IAS PCS Mission 2026: Daily Study Material – 30 Jan 2026

Study Target
Editorial Analysis
Mapping

NCERT History: Class 8 Chapter-4 (Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age)

This chapter, “Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age,” focuses on the impact of colonial rule on tribal communities in India and the subsequent resistance led by figures like Birsa Munda.

1. Tribal Livelihoods in the 19th Century

Before the full impact of British rule, tribal groups followed diverse ways of life:

Jhum Cultivation: Also known as shifting cultivation, practiced on small patches of land, primarily in the forests of North-East and Central India.
Hunters and Gatherers: Groups like the Khonds of Orissa lived by hunting animals and collecting forest produce such as fruits, roots, and medicinal herbs.
Animal Herders: Many tribes were pastoralists who moved with their herds of cattle or sheep according to the seasons, such as the Van Gujjars of the Punjab hills and the Labadis of Andhra Pradesh.
Settled Cultivation: Some groups, like the Mundas, Gonds, and Santhals, had begun settling down and using the plough to cultivate fields in one place year after year.

2. Impact of Colonial Rule on Tribal Lives

The British administration brought significant and often disruptive changes:

Loss of Authority for Chiefs: Tribal chiefs, who previously enjoyed economic and administrative power, lost their authority and were forced to follow laws made by British officials.
Problems for Shifting Cultivators: The British were uncomfortable with moving groups and tried to settle Jhum cultivators into peasant cultivators to ensure a regular revenue income for the state.
Forest Laws: The British declared forests as state property, classifying some as “Reserved Forests” where tribals were not allowed to move freely or practice cultivation. This led to a shortage of labor for the Forest Department, resulting in the creation of “forest villages”.
Exploitation by Traders and Moneylenders: Tribals often had to take loans from moneylenders at high interest rates to buy goods or pay for essentials, leading to a cycle of debt and poverty.

3. Tribal Rebellions

Oppressive laws and exploitation led to several uprisings across the subcontinent:

The Kols Rebellion: Occurred in 1831-32.
The Santhal Rebellion: Took place in 1855.
The Bastar Rebellion: Occurred in Central India in 1910.
The Warli Revolt: Took place in Maharashtra in 1940.

4. Birsa Munda and the “Ulgulan”

Birsa Munda led a major movement in the late 1890s in the Chottanagpur region.

Vision of a Golden Age: Birsa urged his followers to recover their past glory—a “golden age” or sat-yug—when Mundas lived a good life, built embankments, and lived in harmony with nature.
Targeting “Dikus”: The movement identified “dikus” (outsiders like moneylenders, traders, and Hindu landlords) and the British government as the cause of their misery.
Political Aim: The movement aimed to drive out missionaries, moneylenders, and the government to establish a Munda Raj with Birsa as its head.
Outcome: Birsa was arrested in 1895 and released in 1897. He died of cholera in 1900, after which the movement faded out. However, it forced the colonial government to introduce laws so that the land of tribals could not be easily taken away by dikus.

NCERT History • Class-8

Chapter – 4

Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age

Traditional Livelihoods

Jhum Cultivation: Shifting agriculture on forest patches in the North-East and Central India.

Hunters & Gatherers: Groups like the Khonds of Orissa relied on forest produce and communal hunting.

Animal Herders: Pastoralists like the Van Gujjars and Labadis moved seasonally with cattle.

Colonial Impact

Loss of Power: Tribal chiefs became mere subordinates to British law, losing their administrative autonomy.

Forest Laws: Categorizing forests as “Reserved” restricted tribal movement, leading to organized resistance.

The Vision of Birsa Munda

The Rise of Birsa: In the late 1890s, Birsa led the Ulgulan (Great Tumult) in Chottanagpur to restore Munda glory.

Targeting Dikus: The movement identified “Dikus” (outsiders like moneylenders, traders, and British officials) as the source of tribal misery.

Golden Age (Sat-yug): Birsa envisioned a past where Mundas lived in harmony with nature, free from exploitation and debt.

Political Aim: To establish a Munda Raj. Though Birsa died in 1900, the movement forced the British to protect tribal land rights through new laws.

Other Rebellions: The Kols (1831), Santhals (1855), Bastar (1910), and Warli (1940) all rose against colonial oppression.

Dikus

A term used by tribals for outsiders like moneylenders and British officials who exploited them.

Reserved Forests

Forests controlled by the state where tribals were forbidden from gathering or cultivating.

Ulgulan

Meaning “The Great Tumult,” it refers to the massive rebellion led by Birsa Munda.

Voice of the Forest

Colonial rule transformed the forest from a shared home into a state commodity. The tribal resistance was not just about land, but about preserving a culture and a way of life that the British could not quantify or control.

📂

Class-8 History Chapter-4 PDF

Complete Study Notes: Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age

Download Now

⚖️Indian Polity: Central Council of Ministers: Categories and Roles

The Council of Ministers (CoM) is a larger body that performs the executive functions of the Union. According to the 91st Constitutional Amendment (2003), the total strength of the CoM cannot exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.

1. Categories of Ministers

The Council is organized into a three-tier hierarchy based on rank and responsibility:

Cabinet Ministers:
- Status: The most senior members who head crucial ministries like Home, Defence, Finance, and External Affairs.
- Role: They attend Cabinet meetings and are the primary policy-makers of the Union Government.
Ministers of State (Independent Charge):
- Status: They head smaller ministries/departments but do not report to a Cabinet Minister.
- Role: They are invited to Cabinet meetings only when matters related to their specific departments are discussed.
Ministers of State (MoS):
- Status: Junior ministers who are attached to Cabinet Ministers.
- Role: They assist Cabinet Ministers in their administrative, political, and parliamentary duties. They do not attend Cabinet meetings.
Deputy Ministers (Rarely appointed now):
- Status: Lowest in rank, attached to either Cabinet Ministers or Ministers of State.
- Role: They provide purely administrative and parliamentary assistance.

2. Council of Ministers vs. The Cabinet

Students often confuse these two. Use this table for your website’s “Key Differences” section:

Feature	Council of Ministers (CoM)	The Cabinet
Size	Large (60–80 Ministers).	Small (15–25 Senior Ministers).
Status	Constitutional Body (Art 74-75).	Mentioned in Art 352 (added by 44th Amd).
Meetings	Rarely meets as a whole body.	Meets frequently to decide policy.
Function	It is the body that formally advises.	It is the body that actually decides.

Cabinet Committees: The “Extra-Constitutional” Support

Cabinet Committees are specialized groups created to reduce the workload of the Cabinet and allow for in-depth examination of complex issues.

1. Key Features

Extra-Constitutional: They are not mentioned in the original Constitution; they are established under the Rules of Business.
Two Types: 1. Standing Committees: Permanent in nature.2. Ad Hoc Committees: Temporary, created for specific tasks (e.g., a specific crisis).
Composition: Usually consist of 3 to 8 Cabinet Ministers. The Prime Minister chairs most of them.

2. Most Important Committees

Committee	Chaired By	Responsibility
Political Affairs Committee	Prime Minister	Deals with domestic and foreign policy. Called the “Super-Cabinet.”
Economic Affairs Committee	Prime Minister	Directs and coordinates government activities in the economic sphere.
Appointments Committee	Prime Minister	Decides all higher-level appointments in the Central Secretariat.
Parliamentary Affairs Committee	Home Minister	Oversees the progress of government business in Parliament.
Security Committee (CCS)	Prime Minister	Deals with law and order, internal security, and defense matters.

Union Executive • Categories • Committees

Council of Ministers

Ministerial Hierarchy & Roles

Three-Tier Hierarchy

Cabinet Ministers: Senior members heading crucial portfolios like Home, Defence, and Finance; the primary policy-makers.

Ministers of State (IC): Head smaller departments independently; attend meetings only for specific department matters.

Cabinet Committees

Extra-Constitutional bodies established under Rules of Business to reduce workload and facilitate specialized decisions.

Political Affairs

Chaired by PM; deals with domestic/foreign policy. Known as the “Super-Cabinet.”

Economic Affairs

Chaired by PM; directs and coordinates all government activities in the economic sphere.

Security (CCS)

Chaired by PM; handles national defense, law and order, and internal security matters.

CoM vs.
Cabinet

The Council (CoM) is a large constitutional body that formally advises the President, but it rarely meets as a whole. The Cabinet is a smaller, senior subset (15-25 members) that meets frequently and acts as the real policy-making engine of the Union.

“The Hindu” Editorial Analysis (30-January-2026)

Here is a detailed analysis of the The Hindu Editorials for January 30, 2026, categorized by syllabus relevance for UPSC preparation.

1. Economic Survey 2025-26: Upbeat India, Troubled World

Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy; Growth and development; Mobilization of resources).

Context: The Economic Survey 2025-26, authored by CEA V. Anantha Nageswaran, raises India’s medium-term growth forecast to 7% while warning of severe global economic risks.

Key Points:

Domestic Upgrade: Domestic growth outlook was raised to 7% (from 6.5%) due to improved capital growth, labor participation, and production efficiency.
Global Crisis Risk: The survey estimates a 10%-20% chance of a global crisis in 2026 worse than the 2008 financial crash.
AI Investment Bubble: A major emerging risk is the level of “highly-leveraged” investments in Artificial Intelligence, which could trigger intense risk aversion if corrected.
FY27 Forecast: The survey predicts a growth range of 6.8%-7.2% for the next financial year (2026-27).

UPSC Relevance: Vital for “Economic Planning,” “Macroeconomic Stability,” and “Global Financial Risks.”

Detailed Analysis:

Three World Scenarios: The survey outlines three probabilistic scenarios: Scenario 1 (Business as usual – 40%-45%), Scenario 2 (Multipolar breakdown – 40%-45%), and Scenario 3 (Worst-case systemic stresses – 10%-20%).
Impact on Rupee: All scenarios pose a common risk to India through the disruption of capital flows and consequent pressure on the Rupee.
Defensive Responses: Geopolitical escalation could lead to contracted global liquidity and a shift toward defensive economic responses across various regions.

2. Devolution, Not Debt: Strengthening State Finances

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Federalism; Centre-State relations; Fiscal federalism).

Context: An editorial analysis of the increasing reliance of States on State Development Loans (SDLs) as central tax devolution becomes less stable.

Key Points:

Borrowing Surge: SDLs now account for nearly 35% of revenue receipts in Tamil Nadu and 26% in Maharashtra, levels considered fiscally exceptional a decade ago.
Erosion by Cesses: While the divisible pool share is fixed at 41%, the Centre’s increased use of cesses and surcharges (which lie outside the pool) has eroded effective resource flow to States.
Crowding Out: High borrowing for welfare commitments (pensions/health insurance) limits funds for public capital expenditure and private investment.
Horizontal Reworking: The piece calls for a reworking of devolution criteria to give greater weight to tax effort and efficiency rather than just population.

UPSC Relevance: Essential for “Fiscal Federalism,” “State Debt Management,” and “Governance Finance.”

Detailed Analysis:

Fiscal Autonomy Erosion: Industrialized States with large tax bases are facing a steady erosion of fiscal autonomy as they fund routine expenditures through debt.
Structural Dependency: States like West Bengal remain structurally dependent on Central devolution (averaging 47.7% of receipts) while continuing to borrow heavily.

3. India-Arab League: Bridging Cultures and Opportunities

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Bilateral and global groupings involving India; International Relations).

Context: The 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting in Delhi (Jan 30-31, 2026) highlights India’s deep strategic outreach to the 22-member Arab League.

Key Points:

Economic Bedrock: Bilateral trade currently exceeds $240 billion, with the region catering to 60% of India’s crude oil and 70% of its natural gas imports.
Fintech Convergence: India’s UPI is now accepted in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, while the Rupee is legal currency at Dubai airports.
Strategic Chokepoints: Most of India’s external trade passes through the Suez Canal and the Gulf of Aden, making regional maritime security a top priority.
Defence Exports: Arab countries are showing increasing interest in joint production and Indian platforms like the Tejas fighter, BrahMos, and Aakash missiles.

UPSC Relevance: Significant for “West Asian Geopolitics,” “Energy Security,” and “Maritime Domain Awareness.”

Detailed Analysis:

Fault Lines: India must navigate new tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE (primarily over Yemen) while formulating its own regional strategy.
IMEC Connectivity: The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) remains a focal point for long-term speed and collective prosperity.

4. Quick Pill: Fast-Tracking Pharma Research

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Governance; Health policy) and GS Paper 3 (Science & Tech).

Context: The government has amended the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019, to replace mandatory test licenses for research with a prior intimation mechanism.

Key Points:

Ease of Doing Business: Mandatory licenses for non-commercial drug manufacture are replaced by online intimation via the SUGAM Portal.
Timeline Reduction: The move is expected to fast-track drug development timelines by at least three months.
Speed vs. Quality: Statutory processing for high-risk psychotropic drugs is being reduced from 90 days to 45.
Research Focus: Companies are free to begin drug synthesis for research once the ‘notice of intent’ is acknowledged online.

UPSC Relevance: Important for “Pharmaceutical Regulations,” “Research & Development Support,” and “Public Health Efficiency.”

Detailed Analysis:

Abolishing ‘Licence Raj’: The editorial hails the dismantling of hurdles but warns that quality control must not be compromised.
Fatal Lapses: Recent cough syrup-related deaths highlight that poor oversight in pharmaceutical manufacturing can be fatal.

5. SC Keeps in Abeyance 2026 UGC Campus Equity Rules

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Polity; Social Justice; Higher Education).

Context: The Supreme Court has stayed the new UGC regulations (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions, 2026) following claims they are “too sweeping.”

Key Points:

Caste-centric Bias: Petitioners argue the 2026 rules recognize only discrimination against SC/ST/OBC students while failing to protect general category students.
Divisive Potential: CJI Surya Kant observed that the regulations have “sweeping consequences which will divide the society.”
Ragging Remedies: The Court noted that under the new rules, a general category fresher resisting ragging by an SC/ST senior might have no remedy.
Inclusive Scope: Justice Bagchi suggested that regulations should focus on “all-inclusive discrimination” rather than exclusively on caste.

UPSC Relevance: Key for “Social Justice in Education,” “Judicial Oversight,” and “Constitutional Equality.”

