significance Livelihood Generation OSOP creates stable non-farm employment opportunities, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, contributing to income diversification and resilience against agricultural income volatility. MSME and Local Economy Strengthening The scheme strengthens local value chains by encouraging micro-producers to scale production, improve quality, and gradually integrate into formal MSME and regional supply ecosystems. Social and Cultural Impact Revival of Traditional Crafts OSOP has enabled revival of region-specific crafts such as bamboo and cane work in the Northeast, handlooms, pottery, indigenous foods, and artisanal household products. Cultural Integration and Passenger Experience Railway stations function as cultural interfaces, exposing millions of passengers daily to India’s micro-cultural diversity and transforming transit spaces into experiential cultural marketplaces. Gender and Community Empowerment Significant participation of women artisans and SHGs enhances economic agency, strengthens collective entrepreneurship, and reinforces dignity of labour in traditional and informal occupations. Governance and Administrative Dimensions Innovative Use of Public Infrastructure OSOP exemplifies governance innovation by repurposing existing railway infrastructure as economic platforms, maximising public asset utility without significant additional fiscal expenditure. Cooperative Federalism Effective implementation reflects Centre–State convergence, with local administrations identifying products and beneficiaries while Indian Railways provides national-level logistical and market connectivity. Alignment with Constitutional and Global Goals Constitutional Values OSOP advances Article 38 and Article 39 objectives by promoting equitable livelihood opportunities, decentralised economic participation, and social justice through market-based empowerment. Sustainable Development Goals The initiative contributes to SDG 8 on decent work, SDG 9 on inclusive industrialisation, and SDG 11 on sustainable, culturally resilient communities. Challenges and Gaps Operational and Quality Challenges Variations in product quality, packaging, branding, and pricing across stations reduce consumer trust and limit the ability of OSOP products to command premium market value. Structural and Capacity Constraints Small artisans often face production scalability constraints, supply inconsistency, and raw material limitations, particularly during peak travel seasons and festive demand surges. Digital and Market Integration Gaps Limited integration with digital platforms, e-commerce ecosystems, and national branding frameworks restricts OSOP’s long-term market expansion beyond physical station outlets. Way Forward Quality, Branding, and Certification Introducing GI tagging, standardised branding templates, and quality certification mechanisms can enhance credibility, price realisation, and national recognition of OSOP products. Digital Expansion and Market Linkages Integrating OSOP with railway applications, ONDC, QR-based product catalogues, and digital payments can expand consumer reach beyond station footfall. Capacity Building and Sustainability Collaboration with institutions like NIFT, NID, and KVIC can support design upgradation, packaging innovation, and sustainable cluster-based production planning. India–AI Impact Summit 2026: Welfare for All, Happiness of All Context Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a critical enabler of India’s development strategy, supporting inclusive growth, governance reform, and public service delivery aligned with the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Building on a development-centric AI approach, India–AI Impact Summit 2026 positions AI as a public good, translating global AI discourse into practical outcomes relevant to developing and Global South economies. Relevance GS II (Governance & International Relations): Positions India as a Global South leader in development-oriented, ethical AI governance and multilateral cooperation. GS III (Science, Technology & Economy): Accelerates productivity, innovation, and technological self-reliance through AI adoption across priority economic sectors. Key Facts and Current Status Summit Overview India–AI Impact Summit 2026 will be held from 16–20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, making it the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South. Scale and Participation The Summit includes policy dialogues, research forums, industry engagement, and public outreach, with over 400 exhibitors, seven thematic pavilions, and expected participation of 1.5 lakh visitors. Foundational Vision of the Summit Three Sutras (Guiding Principles) The Summit is anchored on three foundational Sutras—People, Planet, and Progress—emphasising inclusive human development, environmental sustainability, and productivity-led economic and governance transformation through AI. Development-Oriented AI Philosophy India’s approach focuses on people-centric and impact-oriented AI, prioritising real-world developmental outcomes over purely commercial or geopolitical competition-driven AI frameworks. Significance of Artificial Intelligence for India AI for People AI enhances citizen empowerment by expanding healthcare access, personalising education, strengthening financial security, and enabling multilingual digital inclusion across India’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape. AI for Planet AI enables sustainable practices through precision agriculture, crop prediction, climate monitoring, and resource optimisation, supporting environmentally responsible growth while addressing climate and ecological vulnerabilities. AI for Progress AI strengthens governance efficiency through judicial translation, smart service delivery, mobility optimisation, and data-driven decision-making, improving everyday administrative outcomes for both rural and urban citizens. Sectoral Applications of AI AI in Healthcare AI improves healthcare outcomes through remote diagnostics, telemedicine, medical image analysis, disease outbreak prediction, and affordable drug discovery, particularly benefiting rural and underserved populations. AI in Agriculture and Rural Economy AI-driven advisories on weather, pests, irrigation, and pricing empower farmers, while drones, satellite imagery, and tools like Kisan E-Mitra enhance productivity and income resilience. AI in Education and Learning AI enables personalised and inclusive education through adaptive learning platforms, real-time feedback, multilingual content delivery, and initiatives like DIKSHA, bridging access gaps across regions. AI in Finance and Commerce AI strengthens financial inclusion through fraud detection, alternative credit scoring for unbanked populations, banking chatbots, and personalised financial products enhancing trust in digital transactions. AI in Governance and Public Services AI improves governance transparency and efficiency by supporting judicial translations, smart city management, faster scheme processing, and data-driven public service delivery mechanisms. Global Collaboration Framework: Sutras and Chakras Seven Chakras of Multilateral Cooperation Summit deliberations are structured around seven Chakras, representing priority domains for international cooperation to deliver inclusive, sustainable, and development-oriented AI outcomes. Human Capital Focuses on equitable AI skilling and reskilling ecosystems, strengthening workforce readiness for AI-led economic transitions aligned with India’s demographic and development priorities. Inclusion for Social Empowerment Emphasises scalable