Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) BvS10 Sindhu Category: Defence and Security Context: Infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T) and BAE Systems have bagged a contract from the Indian Army for supply of BvS10 Sindhu. About BvS10 Sindhu: Nature: The BvS10 is a well-known articulated all-terrain vehicle.  Used by several advanced militaries: The BvS10 is already in service with the armed forces of Austria, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. It’s also on order for the German Army and has been selected for the US Army’s Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) program. Structure: BvS10 Sindhu is an upgraded variant of the BvS10 with adaptations tailored specifically for India’s terrain and climate. Its design allows for two connected vehicle sections that help it cross difficult terrain that conventional wheeled or tracked vehicles struggle with. Customised for Indian conditions: It’s customized for India’s extreme terrain: high-altitude regions, deserts, marshlands, and flood-prone zones. The vehicle is also amphibious, able to operate in water or flooded terrain. Construction: L&T will manufacture the BvS10 Sindhu at its Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira, Gujarat, with technical and design support from BAE Systems Hägglunds (a Swedish business unit of BAE Systems, focused on military ground vehicles), the original manufacturer of the BvS10 platform. Uses: The Sindhu variant can be reconfigured for multiple purposes: troop transport, command post, ambulance, recovery, logistics, or even a weapons-armed version. This flexibility is ideal for the Indian Army’s diverse mission needs. Boost to Make in India: It will support India’s defence modernisation, which embodies the commitment to local manufacturing and technology transfer under the Make in India initiative. Source: The Hindu Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026 Category: Environment and Ecology Context: India slipped 13 ranks to figure at the 23rd position in the latest Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI).                            About Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI): Publishing agency: It is published by think tanks German watch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network International. It was first published in 2005. Objective: It tracks the progress of the world’s largest emitters in terms of emissions, renewables, and climate policy. Assessment in 4 categories: The performance of countries is assessed in four categories with 14 indicators- Greenhouse Gas Emissions (40% of the overall score), Renewable Energy (20%), Energy Use (20%), and Climate Policy (20%). Key highlights of the Climate Change Performance Index 2026: Denmark, the UK and Morocco took the lead in this year’s CCPI. China (54th), Russia (64th), the US (65th) and Saudi Arabia (67th) are the G20’s worst-performing countries, receiving an overall very low score.  India fell 13 places from its previous ranking of 10th to stand at 23rd in the latest global climate change performance with a score of 61.31. It’s the biggest fall of India on the CCPI ranking in the recent past even as it remained in the top 10 high-performing countries for six years in a row till 2024. India, which ranked 31st in 2014, entered the top 10 list for the first time in 2019. It also labelled India among the biggest producers of oil, gas, and coal worldwide, leading it to fall from a ‘high performer’ to a ‘medium’ one in this year’s CCPI. Source: The Times of India Indira Gandhi Peace Prize Category: Miscellaneous Context: Recently, the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024 was presented to Michelle Bachelet, the first and only woman President of Chile. About Indira Gandhi Peace Prize: Establishment: It was instituted in the memory of the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by a trust in her name in 1986. Nomenclature: It is also known as the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development, Composition: It consists of a monetary award of 25 lakh rupees along with a citation. Significance: The prize is awarded annually and is considered one of the highest honours in the field of peace and development. Eligibility criteria: It is awarded annually to a person or organization without any distinction of nationality, race or religion, in recognition of creative efforts towards: Promoting international peace and disarmament, racial equality, and goodwill and harmony among nations; Securing economic co-operation and promoting a new international economic order; Accelerating the all-round advancement of developing nations; Ensuring that the discoveries of science and modern knowledge are used for the larger good of the human race; and Enlarging the scope of freedom and enriching the human spirit. Source: The Indian Express Geological Survey of India (GSI) Category: Polity and Governance Context: Union Coal Minister will inaugurate GSI’s international seminar in Jaipur as part of its year-long commemoration of 175 years of service to the nation. About Geological Survey of India (GSI): Origin: It was conceived as “Geological Survey of India” by John McClelland who initiated