Detailed Analysis:

Unity in Education: The Court emphasized that the “unity of India must be reflected in its educational institutions,” warning against segregated schools or hostels.
Status Quo: For now, the older 2012 Equity Regulations will remain in force while the 2026 version undergoes a closer examination.

Editorial Analysis

JANUARY 30, 2026

GS-3 ECONOMY Economic Survey 25-26

Domestic growth forecast raised to 7%. Warnings of AI Investment Bubbles triggering a 2008-style global systemic crisis.

GS-2 IR India-Arab League Ties

Bilateral trade exceeds $240 Billion. Focus on Maritime Security in Gulf chokepoints and defense exports like Tejas/BrahMos.

GS-2 EDU UGC Equity Rules Stayed

SC keeps 2026 rules in abeyance. Warnings against Sweeping Consequences that could divide society; 2012 rules to remain in force.

FISCAL: Devolution criteria must reward tax efficiency and effort, not just population metrics.

SECURITY: Most Indian trade passes through the Suez Canal, making the Arab League a vital strategic partner.

PHARMA: Dismantling ‘Licence Raj’ in research is vital, yet manufacturing oversight must remain non-negotiable.

SURVEY: Improved capital growth and labor participation are the primary engines of India’s GDP upgrade.

GS-4
Justice & Unity

Substantive Equality: The SC’s stay on UGC rules underscores the ethical complexity of “Inclusive Discrimination.” Educational regulations must preserve the Unity of the Fabric, ensuring that protection for one group doesn’t create systemic vulnerability for another.

Mapping:

For today’s mapping notes, we focus on Border Infrastructure and Newly Recognized Conservation Sites as of January 2026.

1. Border Infrastructure (The “Himalayan Defense” Belt)

Mapping border roads and tunnels is critical for the “Internal Security” and “Infrastructure” sections of your syllabus.

Arunachal Frontier Highway (NH-913): A massive 1,840 km highway currently under construction.
- Mapping Point: Trace it along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh, connecting Mago-Thingbu to Vijaynagar.
Shinku La Tunnel: Set to be the world’s highest tunnel (at 15,800 ft), connecting Lahaul Valley (HP) with Zanskar Valley (Ladakh).
Sela Tunnel: Already operational at 13,000 ft; it provides all-weather connectivity to Tawang.
DS-DBO Road: The 255 km Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie road in Ladakh, leading to the world’s highest airstrip.

2. Newly Added Conservation Reserves (2025–2026)

Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu have been the most active in expanding protected areas.

Feature	State	Significance
Ganga Bherav Ghati	Rajasthan (Ajmer)	Declared in February 2025; critical for arid-zone biodiversity.
Sorsan I, II, & III	Rajasthan (Baran)	New reserves for the Great Indian Bustard and Blackbuck.
Kopra Reservoir	Chhattisgarh	Designated as a Ramsar site in late 2025; vital for migratory birds.
Nanjarayan Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	A key wetland in the Tiruppur district added to the Ramsar list.

3. Geographical Indication (GI) Tags (The 2026 “Show-and-Tell”)

For your website, mapping these allows users to see the “Product-to-Place” connection.

Arunachal Yak Churpi: A unique cheese from the yak milk of the Tawang and West Kameng regions.
Meghalaya Garo Dakmanda: A traditional textile of the Garo tribe.
Kachchhi Kharek: A date palm variety from the Kutch region of Gujarat.
Majuli Mask & Manuscript Painting: Traditional crafts from the river island of Majuli, Assam.

Summary Mapping Checklist

Category	Mapping Highlight	Key Location
Highest Tunnel	Shinku La	HP-Ladakh Border.
Longest Frontier Road	Arunachal Frontier Hwy	LAC, Arunachal.
Bustard Habitat	Sorsan Reserves	Baran, Rajasthan.
Textile GI Hub	Tripura Risa	Tripura.

Mapping Brief

BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE & CONSERVATION

FRONTIER HIGHWAYS

Arunachal Frontier Highway (NH-913)

A massive 1,840 km artery running parallel to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), linking Mago-Thingbu to the eastern tip of Vijaynagar.

NEW CONSERVATION RESERVES

Rajasthan & Central India

Ganga Bherav Ghati (Ajmer) and the Sorsan Reserves (Baran) provide critical habitats for the Great Indian Bustard and Blackbuck.

Ramsar Updates

Chhattisgarh’s Kopra Reservoir and Tamil Nadu’s Nanjarayan Sanctuary are the newest vital organs in India’s wetland network.

HIGHEST TUNNEL Shinku La (HP-Ladakh border).

FRONTIER ROAD NH-913 (LAC Arunachal).

BUSTARD HABITAT Sorsan Reserves (Rajasthan).

Atlas Strategy

Spatial foundation: Mapping 2026 focuses on the DS-DBO Road axis for northern security and the Garo Dakmanda textile hubs for cultural geography. Focus on the transit points where infrastructure meets sensitive ecological zones.

IAS PCS Mission 2026: Daily Study Material – 29 Jan 2026

Study Target
Editorial Analysis
Mapping

NCERT History: Class 8 Chapter-3 (Ruling the Countryside)

Chapter 3, “Ruling the Countryside,” describes how the English East India Company established its control over the rural economy of India and the impact of its revenue policies on the peasantry.

1. The Company Becomes the Diwan

On August 12, 1765, the Mughal emperor appointed the East India Company as the Diwan of Bengal.

Financial Administration: As Diwan, the Company became the chief financial administrator of the territory under its control.
Revenue Needs: It had to organize revenue resources to yield enough profit to meet growing military and administrative expenses.
Trade Shift: Before 1865, the Company imported gold and silver from Britain to buy goods; after receiving Diwani rights, the revenue collected in Bengal financed the purchase of goods for export.

2. The Need to Improve Agriculture

The Bengal economy faced a deep crisis, culminating in a terrible famine in 1770 that killed ten million people. To ensure a steady flow of revenue, the Company introduced new land settlement systems:

The Permanent Settlement (1793): Introduced by Lord Cornwallis, this system fixed the land revenue permanently.
- Rajas and Taluqdars: They were recognized as zamindars and made responsible for collecting rent from peasants and paying revenue to the Company.
- Impact: Zamindars often failed to pay the high fixed revenue and lost their land. Peasants found the system oppressive as they had no security on the land and the rent was very high.
The Mahalwari System (1822): Devised by Holt Mackenzie for the North-Western Provinces of Bengal.
- Mahal: Revenue was collected from the village or a group of villages called a mahal.
- Village Headman: Instead of the zamindar, the village headman was made responsible for collecting revenue and paying it to the Company.
The Ryotwari System (Munro System): Developed by Captain Alexander Read and Thomas Munro in South India.
- Direct Settlement: Revenue was settled directly with the actual cultivators (ryots) who had tilled the land for generations.

Comparison of Land Revenue Systems

Feature	Permanent Settlement	Mahalwari System	Ryotwari (Munro) System
Introduced By	Lord Cornwallis (1793)	Holt Mackenzie (1822)	Thomas Munro and Alexander Read
Primary Region	Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa	North-Western Provinces of Bengal Presidency	Southern India (Madras and Bombay Presidencies)
Unit of Assessment	The individual Zamindar	The Mahal (village or group of villages)	The Ryot (individual cultivator)
Revenue Payer	The Zamindar (Rajas and Taluqdars)	The Village Headman	The individual Peasant (Ryot)
Nature of Revenue	Fixed permanently; never to be increased in the future	Revised periodically; not fixed permanently	Revised periodically after careful field surveys
Ownership Rights	Zamindars were recognized as owners of the land	Ownership often remained with the village community	Ryots were recognized as the ancestral owners/tillers of the land
Role of Intermediaries	High; Zamindars acted as intermediaries between the state and peasants	Moderate; Village headmen collected revenue	Minimum; Direct settlement between the state and the cultivator

3. Crops for Europe

The British realized that the countryside could also grow the crops Europe required, such as opium and indigo.

Demand for Indigo: Indian indigo was highly valued in Europe for its rich blue color. The demand grew in the late 18th century as industrialization increased cloth production in Britain.
Indigo Production: Two main systems of cultivation existed:
- Nij Cultivation: The planter produced indigo on lands he directly controlled.
- Ryoti System: Planters forced the ryots to sign a contract (satta) and gave them cash advances at low interest to grow indigo on at least 25% of their land.

4. The “Blue Rebellion”

The oppressive nature of indigo cultivation led to a massive uprising in Bengal in March 1859.

Resistance: Ryots refused to grow indigo, pay rents, and attacked indigo factories.
Outcome: The government set up the Indigo Commission, which held the planters guilty and declared that ryots could refuse to grow indigo in the future.
Shift to Bihar: Indigo production collapsed in Bengal and shifted to Bihar, where it eventually faced opposition leading to the Champaran movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917.

NCERT History • Class-8

Chapter – 3

Ruling the Countryside

The Diwani Rights

1765: The Mughal Emperor appointed the Company as Diwan, making them the chief financial administrator of Bengal.

Economic Shift: Bengal’s revenue now financed the Company’s trade, ending the need to import gold/silver from Britain.

Rural Crisis

1770 Famine: Ten million people died in Bengal; this crisis forced the Company to fix agriculture to secure revenue.

Major Land Revenue Systems

Permanent Settlement (1793): Introduced by Lord Cornwallis. Revenue was fixed permanently. Zamindars acted as intermediaries but often lost lands due to high demands.

Mahalwari System (1822): Devised by Holt Mackenzie. Revenue was collected from the ‘Mahal’ (village) via the Headman and revised periodically.

Ryotwari System: Developed by Thomas Munro. Direct settlement with the cultivators (ryots) in South India, bypassing all intermediaries.

The Indigo Conflict: Britain’s demand for Indian indigo led to the oppressive Ryoti system (contracts/satta) and finally the Blue Rebellion in 1859.

Indigo Commission

Set up after the 1859 rebellion; it declared indigo production was not profitable for ryots.

Nij Cultivation

Indigo production where planters directly controlled the land with hired laborers.

Champaran

The location in Bihar where Mahatma Gandhi led a movement against indigo planters in 1917.

The Blue Harvest

The Company’s attempt to “improve” the countryside was driven by revenue greed. This led to oppressive systems that eventually broke the silence of the peasantry, paving the way for organized agrarian resistance in India.

📂

Class-8 History Chapter-3 PDF

Complete Study Notes: Ruling the Countryside

Download Now

⚖️Indian Polity: The Prime Minister (Art 74-75, 78): Appointment, Powers & Role

In the Indian parliamentary system, while the President is the Nominal Head (De Jure), the Prime Minister is the Real Executive (De Facto). For your website, these detailed notes cover the legal framework (Articles 74, 75, and 78) that defines the most powerful office in the country.

The Prime Minister of India: The Real Executive

The Prime Minister (PM) is the Head of Government and the primary architect of the nation’s policies.

1. Appointment and Tenure (Article 75)

Appointment: The Constitution simply states that the President shall appoint the Prime Minister. By convention, the President must appoint the leader of the party (or coalition) that commands a majority in the Lok Sabha.
Discretionary Power: If no party has a clear majority, the President may use personal discretion to appoint the leader of the largest party/coalition and ask them to prove their majority within a specific period (usually one month).
Eligibility:
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must be a member of either the Lok Sabha (min. age 25) or Rajya Sabha (min. age 30).
- A non-member can be appointed but must secure a seat in either House within 6 months.
Tenure: The PM holds office during the pleasure of the President. However, this doesn’t mean the President can dismiss them at will; as long as the PM enjoys a majority in the Lok Sabha, they cannot be removed.

2. Aid and Advice (Article 74)

This article defines the relationship between the President and the Council of Ministers (COM).

The Rule: There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President.
Binding Nature: The President must act in accordance with such advice. However, the President can ask the Council to reconsider the advice once; after reconsideration, the President is bound by the second advice.
Confidentiality: The nature of the advice given by Ministers to the President cannot be inquired into by any court.

3. Duties of the Prime Minister (Article 78)

Article 78 acts as the constitutional bridge between the President and the Cabinet. It is the duty of the PM:

To Communicate: All decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration and legislative proposals to the President.
To Furnish Information: To provide any administrative or legislative information that the President may call for.
To Submit for Consideration: If the President so requires, the PM must submit for the consideration of the Council any matter on which a decision has been taken by a Minister but has not been considered by the Council.

3. Powers and Functions of the Prime Minister

The powers of the Prime Minister can be categorized based on his/her relationship with different wings of the government.

A. In Relation to the Council of Ministers

The PM is the “keystone of the cabinet arch”:

Recommendation: He recommends persons who can be appointed as ministers by the President.
Portfolio Allocation: He allocates and reshuffles various portfolios among the ministers.
Presiding Authority: He presides over the meetings of the Council of Ministers and influences their decisions.
Guidance: He guides, directs, controls, and coordinates the activities of all the ministers.
Resignation: Since the PM is the head, his resignation or death automatically leads to the dissolution of the Council of Ministers.

B. In Relation to the President (Article 78)

The PM serves as the principal channel of communication between the President and the Council of Ministers:

Reporting: To communicate to the President all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union.
Furnishing Information: To furnish such information relating to the administration as the President may call for.
Advisory Role: He advises the President regarding the appointment of important officials like the Attorney General of India, CAG, Chairman of UPSC, Election Commissioners, etc.

C. In Relation to the Parliament

Leader of the House: The PM is the leader of the Lower House (Lok Sabha).
Summoning/Proroguing: He advises the President regarding the summoning and proroguing of the sessions of the Parliament.
Dissolution: He can recommend the dissolution of the Lok Sabha to the President at any time.
Policy Statements: He announces the major government policies on the floor of the House.

4. Role of the Prime Minister

The Prime Minister’s role goes beyond just administrative functions; he is the face of the nation.

Chief Spokesperson: He is the chief spokesperson of the Union Government on national and international platforms.
Foreign Policy: He plays a significant role in shaping the foreign policy of the country.
Ex-officio Chairman: He is the ex-officio Chairman of several important bodies:
- NITI Aayog
- National Development Council (NDC)
- National Integration Council
- Inter-State Council
- National Water Resources Council
Crisis Manager: He is the crisis manager-in-chief at the political level during emergencies.
Political Head: He is the political head of the services (Civil Services).

