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

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Protection and Conservation of Monuments in India: ASI, UNESCO & Emerging Frameworks Subject: Art & Culture – Monument Conservation; ASI; UNESCO; AMASR Act, 1958; Adopt a Heritage. Why in News? India now has 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with the recent addition of the Maratha Military Landscapes (inscribed July 2024) Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) safeguards 3,686 centrally protected monuments Expenditure on conservation of monuments for 2024-25: ₹374 crore   Constitutional and Legislative Framework Constitutional Provisions Article 49 (DPSP) State shall protect monuments, places, and objects of artistic or historic interest declared to be of national importance Article 51A(f) (Fundamental Duty) Every citizen to value and preserve the rich heritage of India’s composite culture Seventh Schedule – Division of Responsibilities Union List (Entry 67): Monuments and archaeological sites of national importance (Central jurisdiction) State List (Entry 12): Monuments not declared of national importance (State responsibility) Key Legislation Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958 – empowers ASI to declare monuments as protected, regulate construction in surrounding areas, ensure conservation   Institutional Framework Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Established: 1861 (founder: Alexander Cunningham) Parent Ministry: Ministry of Culture Mandate: Archaeological research, protection of ancient monuments and sites of national importance Protected monuments: 3,686 centrally protected monuments Network: ~38 Circles (regional administrative units headed by Superintending Archaeologist) Functions: Structural and chemical conservation, exploration and excavation, epigraphy, site museums National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) Established: 2007 Implemented under: ASI Mandate: Build national database of built heritage and antiquities Documentation so far: 11,406 Built Heritage and Sites; 12.48 lakh antiquities   National Policy for Conservation (2014) Key Principles Scientific preservation and management of monuments of national importance Maintain authenticity, integrity, and longevity of heritage structures Minimal intervention – use traditional materials and skills with modern techniques Conservation as a continuous process supported by documentation, research, capacity building, and community participation   Emerging Frameworks and Initiatives Adopt a Heritage 2.0 (revamped 2023) Public-private partnership under Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, and ASI Entities designated as “Monument Mitras” develop and maintain visitor amenities Conservation and preservation remain ASI’s exclusive mandate Benefitted sites: Agra Fort, Qutub Minar, Ajanta Caves, Red Fort, Mehrauli Archaeological Park Heritage-Linked Cultural Festivals Konark Dance Festival (Sun Temple, Odisha) Khajuraho Dance Festival (Khajuraho Group of Monuments, MP) Modhera Dance Festival (Gujarat) Natyanjali festivals (Chidambaram) Museum Grant Scheme Supports establishment, modernization, and digitization of museums Emphasizes capacity building and technology-driven upgrades   Technology-Supported Conservation Modern Tools Used LiDAR scanning – high-precision mapping of complex structures Photogrammetry – capturing detailed architectural features Drone-based surveys – aerial mapping, structural monitoring (collaboration with NISER) GIS-based mapping – analyse environmental pressures, track development around protected zones Artificial Intelligence (AI) – digitization, documentation, accessibility of cultural assets Kedarnath Temple Restoration (Case Study) Post-2013 disaster, ASI undertook structural and chemical conservation IIT Chennai collaborated for scientific structural assessment using Multi-Channel Analysis of Spectral Waves (MASW) Example of integrating engineering expertise with traditional conservation practices   UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India Total: 44 (as of 2024) Breakdown Cultural: 36 Natural: 7 Mixed: 1 Recent Addition (July 2024) Maratha Military Landscapes – 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site Notable Sites Cultural: Taj Mahal, Sanchi Stupa, Khajuraho, Hampi, Ellora, Ajanta, etc. Natural: Kaziranga, Manas, Keoladeo, Nanda Devi, Sundarbans, Western Ghats Mixed: Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim) – first mixed site from India   Intangible Cultural Heritage (UNESCO 2003 Convention) Definition Living traditions and practices passed down through generations: performing arts, rituals, festivals, oral traditions, traditional knowledge Examples from India Yoga, Vedic chanting, Buddhist chanting of Ladakh, Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja, Ramlila, Nowruz, etc. Safeguarding in India UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003) Supported by constitutional