Category: POLITY

Context: The Union Home Ministry has unveiled India’s first National Counter Terrorism Policy and Strategy (PRAHAAR) to comprehensively tackle evolving terror threats.

• India faces terrorist threats across water, land and air domains.
• Policy aims to criminalise all terrorist acts and dismantle terror ecosystems.
• Focus on denying terrorists access to funding, weapons and safe havens.
• Addresses cross-border terrorism and state-sponsored threats.
• Highlights misuse of drones, social media, encryption and dark web by terror groups.
• Stresses disruption of terror financing including crypto wallets.
• Calls for coordinated action among Centre, States and intelligence agencies.
• Promotes uniform anti-terror structure and standardised procedures nationwide.
• Emphasises community engagement to prevent youth radicalisation.
• Strengthens response to emerging threats including CBRN risks.

Source: THE HINDU

Category: HISTORY

Context: President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the bust of C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji), marking the first Indian Governor-General’s statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan as part of decolonisation efforts.

• Bust of C. Rajagopalachari installed at Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing Edwin Lutyens’ statue.
• Rajaji was the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India.
• Event highlighted “mental decolonisation” and shedding colonial vestiges.
• Rashtrapati Bhavan halls renamed earlier (Durbar Hall → Ganatantra Mandap; Ashok Hall retained for events).
• 2,300 books and manuscripts shifted to a dedicated Granth Kutir space.
• Portraits of British-era figures removed; Indian icons emphasised.
• Move symbolises cultural assertion and reclaiming national identity.

Learning Corner:

1. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji)

• Full name: Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (1878–1972).
• He was the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India (1948–1950).
• A close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and a prominent leader of the Indian National Movement.
• Served as Premier of Madras Presidency (1937–39) and later Chief Minister of Madras State (1952–54).
• Founder of the Swatantra Party (1959), advocating free-market economic policies against excessive state control.
• Known for his intellectual depth, administrative ability and advocacy of individual liberty.
• Awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954, among the first recipients.

Source:  THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Category: INTERNATIONAL

Context: The International Energy Agency (IEA) has stated that India’s full membership would require amendment of its founding charter, which currently limits membership to OECD countries.

• India is currently an associate member of the IEA (since 2017).
• Full membership is restricted to OECD member countries under the existing IEA framework.
• India formally requested full membership in October 2023.
• Granting membership would require amendment of IEA’s founding agreement or eligibility criteria.

Learning Corner:

International Energy Agency (IEA)

• IEA was created in 1974 in response to the global oil crisis.
• Core mandate includes ensuring oil supply security through strategic reserves.
• IEA now increasingly focuses on climate change, clean energy and energy transitions.
• India seeks full membership to gain decision-making rights in global energy governance.
• India’s growing share in global energy demand strengthens its case.

• Discussions are ongoing; no final decision has been taken yet.

Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Context: A scientific study in Kerala’s Kole wetlands has led to the discovery of four new species of pygmy grasshoppers, highlighting the region’s rich but understudied biodiversity.

• Four new species of pygmy grasshoppers (family Tetrigidae) were discovered in Kole wetlands.
• The study underscores the ecological significance of this Ramsar-listed wetland ecosystem.
• Pygmy grasshoppers are important bio-indicators of wetland health.
• The findings reveal high microhabitat diversity within agricultural-wetland landscapes.
• Researchers emphasised the need for long-term taxonomic and ecological documentation.
• The discovery strengthens the case for conservation of Kole wetlands.
• It highlights that even human-modified wetlands can harbour undocumented species diversity.

Learning Corner:

Kole Wetlands 

• Kole Wetlands is a large freshwater wetland ecosystem located in Thrissur and Malappuram districts of Kerala.
• The term “Kole” refers to bumper yield, indicating its high agricultural productivity.
• It is a below sea-level wetland system, seasonally flooded during the monsoon.
• The area supports extensive paddy cultivation through controlled water management.
• It was designated as a Ramsar Site in 2022 due to its ecological importance.
• The wetland serves as a crucial habitat for migratory and resident birds.
• It plays an important role in flood regulation, groundwater recharge and carbon sequestration.
• Kole wetlands also support rich biodiversity, including fish, amphibians and recently discovered pygmy grasshopper species.

Source: THE HINDU

Category: INTERNATIONAL

Context: Iran has successfully test-fired the new Sayyad-3G naval air-defence missile during naval drills in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, signalling enhanced maritime defence capabilities amid tensions with the U.S. and Western forces.