5. Key Legal Doctrines

Collective Responsibility (Art 75): The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. This means the PM and the ministers “swim and sink together.” If a No-Confidence Motion is passed against the PM, the entire cabinet must resign.
Individual Responsibility: While the President can remove a minister, he does so only on the advice of the Prime Minister. Thus, ministers hold office during the “pleasure of the President,” but that pleasure is essentially the PM’s confidence.

Conclusion

The Prime Minister is the most powerful functionary in the Indian Constitution. While the President is the “Head of the State,” the Prime Minister is the “Head of the Government,” acting as the engine of the executive and the leader of the legislature.

Summary Table

Article	Keyword	Core Mandate
74	Advice	PM heads the COM to advise the President (Binding).
75	Appointment	PM is appointed by the President; collective responsibility.
78	Information	PM’s duty to keep the President informed.

Head of Government • Real Executive

The Prime Minister of India

Appointment, Powers & Role

Constitutional Bridge (Art. 78)

Duties: Communicates all Cabinet decisions to the President and furnishes administrative/legislative information as requested.

Consideration: Must submit for Council consideration any matter decided by a Minister but not yet reviewed by the Cabinet.

Relation to Parliament

As the Leader of the House, the PM advises on summoning/proroguing sessions and can recommend the dissolution of Lok Sabha.

Cabinet Keystone

Allocates portfolios, presides over meetings, and coordinates the activities of all ministers.

Ex-officio Chairman

Heads vital bodies including NITI Aayog, National Integration Council, and Inter-State Council.

Collective Responsibility

Ministers are collectively responsible to Lok Sabha; they “swim and sink together” under PM’s leadership.

Real
Authority

While the President is the De Jure head, the PM is the De Facto executive. The PM’s resignation or death automatically leads to the dissolution of the entire Council of Ministers, unlike the death of any other minister which only creates a vacancy.

“The Hindu” Editorial Analysis (29-January-2026)

Here is a detailed analysis of the The Hindu Editorials for January 29, 2026, categorized by syllabus relevance for UPSC preparation.

1. Mature and Pragmatic: The India-EU Free Trade Agreement

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India; International Relations).

Context: A landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union has been finalized, marking a strategic shift in trade relations during the 16th India-EU Summit.

Key Points:

Strategic Insurance: The pact is seen as a “geopolitical insurance policy” for both sides against global economic unpredictability and supply chain disruptions.
Balanced Trade-offs: India has successfully negotiated a deal that protects its domestic dairy and agricultural sectors while gaining better market access for textiles and pharmaceuticals.
Investment Protection: A separate Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) provides a robust legal framework to protect European investors in India.
Geographical Indications (GIs): The agreement includes strong protections for GIs, ensuring that traditional products like Darjeeling tea or Feta cheese are protected from imitation.

UPSC Relevance: Essential for “India-EU Strategic Partnership,” “Global Trade Dynamics,” and “Bilateral Investment Treaties.”

Detailed Analysis:

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): While the FTA is signed, India remains concerned about the EU’s carbon tax, which it views as a non-tariff barrier. Both sides have agreed to a “joint monitoring mechanism” to address these concerns.
Sovereign Choices: The editorial emphasizes that the deal is a victory for “strategic autonomy,” showing that two major democratic blocs can reach an agreement without outside interference.
Digital Cooperation: The pact lays the groundwork for data adequacy and cooperation in high-tech sectors like AI and semiconductors, which were previously separate from trade talks.

2. Tension Escalates: Time is ‘Running Out’ for Iran

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (International Relations; Effect of policies and politics of developed countries on India’s interests).

Context: U.S. President Trump has issued a severe warning to Iran regarding its nuclear program, threatening “total consequences” if enrichment activities are not halted immediately.

Key Points:

Nuclear Threshold: Trump claimed Iran is on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon, a “red line” for the current U.S. administration.
Economic Blockade: The U.S. has threatened 25% extra tariffs on any country—including India—that continues to trade with Iran, specifically targeting oil and mineral exports.
Diplomatic Isolation: The U.S. is pressuring European allies to “snap back” UN sanctions, potentially ending the remains of the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA).
Impact on Chabahar: Increased tensions threaten the operational stability of the Chabahar Port, where India has significant strategic and financial investments.

UPSC Relevance: Vital for understanding “West Asian Geopolitics,” “U.S. Sanctions and India,” and “Nuclear Non-Proliferation.”

Detailed Analysis:

Global Oil Volatility: Any military or economic escalation in the Persian Gulf is expected to spike global crude prices, directly impacting India’s fiscal deficit and the value of the Rupee.
Strategic Autonomy under Strain: India faces a difficult choice between its strategic energy partnership with Iran and the threat of trade penalties from its largest trading partner, the U.S.

3. IIP Growth Quickens to 7.8% in December

Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy; Mobilization of resources; Growth and development).

Context: India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) surged to a 26-month high in December 2025, signaling a robust recovery in manufacturing.

Key Points:

Manufacturing Lead: The manufacturing sector, which has the highest weight in IIP, grew by 8.2%, driven by electronics and transport equipment.
Capital Goods Growth: A double-digit growth in capital goods suggests that private investment is finally picking up pace after a long period of stagnation.
Consumer Durables: Increased demand for consumer durables indicates a strengthening of urban consumption ahead of the 2026-27 Union Budget.
Mining and Electricity: Mining grew by 5.4%, while electricity generation saw a 6.1% increase, reflecting higher industrial activity.

UPSC Relevance: Significant for “Economic Indicators,” “Manufacturing Sector Performance,” and “Investment Trends.”

Detailed Analysis:

Policy Stimulus: The editorial attributes this growth partly to the delayed impact of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes in the electronics sector.
Budgetary Expectations: This positive data provides the government with more fiscal space to focus on infrastructure and rural demand in the upcoming Union Budget.

4. Stray Canines: SC Dissatisfied with Animal Birth Control Efforts

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Important aspects of governance; Social Sector/Health) and GS Paper 1 (Social Issues).

Context: The Supreme Court has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the implementation of animal birth control (ABC) programs across various states amidst rising cases of dog attacks.

Key Points:

Implementation Gap: The Court noted that despite the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, local bodies have failed to conduct systematic sterilization and vaccination.
Human-Animal Conflict: The Bench emphasized that while animal rights are important, the “right to life and safety” of citizens, particularly children and the elderly, must be paramount.
Funding Accountability: The SC has sought a detailed report from the Centre on the funds allocated to states and how they have been utilized by municipal corporations.
Data Disparity: There is a lack of reliable data on the actual population of stray canines, making policy interventions ineffective.

UPSC Relevance: Important for “Governance and Public Safety,” “Local Body Accountability,” and “Ethics in Animal Rights.”

Detailed Analysis:

Urban Governance Failure: The editorial highlights that the stray dog crisis is a symptom of poor waste management in Indian cities, which provides “food security” for stray packs.
Legal Liability: The Court is considering whether local authorities should be held financially liable for compensation to victims of dog attacks.

5. Abysmal Failure: The Kolkata Warehouse Fire

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Important aspects of governance; Government policies and interventions) and GS Paper 3 (Disaster Management).

Context: A devastating fire in two large warehouses in Anandpur, Kolkata, on the eve of Republic Day resulted in at least 11 deaths and highlighted systemic failures in urban safety.

Key Points:

Illegal Structures: The State fire department confirmed that the warehouses, covering 12,000 sq. ft, were not approved for fire safety and lacked any basic safety features.
Vulnerable Victims: The deceased were primarily migrant workers from Purba Medinipur who were using these makeshift, flammable structures as night shelters.
Administrative Apathy: The editorial criticizes the “reticent” response from state agencies and the lack of an official visit to the site by the Chief Minister, suggesting a desire to downplay the tragedy ahead of elections.
Compounding Risks: The fire raged until Tuesday afternoon, requiring 12 engines, which underscored the lack of planning for structures built in ecologically sensitive areas.

UPSC Relevance: Significant for “Urban Governance,” “Industrial Safety Norms,” and “Social Security for Migrant Workers.”

Detailed Analysis:

Civic Decay: The occurrence of such large, unapproved structures in what was once India’s foremost city is described as a “telling indictment” of the abysmal state of current civic administration.
Safety Normalization: The piece warns that devastating fires are becoming a “disturbingly routine phenomenon” in Kolkata, with a similar hotel fire in Burrabazar claiming 14 lives just last April.

Editorial Analysis

JANUARY 29, 2026

GS-2 IR The Iran Nuclear Red Line

U.S. threatens 25% Extra Tariffs on trade partners of Iran. Strategic energy links and Chabahar Port stability under direct pressure.

GS-3 ECONOMY IIP Surges to 7.8%

Manufacturing grows at 8.2%, a 26-month high. Double-digit growth in Capital Goods signals a revival in private investment.

GS-3 DISASTER MGMT Kolkata Warehouse Fire

11 deaths highlight illegal industrial structures. Devastating fires becoming Disturbingly Routine due to civic administrative apathy.

FEDERALISM: SC seeks fund utilization reports from municipal corporations to fix stray animal policy failure.

URBAN SAFETY: Poor waste management acts as “food security” for stray packs, driving human-animal conflict.

STRATEGIC AUTONOMY: India-EU FTA proves major democratic blocs can reach deals independent of outside interference.

ENERGY SECURITY: Escalation in the Persian Gulf risks global oil volatility, impacting India’s fiscal deficit.

GS-4
Ethics of Safety

Public Safety vs. Administrative Apathy: The Kolkata fire is a telling indictment of civic decay. When safety norms are ignored for convenience, the most vulnerable—migrant workers—pay the ultimate price for institutional failure.

Mapping:

Since we have covered the physical, environmental, and basic industrial landscapes, today’s mapping notes focus on Updated Conservation Sites and Strategic Industrial Corridors for 2026.

These are critical for your UPSC & PCS Exams mission, specifically for tracking the latest additions to India’s ecological and economic maps.

1. Latest Ramsar Sites (January 2026 Update)

As of early 2026, India has reached a milestone of 96 Ramsar Sites, making it the 3rd highest in the world.

New Ramsar Site	State	Key Significance
Kopra Reservoir	Chhattisgarh	One of the most recent additions (late 2025); vital for migratory birds near Bilaspur.
Siliserh Lake	Rajasthan	Designated in late 2025; located in Alwar, it’s a critical freshwater habitat.
Gogabeel Lake	Bihar	India’s 94th site; a major oxbow lake in the Ganga-Koshi system.
Nanjarayan Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	Located in the Cauvery basin; supports the Central Asian Flyway.

Mapping Tip: Tamil Nadu currently leads the country with 20 Ramsar sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh (10). Bihar and Odisha follow with 6 each.

2. Biosphere Reserves (BR) & UNESCO Network

India maintains 18 Biosphere Reserves, with 13 now recognized under UNESCO’s World Network.

Cold Desert (HP): Recognized by UNESCO in 2025; protects the Snow Leopard and Himalayan Ibex.
Nilgiri BR (TN/KL/KN): The first BR (1986); contains the Silent Valley and Bandipur parks.
Great Rann of Kutch (GJ): India’s largest biosphere reserve.
Dibru-Saikhowa (AS): India’s smallest biosphere reserve.

3. Strategic Industrial Corridors (NICDP 2026)

The National Industrial Corridor Development Programme is creating a “unified spatial backbone” for India’s growth.

Corridor	Core Route / Backbone	Mapping Strategic Nodes
DMIC	Delhi-Mumbai (1,504 km)	Dholera (GJ), AURIC (MH), Greater Noida (UP).
AKIC	Amritsar-Kolkata	Gaya (BR), Khurpia (UK), Rajpura (PB).
CBIC	Chennai-Bengaluru	Krishnapatnam (AP), Tumakuru (KN).
ECEC	East Coast Economic Corridor	Vizag-Chennai (Phase 1); follows NH-5.

4. Infrastructure Highlights: 2026 Strategic Points

Mig La Pass (Ladakh): Recently opened at 19,400 feet, it is now the world’s highest motorable pass, surpassing Umling La.
Chenab Railway Bridge (J&K): The world’s tallest rail bridge (359m); provides all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
Navi Mumbai Airport: India’s first airport connected by water taxi.

Summary Mapping Checklist

Feature	Mapping Highlight	Key Location
Latest BR (UNESCO)	Cold Desert	Himachal Pradesh.
Highest Motorway	Mig La Pass	Ladakh.
Smallest BR	Dibru-Saikhowa	Assam.
Wetland Leader	Tamil Nadu	20 Ramsar Sites.

Mapping Brief

CONSERVATION & STRATEGIC CORRIDORS

INDUSTRIAL CORRIDORS (NICDP)

Unified Spatial Backbone

The DMIC (Delhi-Mumbai) links nodes like Dholera and AURIC. The AKIC (Amritsar-Kolkata) integrates Gaya and Rajpura into a massive eastern economic artery.

STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE

2026 Connectivity Highs

Mig La Pass (Ladakh) is now the world’s highest motorway at 19,400ft. The Chenab Rail Bridge provides the tallest structural link to the Kashmir Valley.

Coastal Economy

The ECEC (East Coast) Phase 1 focuses on the Vizag-Chennai axis, utilizing NH-5 for rapid port-led industrialization.

LATEST BR Cold Desert UNESCO (HP)

HIGHEST PASS Mig La Pass (Ladakh)

WETLAND LEADER Tamil Nadu (20 Sites)

Atlas Strategy

Spatial foundation: Mapping 2026 requires balancing the ecological sensitivity of Ramsar sites with the industrial intensity of NICDP corridors. Identify the intersection of the DMIC and the Aravalli conservation zones for GS-III analysis.

IAS PCS Mission 2026: Daily Study Material – 28 Jan 2026

Study Target
Editorial Analysis
Mapping

NCERT History: Class 8 Chapter-2 (From Trade to Territory)

Chapter 2, “From Trade to Territory,” explains how the English East India Company transformed from a small trading body into the dominant political power in India.

1. The Decline of the Mughal Empire

The Power Vacuum: After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, the last powerful Mughal ruler, regional governors (subadars) and large zamindars began asserting their authority and establishing regional kingdoms.
Symbolic Importance: Although the empire weakened and Delhi lost its status as an effective center, Mughal emperors remained symbolically important; for instance, Bahadur Shah Zafar was seen as the natural leader during the 1875 rebellion.