the appointment of David Hiraw Williams as the Geological Surveyor on February 5, 1846 by the East India Company. Formal establishment: The appointment of Thomas Oldham as the new Geological Surveyor in 1851 marked the formal beginning of the functioning of the GSI. Objective: It aims to provide impartial and up-to-date geological expertise and geoscientific information of all kinds, with a focus on policy-making decisions, and commercial and socio-economic needs. Nodal Ministry: Presently, GSI is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines. Headquarter: Its headquarters is located in Kolkata and has six regional offices located at Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Shillong and Kolkata. Uniqueness: It is the second oldest survey body in India after Survey of India (founded in 1767). Documentation of geological processes: It also emphasises systematic documentation of all geological processes, both surface and subsurface, of India and its offshore areas. The organisation carries out this work through geological, geophysical, & geochemical surveys using the latest and most cost-effective techniques and methodologies. Significance: It has played a pioneering role in geological mapping, mineral exploration, disaster studies, and geoscientific research, significantly contributing to India’s industrial and economic growth Missions: It carries out all activities under five Missions. Mission-I (Ground, Aerial and Marine Surveys), Mission-II (Natural Resource Assessments & Augmentation of Minerals, Coal & Lignite), Mission-III (Information and dissemination), Mission- IV (Fundamental and Multi-disciplinary Geoscience Research) and Mission-V (Training and Capacity Building). Source: News on AIR Trade Intelligence and Analytics (TIA) Portal Category: Government Schemes Context: Recently, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry launched the Trade Intelligence & Analytics (TIA) Portal in New Delhi. About Trade Intelligence and Analytics (TIA) Portal: Nature: It is a one-stop trade intelligence and analytics platform that integrates multiple global and national databases. Development: It is developed by the Department of Commerce, Minister of Commerce and Industry.  Objective: The portal aims to make trade data more transparent, accessible, and useful for stakeholders across India. It seeks to help importers, exporters, MSMEs, and startups make informed and data-driven decisions. Significance: The new and more exhaustive capabilities of the TIA Portal significantly improve accessibility and usability of trade data at one place. Centralised digital hub: It serves as a centralized digital hub that consolidates diverse trade databases—both global and bilateral—into a single integrated system. It is designed to enhance trade analytics and foster data-driven evidence-based policymaking through a comprehensive and integrated platform. Real time insights: It offers more than 270 interactive visualisations across over 28 dashboards. It provides real-time, interactive insights on India and global trade, commodities and sectoral analytics, market intelligence.  Includes PLI sectors: It also includes automated trade reports and tracking of trade trends for the production-linked incentive (PLI) sectors and critical minerals. It also provides tools to compare and contrast macroeconomic, trade and investment indicators across countries. Trade indices: It incorporates trade indices such as Trade Complementarity Index: It assesses alignment between India’s export profile and partner countries’ import needs. Revealed Comparative Advantage index: It highlights products where India holds a competitive edge. Trade Intensity Index: It measures the strength of bilateral trade relationships relative to global flows. Source: PIB (MAINS Focus) New Labour Codes & Their Implications for Workers (UPSC GS Paper III – “Inclusive growth and issues arising from it; Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors”) Context (Introduction) The four labour codes—Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security, and Occupational Safety—have come into force, replacing 29 laws. They aim to simplify compliance, expand social security, formalise employment, and reshape India’s labour market amid mixed reactions from firms and unions. Main Arguments / Key Features Code on Wages, 2019 Merges laws on minimum wages, wage payment, bonus and remuneration. “Wages” now must constitute ≥50% of total remuneration; boosts PF/ESIC contributions, enhancing post-retirement benefits. Centre can set a national floor wage; states cannot go below it. Mandatory appointment letters strengthen formalisation; aligns with ILO recommendations. Industrial Relations Code, 2020 Firms with up to 299 workers can retrench without government approval (earlier 100), increasing flexibility and possibly boosting manufacturing competitiveness. Mandatory 14-day strike notice across all industries curbs flash strikes.  Promotes ease of doing business by rationalising dispute resolution and enabling fixed-term employment. Social Security Code, 2020 For the first time brings gig/platform workers and aggregators within legal social security. Aggregators to contribute 1–2% of turnover for worker welfare. FTEs eligible for gratuity after one year (earlier five). Expands benefits such as PF, ESIC, maternity benefits; aligns with NITI Aayog’s gig workforce projections (23.5 million by 2030). Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2020 Consolidates 13+ laws on workplace safety, migrant labour and contract labour. Allows women to work night shifts with consent and mandatory safety protections (transport, CCTV, security). Weekly cap of 48 hours; overtime at double wages. Covers audiovisual and digital media workers, plantation workers, and beedi/cigar workers.   Criticisms / Drawbacks Job security concerns: Raising the retrenchment threshold may increase precarious employment and limit workers’ ability to negotiate. Union rights diluted: Mandatory strike notice, tighter union registration rules and expanded powers of registrars may reduce effective collective bargaining. MSME compliance burden: Higher PF/ESIC contributions raise cost pressures for small and unorganised firms, risking informalisation. Centralisation concerns: A nationwide floor wage may constrain states with diverse living standards. Weak implementation capacity: Labour being a concurrent subject, state-level readiness varies significantly—impacting consistency and enforcement. Trade union criticism: The codes are viewed as “negating rights secured over 150 years” and weakening democratic labour institutions Reforms & Way Forward Balance flexibility with protection: Introduce sector-specific retrenchment thresholds, strengthen severance norms and promote “flexicurity” models combining flexibility with robust social security. Strengthen social security delivery: Operationalise gig/platform welfare funds with real-time digital tracking. Integrate e-Shram with PF/ESIC for portability of benefits, especially for migrant workers. Improve implementation capacity: Expand inspectorate infrastructure, deploy digital inspection systems and multilingual worker awareness campaigns. Offer phased compliance and financial support for MSMEs. Enhance collective bargaining: Ensure transparent and predictable union registration rules and revive tripartite consultations as recommended by ILO. Clarify provisions and reduce litigation: Provide detailed rules on aggregator contributions, FTE benefits and wage components to ensure interpretational clarity and uniform adoption.   Conclusion The labour codes represent a significant consolidation of India’s labour laws aimed at improving formalisation, social security and ease of doing business. However, fears of weakened labour rights, uneven state capacity and increased precarity must be addressed through calibrated reforms, strong enforcement frameworks and genuine social dialogue to ensure inclusive and equitable labour governance.   Mains Question “The new labour codes aim to modernise India’s labour market through simplification and expanded social security. Critically analyse their implications for workers’ rights, job security and inclusive growth.” (250 words, 15 marks)   Source: Firstpost Emotional Safety for Children: Building a Culture Where Every Child Feels Seen and Heard (UPSC GS Paper IV – “Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values”; “Emotional intelligence—concepts and applications”; “Human values and attitudes”) Context (Introduction) The recent suicide of a school student highlights a deep emotional crisis among children who struggle with anxiety, bullying, and unexpressed distress. The incident calls for urgent societal introspection, stronger emotional safety systems, and value-based educational reform.   Main Arguments Emotional burdens of children often go unseen: Children today carry invisible emotional loads—fear of failure, pressure to meet parental expectations, anxiety from bullying, and inability to articulate feelings. Their apologies — “Sorry for breaking your heart… sorry I couldn’t live up to expectations” — reflect internalised guilt and emotional overwhelm. This indicates gaps in empathy, listening, and adult awareness. Priorities remain skewed: Sensation over compassion: Each tragedy generates media noise but little structural reform. The society responds with sensationalism rather than understanding, while schools continue prioritising academic performance and discipline over emotional well-being and pastoral care. This contradicts the constitutional vision of holistic education (Art. 45) and NEP-2020 emphasis on socio-emotional learning. Absence of a national child safety & wellness framework: India lacks uniform protocols on mental health emergencies, grievance redressal, or preventive counselling. School counsellor ratios are extremely low — often 1 per 3,000 students (FICCI 2023). Without standardised frameworks, families and schools rely on ad-hoc responses rather than a preventive mental health system. Weak family–school partnerships: Evidence shows children thrive when families and schools work as co-educators. But communication gaps persist. Many parents focus on marks, while teachers prioritise compliance. Children thus occupy emotional spaces where they feel alienated, unheard, or afraid to seek help. Societal aspiration culture intensifies pressures: Children are products of societal values—competition, achievement, social comparison. In this environment, emotional distress becomes invisible. When society rewards marks over mental health, children internalise the belief that worth equals performance.   