AI solutions for last-mile service delivery, enabling inclusive participation of marginalised communities in digital and governance ecosystems. Safe and Trusted AI Seeks to operationalise global responsible AI principles into interoperable governance frameworks, strengthening public trust while enabling innovation-friendly regulatory environments. Resilience, Innovation, and Efficiency Addresses environmental and resource challenges of large-scale AI systems, promoting sustainable AI adoption and preventing widening of global and domestic AI divides. Science Focuses on accelerating scientific discovery through AI while addressing inequities in access to data, compute, and research capacity across countries. Democratising AI Resources Envisions equitable access to AI compute, datasets, and foundational tools for startups, researchers, and public institutions, enabling fair participation in global AI value chains. AI for Economic Growth and Social Good Highlights high-impact AI use cases that simultaneously drive economic productivity and address societal challenges, positioning AI as a dual engine of growth and welfare. AI Impact Events at the Summit Pre-Summit and Regional Engagements Pre-Summit consultations and eight Regional AI Conferences across Indian states identify region-specific AI use cases, capacity gaps, and policy inputs informing Summit outcomes. Main Summit and Knowledge Outputs Main Summit sessions across seven Chakras examine global use cases, policy experiences, and development strategies, supported by over 700 international proposals received. AI Compendium The AI Compendium, released on 17 February 2026, documents real-world AI applications across priority sectors, serving as a long-term reference for practitioners and policymakers. Flagship Initiatives and Challenges AI for ALL: Global Impact Challenge Identifies scalable AI solutions with large public impact, implemented with Startup India and Bhashini, offering awards up to ₹2.5 crore. AI by HER: Global Impact Challenge Promotes women-led AI innovation through NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform, supporting solutions addressing large-scale public challenges with awards up to ₹2.5 crore. YUVAi: Global Youth Challenge Encourages youth aged 13–21 to develop AI solutions for real-world problems, implemented with MyBharat and NIELIT, with prizes worth ₹85 lakh. Institutional Framework Supporting the Summit Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) MeitY provides overall policy direction, inter-ministerial coordination, and integration of Summit outcomes with national digital governance and AI regulatory frameworks. IndiaAI Mission IndiaAI Mission shapes Summit themes on compute infrastructure, datasets, indigenous models, skilling, and startups, advancing safe, inclusive, and trusted AI adoption. Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) STPI supports startups and MSMEs through incubation, infrastructure, and global linkages, enabling broad-based participation and strengthening India’s AI-driven digital economy. Digital India Initiative Digital India provides the foundational platform for large-scale AI adoption, ensuring alignment with citizen-centric governance, accessibility, transparency, and trusted digital public infrastructure. Expected Outcomes of the Summit The Summit is expected to strengthen AI governance frameworks, assess regional preparedness, promote workforce transition, and foster sustained partnerships across government, academia, startups, and industry.

Jan 21, 2026 Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 21 January 2026

Content The ‘Donroe doctrine’, a broken international order Bridging the Gulf The ‘Donroe doctrine’, a broken international order Context and Core Argument The abduction and incarceration of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in early 2026 marks a radical reinterpretation of the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, now termed the ‘Donroe Doctrine’. The action signals a departure from post-1945 international norms, indicating erosion of sovereignty, non-intervention, and rule-based global order. Relevance GS 1 – World History / Global Political Ideas: Evolution of the Monroe Doctrine into modern unilateral interventionism, reflecting changing nature of sovereignty and power politics. GS 2 – International Relations: Breakdown of rules-based international order, violation of UN Charter norms, resurgence of sphere-of-influence politics, and challenges for middle powers like India. Practice Question “The ‘Donroe Doctrine’ marks a shift from a rules-based international order to power-centric geopolitics.”Critically examine the implications of this shift for global stability and India’s foreign policy choices.(250 Words) The ‘Donroe Doctrine’: Meaning and Evolution From Monroe Doctrine to Donroe Doctrine The original Monroe Doctrine asserted U.S. opposition to external interference in the Western Hemisphere, framed as anti-colonial protection. The ‘Donroe Doctrine’ converts this principle into active interventionism, asserting unilateral enforcement of U.S. security interests beyond diplomatic or multilateral means. Legal and Normative Implications The Venezuelan operation violates UN Charter principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-use of force, weakening the legitimacy of international law enforcement mechanisms. U.S. National Security Strategy 2025: Strategic Underpinning Reassertion of Hemispheric Primacy The U.S. National Security Strategy (November 2025) explicitly commits to reasserting dominance in the Western Hemisphere and denying non-Hemispheric powers strategic access. The doctrine reflects a return to sphere-of-influence politics, rejecting cooperative security frameworks. Expansion of Strategic Targets Implicit threats extend to Cuba, Colombia, Mexico, and even Greenland, justified as security imperatives under expanded U.S. strategic definitions. Global Response and Systemic Consequences Weak International Pushback Global protests against U.S. action were muted, reinforcing perceptions that the post-1945 liberal international order has weakened significantly. The absence of collective response signals normalisation of power-based unilateralism. Precedent for Other Powers U.S. actions risk legitimising similar behaviour by China (Taiwan) and Russia (near abroad), accelerating fragmentation of global norms. Regional Geopolitical Fallout Europe The NSS criticises Europe’s strategic dependence, urging it to assume primary defence responsibility while hinting at recalibrated U.S.–Russia strategic stability. Ukraine conflict appears stalemated, with prospects of a negotiated settlement potentially unsatisfactory to both Russia and Western allies. Indo-Pacific China’s growing influence in Southeast Asia, Eastern Pacific, and Indian Ocean challenges U.S. maritime dominance and alters regional balance of power. China’s control over rare earth supply chains has emerged as a strategic economic weapon against U.S. pressure. West Asia: A Volatile Theatre Israel–Gaza and Iran Israel’s military campaign has paused, but Gaza remains volatile, with ceasefire conditions fragile and violence easily reignited. Iran faces widespread internal unrest, claiming to fight on four fronts—economic, psychological, military, and counter-terrorism. Escalation Risks U.S. and Israeli actions appear aimed at completing the unfinished conflict of 2025 by weakening Iran’s regime, raising risks of regional conflagration. South Asia: Democratic and Security Stress Afghanistan–Pakistan Region Revival of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Afghan militant groups threatens Pakistan’s internal security and destabilises the Af-Pak border region. Pakistan’s democratic backsliding continues, with the military consolidating power and civilian leadership marginalised. U.S.