2. East India Company Comes East

Royal Charter: In 1600, the Company acquired a charter from Queen Elizabeth I, granting it the sole right to trade with the East, meaning no other English trading group could compete with it.
Mercantilism: The Company’s business model involved buying goods cheaply in India and selling them at higher prices in Europe.
Trade Rivalries: The English faced stiff competition from other European powers—the Portuguese, Dutch, and French—who all wanted to buy the same high-quality Indian goods: cotton, silk, pepper, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon.
Conflict and Fortification: Competition led to fierce “trade wars” where companies sank each other’s ships and fortified their trading posts, which often led to conflicts with local Indian rulers.

3. The Company Begins Trade in Bengal

First Factory: The first English factory was set up on the banks of the river Hugli in 1651.
Zamindari Rights: By 1696, the Company began building a fort around its settlement and bribed Mughal officials into giving them zamindari rights over three villages, one of which was Kalikata (later Calcutta).
Duty-Free Trade: The Company persuaded Emperor Aurangzeb to issue a farman granting them the right to trade duty-free. However, Company officials often used this for their private trade without paying duties, causing enormous revenue loss to Bengal.

4. How Trade Led to War

Conflict with Nawabs: After Aurangzeb’s death, the Bengal Nawabs (Murshid Quli Khan, Alivardi Khan, and Sirajuddaulah) refused to grant the Company concessions, demanded large tributes, and forbade them from extending fortifications.
The Battle of Plassey (1757): This was the first major victory of the Company in India. Robert Clive led the Company’s army against Sirajuddaulah. The Nawab lost primarily because one of his commanders, Mir Jafar, never fought the battle after being promised the throne by the British.
The Puppet Rulers: After Plassey, the British installed “puppet” Nawabs like Mir Jafar and later Mir Qasim to ensure easy trade concessions.
The Battle of Buxar (1764): When Mir Qasim complained about Company overreach, he was defeated at Buxar, and the Company eventually decided to “become Nawabs ourselves”.
Diwani Rights: In 1765, the Mughal emperor appointed the Company as the Diwan (chief financial administrator) of Bengal, allowing them to use vast land revenues to fund their trade and maintain their army.

5. Company Expansion and Policies

The Resident System: Instead of direct military attacks, the Company often used political and commercial agents called “Residents” to interfere in the internal affairs of Indian states.
Subsidiary Alliance: Under Richard Wellesley, states were forced into this alliance. They had to pay for a “subsidiary force” maintained by the Company for their “protection.” If they failed to pay, part of their territory was taken away.
Tipu Sultan (The Tiger of Mysore): Mysore grew powerful under Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan. Tipu stopped the export of sandalwood and spices through his ports, leading to four wars. He was finally killed defending his capital, Seringapatam, in 1799.
War with the Marathas: The British weakened the Marathas through a series of wars. The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-19) crushed Maratha power and abolished the position of the Peshwa.
The Doctrine of Lapse: Introduced by Lord Dalhousie, this policy stated that if an Indian ruler died without a male heir, his kingdom would “lapse”—meaning it would become part of Company territory. Satara, Sambalpur, Udaipur, and finally Awadh were annexed this way.

6. Setting up a New Administration

Presidencies: The British divided their territories into administrative units called Presidencies: Bengal, Madras, and Bombay, each ruled by a Governor.
Justice System: From 1772, a new system established two courts in each district: a criminal court (faujdari adalat) and a civil court (diwani adalat).
The Collector: The principal figure in an Indian district was the Collector, whose main job was to collect revenue and maintain law and order.
The Company Army: The British recruited Indian peasants and trained them as professional soldiers (sepoy or sipahi). As warfare technology changed, the importance of cavalry declined in favor of infantry armed with muskets and matchlocks.

NCERT History • Class-8

Chapter – 2

From Trade to Territory

Power Vacuum

Post-1707: After Aurangzeb, regional Nawabs and Zamindars established independent kingdoms.

Mercantilism: The Company model involved buying Indian goods cheap and selling in Europe for high profit.

Early Friction

Duty-Free Trade: Abuse of royal farmans led to massive revenue loss for Bengal Nawabs.

Fortification: Trade rivalries led the Company to arm their posts, sparking conflict with local rulers.

Expansion & Conquest

Battle of Plassey (1757): Major turning point; Sirajuddaulah defeated after the betrayal of Mir Jafar.

Battle of Buxar (1764): Led to the Diwani Rights in 1765, allowing the Company to collect Bengal’s vast land revenues.

Subsidiary Alliance: States were forced to pay for British forces; failure meant surrendering territory to the Company.

Tipu Sultan: The “Tiger of Mysore” fought four wars to stop British trade monopoly before falling in 1799.

Doctrine of Lapse: Dalhousie’s policy to annex states (like Awadh) if a ruler died without a male heir.

Farman

A royal edict or order, such as the one granting duty-free trade rights.

Residents

Political agents in Indian courts who interfered in internal state affairs.

Sipahi

Indian peasants recruited and trained as professional infantry (Sepoys).

Company to State

The East India Company’s journey was a unique historical shift where a trading body used military technology and political manipulation to become the sovereign master of a sub-continent.

📂

Class-8 History Chapter-2 PDF

Complete Study Notes: From Trade to Territory

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⚖️Indian Polity: The Vice-President (Art 63-71): Election, Powers & Functions

The Vice-President of India holds the second-highest constitutional office in the country. This office is modeled on the lines of the American Vice-President, serving as a “standby” for the President.

The Vice-President of India (Articles 63–71)

1. Constitutional Position

Article 63: There shall be a Vice-President of India.
Dual Role: The Vice-President acts in a dual capacity:
1. As the Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
2. As the President when a vacancy occurs in the office of the President.

2. Election of the Vice-President (Article 66)

Like the President, the Vice-President is elected indirectly by an Electoral College. However, the composition is different.

Members of the Electoral College:

It consists of all members of Parliament (both elected and nominated).
Key Difference from President’s Election:
1. It includes Nominated members of Parliament.
2. It does not include members of State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs).

System of Election:

Method: Proportional Representation by means of a Single Transferable Vote.
Voting: Secret Ballot.

3. Qualifications for Office

To be eligible for the post of Vice-President, a person must:

Be a citizen of India.
Have completed 35 years of age.
Be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha (Note: For President, it is Lok Sabha).
Not hold any Office of Profit.

4. Term, Resignation, and Removal (Article 67)

Term: 5 years from the date of entering office.
Resignation: By writing to the President.
Removal: Unlike the President, there is no formal “impeachment.”
- A resolution for removal can be started only in the Rajya Sabha.
- It must be passed by the Rajya Sabha by an Effective Majority (majority of all the then members) and agreed to by the Lok Sabha by a Simple Majority.
- A 14-day notice must be given before moving the resolution.

5. Powers and Functions

The Vice-President has two main functional roles:

A. As Chairman of Rajya Sabha (Art 64)

His powers and functions here are similar to those of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
He presides over the proceedings of the House.
He ensures the maintenance of order and decorum.
Casting Vote: He does not vote in the first instance, but can cast a vote in case of a tie.

B. As Acting President (Art 65)

He acts as President in case of a vacancy due to death, resignation, or removal.
While acting as President, he does not perform the duties of the Chairman of Rajya Sabha (the Deputy Chairman takes over).
He enjoys all powers, immunities, and emoluments of the President during this period.

Article-wise Shortcut Table

Article	Keyword	Core Mandate
63	Office	Existence of Vice-President post.
64	Chairman	Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
65	Standby	Acts as President during vacancies.
66	Election	Electoral College (All MPs).
67	Tenure	5-Year Term and Removal process.
69	Oath	Administered by the President.
71	Disputes	All election disputes decided by Supreme Court.

Constitutional Office • Art. 63-71

The Vice-President of India

Election, Roles & Removal

Election (Art. 66)

Electoral College: Consists of all members of Parliament (both Elected and Nominated). Unlike the President, State MLAs are not included.

Method: Proportional Representation by Single Transferable Vote via Secret Ballot.

Removal Process (Art. 67)

Resolution must originate in Rajya Sabha (Effective Majority) and be agreed upon by Lok Sabha (Simple Majority) after a 14-day notice.

Chairman Powers

Presides over proceedings, maintains decorum, and exercises a Casting Vote in case of ties.

Acting President

During vacancies, enjoys all Presidential powers and emoluments; vacates Chairman duties during this term.

Election Disputes

Under Art. 71, all disputes regarding VP elections are inquired and decided by the Supreme Court.

The Legal
Shortcut

The Vice-Presidential tenure is 5 years (Art. 67). While in office, they cannot hold any Office of Profit. Upon assuming charge, the oath (Art. 69) is administered specifically by the President or a person appointed by them.

“The Hindu” Editorial Analysis (28-January-2026)

Here is a detailed analysis of the The Hindu Editorials for January 28, 2026, categorized by syllabus relevance for UPSC preparation.

1. Diplomatic Fix: Addressing the Falling Rupee

Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy; External Sector; Exchange Rate Management) and GS Paper 2 (International Relations).

Context: Former RBI Governor C. Rangarajan analyzes the recent 6% slide in the rupee’s value since April 2025, attributing it primarily to diplomatic rather than purely economic factors.

Key Points:

Capital Outflows as the “Villain”: Unlike past crises driven by trade deficits, the current decline is fueled by a net capital outflow of $3,900 million (April-Dec 2025) compared to an inflow of $10,615 million in the previous year.
U.S. Tariff Pressures: The “hostile attitude” of the Trump administration—imposing a 50% duty on Indian exports and threatening another 25% for trading with Iran—is generating market fear.
Devaluation is Not the Remedy: India’s rising export import-content means devaluation provides less stimulus than before, while it simultaneously fuels inflation by raising the cost of essential crude oil imports.
Shift to Diplomacy: Since there is no clear economic explanation like Federal Reserve interest rate hikes this time, the solution has shifted from the economic arena to the diplomatic platform.

UPSC Relevance: Vital for “Monetary Policy,” “Exchange Rate Volatility,” and “India-U.S. Economic Diplomacy.”

Detailed Analysis:

Redefining Volatility: The editorial calls for the RBI to clarify that “reducing volatility” includes moderating a steady fall, not just managing fluctuations around a level.
Geopolitical Weaponization: As tariffs are being weaponized for geopolitical reasons, trade negotiators must reach an understanding with the U.S. to stabilize capital flows.
Impact on Markets: Continued capital outflows from stock sales have a direct negative impact on the domestic stock market, creating a cycle that further weakens the currency.

2. India-EU FTA: Maturation of Tech Diplomacy

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Bilateral and global groupings involving India; International Relations) and GS Paper 3 (Science & Technology).

Context: The conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the launch of the “Comprehensive Strategic Agenda for 2030”.

Key Points:

Beyond Supply Chains: The pact moves into operationalizing joint R&D in “heterogeneous integration” (advanced semiconductor packaging) and chip design.
AI Safety Alignment: It formally links the European AI Office with India’s National AI Mission to develop safe, human-centric AI models using India’s vast multilingual datasets.
Regulatory Exclaves: The creation of “Blue Valleys”—regulatory zones that align Indian standards with European ones—will allow Indian components to flow into EU supply chains without new certifications.
Financial Integration: India will explore association with “Horizon Europe,” potentially giving Indian chip startups access to the EU’s €95.5-billion research budget.

UPSC Relevance: Essential for “Critical Technologies,” “India-EU Strategic Ties,” and “Global AI Governance.”

Detailed Analysis:

Heterogeneous Integration: Recognizing that India is years away from 2-3 nm chip fabrication, the deal pivots to stacking logic, memory, and sensors, which is critical for AI accelerators.
The “Brussels Effect”: By adopting EU safety benchmarks (which penalize algorithmic bias), Indian developers may unknowingly export European digital protections into the domestic market.
Designer vs. Physical Capital: The deal unifies India’s design talent (20% of the world’s share) with Europe’s physical research infrastructure (IMEC/Fraunhofer) to reduce reliance on U.S. intellectual property.

3. Manufacturing Woes: The Limits of PLI Schemes

Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy; Industrial Policy; Manufacturing sector).

Context: An analysis of why capital support alone is failing to build a robust domestic ecosystem for battery cell and solar manufacturing.

Key Points:

Upstream Bottleneck: While downstream assembly is robust (56% target met), critical upstream segments like polysilicon and wafer manufacturing have only reached 14% and 10% of their targets.
Sluggish Battery Progress: Only 2.8% (1.4 GWh) of the targeted 50 GWh battery production capacity has been commissioned despite an ₹18,000 crore outlay.
Visa Issues: A major hurdle is the government’s reluctance to issue visas to Chinese technical experts required to set up these highly specialized facilities.
Stringent Deadlines: Several companies now face steep fines for missing deadlines, highlighting a gap between policy ambition and ground reality.

UPSC Relevance: Significant for “Make in India,” “Energy Transition Strategy,” and “Challenges in High-Tech Manufacturing.”

Detailed Analysis:

Misplaced Expectations: The editorial argues that capital subsidies cannot substitute for decades of research investment and workforce training required for scale.
Relook at Criteria: It suggests the PLI scheme should prioritize “expertise and technical know-how” over the net worth of bidding companies to ensure successful execution.

4. Future of Work: India’s Youth under the New Labour Codes

Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy; Employment; Labour Reforms) and GS Paper 2 (Social Justice).

Context: The four Labour Codes came into force in November 2025, aiming to consolidate 29 central laws and simplify compliance.

Key Points:

Youth Unemployment Crisis: PLFS data shows youth unemployment at 10.2%, with a massive gender gap—only 28.8% of young women participate in the labor force compared to 63.5% of men.
Informality Trap: Nearly 90% of young workers are informally employed, and 60.5% of those in regular salaried jobs lack social security.
Contractual Insecurity: 66.1% of young regular workers have no written contract, making them more vulnerable to sudden job losses.
Statutory Floor Wage: The introduction of a national floor wage is expected to raise earnings for those in low-paid entry-level roles.

UPSC Relevance: Key for “Labour Law Reforms,” “Demographic Dividend,” and “Gig Economy Regulations.”

Detailed Analysis:

Fixed-Term Parity: The codes mandate parity in wages and benefits for fixed-term workers compared to permanent ones, which could stabilize youth employment if enforced.
Gig Worker Recognition: For the first time, gig and platform workers (projected to reach 2.35 crore by 2029-30) are recognized in law with provisions for social security boards.
Statistical Gaps: The piece highlights the urgent need for stronger data systems that specifically identify gig workers instead of grouping them under general self-employment.