• Iran tested the Sea-based Sayyad-3G naval air-defence missile in drills in the Strait of Hormuz.
• The missile was launched from the Shahid Sayyad Shirazi warship using a vertical launch system.
• Sayyad-3G is a maritime adaptation of Iran’s long-range Sayyad air-defence family, expanding naval air defence range ~150 km.
• It is designed to intercept aircraft, UAVs and other aerial threats to naval vessels.
• The test comes amid regional tensions and increased U.S. naval presence near Iranian waters.
• Iran claims the system strengthens its sea-denial strategy and protects its navy against foreign threats.
• Western and Israeli militaries are monitoring the development closely due to strategic implications.

Learning Corner:

Sayyad-3G Missile – Key Features

• It is a naval surface-to-air missile (SAM) developed by Iran.
• Designed for ship-based vertical launch systems (VLS).
• Primarily meant to intercept aircraft, UAVs and other aerial threats.
• Reported operational range of around 150 km (approx.).
• Part of the broader Sayyad air-defence missile family.
• Enhances Iran’s maritime air defence and sea-denial capability.
• Tested in naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital chokepoint.

Source: ONE INDIA

(UPSC GS Paper II – Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies)

Context (Introduction)

Allegations surrounding electoral roll revisions, debates over the 2023 appointment law, and a proposed motion to remove the Chief Election Commissioner have revived concerns regarding the institutional independence of the Election Commission of India (ECI), a pillar of India’s democratic basic structure.

Main Arguments

• Free and Fair Elections as Basic Structure: In Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975), the Supreme Court recognised free and fair elections as part of the Basic Structure. Article 326 guarantees universal adult suffrage, while Article 324 vests the ECI with plenary powers of superintendence, direction and control over elections.
• Institutional Design under Article 324: The Constitution provides for a permanent Election Commission comprising the CEC and other Election Commissioners. Since 1993, it has functioned as a multi-member body, validated in T.N. Seshan v. Union of India (1995), ensuring collegial decision-making rather than concentration of power.
• Safeguards in Removal Process: Under Article 324(5), the CEC can be removed only through the impeachment-like procedure applicable to Supreme Court judges under Article 124(4), requiring proved misbehaviour or incapacity. This quasi-judicial parliamentary process under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 ensures natural justice and protection from executive arbitrariness.
• Appointment Controversy and the 2023 Act: The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Office and Terms of Office) Act, 2023 provides for appointment by a committee comprising the Prime Minister, a Union Minister and the Leader of Opposition. Critics argue that exclusion of the Chief Justice of India—contrary to the interim arrangement suggested in Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023)—may affect perceived neutrality.
• Recent Electoral Roll Concerns: Allegations regarding large-scale deletions during Special Intensive Revision (SIR), including deletion of around 65 lakh voters in Bihar, have raised concerns about procedural fairness and transparency, though matters remain sub judice.

Challenges

• Perceived executive dominance in appointments.
• Increasing politicisation of the ECI’s decisions.
• Concerns over transparency in electoral roll management.
• Limited financial and administrative autonomy (budget routed through Law Ministry).
• Absence of an independent secretariat insulated from executive control.

Reform Suggestions 

1. Collegium-Based Appointment Mechanism

• The Law Commission (255th Report, 2015) recommended a collegium comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition and Chief Justice of India.
• Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has consistently advocated inclusion of judicial members to ensure neutrality.
• The Supreme Court in Anoop Baranwal (2023) temporarily directed such a composition until Parliament enacts a law.

1. Independent Secretariat and Financial Autonomy

• The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) recommended that the ECI be provided with an independent secretariat akin to that of the Supreme Court and charged expenditure status under the Consolidated Fund of India.

1. Equal Removal Protection for ECs

• The Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990) and later the Law Commission suggested that other Election Commissioners should enjoy the same removal protection as the CEC to prevent hierarchical vulnerability.

1. Transparent Electoral Roll Audits

• ADR and civil society groups recommend mandatory third-party social audits, public disclosure of deletion criteria, and stronger grievance redressal systems to ensure fairness in voter registration exercises.

1. Cooling-Off Period and Post-Retirement Restrictions

• Several experts have suggested a statutory cooling-off period to prevent post-retirement appointments, thereby strengthening impartiality.

Conclusion

The Election Commission’s authority rests not only on constitutional text but on public trust. While Article 324 and impeachment safeguards provide structural autonomy, evolving political contestation necessitates institutional reforms that enhance transparency, financial independence and bipartisan legitimacy. Preserving both the letter and spirit of electoral integrity is indispensable to sustaining India’s democratic basic structure.