–Pakistan Reset U.S. endorsement of Pakistan’s military leadership and renewed arms supplies reposition Pakistan as a key U.S. ally, complicating India’s security calculus. Implications for India Strategic Disadvantages India faces diplomatic isolation in conflict zones like West Asia amid implicit cooling of India–U.S. relations over Russian oil imports. China’s tactical advantage in trade, tariffs, and supply chains limits India’s ability to hedge against U.S. economic pressure. Limited Strategic Manoeuvrability Improvement in India–China ties post-Tianjin Summit (2025) has not translated into durable stabilisation, with further easing unlikely in 2026. Terrorism and Internal Security Outlook (2026) Global Terrorism Trends Terrorist groups like Islamic State and al Qaeda are currently more active in Africa but retain operational capacity in Asia and West Asia. Regional instability in Iran and West Asia could trigger spillover attacks across multiple regions. India’s Security Outlook While a major terror attack in India appears unlikely, terrorism remains a persistent national security threat, requiring sustained vigilance. Strategic Assessment The ‘Donroe Doctrine’ reflects a shift from rules-based international order to power-centric geopolitics, accelerating global instability. Normalisation of unilateral intervention risks fragmenting international norms, encouraging competitive sphere-of-influence politics. Way Forward: India’s Strategic Choices Preserve Strategic Autonomy India must avoid alignment traps, reinforcing issue-based partnerships while resisting pressure to choose sides in great-power rivalries. Strengthen Multilateralism Advocacy for UN reform, international law, and collective security remains critical to counter unilateralism and protect medium-power interests. Enhance Internal Resilience Economic diversification, defence preparedness, supply-chain security, and counter-terror capabilities are essential to navigate an unstable global environment. Bridging the Gulf Context and Trigger UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s brief visit to New Delhi resulted in economic agreements and an announcement to negotiate an India–UAE Strategic Defence Partnership, the first of its kind. The defence announcement assumes significance due to heightened instability in West Asia, overlapping regional rivalries, and India’s deep economic, energy, and diaspora stakes in the Gulf region. Relevance GS 1 – Society & Indian Diaspora: Safety, welfare, and economic importance of nearly 10 million Indians in the Gulf amid regional instability. GS 2 – International Relations: India’s West Asia diplomacy, strategic autonomy, defence cooperation with UAE, and balancing relations amid intra-Gulf rivalries. Practice Question India must “tread lightly” while deepening defence cooperation in West Asia. Examine this statement in the context of India–UAE defence ties and regional rivalries.(250 Words) India–UAE Relationship: Strategic Depth Economic and Trade Dimensions UAE is India’s 3rd largest trading partner, 2nd largest export destination, and 7th largest foreign investor, highlighting the centrality of economic interdependence. India–UAE CEPA (2022) was India’s first bilateral trade agreement in West Asia, with a stated target to raise bilateral trade to USD 200 billion. Recent announcements include a USD 3 billion LNG deal and UAE investment commitments in Gujarat, reinforcing energy-security and infrastructure linkages. Defence and Security Cooperation Proposal for a Strategic Defence Partnership framework marks a qualitative shift from traditional defence cooperation to potential institutionalised security collaboration. Official statements emphasise that the framework is not aimed at intervention in regional conflicts, seeking to avoid perceptions of bloc politics. Regional Security Environment: Growing Volatility Gulf Power Rivalries Relations between UAE and Saudi Arabia have deteriorated, often described as the Gulf’s emerging “cold war”, despite earlier military coordination against the Houthis in Yemen (2014). Competing influence in Sudan, lack of communication between MbZ and MbS, and divergent regional strategies have intensified intra-Gulf fault lines. Wider Regional Instability Iranian domestic unrest, US threats of intervention, fragile Gaza ceasefire, and Israel’s reported September 2025 strike in Qatar signal escalating instability. Saudi Arabia’s rapid pursuit of a mutual defence pact with Pakistan, and discussions on including Türkiye, suggest new security alignments forming outside India’s influence. India’s Core Stakes in the Gulf Diaspora and Human Security Nearly 10 million Indians reside in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, making regional stability critical for remittances, employment, and evacuation contingencies. Any regional military escalation directly affects Indian expatriates and India’s consular and crisis-management responsibilities. Energy Security The GCC region remains India’s primary energy supplier, particularly after US and EU sanctions constrained alternative sources. LNG agreements with the UAE are strategically important for India’s energy diversification and price stability. Connectivity and Geoeconomic Implications Strategic Connectivity Projects India’s regional ambitions depend on stability in West Asia for projects such as: Chabahar Port (Iran) International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Escalating Gulf rivalries and geopolitical uncertainty threaten the viability and predictability of these corridors. Risk of Strategic Overalignment A defence partnership perceived as favouring one Gulf power risks undermining India’s multi-alignment strategy, complicating relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other GCC states. Diplomatic Signalling and Government Position Official Reassurance India’s Foreign Secretary clarified that the defence framework is not linked to hypothetical regional military scenarios, indicating India’s intent to avoid entanglement. Emphasis remains on economic cooperation, stability, and regional balance, rather than alliance-based security commitments. Strategic Ambiguity Despite reassurances, the timing of the announcement amidst Gulf tensions gives rise to perceptions of strategic signalling, necessitating diplomatic caution. Challenges and Strategic Risks Risk of India being drawn into intra-Gulf rivalries due to misinterpretation of defence commitments. Potential alienation of other key partners, particularly Saudi Arabia and Iran, critical for energy and connectivity strategies. Threats to Indian diaspora safety in the event of regional escalation. Uncertainty over long-term feasibility of India’s trans-regional connectivity corridors. Way Forward: Strategic Prudence for India Maintain Strategic Autonomy India must uphold its policy of issue-based partnerships, avoiding exclusive defence alignments in a volatile multipolar region. Balance Regional Relationships Simultaneously deepen engagement with UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Qatar, reinforcing India’s role as a neutral and trusted partner. Prioritise Economic and Diaspora Interests Defence cooperation should remain calibrated to protect trade, energy flows, diaspora security, and connectivity projects. Emphasise Stability-Centric Diplomacy India should project itself as a stakeholder in regional stability and de-escalation, not power competition.