5. Pressure Points: The Venezuelan Oil Standoff

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (International Relations; Effect of policies of developed countries; West Asian and South American Geopolitics).

Context: A critique of U.S. President Trump’s “naked imperialism” in Venezuela, including the naval blockade and abduction of the former head of state.

Key Points:

Control Over Oil: The editorial argues the U.S. action is not about democracy but about securing exclusive control over Venezuela’s vast oil resources.
Neocolonial Logic: Washington aims to capture the existing state apparatus and redirect its functions, avoiding the costs of direct occupation seen in Iraq.
The “Donroe Doctrine”: Characterized as an extension of the Monroe Doctrine, this unilateralism threatens the foundations of the international rules-based order.
Extortion as Diplomacy: Washington creates economic pressure through sanctions and then offers to ease it only if Venezuela submits to American control.

UPSC Relevance: Important for “Global Sovereignty Issues,” “U.S. Foreign Policy Shifts,” and “Impact on Global South Security.”

Detailed Analysis:

Double Standards: The international community condemned Russia for violating Ukrainian sovereignty but remains “muted” on U.S. overreach in the Western Hemisphere.
Fragile Stability: By pressuring Acting President Delcy Rodriguez to surrender sovereignty, the U.S. risks the very regional instability it claims to prevent.
Threat to Global South: The lekh warns that if this precedent remains unchallenged, no nation in the Global South can be considered safe from external intervention.

Editorial Analysis

JANUARY 28, 2026

GS-2 IR / GS-3 TECH India-EU FTA: Tech 2030

Shift to Heterogeneous Integration in semiconductors. Indian startups gain potential access to the €95.5-billion Horizon Europe budget.

GS-3 INDUSTRY Manufacturing PLI Woes

Upstream wafer manufacturing at only 10% of Target. Capital support alone cannot bridge the decade-long R&D gap in battery cells.

GS-2 IR The Donroe Doctrine

U.S. naval blockade of Venezuela analyzed as Naked Imperialism. Focus on control over oil resources rather than democratic stability.

ECONOMY: Devaluation fuels inflation due to high import-content in India’s exports; diplomacy is the new remedy.

TECH DIPLOMACY: “Blue Valleys” regulatory zones will allow Indian components to enter EU supply chains seamlessly.

LABOUR: Mandating parity for fixed-term workers is essential to solve the informality trap in youth employment.

GLOBAL SOUTH: Sovereignty violations in the Western Hemisphere threaten the foundations of the rules-based order.

GS-4
Global Ethics

Realpolitik vs. Sovereignty: The weaponization of trade and naval blockades raises ethical questions about the Right to Self-Determination. A muted international response to interventionism risks delegitimizing universal ethical standards in global governance.

Mapping:

For today’s mapping session, we focus on India’s Major Soil Types and Agricultural Belts. These are core components for your IAS PCS Mission 2026 website, as they provide the spatial link between geography and the economy.

1. Major Soil Types (ICAR Classification)

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) classifies Indian soils into 8 major groups. For mapping, focus on these top 4, which cover over 80% of the land.

Soil Type	Geographic Distribution	Mapping Highlight
Alluvial Soil	Northern Plains (Indus-Ganga-Brahmaputra) and coastal deltas.	Most widespread (approx. 43%); divided into Khadar (new) and Bhangar (old).
Black Soil	Deccan Trap (Maharashtra, Gujarat, MP, parts of Karnataka).	Also called Regur or Black Cotton Soil; rich in iron and lime.
Red & Yellow	Eastern and Southern Deccan Plateau (Odisha, Chhattisgarh, TN).	Red color due to ferric oxide; yellow in hydrated form.
Laterite Soil	Summits of Western & Eastern Ghats (Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha).	Formed by intense leaching; acidic and coarse-grained.

2. India’s Major Agricultural Belts

Agricultural mapping identifies where primary food and cash crops are concentrated based on soil and climate.

Wheat Belt (North-West):
- Major States: Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh.
- Soil Focus: Loamy Alluvial soil.
Rice Belt (East & South):
- Major States: West Bengal (largest producer), Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Soil Focus: Clayey Alluvial soil.
Cotton Belt (The Black Soil Region):
- Major States: Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana.
- Soil Focus: Regur (Black) soil.
Sugar Belt:
- North: Uttar Pradesh (largest area).
- South: Maharashtra and Karnataka (higher yield due to maritime influence).

3. Strategic Plantation Mapping

Tea: Concentrated in the hills of Assam (Brahmaputra Valley), Darjeeling (WB), and the Nilgiris (South).
Coffee: Almost entirely in the hills of Karnataka (Bababudan hills), Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Jute: The delta region of West Bengal (Hugli river belt) is the global leader.

Summary Mapping Checklist

Crop/Soil	Mapping Highlight	Key Location
Cotton Soil	Deccan Trap	Maharashtra/Gujarat
Rice Hub	Bengal Delta	West Bengal
Coffee Hills	Bababudan Hills	Karnataka
Granary of India	Punjab/Haryana	NW Plains

Mapping Brief

SOILS & AGRICULTURAL BELTS

SOIL PROFILES ICAR Classification

Alluvial (43%) covers northern plains. Black Soil (Regur) dominates the Deccan Trap, while Laterite is restricted to the Ghat summits.

PLANTATION MAP Tea, Coffee & Jute

Assam Valley leads in Tea; Bababudan Hills (KT) for Coffee; and the Hugli Delta for global Jute production.

MAJOR CROP BELTS

The North-West Granary

The Wheat belt thrives on Loamy Alluvial soil across Punjab and Haryana. In contrast, the Rice belt dominates the Clayey Alluvial tracts of West Bengal and the coastal deltas.

CASH CROP DYNAMICS

Cotton & Sugarcane

Cotton is localized in the Black Cotton Soil of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Sugarcane shows a dual-hub: the high-acreage UP Plains and the high-yield Maritime South.

Red & Yellow Soils

Distributed across the eastern Deccan (Odisha/Chhattisgarh), where the Ferric Oxide content gives the landscape its distinctive red hue.

COTTON HUB Mark the Deccan Trap (MH/GJ).

RICE HUB Trace the Bengal Delta (West Bengal).

COFFEE HILLS Locate Bababudan Hills (Karnataka).

Atlas Strategy

Spatial foundation: Understanding the Khadar-Bhangar distinction in Alluvial soil is vital for micro-mapping fertility. Note that intense leaching in high-rainfall zones creates the acidic, coarse-grained Laterite soil.

IAS PCS Mission 2026: Daily Study Material – 27 Jan 2026

Study Target
Editorial Analysis
Mapping

NCERT History: Class 8 Chapter-1 (Introduction: How, When and Where)

Chapter 1, “How, When and Where,” examines how we study history by focusing on the importance of dates, the process of periodization, and the types of records preserved by the British administration.

1. The Importance of Dates

History is about changes that occur over time—finding out how things were in the past and how they have evolved.

Focus of Dates: Dates become vital when history focuses on a particular set of events, such as when a ruler was crowned, a battle was fought, or a specific policy was introduced.
Contextual Selection: No set of dates is “important” on its own; they become significant based on the stories and aspects of the past that historians choose to highlight.

2. Periodization of History

Historians divide the past into different periods to capture the central features of a particular time.

James Mill’s Division: In 1817, James Mill divided Indian history into three periods: Hindu, Muslim, and British. He believed that all Asian societies were at a lower level of civilization than Europe and that British rule was necessary to civilize India.
Problems with Mill’s View: Modern historians argue that it is incorrect to characterize an entire age only by the religion of the rulers, as various faiths and lives existed simultaneously.
Alternative Periodization: Most historians now use the classification of Ancient, Medieval, and Modern.

3. What is Colonial?

The term colonial refers to the process where one country conquers another, leading to political, economic, social, and cultural changes. In the case of India, this involved the British establishing control over the economy and society, collecting revenue, and changing local values and customs.

4. Sources Used by Historians

To write the history of the last 250 years of Indian history, historians rely on several key sources:

Official Records: The British believed that every instruction, plan, policy decision, agreement, and investigation had to be clearly written down.
Archives and Museums: Record rooms were attached to all administrative institutions (like the collectorate or the law courts), and specialized institutions like the National Archives of India and the National Museum were established to preserve important records.
Surveys: The British believed that a country had to be properly known before it could be effectively administered. They conducted detailed revenue surveys in villages, as well as botanical, zoological, archaeological, and forest surveys.

5. What Official Records Do Not Tell

While official records are detailed, they primarily reflect the views and interests of the officials who wrote them.

Hidden Perspectives: These records often do not tell us what other people in the country felt or the reasons behind their actions.
Alternative Sources: To understand the lives of ordinary people, historians look to diaries of people, accounts of pilgrims and travelers, autobiographies of important personalities, and popular booklets or newspapers.

NCERT History • Class-8

Chapter – 1

How, When and Where

Periodization

James Mill (1817): Divided Indian history into Hindu, Muslim, and British, viewing Asia as “less civilized.”

Problems: Modern historians reject Mill’s view, noting that diverse faiths always existed simultaneously.

Colonialism

Subjugation: The process of one country conquering another, leading to political and cultural shifts.

Control: British established control over the economy, collected revenue, and altered local values.

Sources & Documentation

Official Records: British believed every plan and policy must be written down, creating a massive paper trail.

Archives & Museums: Specialized institutions like the National Archives of India were built to preserve important state records.

Detailed Surveys: Revenue, botanical, and zoological surveys were conducted to “know” India for effective administration.

Hidden Perspectives: Official records reflect state interests; historians must use diaries and newspapers to find “ordinary” voices.

Calligraphists

Specialists who copied documents beautifully before printing became common.

Census

Operations held every 10 years to record detailed population data and castes.

Topography

Mapping the physical features of the land as part of early colonial surveys.

Beyond Dates

History is more than a list of dates. It is a dynamic study of change. While British archives provide a structured view of power, understanding the “how” and “where” requires looking past the official ink to the lives of common people.

📂

Class-8 History Chapter-1 PDF

Complete Study Notes: Introduction: How, When and Where

Download Now

⚖️Indian Polity: The President – Pardoning Power (Art 72) & Emergency Powers

The President of India is the formal head of the executive, legislature, and judiciary. Among the various powers vested in the President by the Constitution, the Pardoning Power (Article 72) and Emergency Powers (Articles 352-360) are the most significant.

I. Pardoning Power of the President (Article 72)

Article 72 of the Constitution empowers the President to grant pardons and suspend, remit, or commute sentences in certain cases. This power is independent of the Judiciary; it is an executive power intended to correct potential judicial errors or provide relief based on humanitarian grounds.

1. Scope of the Power

The President can exercise these powers in cases where:

The punishment is for an offence against a Union Law.
The punishment is by a Military Court (Court Martial).
The sentence is a Sentence of Death.

2. The Five Arms of Pardoning Power

Pardon: It completely absolves the offender from all sentences, punishments, and disqualifications. The individual is placed in a position as if they had never committed the crime.
Commutation: It denotes the substitution of one form of punishment for a lighter form.
- Example: Changing a death sentence to rigorous imprisonment.
Remission: It implies reducing the period of the sentence without changing its character.
- Example: Reducing a sentence of 10 years of rigorous imprisonment to 5 years of rigorous imprisonment.
Respite: It denotes awarding a lesser sentence than the one originally awarded due to some special fact.
- Example: The physical disability of a convict or the pregnancy of a woman offender.
Reprieve: It implies a stay of the execution of a sentence (especially a death sentence) for a temporary period. This allows the convict time to seek a pardon or commutation.

3. Key Principles (Judicial Oversight)

Binding Advice: The President does not exercise this power arbitrarily. He/She must act on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers.
No Oral Hearing: The petitioner has no right to an oral hearing by the President.
Limited Judicial Review: The Supreme Court (in Kehar Singh and Epuru Sudhakar cases) ruled that while the President’s decision is subjective, it can be challenged in court if it is found to be arbitrary, mala fide, or based on irrelevant considerations.

II. Emergency Powers of the President

The Constitution of India contains special provisions to deal with extraordinary situations. These are categorized into three types:

1. National Emergency (Article 352)

Grounds: War, external aggression, or armed rebellion (the term “armed rebellion” was added by the 44th Amendment, replacing “internal disturbance”).
Proclamation: The President can only proclaim a National Emergency after receiving a written recommendation from the Union Cabinet.
Parliamentary Approval: It must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within one month by a special majority.
Effects:
- The Federal structure turns Unitary (Union can give directions to states on any matter).
- The life of the Lok Sabha can be extended.
- Fundamental Rights: Under Article 359, the President can suspend the right to move courts for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights (except Articles 20 and 21).

2. President’s Rule / State Emergency (Article 356)

Grounds: If the President, on receipt of a report from the Governor of a State or otherwise, is satisfied that the Government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
Also Article 365: If a state fails to comply with directions given by the Union.
Parliamentary Approval: Must be approved within two months by a simple majority.
Effects:
- The President dismisses the State Council of Ministers.
- The State Governor (on behalf of the President) administers the state.
- The Parliament passes the state’s bills and budget.

3. Financial Emergency (Article 360)

Grounds: If the President is satisfied that a situation has arisen whereby the financial stability or credit of India or any part of its territory is threatened.
Parliamentary Approval: Must be approved within two months by a simple majority.
Effects:
- The Union can give directions to states to observe canons of financial propriety.
- The President can order the reduction of salaries of all classes of persons serving the Union or the State, including Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
- All money bills passed by the State Legislature can be reserved for the President’s consideration.
Status: To date, a Financial Emergency has never been declared in India.

Summary Table

Power Type	Constitutional Article	Key Authority	Purpose
Pardoning Power	Article 72	Executive Relief	To correct judicial errors or show mercy.
National Emergency	Article 352	Security of India	To protect against war or rebellion.
President’s Rule	Article 356	State Stability	To address breakdown of constitutional machinery in states.
Financial Emergency	Article 360	Economic Stability	To safeguard the financial credit of the nation.

Executive • Judicial • Special Powers

Constitution of India

Pardoning & Emergency Powers

National Emergency (Art. 352)

Grounds: War, External Aggression, or Armed Rebellion. Requires a written recommendation from the Cabinet and approval within 1 month.