provisions (Article 29) and national schemes Source/Reference: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2253199&reg=3&lang=1 River Basin Management Scheme: Strengthening Water Governance Subject: Geography – Water Governance; Brahmaputra Board; ILR; RBM Scheme. Why in News? RBM Scheme to continue from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a budget of ₹2,183 crore (fully funded by government) Previous phase (2021-26): ₹1,276 crore Focus on Brahmaputra, Barak, Teesta, and Indus basins   What is RBM Scheme? Central Sector Scheme under Ministry of Jal Shakti Aims: Integrated planning, investigation, and development of water resources at river basin level (surface + groundwater) 3 Implementing Agencies Brahmaputra Board – Master Plan, flood control, anti-erosion (e.g., Majuli Island protection) Central Water Commission (CWC) – Surveys, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) NWDA – Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) studies   Priority Areas North Eastern Region basins Indus Basin (J&K / Ladakh) States with capacity gaps: J&K, Sikkim, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland   Key Achievements (2021-26) Activity Progress ILR Projects 30 links identified; FRs for 26; DPRs for 15 links Majuli Island Anti-erosion protection works completed DPRs Prepared for Brahmaputra, Barak, Teesta, Indus basins Community work Springshed management in hilly North East   Modern Tools Used GIS, Remote sensing, LiDAR, Drone-based surveys, Hydrological modelling Static (Geography / Economy Syllabus) River Basins of India: 12 major river basins (Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus, Godavari, Krishna, etc.) Brahmaputra Board: Established 1980 under Brahmaputra Board Act, 1980 CWC: Established 1945; headquartered in New Delhi NWDA: Established 1982 under Ministry of Jal Shakti Interlinking of Rivers (ILR): National Perspective Plan (1980) – 30 links (14 Himalayan, 16 Peninsular) Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026) RBM Scheme continuation (2026-31): ₹2,183 crore budget (increase from ₹1,276 crore in previous phase) Majuli Island protection: Anti-erosion works under Brahmaputra Board Cross-border water management: Indus (Pakistan), Brahmaputra (China), Teesta (Bangladesh) Springshed management: Community-based intervention in hilly North Eastern states Source/Reference: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2252895&reg=3&lang=1 Divya Bharat: NITI Aayog's Anthology to Boost India's Tourism Ecosystem (2026) Subject: Economy – Tourism; NITI Aayog; Government Initiative; Cultural Heritage; Sustainable Development. Why in News? NITI Aayog launched an anthology titled “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India” on April 17, 2026 What is Divya Bharat? Nature A comprehensive anthology (collection of writings) presenting India’s tourism offerings Conceived as a year-round companion for travellers Key Features Presents destinations through a unique seasonal lens – aligning with the rhythm of months Covers all States and Union Territories Includes: iconic landmarks, heritage sites, cultural traditions, festivals, cuisines, and lesser-known destinations Philosophy Goes beyond conventional sightseeing Encourages experiential journeys – deeper engagement with local communities, traditions, and ways of life Promotes balanced tourism – travel across seasons and regions (not just peak seasons) Objectives Inspire citizens and global travellers to explore India’s diverse tourism landscape Promote domestic awareness and global appeal of India’s tourism sector Support local economies and preserve cultural heritage Foster greater community participation in tourism Promote longer tourist stays (domestic and religious tourism) Significance (Static Link) Tourism as Economic Driver Contributes to GDP, employment, and foreign exchange Supports MSMEs (hotels, transport, handicrafts, guides) Divya Bharat’s Role A structured and accessible view of India’s tourism landscape Resource for travellers, policymakers, and stakeholders Builds on ongoing efforts to promote tourism as a pillar of inclusive growth, cultural pride, and sustainable development Static-Dynamic Linkage Static (Economy / Art & Culture Syllabus) NITI Aayog: Established 2015 (replaced Planning Commission) Ministry of Tourism: Nodal ministry for tourism policy (Incredible India campaign) IITTM: Established 1983; campuses in Gwalior, Bhubaneswar, Nellore, Noida Tourism as driver: Contributes ~9% to GDP (pre-COVID) and ~8% to employment Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026) Divya Bharat launch (April 17, 2026) – NITI Aayog’s first tourism anthology Seasonal lens approach – promoting off-season and lesser-known destinations Centre-State collaboration – unified platform for tourism promotion Sustainable tourism – balancing economic growth with cultural preservation Source/Reference: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2253135&reg=3&lang=1 Labour Laws in