Jan 21, 2026 Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 21 January 2026

Content The Importance of Pax Silica for India Pax Silica and the Global Tech Economy: Continuities, Shifts, and India’s Choices Reusable Rockets and the Commercial Space Revolution Hate Speech as a Constitutional Tort: Constitutional Accountability and Democratic Integrity Chagos Islands Dispute: Sovereignty, Security, and the Changing Global Order Darwin’s Bark Spiders: Why Only Females Weave the Toughest Webs Faster Warming, Faster Breeding: Climate Change and Antarctic Penguins The importance of Pax Silica for India Global Economic Context: Continuity and Change Enduring Structural Continuities The North–South divide in per capita income, technological capability, and resource consumption continues to define the global economy despite decades of globalisation. Advanced economies still dominate high-value manufacturing, frontier technologies, and intellectual property, while developing countries remain resource suppliers or low-end manufacturers. Structural Shifts in Growth Drivers Semiconductors and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have emerged as core drivers of economic power, productivity, and national security in the 21st century. Control over critical minerals, especially Rare Earth Elements (REEs), has become central to technological competitiveness and geopolitical influence. Relevance GS 2: India’s foreign policy, minilateral groupings, strategic partnerships, and technology diplomacy. GS 3: Critical minerals, semiconductors, AI, supply-chain resilience, industrial policy, and economic security. Pax Silica Summit 2025: Origins and Objectives Background and Timing On 12 December 2025, the United States convened the inaugural Pax Silica Summit to secure supply chains for semiconductors, AI, and critical minerals. The term ‘Pax Silica’ symbolically links peace with silicon-based technologies, signalling that trusted technology supply chains are now integral to global stability. Declared Objectives According to the Pax Silica Declaration, the initiative aims to: Reduce coercive dependencies Secure global semiconductor and AI supply chains Build trusted digital and manufacturing infrastructure Membership Composition: Strategic Logic Core Members and Their Comparative Advantages United States & Japan: Global leaders in advanced technology, research, and semiconductor design ecosystems. Australia: Leading exporter of lithium and holder of significant REE reserves, critical for batteries and electronics. Netherlands: Home to ASML, the world’s sole supplier of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines. South Korea: Global manufacturing leader in memory chips (DRAM, NAND). Singapore: Long-standing semiconductor manufacturing hub integrated with U.S. firms. Israel: Strength in AI software, defence technologies, and cybersecurity. United Kingdom: Hosts the third-largest AI market with a strong research and start-up ecosystem. Qatar and UAE: Possess large sovereign wealth funds and are investing heavily in AI and advanced technology ecosystems. Observers and Potential Expansion Canada, EU, OECD, and Taiwan participated as observers, indicating scope for future expansion and institutionalisation. Countering China: Strategic Rationale China’s Dominance in REEs China controls a dominant share of global REE processing, giving it leverage over high-tech supply chains. In response to U.S. tariff measures, China suspended REE exports to the U.S. and others, weaponising resource dominance. Impact on India India faced disruptions in rare-earth magnet imports, affecting automobile and electronics manufacturing. Supplies resumed only after Indian firms complied with stringent Chinese licensing conditions, including assurances against defence or dual-use applications. Lessons from the Pandemic COVID-19 exposed vulnerabilities of single-country-dependent supply chains, accelerating diversification and “friend-shoring” strategies. India and Supply Chain Resilience Efforts Existing Initiatives Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) launched in 2021 with Japan and Australia. Quad Critical Minerals Initiative launched in 2025 to strengthen supply chains for emerging and critical technologies. India’s Exclusion and Prospective Entry Despite participation in similar initiatives, India was not invited to the inaugural Pax Silica Summit. On 12 January 2026, the new U.S. Ambassador to India indicated that India will soon be invited to join Pax Silica. What India Brings to Pax Silica ? Strengths Strong digital public infrastructure and rapidly expanding AI adoption across enterprises. Launch of IndiaAI Mission and Semiconductor Mission with substantial public funding. Growing investments by Indian firms (e.g., Tata Group) and foreign players like Micron in semiconductor manufacturing. Expanding pipeline of AI start-ups and a large pool of Indian students trained in advanced STEM fields abroad. Human Capital Advantage Large number of Indian graduates and PhDs in computer science and engineering trained in the U.S. Restrictive U.S. visa policies may trigger reverse brain gain, strengthening India’s domestic AI and semiconductor ecosystems. Strategic Opportunities for India Technology Ecosystem Scaling Participation in Pax Silica could help India scale collaborations with Japan, Singapore, Israel, and the U.S. Opportunity to integrate into trusted semiconductor and AI value chains beyond low-end manufacturing. Long-Term Strategic Alignment Given historical India–West collaboration in IT services, India may naturally gravitate towards Pax Silica’s supply chain framework. Challenges and Risks for India Developmental and Strategic Asymmetry Pax Silica members are largely high-income U.S. allies, while India would be the first developing country and non-ally entrant. This may create an expectation gap on security alignment and policy convergence. Strategic Autonomy Concerns India’s foreign policy responses may differ in nuance from U.S. allies, requiring careful balancing to avoid dilution of strategic autonomy. Industrial Policy Tensions India will seek to protect its nascent ecosystems through subsidies, government procurement preferences, and calibrated import controls. Such policies may conflict with prevailing preferences in Washington and some Pax Silica economies. The Road Ahead: Competing Supply Chain Blocs Dual