Impact: Structure turns Unitary; enforcement of Fundamental Rights (except Art. 20 & 21) can be suspended.

President’s Rule (Art. 356)

Invoked if State machinery fails or Art. 365 is violated. The Governor administers the state on the President’s behalf.

Commutation

Substitution of one form of punishment for a lighter form (e.g., Death sentence to Rigorous Imprisonment).

Remission

Reducing the period of the sentence without changing its character (e.g., 10 years to 5 years).

Respite & Reprieve

Lesser sentences for special facts (pregnancy/disability) or a temporary stay of execution.

Financial
Stability

Under Article 360, the President can declare a Financial Emergency if credit stability is threatened. While this allows for the reduction of salaries (including Judges), it has never been declared in India to date.

“The Hindu” Editorial Analysis (27-January-2026)

Here is a detailed analysis of the The Hindu Editorials for January 27, 2026, categorized by syllabus relevance for UPSC preparation.

1. Employment Guarantee: A Game of Hide and Seek

Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy; Issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment).

Context: A critical defense of the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) against recurring arguments for its replacement or dilution.

Key Points:

Unfounded Criticism: The editorial counters the argument that MGNREGA is a “digging holes” scheme, pointing out that over 60% of works lead to durable assets related to natural resource management (NRM).
Self-Targeting Mechanism: The scheme’s design—low wages and manual labor—ensures it remains a self-targeting safety net that attracts only those in desperate need, making it an efficient “automatic stabilizer.”
Rural Distress Buffer: During economic shocks or agricultural failures, the scheme acts as a critical insurance mechanism, preventing mass distress migration and rural starvation.
Asset Creation: Recent data shows significant contributions to irrigation, pond rejuvenation, and rural connectivity, which actually enhance private agricultural productivity for small and marginal farmers.

UPSC Relevance: Essential for “Poverty Alleviation,” “Rural Development,” and “Employment Policy.”

Detailed Analysis:

Productive vs. Unproductive: The analysis argues that the “lack of substance” in replacement arguments stems from a failure to recognize the multiplier effect of rural spending on the wider economy.
Labor Market Impact: By providing a wage floor, the scheme improves the bargaining power of rural labor, which is often cited as a grievance by large landowners but is a positive for social equity.
Funding Constraints: The piece highlights that administrative hurdles—like delayed payments and technological barriers (ABPS)—are being used to “ration demand” rather than fulfilling the legal guarantee.

2. Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL): A Decades-long Deadlock

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Important aspects of governance; Federalism; Inter-state water disputes).

Context: A renewed push for meetings between the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana to resolve the SYL canal water-sharing dispute.

Key Points:

Historical Conflict: The dispute dates back to the reorganization of Punjab in 1966, with Haryana demanding its share of Ravi-Beas waters through the SYL canal.
Punjab’s Stand: Punjab contends that it has no surplus water to share, citing declining groundwater levels and the “riparian principle.”
Haryana’s Claim: Haryana argues that its southern districts are facing a severe water crisis and that the non-completion of the canal is a denial of its legal rights as per the 1981 agreement.
Judicial Mandate: The Supreme Court has repeatedly directed the completion of the canal, while also urging the Centre to facilitate a negotiated settlement.

UPSC Relevance: Vital for “Inter-State Water Disputes,” “Federalism,” and “Water Resource Management.”

Detailed Analysis:

The “Water-stressed” Reality: The editorial analyzes the shift in the debate from legal entitlements to the practical reality of water scarcity in both states due to climate change and intensive agriculture.
Political Volatility: The issue remains highly sensitive in both states, making a purely political solution difficult without a neutral, data-driven assessment of current water availability.

3. Uproar Against UGC’s Campus Equity Regulations

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Education; Government policies and interventions).

Context: Growing protests and academic debate regarding the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) new regulations aimed at promoting equity and inclusion on campuses.

Key Points:

Allegations of Bias: Critics argue that the new regulations could lead to “ideological policing” and a dilution of academic autonomy under the guise of equity.
Standardization vs. Diversity: The uproar centers on whether a centralized set of rules can address the unique socio-cultural dynamics of diverse educational institutions across India.
Faculty Concerns: There are fears that the regulations might interfere with recruitment processes and the “meritocratic” traditions of premier institutions.
Student Welfare: Proponents argue the rules are necessary to curb systemic discrimination (caste, gender, and regional) that persists in higher education.

UPSC Relevance: Significant for “Education Policy,” “Social Justice,” and “Academic Freedom.”

Detailed Analysis:

Implementation Challenges: The analysis highlights the gap between the “intent” of equity and the “form” of administrative mandates, which often lead to bureaucracy rather than genuine inclusion.
Global Precedents: The piece compares the UGC’s move with “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” (DEI) debates in Western universities, noting the risk of polarization.

4. Far from Equilibrium: The Energetic Tax of Life

Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Science & Technology; Current developments in Biology and Physics).

Context: A scientific feature exploring how living cells maintain states that are “far from equilibrium” to stay alive and functional.

Key Points:

ATP Hydrolysis: Cells maintain the ratio of ATP to ADP at 10 billion times the equilibrium level to drive essential chemical reactions.
Driven Chemical Cycles: To prevent “dying” at equilibrium, cells constantly pump energy into cycles, allowing for precise control and the ability to do work.
The “Heat Tax”: Maintaining this imbalance generates an enormous amount of heat, which acts as a “tax” organisms pay for the versatility and control necessary for life.
Evolutionary Trade-off: The calculations show that these driven cycles account for a large fraction of the heat organisms dump, an investment evolution has deemed worthy.

UPSC Relevance: Important for “Fundamental Science,” “Biotechnology,” and “Thermodynamics in Biological Systems.”

Detailed Analysis:

Thermodynamics of Life: The feature explains that while equilibrium means stability, in biological terms, it means “dead,” as there is no net flow of energy to sustain life.
Precision and Control: By staying far from equilibrium, biological systems can respond rapidly to environmental changes, a feat impossible for systems at rest.

5. Three Police Officers Get Death Penalty in Dhaka

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (International Relations; India and its neighborhood).

Context: A significant judicial development in Bangladesh regarding the 2024 political violence.

Key Points:

Accountability for Violence: A court in Dhaka has sentenced three police officers to death for their roles in the killing of protesters during the July-August 2024 uprising.
Institutional Reckoning: The verdict is seen as a major step by the interim government toward addressing human rights violations by the previous regime’s security forces.
Impact on Police Morale: The decision has sparked a debate in Bangladesh about the “orders from above” defense versus individual accountability for state-sponsored violence.

UPSC Relevance: Key for understanding “Neighborhood Dynamics,” “Human Rights and Justice,” and “Democratic Transitions in South Asia.”

Detailed Analysis:

Transitional Justice: The editorial analyzes how the current administration is using the judiciary to delegitimize the previous government’s actions while trying to stabilize the country.
Regional Implications: For India, stability and the rule of law in Bangladesh are critical to ensuring that the internal turmoil does not spill over the border or empower radical elements.

Editorial Analysis

JANUARY 27, 2026

GS-3 ECONOMY The MGNREGA Shield

Over 60% Asset Creation linked to natural resources. Scheme acts as an Automatic Stabilizer against rural distress migration.

GS-3 SCIENCE Energetic Tax of Life

Cells maintain ATP ratios 10 Billion Times above equilibrium. Life is defined by constant energy flux; stability equals death.

GS-2 IR Dhaka Judicial Verdict

Three police officers get Death Penalty for 2024 uprising violence. A major step for Transitional Justice in Bangladesh.

EQUITY: MGNREGA improves rural labor bargaining power, acting as a social equity floor.

FEDERALISM: Neutral, data-driven assessment is required to resolve water scarcity in both Punjab and Haryana.

ACADEMIC FREEDOM: Balancing administrative mandates for inclusion without diluting institutional autonomy.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Stability in Bangladesh is critical for India to prevent cross-border spillover of turmoil.

GS-4
Duty & Justice

Institutional Reckoning: The Dhaka verdict challenges the “Orders from Above” defense. Individual accountability for state-sponsored violence remains the cornerstone of Integrity in Public Service and human rights protection.

Mapping:

For today’s mapping session, we focus on Climatic Regions and Rainfall Distribution. This is a foundational topic for UPSC & PCS Exams, as it explains the spatial logic behind India’s agriculture, vegetation, and disaster patterns.

1. Major Rainfall Zones (Isohyet Mapping)

Rainfall in India is highly seasonal and unevenly distributed. On a map, these zones are defined by the amount of annual precipitation.

Heavy Rainfall Zone (>200 cm):
- Western Ghats: The windward side (coastal Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala).
- North-East India: The “Seven Sisters” states, particularly the Khasi Hills (Mawsynram and Cherrapunji).
Moderate Rainfall Zone (100–200 cm):
- Eastern Plains: West Bengal, Bihar, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
- Coastal Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
Low Rainfall Zone (50–100 cm):
- Central India: Parts of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and the Deccan Plateau.
- Northern Plains: Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh.
Arid/Scanty Rainfall Zone (<50 cm):
- Western Rajasthan: The Thar Desert.
- Leh-Ladakh: The cold desert of the Trans-Himalayas.
- Rain-shadow Region: The interior parts of the Deccan Plateau (Marathwada and Rayalaseema).

2. Koeppen’s Climatic Classification of India

This is a high-level technical mapping requirement for the IAS Geography Optional and General Studies papers.

Code	Climate Type	Mapping Region
Amw	Monsoon with short dry season	Western coast of India (South of Mumbai).
As	Monsoon with dry summer	Coromandel Coast (Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra).
Aw	Tropical Savanna	Most of the Peninsular plateau, south of the Tropic of Cancer.
BWhw	Hot Desert	Extreme Western Rajasthan (Thar Desert).
BShw	Semi-Arid Steppe	Rain-shadow zone of Western Ghats and parts of Haryana/Gujarat.
Cwg	Monsoon with dry winter	Most of the Ganga Plain and North-Central India.
Dfc	Cold Humid with sharp winter	Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
E	Polar Type	Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh.

3. Strategic Winds and Local Storms

Mapping the seasonal winds helps in understanding pre-monsoon and monsoon patterns.

South-West Monsoon: Trace the “Arabian Sea Branch” (hits the West coast) and the “Bay of Bengal Branch” (hits the North-East and turns towards the Ganga plains).
North-East Monsoon: These winds blow from the land to the sea, bringing winter rain primarily to the Tamil Nadu coast.
Local Storms (Pre-Monsoon):
- Loo: Hot, dry winds in the Northern Plains (May/June).
- Mango Showers: Karnataka and Kerala (helps in ripening mangoes).
- Kalbaisakhi: Violent thunderstorms in West Bengal and Assam.

Summary Mapping Checklist

Feature	Mapping Highlight	Key Location
Wettest Place	Mawsynram	East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
Driest Place	Jaisalmer / Leh	Rajasthan / Ladakh
Winter Rainfall Hub	Coromandel Coast	Tamil Nadu
Monsoon Gateway	Malabar Coast	Kerala

Mapping Brief

CLIMATIC REGIONS & RAINFALL

KOEPPEN CLASSIFICATION

Techno-Climatic Mapping

Primary codes include Amw (Monsoon/Short Dry) on the West Coast, As (Dry Summer) on the Coromandel Coast, and Cwg across the Ganga Plains.

SEASONAL WINDS

Monsoon Flow & Reversal

The SW Monsoon splits into Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal branches. The North-East Monsoon provides crucial winter precipitation to Tamil Nadu.

Rain-Shadow Dynamics

The Interior Deccan (Marathwada/Rayalaseema) receives low rainfall (50-100cm) due to the leeward position of the Ghats.

WETTEST PLACE Locate Mawsynram (Khasi Hills).

WINTER RAIN Trace the Coromandel Coast (TN).

GATEWAY Identify Malabar Coast (Monsoon onset).

Atlas Strategy

Spatial foundation: The 100cm isohyet serves as a critical boundary dividing the rice-heavy East from the wheat-dominant West. Visualizing the Western Ghats Orographic Barrier is key to understanding rainfall disparity.

IAS PCS Mission 2026: Daily Study Material – 26 Jan 2026

Study Target
Editorial Analysis
Mapping

NCERT History: Class 7 Chapter-10 (Eighteenth-Century Political Formations)

Chapter 10, “Eighteenth-Century Political Formations,” describes the dramatic reshaping of the Indian subcontinent’s boundaries following the decline of the Mughal Empire after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707.

1. The Crisis of the Empire

The Mughal Empire faced a combination of factors that led to its decline:

War of Succession: Aurangzeb fought long wars in the Deccan, which depleted the military and financial resources of the empire.
Administrative Breakdown: The efficiency of the imperial administration broke down, making it difficult for later Mughal emperors to keep a check on their powerful mansabdars.
Rebellions: Peasant and zamindari rebellions in many parts of northern and western India added to the pressure, often triggered by the burden of high taxes.
Foreign Invasions: The ruler of Iran, Nadir Shah, sacked and looted the city of Delhi in 1739 and took away immense amounts of wealth. This was followed by five invasions by the Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali between 1748 and 1761.

2. Emergence of New States

Through the eighteenth century, the Mughal Empire gradually fragmented into a number of independent, regional states. These states can be divided into three overlapping groups:

The Old Mughal Provinces: States like Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad were extremely powerful and quite independent, but their rulers did not break formal ties with the Mughal emperor.
- Hyderabad: Founded by Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah, who strengthened his position by bringing skilled soldiers and administrators from northern India and adopting the ijaradari system.
- Awadh: Burhan-ul-Mulk Sa’adat Khan was appointed subadar in 1722. He tried to decrease Mughal influence by reducing the number of jagirdars and appointing his own loyal servants to vacant positions.
- Bengal: Under Murshid Quli Khan, Bengal gradually broke away from Delhi’s control. He transferred all Mughal jagirdars to Orissa and ordered a major reassessment of the revenues of Bengal.
Vatans of the Rajputs: Many Rajput kings, particularly those of Amber and Jodhpur, had served under the Mughals with distinction and were permitted to enjoy considerable autonomy in their vatan jagirs. In the eighteenth century, these rulers attempted to extend their control over adjacent regions.
States under the Marathas, Sikhs, and Jats: These groups had seized their independence from the Mughals after a long-drawn-out armed struggle.