Criticisms / Drawbacks Highlighted Hyper-academic culture sidelines coping skills, resilience and emotional intelligence. Lack of trained counsellors limits early identification of distress. Silence at home: stigma around discussing emotions prevents help-seeking behaviour. Schools prioritise discipline over pastoral care, reducing trust between children and teachers. Societal apathy shifts blame rather than addressing collective responsibility. Adolescent neurobiology (impulsivity, emotional intensity) is misunderstood, leading adults to dismiss signs of distress. No systemic triggers monitoring, despite repeated evidence of school-based stress, bullying, and academic overload. Reforms & Way Forward Build a national child safety & wellness framework: A unified structure with mandatory counsellors, crisis protocols, bullying prevention systems, and mental health audits—similar to UK’s “Whole School Wellbeing Framework”. Integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) into curriculum: NEP-2020 recommends SEL modules. Schools must institutionalise emotional intelligence, communication, empathy, conflict resolution, mindfulness, and coping skills. Strengthen family–school partnerships: Regular parent–teacher emotional check-ins; workshops on adolescent psychology; joint responsibility models; creating “circles of support” involving counsellors, teachers, and parents. Train teachers in pastoral care: Teachers should be equipped to recognise early warning signs—withdrawal, sudden irritability, falling grades, isolation. Teacher training institutions must include child psychology and counselling basics. Promote value-oriented upbringing: Family remains the first site of moral development. Active listening, non-judgmental communication, positive reinforcement, and shared emotional spaces build confidence and resilience. Reduce academic pressure and punitive discipline: Schools should replace punitive authority with restorative practices, peer support groups, and safe spaces for expression. National awareness campaigns: Public messaging that normalises emotional struggles, reduces stigma, and encourages help-seeking among children and parents.   Conclusion Childhood should be a space of safety, expression and growth, not silent suffering. As a society, we must move beyond fault-finding towards compassion, empathy, and systemic reform. A child who feels seen, heard, valued and supported is far less likely to feel overwhelmed. Building emotionally responsive families, humane schools and supportive communities is not an option—it is an ethical duty.   Mains Question “Emotional intelligence and value-based socialisation are essential to child well-being. In light of recent incidents of student distress, examine the role of family, school and society in creating emotionally safe environments for children.” (250 words, 15 marks)   Source: Indian Express

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Kuno National Park Category: Environment and Ecology Context: In a first since the Cheetah Reintroduction Project in the country, an Indian-born cheetah has given birth to five cubs at the Kuno National Park. About Kuno National Park: Location: It is located in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh. It is nestled near the Vindhyan Hills. Establishment: It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1981, upgraded to a national park in 2018. Nomenclature: It derives its name from the meandering Kuno River (one of the main tributaries of the Chambal River), which flows from south to north and divides the park into two sections. Area: It covers an area of 750 sq.km. Uniqueness: It was selected under the ‘Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India.’ A total of 20 cheetahs were introduced in Kuno National Park (NP), eight from Namibia in September 2022, followed by 12 more from South Africa in February 2023 under the Cheetah Project. Potential to carry all four big cats: The Kuno has the potential to carry populations of all four of India’s big cats. The tiger, the leopard, the Asiatic lion, and also the cheetah all four of which have coexisted within the same habitats. Flora: Kuno National Park has a rich floral diversity with more than 129 species of trees. These tropical dry deciduous forests mainly consist of Anogeissus pendula (Kardhai), Senegalia catechu (Khair), Boswellia serrata (Salai), and associated flora.  