Supply Chain World China is likely to maintain and strengthen its REE export control regime to preserve dominance. Pax Silica may develop a parallel export regulation and supply chain framework. Over time, two major REE and tech supply chains—China-led and Pax Silica-led—may dominate the global economy. India’s Strategic Choice Given strained India–China economic ties and longstanding collaboration with Western firms, India may tilt towards Pax Silica, while seeking policy space. India will need sustained dialogue to shape Pax Silica’s evolution in ways compatible with its developmental needs and strategic autonomy. Strategic Assessment Pax Silica reflects the geopoliticisation of technology and supply chains, where economic efficiency is subordinated to security and trust. For India, participation offers technology access and resilience, but requires careful negotiation to avoid strategic and industrial policy constraints. Reusable Rockets and the Commercial Space Revolution Global Space Economy: Structural Shift From State-led to Commercial-led Space After four decades of government-dominated space exploration, the 21st century marks a transition to private-sector-led space innovation and financing. The global space economy is projected to exceed USD 1 trillion by 2030, driven by satellite services, launch systems, human spaceflight, and deep-space missions. Cost and Cadence Transformation Partial reusability of rockets has reduced cost per kg to orbit by 5–20 times compared to expendable launch vehicles. Reusability has significantly increased launch cadence, shifting spaceflight from episodic missions to routine operations. Relevance GS 3: Science and technology, space technology, innovation ecosystem, private sector role, and strategic industries. Economics of Space Missions Human vs Satellite Missions Human space missions cost 3–5 times more than satellite launches due to life-support systems, safety redundancies, abort mechanisms, and stringent reliability requirements. Satellite missions are typically one-way, using simpler hardware and software architectures with lower safety margins. Payload Efficiency Constraints Rockets face gravity losses and aerodynamic drag during ascent, requiring enormous energy to reach orbital velocity. The Tsiolkovsky rocket equation highlights a structural limitation: fuel mass increases exponentially with velocity requirements. Over 90% of a rocket’s launch mass consists of propellant and tankage, leaving less than 4% for payload. Why Rockets Use Multiple Stages ? Staging as an Engineering Solution Staging divides a rocket into sequential propulsion units that are discarded mid-flight to shed dead weight. This improves the propellant-to-mass ratio of the remaining vehicle, partially overcoming the Tsiolkovsky mass penalty. Traditional Expendable Architecture Conventional rockets such as PSLV and LVM-3 use expendable stages that are discarded, usually falling into the ocean after use. While reliable, expendable systems incur high per-launch costs and low launch frequency. Reusability: The Game-Changer SpaceX’s Technological Breakthrough SpaceX introduced disruptive innovations such as vertical integration, modular design, 3D-printed components, and stage reusability. The Falcon 9 first stage returns to Earth using retro-propulsion and aerodynamic drag, dissipating kinetic energy during descent. Demonstrated Success SpaceX has successfully recovered Falcon 9 first stages over 520 times, establishing operational reliability. Individual Falcon 9 boosters have been reused more than 30 times, demonstrating economic viability of reuse. Towards Full Reusability Next-generation Systems SpaceX is developing Starship, a fully reusable heavy-lift rocket capable of carrying crew and cargo to Earth orbit, Moon, and Mars. Fully reusable architecture aims to reduce launch costs to levels comparable with terrestrial transportation systems. Global Developments Blue Origin (USA) has demonstrated vertical landing recovery for its New Glenn booster. China’s commercial space firms, such as LandSpace, are advancing reusable launch vehicles like Zhuque-3. More than a dozen private companies globally are working on reusable rockets, with at least three pursuing full reusability. Limits to Reusability Engineering Constraints Reusability is limited by material fatigue in engines and fuel tanks caused by thermal cycling, pressure loads, and g-forces. Cryogenic propellants and combustion heat create microfractures, increasing inspection complexity over time. Economic Trade-offs Beyond a point, refurbishment costs and downtime outweigh savings from reuse. Practical reuse limits are determined by acceptable risk, inspection time, and cost-benefit balance, not engineering feasibility alone. India’s Position in the Reusable Launch Ecosystem ISRO’s Ongoing Efforts ISRO is developing a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) programme featuring a winged spacecraft capable of runway landing. Another approach involves first-stage recovery using aerodynamic drag and retro-propulsion to land on barges or land. Technology demonstrations in these domains are currently underway. Competitive Imperative In a market where reusability is becoming standard, cost reduction is essential for competitiveness in global launch services. Future Indian launch vehicles must treat stage recovery and reuse as non-negotiable design drivers. Design Principles for Future Launch Vehicles Fewer Stages, Higher Efficiency Advances in engine efficiency and propellant density allow two-stage systems to perform missions that earlier required three stages. Optimising energy distribution across stages is crucial for cost-effective design. Integrated Design Approach Key considerations include: High-performance, compact engines Partial or full stage recovery Rapid refurbishment cycles Increased launch cadence These factors collectively determine economic sustainability of future launch systems. Strategic Assessment Reusability has transformed spaceflight from a disposable launch model to a transportation paradigm. Countries failing to adopt reusable architectures risk technological obsolescence and loss of market share. For India, timely induction of disruptive launch technologies is essential to remain competitive in the trillion-dollar space economy. Conclusion Reusable rockets are redefining access to space, and India’s competitiveness will