India: Four Labour Codes – Biggest Reform Since Independence Subject: Polity – Labour Laws; Economy – Labour Codes 2026; Social Justice – Worker Welfare. Why in News? Earlier this week, rare scenes unfolded in Noida, a satellite city of India’s capital Delhi, as thousands of factory workers blocked roads, demanding higher wages and better working conditions. The four Labour Codes came into full effect from 21 November 2025, rationalising 29 central labour laws into a single cohesive framework  The reform has been acknowledged as the most significant overhaul of employment regulation since independence    Overview of the Four Labour Codes Code on Wages, 2019 Repeals: 4 laws including Payment of Wages Act, 1936; Minimum Wages Act, 1948; Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; Equal Remuneration Act, 1976  Key changes: Wage definition: “Wages” must constitute at least 50% of total remuneration (basic + DA + retaining allowance). Excluded components like HRA and bonus cannot exceed 50%  Universal coverage: Payment of wages provisions now apply to all employees (no wage ceiling)  Equal pay: Transgender persons included in gender discrimination protections  National floor wage: Central Government to fix a floor wage; state minimum wages cannot be lower than this  Code on Social Security, 2020 Repeals: 9 laws including EPF Act, ESI Act, Maternity Benefit Act, Payment of Gratuity Act, etc.  Key changes: Gig and platform workers formally recognised for first time; aggregators to contribute 1-2% of annual turnover (capped at 5% of payments)  Fixed-term employees (FTE) entitled to equal benefits as permanent workers; gratuity eligibility after one year (reduced from five years)  Universal Account Number (UAN) linked to Aadhaar for portable social security benefits  ESIC coverage for establishments with 10+ employees (mandatory); voluntary for smaller units; even one employee in hazardous processes covered  Industrial Relations Code, 2020 Repeals: 3 laws including Trade Unions Act, 1926; Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946; Industrial Disputes Act, 1947  Key changes: Terminology shift: “Workman” replaced with “worker” and “employee” – broader coverage including supervisory staff  Stricter strike norms: Employees must give 14 days’ notice before strike; notice of lock-down by employer also required  Layoff threshold: Prior government approval now required for establishments with 300+ workers (increased from 100)  Negotiating unions: Statutory framework for recognition of negotiating unions or councils  Grievance redressal committee: Mandatory for establishments with 20+ workers  Workers’ Re-skilling Fund: Employers to contribute when retrenching workers  Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 Repeals: 13 laws including Factories Act, 1948; Mines Act, 1952; Contract Labour Act, 1970; Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979; Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996, etc.  Key changes: Women allowed in all establishments including night shifts, underground mining, and hazardous jobs – subject to consent and safety measures  Annual health check-up mandatory for all workers  Appointment letter mandatory for every worker (formalising employment)  Inter-state migrant workers: Definition expanded to include self-migrated workers; entitled to annual travel allowance and portable benefits  Mandatory safety audits, registers, and training programs across sectors    Static-Dynamic Linkage Static (Polity / Economy Syllabus) Labour as Concurrent Subject: Entry 24 of Concurrent List (List III) – both Centre and States can legislate Article 43 (DPSP): Living wage, decent standard of life for workers Article 43A: Workers’ participation in management Article 19(1)(c): Right to form trade unions (subject to reasonable restrictions) Article 23: Prohibition of forced labour Legislations Repealed (29 total) Code on Wages: 4 laws (Payment of Wages Act, 1936; Minimum Wages Act, 1948; Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; Equal Remuneration Act, 1976) Social Security Code: 9 laws (EPF Act, ESI Act, Maternity Benefit Act, Gratuity Act, etc.) Industrial Relations Code: 3 laws (Trade Unions Act, 1926; Industrial Employment Act, 1946; Industrial Disputes Act, 1947) OSH Code: 13 laws (Factories Act, 1948; Mines Act, 1952; Contract Labour Act, 1970; Migrant Workmen Act, 1979; Building Workers Act, 1996; etc.) Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026) Codes effective from 21 November 2025 – unified labour law framework IR Code Amendment (Feb 2026) – clarifies repeal of three old Acts  State rules finalisation ongoing – 2 states yet to publish draft rules  Delhi, AP, Puducherry, Gujarat – recent state-level amendments (March 2026)  ESG implications: OSH Code compliance now part of investor scrutiny  Source/Reference: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8444gex65o India Slips to Sixth Largest Economy (2026): Why and What Next? Subject: Economy – GDP Rankings; IMF Report; Base Year Revision; Rupee Depreciation. Why in News? According to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook (April 2026), India is no longer the fourth largest economy in the world India has slipped to sixth position behind Japan and the UK GDP Rankings (2026) USA: $32.38 trillion (1st) China: $20.85 trillion (2nd) Germany: 3rd Japan: $4.38 trillion (4th) UK: $4.27 trillion (5th) India: $4.15 trillion (6th – down from 4th in 2025)   Why Did India Slip? (Two Key Reasons) GDP Base Revision (February 2026) India updated its GDP estimates with a new base year Previous series was overestimating India’s GDP In rupee terms, GDP for 2025-26 rolled back from ₹357 lakh crore to ₹345 lakh crore For 2025, India’s dollar GDP fell from $4.1 trillion (old) to $3.9 trillion (new) Rupee Depreciation Rupee lost significant value against the US dollar over the past year Dollar itself lost value against British pound and Japanese yen This gap expansion works against India when IMF calculates GDP in dollar terms   Future Projections (IMF) 2027: India will retake fourth position 2031: India expected to overtake third-placed Germany Previous expectation (overtaking Germany by 2029) now pushed to 2031 Static-Dynamic Linkage Static (Economy Syllabus) Nominal GDP vs PPP GDP: India is 3rd largest in PPP terms (after China and USA) Base Year: Currently 2011-12 (under revision) GDP calculation: Expenditure method, income method, production method Exchange rate impact: Depreciation reduces dollar-denominated GDP Dynamic (Current Affairs – April 2026) India slips to 6th – from 4th in 2025 IMF April 2026 WEO – revised rankings Base year revision – GDP rolled back from ₹357 to ₹345 lakh crore Projected recovery – 4th in 2027; overtake Germany in 2031   Source/Reference: https://epaper.indianexpress.com/4141845/Delhi/April-18-2026#clip/79657643/57ea7e99-75e5-4a17-ad27-c5d4c9f68e15/1226.6666666666665:570.4423480083858 El Niño 2026: Below-Average Monsoon Forecast – Impact on Agriculture, Inflation & Policy Subject: Geography – El Niño; Economy – Monsoon Impact; Agriculture; Inflation; RBI Policy. Why in News? India’s weather office has forecast a below-average monsoon in 2026, with an El Niño expected to develop and weigh on rainfall in the latter half of the June-September season In past El Niño years, India has seen below-average rainfall, at times triggering severe droughts, crop damage, and export curbs What is El Niño? Definition El Niño is the warming of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean (sea surface temperatures rise above normal) Alters atmospheric circulation and weakens monsoon winds over the Indian subcontinent How it Affects Indian Monsoon Strongly linked to weaker monsoons (reduced rainfall) However, India has still seen average or above-average rains in at least 5 of 17 El Niño events over past seven decades But in the last six El Niño years, India has received below-average rains Historical Example (2009) Even a weak El Niño led to sharp drop in rainfall to 78.2% of long-period average – lowest in 37 years Weather models suggest 2026 El Niño could be strong Why is Monsoon Important for India? Rainfall Contribution Delivers nearly 70% of India’s annual rainfall Agricultural Significance Agriculture accounts for about 18% of India’s $4 trillion economy Employs nearly half of India’s 1.5 billion people Impact of Below-Normal Rainfall Smaller harvests of: rice, cotton, soybeans Lower soil moisture affects winter crops (wheat, rapeseed) May prompt export restrictions (as in 2023 El Niño year) May force India to increase imports of edible oils (palm oil, soyoil) Reduces hydropower output (accounts for about 6% of power mix) Impact on Inflation and Central Bank Policy Food Inflation Link Food accounts for nearly one-third of India’s consumer price index (CPI) RBI monitors food inflation closely when setting monetary policy Recent Context (2024-2025) Rainfall was above average over past two years Helped ease food prices and broader inflation Gave RBI room to cut lending rates 2026 Risks Below-normal rainfall + rising commodity costs (due to Iran conflict) = higher overall inflation Could force RBI to raise interest rates Slower economic momentum + higher inflation = further hit to foreign investment Additional pressure on rupee (already among worst-performing Asian currencies in 2026) Static-Dynamic Linkage Static (Geography / Economy Syllabus) El Niño & La Niña: Part of ENSO cycle; affects global weather patterns Indian Monsoon: June-September; southwest monsoon; 70% of annual rainfall Rainfall classification: Normal (96-104% LPA); Below-normal (90-96%); Deficient (<90%) RBI’s inflation targeting: 4% target with 2-6% tolerance band Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026) Below-average monsoon forecast – El Niño expected to develop in latter half of season Iran conflict – rising commodity costs compounding inflation risks Rupee depreciation – among worst-performing Asian currencies in 2026 Export curbs possible – rice, wheat, sugar (as seen in 2023) Source/Reference: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/how-el-nino-driven-weaker-monsoon-rains-could-impact-india-2026-04-16/   (MAINS Focus) Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026: A Deserved Defeat UPSC Mains Subject: GS Paper II – Polity & Governance (Parliament, Federalism, Constitutional Amendments) Sub-topic: Delimitation; Women’s Reservation; Centre-State Relations; Article 368   Introduction The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 failed to secure the two-thirds majority under Article 368, leading to its defeat and the shelving of the Delimitation Bill.  