Fauna: The protected area of the forest is home to the jungle cat, Indian leopard, sloth bear, Indian wolf, striped hyena, golden jackal, Bengal fox, and dhole, along with more than 120 bird species. Source: The Hindu Sentinel-6B Category: Science and Technology Context: Sentinel-6B was launched recently from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. About Sentinel-6B: Nature: It is a joint mission between the United States’ NASA and NOAA, and the European Space Agency. It is the latest in a series of satellites launched since the 1990s, mainly by NASA, to measure the sea-level changes from space. Objective: It is an ocean-tracking satellite which will measure the rising sea levels and its impacts on the planet. It will provide primary sea level measurements down to approximately an inch from over 90% of all the oceans. Launch: It was lunched aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9. Continues legacy of Sentinel-6: It is set to carry forward the legacy of Sentinel -6 Michael Freilich, launched in November 2020. Orbiting speed: It will orbit Earth at a speed of 7.2 km per second, completing one revolution every 112 minutes. It is expected to spend the next 5.5 years in orbit. Coverage: It maps more than 90% of the world’s ice-free oceans every 10 days. Components: It consists of six onboard science instruments. It has two fixed solar arrays, plus two deployable solar panels, and will travel in a longitude direction around Earth in a non-Sun-synchronous orbit. Significance: It observes Earth’s oceans, measuring sea levels to improve weather forecasts and flood predictions. It also safeguards public safety, benefits commercial industry, and protects coastal infrastructure. Source: The Indian Express Raulane Festival Category: History and Culture Context: Recently, raulane festival, a unique and sacred winter festival was celebrated in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district. About Raulane Festival: Location: It is a traditional festival celebrated in Kalpa, Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, in winter or early spring. History: This ancient festival is believed to be around 5,000 years old. It honours celestial fairies, known as Saunis, said to be radiant and gentle beings. Faith: Locals believe that the Saunis protect villagers during harsh winters by offering warmth and guidance. Symbolic marriage ceremony: During the festival, two men symbolically “marry” and become vessels for the Saunis, embodying a divine couple, the Raula (groom) and the Raulane (bride). Use of heavy costumes and masks: They get dressed in heavy woollen robes, ornaments and unique face masks. Ritual dance: They also perform a slow, meditative dance at the Nagin Narayan Temple, and the whole community joins in. Significance: The Raulane festival preserves ancient Himalayan culture and traditions, with villagers coming together to honour their protectors. Source: NDTV African Swine Fever (ASF) Category: Science and Technology Context: Recently, Assam Government banned the movement of live pigs in the State to arrest the spread of African swine fever. About African Swine Fever (ASF): Nature: The African swine fever is a highly contagious and hemorrhagic viral disease affecting pigs and wild boar. Not zoonotic: The disease does not infect humans (not zoonotic) or other livestock species. Fatality: ASF causes a destructive effect on piggery due to high morbidity and mortality (up to 90-100%). Spread: Originally found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, ASF is now prevalent in many countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa.  First case in India: India notified the first outbreak of ASF virus in January, 2020 in the Northeastern States of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Transmission: The virus is highly resistant in the environment, meaning that it can survive on clothes, boots, wheels, and other materials. Infection can also occur through direct contact between pigs or boars. Symptoms: The clinical symptoms can look very much like those of classical swine fever such as fever, lack of appetite, inflamed eye mucous membranes, red skin, diarrhea, and vomiting. Prevention: Currently, there is no treatment or vaccine available against ASF, so prevention by adopting strict biosecurity measures, such as culling the animals, is the only way to prevent ASF. Listed in OIE’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code: It is listed in the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Source: The Hindu BIRSA 101 Category: Science and Technology Context: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launches India’s first indigenous “CRISPR” based gene therapy named ‘BIRSA 101’ for Sickle Cell Disease. About BIRSA 101: Nomenclature: The therapy has been named Birsa-101 in honour of the tribal leader Birsa Munda. Uniqueness: It is India’s first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy, designed to treat Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Development: It is developed by the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) in partnership with the Serum Institute of India (SIIPL) for technology transfer, scale-up, and affordable national deployment. Objective: It aims to support India’s mission of becoming Sickle Cell–Free by 2047, as envisioned by the Prime Minister. Use of CRISPR Technology: It utilizes the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool to correct the genetic mutation causing Sickle Cell Disease. Affordable: It is priced significantly lower than global CRISPR treatments, making it more accessible to the poorest populations. Mechanism: It edits defective genes inside the patient’s cells and corrects the mutation responsible for producing sickle-shaped red blood cells, thereby enabling normal haemoglobin production. One time infusion: The therapy has to be given as a one-time infusion, after which the body should start producing normal red blood cells instead of sickle-shaped ones. Source: PIB (MAINS Focus) Is Federalism in Retreat Under Single-Party Hegemony? (GS Paper II – Federalism, Centre–State Relations, Devolution of Powers, Finance Commission)   Context (Introduction) Escalating tensions between the Centre and various Opposition-ruled States over GST decisions, fiscal transfers, CSS funding, and use of cesses have revived concerns about whether single-party political dominance is accelerating a drift toward centralisation, weakening India’s federal equilibrium.   