depend on how decisively it integrates reusability into future launch vehicle design. Hate Speech as a Constitutional Tort: Constitutional Accountability and Democratic Integrity Context of the Case In January 2026, prominent activists, journalists, and religious leaders urged the Supreme Court of India to recognise hate speech as a “constitutional tort”, not merely a law-and-order issue. Petitioners highlighted the rise in hate speech incidents, particularly at religious congregations, and sought regulatory and accountability mechanisms. Relevance GS 1: Social harmony, communal relations, and challenges to fraternity in a diverse society. GS 2: Fundamental Rights, Supreme Court jurisprudence, constitutional torts, governance and rule of law. GS 3: Internal security implications of hate speech and its linkage with communal violence. What is a Constitutional Tort? Conceptual Meaning A constitutional tort is a judicially evolved remedy where the State is held vicariously liable for actions or omissions of its agents that violate fundamental rights. It moves beyond criminal prosecution to public law compensation and accountability, rooted in Articles 14, 19, and 21. Judicial Evolution in India Recognised through landmark cases such as: Rudul Sah v. State of Bihar (1983) Nilabati Behera v. State of Odisha (1993) D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997) Courts held that monetary compensation can be awarded for State failure to protect constitutional rights. Why Hate Speech is Argued as a Constitutional Tort ? Discriminatory Character of Hate Speech Petitioners argued that hate speech is inherently discriminatory, targeting individuals or groups based on religion, caste, ethnicity, or identity. Such speech violates: Article 14 (Equality before law) Article 15 (Non-discrimination) Article 21 (Dignity and life) Beyond Law and Order Paradigm Treating hate speech as a routine policing issue reduces it to crowd control or preventive detention, ignoring its systemic and structural harm. Petitioners stressed that hate speech erodes constitutional morality, not just public order. Failure of Existing Legal and Administrative Framework Supreme Court’s 2022 Directions In October 21, 2022, the Supreme Court directed States to: Register suo motu FIRs against hate speech that incites communal violence Act irrespective of religion or political affiliation of offenders Ground-Level Non-Compliance Petitioners cited persistent inaction by police despite prior knowledge of habitual offenders and recurring hate-speech events. Common administrative failures include: Refusal to register FIRs Invocation of weaker penal provisions Delayed investigations Hate Speech and Hate Crimes: Empirical Link Causal Relationship Petitioners argued a direct correlation between hate speech and hate crimes, where incendiary public speeches often precede: Mob violence Communal riots Targeted attacks Constitutional Implications Failure to prevent hate speech despite foreseeability constitutes State negligence, engaging vicarious liability under constitutional tort doctrine. Governance and Federal Accountability Issues Police as a State Subject Public order and police fall under the State List, but constitutional rights impose non-negotiable obligations on States. Repeated inaction suggests institutional complicity or abdication of constitutional duty. Need for Judicial Oversight Petitioners urged continued Supreme Court monitoring, arguing that mere advisory directions lack enforceability. Ethical and Democratic Dimensions Impact on Constitutional Morality Hate speech undermines the values of fraternity, secularism, and dignity, enshrined in the Preamble. Normalisation of hate corrodes democratic discourse and legitimises exclusion. Free Speech vs Harm Principle While Article 19(1)(a) protects free speech, Article 19(2) permits reasonable restrictions to prevent: Public disorder Incitement to violence Harm to social harmony Hate speech falls squarely within constitutionally permissible restrictions. Arguments Against Overreach (Counterview) Expanding constitutional tort doctrine may: Increase judicial overreach into executive functions Create chilling effects on legitimate speech Raise concerns of subjective interpretation Hence, safeguards and clear doctrinal thresholds would be necessary. Way Forward Legal and Institutional Measures Develop clear judicial standards to identify hate speech triggering constitutional tort liability. Fix personal accountability of supervisory police officers for non-compliance with court directions. Preventive and Structural Reforms Mandatory videography and prior permission for large religious congregations with history of hate speech. Independent monitoring mechanisms under State Human Rights Commissions. Strengthening Constitutional Culture Training law enforcement in constitutional values and hate-crime sensitivity. Reaffirmation of fraternity and dignity as enforceable constitutional norms. Chagos Islands Dispute Context and Recent Trigger U.S. President Donald Trump criticised the UK’s decision to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, citing strategic and security concerns. The UK government has defended the move, stating that a deal is being finalised to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius by May 2026, while retaining the Diego Garcia military base on lease for at least 99 years. Chagos Islands: Strategic and Historical Background Geographic and Strategic Significance The Chagos Archipelago is located in the central Indian Ocean, astride major sea lanes connecting Africa, West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific. Diego Garcia, the largest island, hosts a U.S.