This outcome highlights the constitutional safeguard against pushing major structural changes without broad consensus. The government’s approach—linking women’s reservation to delimitation based on the 2011 Census—raised federal concerns and overlooked key recommendations on Centre–State relations.   Main Body The Constitutional Amendment Dimension: Article 368 The Two-Thirds Safeguard: Article 368 requires special majority: majority of total membership + two-thirds of members present and voting For amendments affecting federal provisions, ratification by half the States is also required (Article 368(2)) The 131st Amendment fell at the first hurdle itself Basic Structure Dimension: The Supreme Court in Kesavananda Bharati (1973) held that federalism is part of the basic structure S.R. Bommai (1994) reaffirmed that any amendment violating federal principles can be struck down A delimitation that disproportionately reduces representation of certain States could potentially violate this principle Centre-State Relations: The Federal Fault Line Constitutional Framework of Delimitation: Article 81: Lok Sabha seats allocated to States based on population 42nd Amendment (1976) and 84th Amendment (2002) froze delimitation until first Census after 2026 Rationale: Incentivise population stabilisation without penalising successful States The North-South Asymmetry: Southern States (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra, Telangana) stabilised population growth decades ago Northern States (UP, Bihar, MP, Rajasthan) continue to have higher fertility rates A strict population-based delimitation would reduce southern seats and increase northern seats The Bill’s Language: Mandated delimitation based on latest Census (2011) Would have reduced share of southern, eastern, and northeastern States Contradicted the spirit of the 84th Amendment (2002) Related Committees and Their Recommendations Sarkaria Commission (1983-1988): Recommended that delimitation should not penalise States that controlled population growth Emphasised federal balance requires protection of smaller and economically advanced States Punchhi Commission (2007-2010): Reaffirmed federalism as basic feature of the Constitution Recommended extensive consultation with States before any delimitation exercise Suggested demographic performance should be rewarded, not penalised 84th Amendment (2002): Froze delimitation until first Census after 2026 Explicitly linked to “progress of family planning programmes in different parts of the country” The 131st Amendment sought to negate this rationale without fresh assessment Way Forward Constitutionally Mandated Route: Complete the 2026-27 Census (currently underway) Refer delimitation to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for genuine consensus Follow the precedent of the 84th Amendment (2002) which was passed after extensive consultation Women’s Reservation: The 106th Amendment (2023) already provides for it Implementation requires delimitation, but delimitation need not be controversial Consensus can be built through proper process Federal Principle: Balance democratic equality (“one vote, one value”) with federal fairness The Demographic Performance (DemPer) principle could be a way forward The Finance Commission already uses multiple criteria beyond population   Conclusion The defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 is not a legislative failure but a constitutional safeguard in action. The two-thirds requirement under Article 368 prevented a rushed approach to delimitation based on the 2011 Census, without consensus or regard for federal concerns.  The way forward lies in completing the Census, building parliamentary consensus, and following constitutional processes.   UPSC Mains Practice Question Does the two-thirds requirement under Article 368 function as a substantive safeguard of federalism? Discuss in light of the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, and its implications for Centre–State relations. (250 words, 15 marks)   https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/deservedly-dead-the-hindu-editorial-on-the-defeat-of-the-constitution-131st-amendment-bill-2026/article70875239.ece Cancer Cure: Must Not Be Hostage to Big Pharma UPSC Mains Subject: GS Paper II – Social Justice (Health) | GS Paper III – Science & Technology | GS Paper IV – Ethics Sub-topic: Pharmaceutical Patents; Drug Pricing; Access to Medicines; Biosimilars; Innovation   Introduction Immunotherapy drugs like Keytruda have transformed cancer care, but an International Consortium of Investigative Journalists probe reveals stark inequities—₹1.5 lakh per vial, unsafe vial diversion, and patent thickets delaying affordable options.  