Main Arguments Shift from coalition-based accommodation to centralised dominance: The 1990s–2000s saw institutional negotiation between Centre and States. After 2014, single-party dominance has reshaped federal bargaining, reducing avenues for deliberative decision-making. Weakening of intergovernmental institutions: The abolition of the Planning Commission removed a key coordination platform. GST Council functioning has faced criticisms for unilateral decision-making contrary to early cooperative norms. Horizontal fiscal imbalance concerns: Southern States argue that Finance Commission formulas (population, inverse-income criteria) structurally favour northern States, ignoring spatial inequality and demographic transitions. Rising centralisation through fiscal tools: Cesses and surcharges — outside the divisible pool — have steadily risen, constraining State fiscal space. CSS allocations are increasingly determined by the Centre without consistent consultation. Changing political economy and weakened regional autonomy: Declining regional capital, competitive populism, and limited job creation alter States’ bargaining capacity vis-à-vis the Centre.   Criticisms / Drawbacks Shrinking State autonomy over finances: With cesses rising and GST limiting indirect tax powers, States face weakened control over revenues. Erosion of trust and “good faith” obligations: States allege unilateral Centre-driven decisions in GST disputes, fund releases, and CSS design. Institutional imbalance post-Planning Commission: No equivalent body now supports coordinated long-term State–Centre developmental planning. Deepening structural spatial inequality: Fiscal formulas do not fully address disparities in growth, migration, wages, and demographics. Changing nature of federal coalitions: Unlike earlier coalitions dependent on regional parties, current alliances do not prioritise federal bargaining.   Reforms and Way Forward  Strengthen Intergovernmental Institutions Establish a permanent Inter-State Council Secretariat to institutionalise federal dialogue. Operationalise regular Zonal Council meetings with statutory follow-up, as recommended by the Punchhi Commission. Revisit the role of NITI Aayog to grant it fiscal and planning powers, restoring cooperative planning functions earlier performed by the Planning Commission. Reform Fiscal Federalism Limit excessive use of cesses and surcharges, aligning with 15th FC observations on improving the divisible pool. Adopt a balanced horizontal devolution formula that acknowledges demographic achievements (southern States) while retaining redistribution — an approach suggested by multiple Finance Commissions. Implement independent fiscal councils at the Union and State levels, as recommended by the Rangarajan Committee, to depoliticise fiscal assessments. Enhance GST Council Federalism Strengthen the Council’s dispute resolution mechanism (never operationalised), as envisaged in Article 279A. Return to consensus-based decision norms, consistent with the cooperative spirit recommended during GST design. Ensure predictable GST compensation mechanisms, following expert recommendations for a “GST Stabilisation Fund.” Rebalance Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) Rationalise the number of CSS and expand flexible components for State-specific adaptation. Adopt transparent formula-based fund releases to reduce political discretion. Shift monitoring from the Ministry of Finance to a broad-based federal body (as suggested by ARC). Address Structural Spatial Inequality Create an Equalisation Grant Framework for lagging regions to reduce spatial disparities (Rajan Committee). Encourage labour-intensive regional growth via wage reforms, regional capital incentives, and targeted migration policy. Strengthen institutional parity by investing in poorer northern districts — a long-standing expert recommendation.   Conclusion India’s federalism is undergoing a stress test. While redistribution remains a constitutional principle, weakened institutional forums, unilateral fiscal decisions, and centralised political incentives have generated friction. Strengthening cooperative federalism requires transparent fiscal norms, empowered institutions, and a renewed commitment to balancing national cohesion with regional autonomy.   Mains Question Is cooperative federalism weakening under conditions of single-party dominance? Evaluate recent Centre–State tensions and suggest reforms based on major committee and commission recommendations.