–UK military base, critical for operations in the Middle East, Indo-Pacific, and Africa. Colonial Legacy The UK separated Chagos from Mauritius in 1965, three years before Mauritius gained independence in 1968, creating the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). Between 1967–1973, over 1,500–2,000 Chagossians were forcibly evicted to enable the U.S. military base—raising serious human rights concerns. Relevance GS 2: International law, ICJ opinions, UN system, sovereignty disputes, and India’s foreign policy principles. Legal and Diplomatic Developments International Court of Justice (ICJ) Opinion, 2019 The ICJ (2019) held that: The decolonisation of Mauritius was not lawfully completed. The UK is under an obligation to end its administration of Chagos as rapidly as possible. United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution Following the ICJ opinion, the UNGA voted overwhelmingly demanding that the UK withdraw from Chagos within six months. Though advisory, the opinion strengthened Mauritius’ diplomatic and legal position. The UK–Mauritius Deal (Proposed) Key Features Sovereignty over Chagos to be transferred to Mauritius. Diego Garcia base to remain under UK–US control via a long-term lease (≈99 years). Guarantees for continued military access for the U.S. and UK. UK’s Rationale Aims to: Comply with international legal obligations. Reduce diplomatic isolation in the UN. Secure long-term legitimacy of the Diego Garcia base. Implications for India and the Indian Ocean Region Decolonisation and Global South Solidarity The issue resonates with India’s long-standing support for decolonisation and territorial integrity, consistent with its stance at the UN. Strengthens Global South demands for post-colonial justice. Indian Ocean Security Architecture Diego Garcia remains central to: Indo-Pacific security. Freedom of navigation. Counter-terror and logistics operations. Stability in Chagos supports India’s interest in a stable, rules-based Indian Ocean Region. Broader Global Order Implications Rules vs Power The Chagos case illustrates tension between: International law and decolonisation norms, and Great-power security imperatives. Precedent Setting Compliance with ICJ opinions reinforces international legal institutions. Defiance risks accelerating erosion of the rules-based order. Way Forward Balanced Resolution Sovereignty transfer with binding security guarantees offers a middle path reconciling law and strategy. Human-Centric Approach Address Chagossian resettlement, compensation, and dignity as integral to any final settlement. Multilateral Transparency Greater engagement with UN mechanisms and regional stakeholders to ensure long-term legitimacy. Darwin’s Bark Spiders (Caerostris darwini) Relevance GS 3: Biodiversity and adaptation in unique ecosystems. GS 3: Science and technology, evolutionary biology, biomaterials, and bio-inspired innovation. Species & Habitat: Darwin’s bark spider is endemic to Madagascar and is known for building the largest orb webs recorded, often spanning up to 25 metres across rivers and lakes. Record-breaking Silk: Its dragline silk has a tensile strength of ~1.6 GPa, making it the toughest biological material ever tested, around three times stronger than iron and tougher than steel. Key Scientific Finding: Only large adult females produce this ultra-tough silk; silk from males and juveniles is significantly weaker and mechanically indistinguishable across sexes and ages. Reason for Female-only Tough Silk: Adult females are 3–5 times larger than males, facing stronger evolutionary pressure to support massive webs. Tough silk evolved primarily to structurally support huge webs, not to catch specific prey. Energy–Efficiency Trade-off: Producing high-performance silk is metabolically expensive, requiring costly proteins like proline. Females therefore produce less silk overall, rebuild webs more slowly, and invest in quality over quantity. Web Architecture Strategy: Female webs are sparser, with wider gaps and fewer threads, but each thread absorbs very high mechanical strain. Males and juveniles spin denser webs using cheaper, weaker silk. Genetic vs Adaptive Traits: Elasticity of silk is genetically conserved across all individuals. Extreme toughness is selectively “switched on” in large females based on body size and ecological demand. Evolutionary Significance: Demonstrates sex-specific adaptive evolution, where costly biological materials are produced only when they provide clear survival advantages. Faster Warming, Faster Breeding: Climate Change and Antarctic Penguins Context and Key Finding A recent study reports that three Antarctic penguin species are breeding about two weeks earlier compared to a decade ago. This phenological shift coincides with a ~3°C rise in Antarctic temperatures between 2012 and 2022, highlighting rapid climate impacts in polar ecosystems. The findings are based on remote-controlled photographic monitoring of penguin colonies from 2010–2021. Relevance GS 1: Climate change impacts on polar regions and global environmental systems. GS 3: Climate change, biodiversity loss, ecosystem disruption, and environmental conservation. Penguin Species Affected Species Showing Early Breeding Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) Chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarcticus) These species showed a ~14-day advancement in breeding timing, one of the fastest documented shifts among vertebrates. Why Timing Matters in Penguin Life Cycles ? Dependence on Environmental Synchrony Penguins rely on precise alignment between: Breeding timing Food availability (krill, plankton, fish) Ice conditions and sea productivity Breeding too early or too late can reduce chick survival, as food availability peaks are narrow and climate-sensitive. Comparison with Other Vertebrates Most vertebrates show similar phenological shifts over ~75 years, whereas Antarctic penguins have exhibited this shift in just 10 years. Role of Antarctic Warming Temperature Trends The Antarctic Peninsula is among the fastest-warming regions on Earth, with warming rates exceeding the global average. Western Antarctica has warmed significantly, altering: Sea-ice duration Snow melt timing Marine productivity cycles Differential Species Response Gentoo penguins are more adaptable and benefit from reduced ice and diversified diets. Adélie and Chinstrap penguins are more ice-dependent and specialised, making them more vulnerable to ecosystem shifts. Food Web Changes and Competition Krill and Plankton Dynamics Warming waters and changing ice conditions affect krill abundance, the primary food source for many penguin species. Climate-driven plankton changes have: Increased food for some species (e.g., Gentoo) Reduced predictability for specialist feeders (Adélie, Chinstrap) Interspecies Competition Gentoo penguins have expanded southward and now: Breed earlier Compete aggressively for nesting sites Displace Adélie penguins from traditional habitats Observed Ecological Consequences Population Trends Chinstrap penguin populations are declining globally, linked to food stress and habitat change. Adélie penguins show mixed trends—some colonies declining, others adapting locally. Gentoo penguins are increasing in number and range, benefiting from warmer conditions. Chick Survival Risks Earlier breeding does not automatically imply higher success. If food availability shifts faster than breeding adaptation, phenological mismatch may reduce chick growth and survival. Broader Climate Change Signals Indicator Species Penguins act as sentinel species, reflecting broader changes in Antarctic marine ecosystems. Rapid breeding shifts indicate ecosystem-level stress, not isolated behavioural change. Future Projections Climate models suggest continued acceleration of Antarctic warming, increasing risks of: Further phenological disruption Loss of ice-dependent species Ecosystem restructuring