India must fast-track biosimilars, tighten regulation, and shift from manufacturer to innovator to ensure access.   Main Body The Keytruda Case: Price, Shadow Economy, and Systemic Gaps The Price Barrier: 100 mg vial: Rs 1.5 lakh; therapy over months/years costs tens of lakhs Places the drug beyond reach of most Indian patients The Shadow Economy: Networks of hospital staff, pharmacists, middlemen divert used vials Refill with other substances; sell as genuine doses at discounted rates Desperate patients become easy targets Systemic Gaps Exposed: Hospital waste disposal weak and poorly monitored Tracking systems for high-value drugs inadequate No real-time verification for patients to authenticate doses How Big Pharma Games the Patent System Primary Patent & Patent Thicket: Merck holds primary patent on pembrolizumab (Keytruda) till 2028 Built a dense “patent thicket” around formulations, delivery mechanisms, incremental innovations Each additional patent adds years of exclusivity Purpose of Patent Thickets: Delay entry of cheaper generic/biosimilar alternatives Create legal minefields; potential competitors must fight multiple patent challenges Deliberate corporate strategy, not incidental outcome Evergreening & India’s Shield: Evergreening: extending patent life through minor modifications Section 3(d) of Indian Patents Act, 1970, prohibits patents on new forms of known substances unless significantly enhanced efficacy shown Novartis Glivec case (2013): Supreme Court rejected patent for beta-crystalline form, affirming Section 3(d) as safeguard Biosimilars: The Cheaper Alternative and Regulatory Hurdles What Are Biosimilars: Derived from living cells (unlike chemical generics) Demand advanced manufacturing capabilities Face stricter regulatory scrutiny due to complexity and immunogenicity risks Development time: 4-8 times longer than chemical generics Indian Firms’ Progress: Working on Keytruda biosimilars; could reduce costs by up to 70% India has robust generics industry; biosimilars are next frontier The Legal Hurdle: Courts have prioritised patient access when cheaper substitutes challenged But legal battles protracted (years); critically ill patients cannot wait India’s CAR-T Therapy Success: A Model for Homegrown Innovation What is CAR-T Therapy: Patient’s own T-cells extracted, genetically modified to attack cancer cells, reinfused Highly effective against certain blood cancers India’s Achievement: First indigenous CAR-T (NexCAR19) developed by IIT Bombay and Tata Memorial Centre Cost: Rs 40 lakh vs. global price Rs 3-4 crore (one-tenth) Why This Matters: Proves India can move from manufacturer of generics to innovator of cutting-edge therapies Demonstrates academia-industry collaboration works when properly funded Shows homegrown innovation can achieve 90% cost reduction Way Forward: Short-Term and Long-Term Short-Term (Immediate): Strengthen regulatory oversight of drug supply chain Fast-track biosimilar approvals without compromising safety Implement real-time tracking for high-value oncology drugs Strengthen hospital waste disposal protocols Criminal accountability for shadow economy operators Medium-Term (2-5 Years): Scale CAR-T model through sustained R&D investment Strengthen academia-industry collaboration with clear IP-sharing frameworks Create financing mechanisms to absorb biotech risks Speedier regulatory pathways for biosimilars with safety guardrails Long-Term (5-10 Years): India has world’s third-largest cancer burden (1.5+ million new cases annually) Cannot treat drug discovery as distant goal National mission on affordable cancer therapeutics needed; conversations must begin urgently   Conclusion The ICIJ probe reveals a troubling nexus of exorbitant pricing, diverted drug vials, and patent strategies delaying affordable alternatives. While Section 3(d) curbs evergreening and Indian firms are developing cheaper biosimilars, regulatory delays remain a bottleneck. The CAR-T breakthrough shows India’s innovation potential.  The priority is clear: fast-track biosimilars, scale indigenous innovation, and ensure timely patient access without being constrained by patent barriers.   UPSC Mains Practice Question How do pharmaceutical patent practices like “patent thickets,” highlighted in the case of Keytruda, affect access to life-saving drugs? Examine how India can balance innovation incentives with affordable healthcare. (250 words, 15 marks) https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/search-for-cancer-cure-must-not-be-hostage-to-big-pharma-10640520/  

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