3. The Sikhs

The organization of the Sikhs into a political community helped in regional state-building in the Punjab.

Guru Gobind Singh: The tenth Guru fought several battles against the Rajput and Mughal rulers and established the Khalsa in 1699.
Banda Bahadur: Under his leadership, the Khalsa rose in revolt against Mughal authority, declared their sovereign rule by striking coins in the name of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh, and established their own administration.
Misls: In the eighteenth century, the Sikhs organized themselves into a number of bands called jathas, and later misls. Their combined forces were known as the grand army (dal khalsa).

4. The Marathas

The Maratha kingdom was another powerful regional kingdom to arise out of a sustained opposition to Mughal rule.

Shivaji: Carved out a stable kingdom with the support of powerful warrior families (deshmukhs) and highly mobile peasant-pastoralists (kunbis).
Peshwas: After Shivaji’s death, effective power in the Maratha state was wielded by a family of Chitpavan Brahmanas who served Shivaji’s successors as Peshwa (principal minister).
Expansion: Between 1720 and 1761, the Maratha empire expanded, seizing Malwa and Gujarat from the Mughals and raiding Rajasthan, Bengal, and Orissa.
Revenue: They collected chauth (25% of land revenue) and sardeshmukhi (9-10% of land revenue) from areas not under their direct control.

5. The Jats

Like the other states, the Jats consolidated their power during the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Churaman: Under his leadership, they acquired control over territories situated to the west of the city of Delhi.
Suraj Mal: Under him, the kingdom of Bharatpur emerged as a strong state.

NCERT History • Class-7

Chapter – 10

Eighteenth-Century Political Formations

Imperial Crisis

Deccan Wars: Aurangzeb’s long conflict drained the treasury and weakened military administration.

Invasions: Nadir Shah (1739) and Ahmad Shah Abdali shattered the prestige of the Mughal throne.

New Systems

Ijaradari: Revenue farming became common as the state needed immediate cash.

Regional Identity: Governors (Subadars) consolidated power, becoming independent rulers in practice.

Emergence of Independent States

Hyderabad: Founded by Asaf Jah. He brought skilled soldiers from the north and ruled independently of Delhi’s interference.

Awadh: Burhan-ul-Mulk Sa’adat Khan managed the rich alluvial plains and reduced the number of Mughal-appointed jagirdars.

Bengal: Under Murshid Quli Khan, the state became autonomous, and revenue was collected in cash with great strictness.

The Marathas: Under the Peshwas, they developed a military system that bypassed Mughal fortified areas through guerrilla warfare.

Chauth

25% of the land revenue claimed by Marathas from non-Maratha territories.

Khalsa

The sovereign body of the Sikhs, transformed into a state power by Ranjit Singh.

Jats

Prosperous agriculturists who built a strong state at Bharatpur under Suraj Mal.

End of An Era

The 18th century was not just a period of “decline” but a dynamic transition. While the Mughal umbrella folded, it gave way to vibrant regional cultures and administrative innovations that paved the way for modern India’s diverse political landscape.

📂

Class-7 History Chapter-10 PDF

Complete Study Notes: Eighteenth-Century Political Formations

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⚖️Indian Polity: The Powers of the President: Executive & Legislative

The President is the supreme head of the Indian Union. While the office is “titular,” the legal weight of these powers is immense for the governance of the country.

1. Executive Powers

All executive actions of the Government of India are formally taken in the President’s name.

Key Appointments

The President appoints the most critical constitutional authorities in the country:

The Prime Minister and other ministers (on the PM’s advice).
The Attorney General of India (determines their remuneration and term).
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), the Chief Election Commissioner, and the Chairman/Members of UPSC.
The Governors of States.
Inter-State Council: To promote Center-State and Inter-State cooperation.

Administrative Control

The President can declare any area as a Scheduled Area and has powers regarding the administration of scheduled areas and tribal areas.
He can require the Prime Minister to submit for consideration of the Council of Ministers any matter on which a decision has been taken by a minister but which has not been considered by the Council.

2. Legislative Powers

The President is a constituent part of the Parliament. This gives him several powers related to the legislative process.

Summoning & Proroguing: He can summon or prorogue the Houses of Parliament and dissolve the Lok Sabha.
Joint Sitting (Article 108): In case of a deadlock between the two Houses on an ordinary bill, he can call a joint sitting.
Nominations: He nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha (from fields like Literature, Science, Art, and Social Service).
Prior Recommendation: Certain bills cannot be introduced without his prior recommendation (e.g., Money Bills, or Bills for the alteration of state boundaries).

3. Veto Power (Article 111)

When a bill passed by Parliament is presented to the President for his assent, he has three options under Article 111:

Absolute Veto: The power to say “No.” He withholds his assent to the bill. The bill then ends and does not become an act.
- Usually used for: Private members’ bills or when the cabinet resigns before assent is given.
Suspensive Veto: The power to ask for a “Re-think.” He returns the bill to Parliament for reconsideration.
- Restriction: If Parliament passes the bill again (with or without amendments) and sends it back, the President must give his assent.
- Note: He cannot use this for Money Bills.
Pocket Veto: The power to “Stay Silent.” He neither ratifies, rejects, nor returns the bill, but simply keeps it pending indefinitely.
- Exam Fact: The Indian President has a “bigger pocket” than the US President because the US President must return a bill within 10 days, while the Indian Constitution specifies no time limit.

4. Ordinance-Making Power (Article 123)

This is the most important legislative power, allowing the President to legislate when Parliament is not in session.

The “Must-Know” Conditions:

Timing: Can be issued only when either House (or both) of Parliament is not in session.
Necessity: The President must be satisfied that circumstances exist which render it necessary for him to take immediate action.
Scope: An ordinance has the same force as an Act of Parliament, but it is a temporary law.

Life of an Ordinance:

Every ordinance must be laid before both Houses of Parliament when they reassemble.
The 6-Week Rule: If Parliament approves it, it becomes an Act. If no action is taken, it expires 6 weeks after the reassembly of Parliament.
Maximum Life: Since the maximum gap between two sessions of Parliament is 6 months, the maximum life of an ordinance can be 6 months and 6 weeks.

Detailed Comparison Table

Power Type	Article	Key Mandate	Implementation Detail
Veto Power	111	Assent to Bills	Absolute, Suspensive, or Pocket.
Ordinance	123	Law-making Power	Valid for 6 months + 6 weeks.
Joint Sitting	108	Resolve Deadlock	Called by President, Presided by Speaker.
Pardon	72	Judicial Relief	Can pardon even death sentences.

Constitutional Head • Executive

Union Administration

Powers of the President

Legislative Authority

Parliament: An integral part of Parliament; can summon/prorogue Houses and dissolve Lok Sabha.

Joint Sitting: Can call a joint session (Art. 108) to resolve deadlocks between Houses.

Ordinance (Art. 123)

Can promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session. It must be approved within 6 weeks of reassembly.

Absolute Veto

Power to withhold assent; the bill dies immediately and cannot become law.

Suspensive Veto

Returning a bill for reconsideration. If passed again, assent is mandatory.

Pocket Veto

Keeping the bill pending indefinitely. No time limit is fixed by the Constitution.

The Legal
Essence

The Preamble is non-justiciable (not enforceable in courts), but it serves as a Key to the Minds of the makers of the Constitution. It provides the guiding light whenever the language of any Article is found to be ambiguous or silent.

“The Hindu” Editorial Analysis (26-January-2026)

Here is a detailed analysis of the The Hindu Editorials for January 26, 2026, categorized by syllabus relevance for UPSC preparation.

1. The Republic at 77: A Federal Stress Test

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Indian Constitution; Federalism; Centre-State Relations).

Context: An analysis of the health of Indian federalism as the nation celebrates its 77th Republic Day, highlighting the growing friction between the Union and the States.

Key Points:

Fiscal Centralization: The editorial notes that the share of States in divisible tax pools is being effectively diluted through the increased use of cesses and surcharges by the Centre.
The Governor’s Role: Recent instances of Governors in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal acting as “political surrogates” rather than constitutional bridges have strained executive relations.
Legislative Overlap: Increased Union intervention in subjects traditionally under the State List (e.g., Agriculture, Health, and Education via centralized schemes) is raising concerns about “Unitary bias.”
Language and Identity: The debate over “Hindi imposition” and the delimitation exercise due after 2027 are emerging as potential flashpoints for regional sub-nationalism.

UPSC Relevance: Essential for questions on “Nature of Indian Federalism,” “Role of Constitutional Functionaries,” and “Fiscal Federalism.”

Detailed Analysis:

Cooperative vs. Competitive Federalism: The analysis argues that while “Competitive Federalism” has improved ease of doing business, it has undermined “Cooperative Federalism” in social welfare areas.
Erosion of Autonomy: The imposition of centralized conditions on state borrowing limits is described as a “backdoor entry” into state financial management.
Path Forward: The editorial suggests revitalizing the Inter-State Council and adopting the Sarkaria Commission’s recommendations on the appointment of Governors to restore trust.

2. Guarding the Guardians: Judicial Accountability

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Judiciary; Important aspects of governance; Accountability).

Context: A discussion on the need for a formal mechanism to address allegations of misconduct within the higher judiciary without compromising judicial independence.

Key Points:

In-house Procedure Limitations: The current “in-house” mechanism for investigating judges is criticized for lacking transparency and public trust.
Impeachment Hurdles: The constitutional process of impeachment is described as “practically impossible” due to its highly political nature and rigorous requirements.
The “Uncle Judge” Syndrome: The editorial highlights concerns regarding nepotism in judicial appointments and the resulting “collegium vs. government” standoff.
Judicial Standards Bill: There is a renewed call for a statutory framework, similar to the defunct Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill, to handle complaints against judges.

UPSC Relevance: Vital for “Judicial Reforms,” “Independence of Judiciary,” and “Checks and Balances.”

Detailed Analysis:

Transparency vs. Independence: The piece argues that accountability is not the enemy of independence; rather, a “closed-door” approach often invites executive interference.
Code of Conduct: Beyond legal requirements, the editorial emphasizes the need for a strictly enforced ethical code regarding post-retirement jobs and public engagements.

3. The AI Sieve: Finding New Worlds with ExoMiner++

Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Science & Technology; Space Technology; Artificial Intelligence).

Context: NASA’s release of ExoMiner++, an open-source AI model designed to validate exoplanet candidates from Kepler and TESS mission data.

Key Points:

Distinguishing Signals: The AI model helps separate true planetary transits (the dip in a star’s brightness) from false positives like binary stars or background noise.
Explainable AI: Unlike “black-box” models, ExoMiner++ provides astronomers with a score and insights into why it classified a signal as a planet.
Validation Success: The model has already validated 370 new exoplanets from Kepler data that were previously stuck in “scientific limbo” due to ambiguous signals.
TESS and Beyond: The tool has identified 7,000 potential candidates in TESS data and is expected to be vital for the future Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

UPSC Relevance: Significant for “Applications of AI in Space Exploration,” “International Collaboration in Science,” and “Current Developments in Astronomy.”

Detailed Analysis:

Democratization of Data: By making the software open-source on GitHub, NASA is allowing global researchers to refine algorithms and apply them to diverse datasets.
The Big Data Challenge: With petabytes of data from space telescopes, AI is no longer a luxury but a necessity for modern astrophysics to move beyond human-limited analysis.

4. Living with the Virus: The Endemicity of Dengue

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Health).

Context: A review of India’s evolving public health response as Dengue transitions from a seasonal outbreak to a year-round endemic threat in urban centers.

Key Points:

Viral Persistence: Changing rainfall patterns and rapid, unplanned urbanization have created permanent breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
Strain Diversity: The co-circulation of all four Dengue serotypes (DENV-1 to 4) increases the risk of Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever) due to antibody-dependent enhancement.
Vaccine Hurdles: While global vaccines like Qdenga exist, India’s specific serotype distribution requires localized clinical trials and a cautious rollout strategy.
Community Apathy: The editorial notes that source reduction (removing stagnant water) has failed as a top-down government approach, requiring a “Jan Andolan” (people’s movement) instead.

UPSC Relevance: Important for “Public Health Management,” “Urban Planning and Health,” and “Epidemiological Trends.”

Detailed Analysis:

Genome Sequencing: The lekh advocates for increased genomic surveillance to track the virulence of different strains and predict future surge patterns.
Integrated Vector Management: Moving beyond fogging (which is largely cosmetic), the focus must shift to biological controls like the Wolbachia bacteria-infected mosquitoes.

5. Data Point: The Pulse of Rural Consumption

Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy; Mobilization of resources; Poverty and Developmental issues).

Context: Analysis of recent FMCG sales data indicating a tentative recovery in rural demand after a long period of stagnation.

Key Points:

Volume Growth: Rural markets have started outperforming urban markets in volume growth for the first time in two years, driven by lower-unit-price packs.
Wage Lag: Despite the volume uptick, real rural wages (adjusted for inflation) remain nearly flat, suggesting that consumption is being driven by necessity rather than increased wealth.
Impact of Monsoons: The recovery is heavily dependent on the “normal” monsoon forecast, which stabilizes agricultural income and lowers food inflation.
FMCG Strategy: Companies are shifting focus to “bridge packs” (mid-sized products) to capture the emerging demand from the rural middle class.

UPSC Relevance: Key for understanding “Rural-Urban Economic Divide,” “Consumption Patterns,” and “FMCG Sector as an Economic Indicator.”

Detailed Analysis:

K-Shaped Recovery: The data suggests a widening gap between premium consumption (Urban) and value consumption (Rural), indicating that the recovery is not uniform across all income strata.
MGNREGA as a Buffer: The editorial emphasizes that continued government spending on rural employment schemes is critical to sustaining this consumption momentum until private investment picks up.

Editorial Analysis

JANUARY 02, 2026

GS-3 SCIENCE & TECH AI: NASA’s ExoMiner++

Open-source AI validated 370 New Exoplanets. Shift to Explainable AI to distinguish planetary transits from background noise.

GS-2 HEALTH Dengue Endemicity

Dengue shifts to a year-round threat. Risk peaks with 4 Serotypes co-circulating. Focus must move to biological controls like Wolbachia.