(250 words, 15 marks)   Source: The Hindu Governor’s Powers: Supreme Court Draws a Red Line, Reinforces Constitutional Boundaries (GS Paper II – Polity: Governor’s Role, Centre–State Relations, Separation of Powers, Judicial Review)   Context (Introduction) In a landmark advisory opinion on the Governor’s powers under Articles 200 and 201, the Supreme Court has ruled that it cannot impose timelines for granting assent, rejected the idea of “deemed assent,” and reaffirmed both institutional autonomy and constitutional balance between executive and judiciary.   Main Arguments Court rejects judicially imposed timelines: The SC unanimously held that prescribing rigid timeframes for Governors or the President would blur the line between judicial interpretation and judicial legislation. Article 200 uses “as soon as possible,” deliberately without fixed limits. No ‘deemed assent’ under the Constitution: The Court overturned the earlier April verdict that had allowed “deemed assent.” It held that courts cannot create constitutional fictions or substitute executive functions under Article 142. Three constitutionally valid options for the Governor: The Governor may (a) grant assent, (b) return the Bill for reconsideration, or (c) reserve it for the President. There is no fourth option of withholding assent indefinitely or refusing to act. Governor’s discretion exists but is limited: Under Articles 200 and 163, the Governor exercises discretion in assent matters and is not bound by the Cabinet’s advice. However, the discretion cannot be used to paralyse the legislative process. Judicial review remains available only in ‘glaring circumstances’: While merits of the Governor’s decision are non-justiciable, prolonged, unexplained, indefinite inaction can invite a limited mandamus directing the Governor to act — without dictating the outcome.   Criticisms / Drawbacks Risk of continued constitutional bottlenecks: With no timelines prescribed, States fear that Governors may still delay assent, potentially affecting governance and legislative effectiveness. Subjective satisfaction remains outside judicial scrutiny: The Court reaffirmed that the reasons behind the Governor’s or President’s decisions are not open to merits review, leaving limited recourse for States aggrieved by political misuse. Advisory opinion complicates implementation: As this is not a judicial verdict but an Article 143 advisory, earlier High Court or SC decisions may still be cited, creating interpretational uncertainty. Debates on justiciability remain unresolved: The Court’s view that subjective satisfaction is non-justiciable differs from precedents such as review of President’s Rule, potentially leaving doctrinal questions open. Federal friction may persist: The ruling recognises delayed assent as a constitutional problem but addresses it only procedurally, not substantively, leaving space for continued Centre–State tensions.   Reforms and Way Forward    Clarify Governor’s discretionary boundaries (Sarkaria & Punchhi Commissions) Codify limited discretionary areas; require Governors to act primarily on Cabinet advice except in constitutionally specified situations. Mandate written reasons when Bills are returned, ensuring transparency and reducing arbitrariness. Strengthen Centre–State consultation mechanisms (Punchhi Commission) Activate the Inter-State Council as a regular forum for resolving disputes involving Governors. Institutionalise structured consultation between Governor’s Secretariat and State governments in legislative matters. Reform appointment and tenure processes (ARC & Punchhi) Create a neutral, bipartisan Governor Appointment Committee, reducing perceptions of partisan use of gubernatorial offices. Ensure fixed, secure tenure to prevent political pressure. Improve constitutional federal functioning (NCRWC & ARC) Establish clear guidelines for Governor’s assent functions, similar to model codes proposed by NCRWC, ensuring predictable interactions. Develop a federal oversight mechanism to monitor delays in assent, without compromising discretion. Strengthen judicial review architecture (NCRWC) Allow procedural review (not merits review) of gubernatorial delays, aligning with the Court’s “glaring circumstances” test. Maintain judicial restraint while reinforcing accountability frameworks.   Conclusion The Supreme Court’s advisory opinion reaffirms constitutional boundaries:  Courts cannot legislate timelines, cannot confer “deemed assent,” and cannot review the merits of gubernatorial decisions.  By preserving the limited space for judicial intervention against prolonged inaction, the Court ensures balance between executive discretion and constitutional functioning.  The path ahead lies in implementing long-standing committee recommendations that professionalise the Governor’s office, deepen federal consultation, and strengthen transparency in the assent process.   Mains Question How does the Supreme Court’s recent advisory opinion redefine the constitutional limits of the Governor’s powers under Articles 200 and 201? Discuss its implications for federalism and outline committee-recommended reforms to strengthen the assent process.(250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Indian Express

The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here