Jan 17, 2026 Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 17 January 2026

Content Sukhatme National Award in Statistics – 2026 Lokpal of India – Foundation Day Sukhatme National Award in Statistics – 2026 Why in News ? MoSPI invited online nominations for Sukhatme National Award in Statistics – 2026. Last date: 31 January 2026. Relevance GS I (Indian Society / History of Science / Awards) Evolution of scientific and statistical institutions in post-Independence India. Role of eminent Indians (e.g., P.V. Sukhatme) in nation-building through science. About the Award Instituted by: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Year of institution: 2000. Frequency: Given biennially (alternate years). Purpose: Recognise exceptional / outstanding contributions in: High-quality statistical research. Improvement of official statistics system in India. Eligibility Criteria Nationality: Indian. Age: 45 years and above. Nature of contribution: Lifetime contributions and achievements. Field: Statistics (especially official statistics). Nomination type: Self-nomination allowed. Nomination by institutions also permitted. Nomination Process Mode: Online. Portal: National Awards Portal (awards.gov.in). Deadline: 31 January 2026. Additional source: MoSPI website (mospi.gov.in). Significance for India Strengthens credibility and quality of official statistics. Encourages rigorous data culture in governance. Supports evidence-based policymaking. Reinforces India’s commitment to statistical transparency and accuracy. About Sukhatme (Static Linkage) Named after P.V. Sukhatme: Eminent Indian statistician. Pioneer in agricultural statistics and sampling theory. Instrumental in strengthening India’s statistical system post-Independence. Prelims Pointers Award by MoSPI, not NSO separately. Given alternate years, not annually. Age criterion: 45+. Presented on Statistics Day (29 June). Focus on official statistics, not general mathematics. Lokpal of India – Foundation Day Why in News ? Lokpal of India observed its Foundation Day on 16 January 2026. Reaffirmed commitment to integrity, accountability and transparent governance. Relevance GS II (Polity, Governance, Constitution) Anti-corruption institutional framework in India. Lokpal as: Statutory body Accountability mechanism over executive. Issues of: Transparency Checks and balances Democratic oversight. Centre–State dimension (Lokpal–Lokayukta architecture). Statutory & Constitutional Context Established under: Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. Date of establishment: 16 January 2014 (Section 3 came into force). Nature of institution: Statutory, not constitutional. Sui generis anti-corruption body. Mandate: Inquiry and investigation into allegations of corruption against public functionaries, including highest executive authorities. Foundation Day 2026 Venue: Lokpal of India Office, New Delhi. Reason for modest in-house celebration: Budgetary austerity and expenditure control. Contrast with 2025: Lokpal Day 2025 was celebrated as a large national event at Manekshaw Centre. Institutional Significance Lokpal described as: “Body by the people, of the people and for the people.” Core values emphasised: Independence Objectivity Fairness Rule of law Public trust reflected in: Steady rise in complaints over last two years. Projected exponential increase in complaints (2025–26) compared to 2024–25. Increase in bench sittings. Minimal pendency and timely disposal. Democratic & Ethical Dimension Lokpal Day seen as: Moment of institutional introspection. Reaffirmation of ethical governance. Citizen role highlighted: Citizens, NRIs and OCIs termed “ground soldiers against corruption”. Silence against corruption equated to moral failure. Quote used: “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression of the bad people, but the silence of the good people” – Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Linkages Acknowledged contributions of: Anna Hazare – mass anti-corruption movement. Justice N. Santosh Hegde – former Lokayukta of Karnataka. Lokpal emerged from: Sustained public demand for an independent anti-corruption mechanism. Governance & Administrative Developments Inauguration of new IT Infrastructure & Data Centre: End-to-end digitised, paperless complaint processing. Enhances: Efficiency Confidentiality Institutional capacity. Reflects shift towards: Tech-enabled vigilance governance. Social & Institutional Recognition Felicitation of: Winners of competitions held on International Anti-Corruption Day (9 Dec 2025). Longest-serving staff members. Children of Lokpal staff excelling in: Academics Sports Arts and culture. Challenges High complaint volume may: Strain investigative capacity. Dependence on other agencies for investigation/prosecution. Awareness gap among rural and marginalised citizens. Need to balance: Speed vs due process. Way Forward Strengthen: Institutional manpower and domain expertise. Coordination with CBI and vigilance bodies. Expand: Digital access and multilingual complaint mechanisms. Enhance: Public awareness and whistle-blower protection. Align functioning with: Rule of law Constitutional morality Citizen-centric governance. Prelims Pointers Lokpal established on 16 Jan 2014, not 2013. Created by Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. Lokpal ≠ CBI; Lokpal supervises/inquires. Chairperson must be former CJI / SC Judge or eminent person. Lokpal is statutory, independent, sui generis body.

Terms and Conditions Privacy Refund Policy Learning Management System by Testpress

Verify it's really you

Posts