Mains Question

1. Discuss the constitutional safeguards ensuring the independence of the Election Commission of India. In light of recent controversies, evaluate the need for reforms in its appointment and functioning. (15 marks, 250 words)

Source: The Hindu

(UPSC GS Paper II – Structure, organisation and functioning of the Judiciary; Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors; E-governance—applications, models, successes and limitations)

Context (Introduction

With ₹1,200 crore allocated under Phase III of the e-Courts Mission Mode Project, the Supreme Court and Department of Justice face a critical choice: centralised technology rollouts or decentralised innovation led by High Courts to make justice delivery faster, predictable and citizen-centric.

Existing Digital Initiatives in the Judiciary

• e-Courts Mission Mode Project (2007–present): Implemented under the National e-Governance Plan, it has computerised district courts, enabled case information systems (CIS), and introduced virtual hearings, especially post-COVID. Phase III focuses on digital courts, paperless functioning and AI-enabled services.
• National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG): Provides real-time data on pendency (over 5 crore cases across courts), improving transparency and policy planning. It supports performance tracking and judicial analytics.
• e-Filing and Virtual Courts: Online filing portals and virtual traffic courts have reduced physical visits. Hybrid hearings expanded during the pandemic have improved accessibility for litigants and lawyers.
• SUPACE and AI Integration: The Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Court Efficiency (SUPACE) assists judges with research and data compilation, marking early steps toward AI-enabled judicial workflows.
• Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS): Integrates police, prisons, courts and forensic labs, aiming to reduce procedural delays and enhance coordination.

Key Challenges

• Centralised, One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Uniform technology procurement often overlooks local court capacity, infrastructure gaps and workflow variations across States, leading to underutilisation.
• Digital Divide and Capacity Constraints: Many district courts lack stable internet, trained staff and cybersecurity infrastructure. Lawyers and litigants in rural areas face technological barriers.
• Fragmented Accountability: High Courts bear administrative responsibility under Article 227 but lack flexible financial control. Budgetary approvals routed centrally slow implementation.
• Cybersecurity and Data Protection Risks: Sensitive judicial data requires robust compliance with privacy norms, especially after enactment of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
• Limited Outcome Measurement: Funding is often input-based (hardware, software purchase) rather than outcome-based (reduction in pendency, disposal time, user satisfaction).

Why Greater Autonomy for High Courts?

• Constitutional Logic: Article 227 vests administrative superintendence in High Courts. Fiscal decentralisation aligns decision-making authority with operational responsibility.
• Contextual Relevance: Caseload patterns vary—commercial disputes in metros, land disputes in rural areas. Tailored technological pilots can better address specific bottlenecks.
• Innovation and Learning: Allowing High Courts to experiment with e-filing workflows or digital cause lists can generate scalable best practices for national replication.

Reform Architecture: Blended Decentralisation Model

• Conditional Block Grants: Allocate a defined share of the e-Courts budget directly to High Courts, subject to compliance with national interoperability, cybersecurity and data standards.
• Outcome-Linked Disbursement: Tie funding to measurable indicators such as reduced adjournments, improved disposal rates or infrastructure digitisation levels, with metrics jointly agreed upon.
• Competitive Innovation Grants”: Encourage High Courts to submit pilot proposals evaluated on scalability, return on investment and user impact, fostering evidence-based scaling.
• Centralised Standards, Decentralised Execution: The Supreme Court and Department of Justice should focus on digital public infrastructure standards, vendor certification, privacy compliance and performance dashboards.
• Capacity Building and Digital Literacy: Judicial officers, court staff and lawyers require structured training. Partnerships with NIC, IITs and law universities can strengthen tech capacity.

Way Forward

• Establish independent technical secretariats within High Courts.
• Mandate annual public digital performance reports.
• Integrate AI tools carefully with ethical oversight and transparency.
• Ensure cybersecurity audits and compliance with privacy norms.
• Promote inclusive design to bridge rural-urban digital gaps.

Conclusion

Court digitisation is not merely a technological project but an institutional reform. Decentralising funds while centralising standards can combine constitutional autonomy with national coherence. A transparent, innovation-driven architecture offers the most sustainable path to faster, accessible and credible justice delivery.

Mains Question

1. Examine the role of digital initiatives in transforming India’s judicial system. Why is decentralised autonomy for High Courts crucial for effective technological reform in the justice delivery system? (15 marks, 250 words)

Source: Indian Express