GS-3 ECONOMY Rural Consumption Pulse

Rural growth outpaces urban packs; however, Real Wages remain flat, indicating consumption is driven by necessity rather than wealth.

FEDERALISM: Sarkaria Commission on Governors remains the vital path to restoring constitutional trust.

SPACE TECH: ExoMiner++ is vital for mining 7,000+ candidates in Nancy Grace Roman telescope data.

ECONOMY: MGNREGA acts as a critical buffer sustaining consumption amidst the K-shaped recovery.

JUDICIARY: Clear code of conduct needed for post-retirement jobs to guard judicial independence.

GS-4
Ethics of Duty

Accountability vs. Independence: Transparency is not an enemy of independence. A “closed-door” approach invites interference, whereas an enforced ethical code regarding public engagements preserves the integrity of the Guardians of Justice.

Mapping:

For today’s mapping session, we will focus on India’s Major Energy Resources. This is a vital topic for your UPSC & PCS exams, as it covers the geographic distribution of Coal, Petroleum, and Nuclear Power—essential for understanding India’s economic and industrial foundation.

1. Coal Fields (The Black Gold)

Coal is concentrated in the Gondwana and Tertiary formations. For mapping, focus on the “Coal Belts” of Eastern and Central India.

Gondwana Coal (98% of reserves): Found in the river valleys of Damodar, Mahanadi, Son, and Godavari.
- Jharia (Jharkhand): The largest coal field in India; famous for high-quality coking coal.
- Raniganj (West Bengal): The first coal mine opened in India.
- Bokaro & Giridih (Jharkhand): Major centers for the steel industry.
- Korba (Chhattisgarh): A massive open-cast mining hub.
- Singareni (Telangana): The only coal field in the southern part of the country.
Tertiary Coal (Lignite):
- Neyveli (Tamil Nadu): The most significant lignite (brown coal) reserve in India.

2. Petroleum and Natural Gas

Petroleum mapping covers offshore and onshore basins located in the sedimentary rocks of the coastal and northern regions.

Western Offshore:
- Mumbai High: India’s largest petroleum field, located in the Arabian Sea.
- Bassein: Located south of Mumbai High, famous for natural gas.
Eastern Onshore/Offshore:
- Digboi (Assam): The oldest oil well in India (drilled in the 19th century).
- Naharkatiya & Moran-Hugrijan (Assam): Other major NE oil fields.
- KG Basin (Krishna-Godavari): A major deep-water gas reserve in the Bay of Bengal.
North-Western Onshore:
- Ankleshwar & Kalol (Gujarat): Key fields in the Cambay basin.
- Barmer Basin (Rajasthan): Home to the Mangala oil field, one of the largest onshore discoveries.

3. Nuclear Power Plants

Nuclear mapping is crucial for the “Science & Technology” and “Environment” sections of your prep.

Plant Name	State	Significance
Narora	Uttar Pradesh	Located in the fertile Gangetic plains near the Ganga.
Rawatbhata	Rajasthan	Situated near the Rana Pratap Sagar Dam on the Chambar River.
Kakrapar	Gujarat	Located in the industrial belt near Surat.
Tarapur	Maharashtra	India’s first commercial nuclear power station (established in 1969).
Kaiga	Karnataka	Located in the Western Ghats; crucial for the southern grid.
Kalpakkam (MAPS)	Tamil Nadu	India’s first fully indigenous nuclear power station.
Kudankulam	Tamil Nadu	The highest capacity nuclear plant in India (VVER reactors).

Summary Mapping Checklist

Category	Mapping Highlight	Key Location
Largest Coal Field	Jharia	Jharkhand
Oldest Oil Field	Digboi	Assam
First Nuclear Plant	Tarapur	Maharashtra
Largest Nuclear Plant	Kudankulam	Tamil Nadu

Mapping Brief

ENERGY RESOURCES OF INDIA

NUCLEAR POWER

Strategic Plant Locations

Key sites include Tarapur (MH), India’s first station, and Kudankulam (TN), the highest capacity plant. Narora stands as a key northern hub in the Gangetic plains.

OFFSHORE & ONSHORE BASINS

Natural Gas & Onshore Discoveries

The KG Basin is a major deep-water gas reserve. Onshore, the Barmer Basin (RJ) hosts the Mangala field, while Ankleshwar serves as a key industrial field in Gujarat.

Tertiary Lignite

The most significant brown coal reserve is located at Neyveli (Tamil Nadu), essential for the southern power grid.

COAL BELTS Trace Damodar and Mahanadi valleys.

HYDROCARBONS Locate Cambay Basin and Digboi.

NUCLEAR GRID Identify Kaiga (KT) and Rawatbhata (RJ).

Atlas Strategy

Spatial foundation: Understanding the geographic concentration of Gondwana coal and coastal petroleum basins is essential for industrial analysis. Locate the Mumbai High–Bassein axis to visualize India’s energy heartland.

IAS PCS Mission 2026: Daily Study Material – 24 Jan 2026

Study Target
Editorial Analysis
Mapping

NCERT History: Class 7 Chapter-9 (The Making of Regional Cultures)

Chapter 9, “The Making of Regional Cultures,” describes how regional identities grew through the intermixing of local traditions with ideas from other parts of the subcontinent, shaping unique languages, art forms, and religious practices.

1. Language and Region: Malayalam

The connection between a language and its region is a primary way we describe people.

The Cheras: The kingdom of Mahodayapuram, established in the ninth century in present-day Kerala, introduced the Malayalam language and script in its inscriptions.
Intermixing: While using a regional language, the Cheras also drew from Sanskritic traditions. The first literary works in Malayalam (12th century) were indebted to Sanskrit.
Manipravalam: A 14th-century text, the Lilatilakam, was written in Manipravalam—literally “diamonds and corals”—referring to the two languages, Sanskrit and the regional language.

2. Rulers and Religious Traditions: The Jagannatha Cult

In other regions, regional cultures grew around religious traditions.

The Cult of Jagannatha: At Puri, Orissa, the local deity became identified with Vishnu. To this day, the local tribal people make the wooden image of the deity.
Political Patronage: In the 12th century, King Anantavarman of the Ganga dynasty built a temple for Jagannatha. Later, King Anangabhima III dedicated his kingdom to the deity and proclaimed himself the “deputy” of God.
Conquest: As the temple became a center of pilgrimage, its social and political importance grew. Conquerors like the Mughals, Marathas, and the English East India Company tried to control the temple to make their rule acceptable to local people.

3. The Rajput Tradition of Heroism

In the 19th century, the British called the region of present-day Rajasthan “Rajputana”.

Heroic Ideals: These were often linked to the Rajputs, who fought valiantly to choose death on the battlefield rather than face defeat.
Minstrels: Stories about Rajput heroes were recorded in poems and songs performed by minstrels. These memories were preserved to inspire others to follow their example.
Sati: Women were also part of these heroic stories, sometimes following their heroic husbands into the afterlife through the practice of sati, or self-immolation on the funeral pyre.

4. Beyond Frontiers: The Story of Kathak

Different regions developed unique dance forms that often had religious roots.

Origins: Kathak began as a caste of storytellers (kathaks) in temples of North India who performed with gestures and songs.
Evolution: With the spread of the Bhakti movement, Kathak evolved into a distinct mode of dance, incorporating stories of Radha and Krishna.
Patronage: Under the Mughal emperors, it was performed in court and acquired its present features—rapid footwork and elaborate costumes. It flourished under the patronage of Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh.
Classical Status: Though viewed with disfavor by British administrators, it survived and was recognized as one of the six “classical” forms of Indian dance.

5. Painting for Patrons: Miniatures

Another regional tradition was that of miniature painting—small-sized paintings generally done in water color on cloth or paper.

Mughal Influence: Mughal emperors patronized highly skilled painters who illustrated manuscripts containing historical accounts and poetry.
Regional Styles: With the decline of the Mughal Empire, painters moved to regional courts like the Deccan and the Rajput courts of Rajasthan. They developed distinct styles, portraying themes from mythology and poetry.
Basohli and Kangra: In the Himalayan foothills, a bold style called Basohli developed. Later, the Kangra school of painting, inspired by Vaishnavite traditions, emerged with a style characterized by soft colors and lyrical treatment of themes.

6. A Closer Look: Bengal

The development of Bengali shows a complex intermixing of languages.

Language: While Bengali is derived from Sanskrit, it passed through several stages of evolution. A large body of non-Sanskritic vocabulary (from Persian, European, and tribal languages) became part of modern Bengali.
Literature: Early Bengali literature includes translations of Sanskrit epics and the “Nath” literature, such as the songs of Maynamati and Gopi Chandra.
Pirs and Temples: From the 16th century, people migrated to south-eastern Bengal. Community leaders, often called pirs (spiritual guides), provided stability. Many modest brick and terracotta temples were built in Bengal, often by individuals or groups to demonstrate their power and piety.
Fish as Food: Regional cultures are often shaped by dietary habits. Because Bengal is a riverine plain, fish and rice became the staple diet. Interestingly, Brahmanas in Bengal were permitted to eat certain varieties of fish, a practice reflected in the terracotta plaques on temple walls.

🎨 Making of Regional Cultures

🗣️ Language & Region

Kerala’s Malayalam emerged in the 9th century, blending with Sanskrit to create Manipravalam (diamonds and corals). Regional literature often evolved from such linguistic intermixing.

🕍 Religious Cults

The Jagannatha Cult at Puri saw a local deity identified with Vishnu. Kings like Anangabhima III dedicated their entire kingdoms to the deity, making the temple a political powerhouse.

💃 Dance & Heroism

Kathak evolved from North Indian storytellers into a classical dance under Wajid Ali Shah. Meanwhile, Rajput heroism was preserved by Minstrels through songs of valor and sacrifice.

🖌️ Miniature Paintings

Small-scale works flourished in regional courts after the Mughals. While the Basohli style was bold, the Kangra School used soft colors to illustrate lyrical Vaishnavite themes.

Bengal Case Bengali culture shows deep intermixing; community leaders called Pirs provided stability, and unique terracotta temples reflected a riverine diet where even Brahmanas were allowed to eat fish.

📂

Class-7 History Chapter-9 PDF

Complete Study Notes: The Making of Regional Cultures

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⚖️Indian Polity: The President of India (Articles 52–62)

The President is the Executive Head of the Union. While the Prime Minister is the real head (De Facto), the President is the formal or titular head (De Jure).

Article 52: The President of India

This article establishes the office. It simply states: “There shall be a President of India.”

Article 53: Executive Power of the Union

All executive powers of the Union are vested in the President.
These powers are exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him (Council of Ministers).
He is also the Supreme Commander of the Defense Forces of India.

Note: President is the Nominal Executive (De Jure head), while the Prime Minister is the Real Executive (De Facto head).

Article 54: Election of the President

The President is not elected directly by the people but by the members of an Electoral College.

Members of the Electoral College:

Elected members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
Elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States (Vidhan Sabha).
Elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the Union Territories of Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir (added by the 70th Amendment Act).

Crucial Note: Nominated members of Parliament and State Assemblies do not participate in the election.

Article 55: Manner of Election

The election is held through the system of Proportional Representation by means of the Single Transferable Vote (STV). The voting is conducted by Secret Ballot.

This ensures that the President represents the collective will of both the Union and the States.

Value of Vote of an MLA: $Value = \frac{Total Population of State}{Total Elected Members of State Legislative Assembly} \times \frac{1}{1000}$
Value of Vote of an MP: $Value = \frac{Total Value of Votes of all MLAs of all States}{Total Elected Members of Parliament}$

Article 56: Term of Office

The President holds office for a term of 5 years from the date he enters the office.
He can resign by writing to the Vice-President.
He can be removed from office by Impeachment for the “Violation of the Constitution.”

Article 57: Eligibility for Re-election

A person who holds, or has held, the office of President is eligible for re-election to that office for any number of terms. (In contrast, the US President is limited to two terms).

Article 58: Qualifications for Election

To be eligible for election as President, a person must:

Be a citizen of India.
Have completed 35 years of age.
Be qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha.
Not hold any Office of Profit under the Union Government, any State Government, or any local/public authority.

Article 59: Conditions of President’s Office

He should not be a member of either House of Parliament or a State Legislature. If such a person is elected, he is deemed to have vacated that seat on the date he enters the President’s office.
His emoluments and allowances cannot be diminished during his term of office.
He is entitled, without payment of rent, to the use of his official residence (Rashtrapati Bhavan).

Article 60: Oath or Affirmation

The oath is administered by the Chief Justice of India (CJI). In their absence, the senior-most Judge of the Supreme Court.
The President swears to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law.”

Article 61: Procedure for Impeachment

This is the process for removing the President.

Grounds: Only for the “Violation of the Constitution.”
Procedure: 1. A 14-day notice is given.2. Charges must be signed by 1/4th of the members of the House that framed the charges.3. The resolution must be passed by a majority of 2/3rd of the total membership of that House.4. The other House investigates; if it also passes the resolution by a 2/3rd majority, the President stands removed.

Article 62: Filling Vacancies

An election to fill a vacancy caused by the expiration of the term must be completed before the term expires.
If the vacancy occurs due to death, resignation, or removal, the election must be held within 6 months.
In the interval, the Vice-President acts as the President.

Quick Shortcut Table for Revision

Article	Keyword	Memory Trick
52	Post	Existence of the Office.
54	Election	Who votes (Electoral College).
56	Tenure	5-Year Term.
58	Qualification	35 years + Lok Sabha eligibility.
60	Oath	Administered by CJI.
61	Impeachment	Removal Process (2/3rd Majority).

🏛️ The President of India (Art. 52–62)

👑 Executive Head (52-53)

The President is the Nominal Head (De Jure) and Supreme Commander of Defense Forces. All executive powers are vested in them, exercised via the Council of Ministers.

🗳️ Electoral College (54)

Elected members of Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha + Elected members of State Assemblies (including Delhi, Puducherry, J&K). Nominated members cannot vote.

📜 Qualifications (58)

Must be a citizen, at least 35 Years Old, and qualified to be a member of the Lok Sabha. Must not hold any “Office of Profit.”

⚖️ Impeachment (61)

Removal only for “Violation of Constitution”. Requires 14-day notice, 1/4th members’ signatures to start, and a 2/3rd Majority of total membership in both Houses.

📊 Value of Votes (Article 55)

Election uses Proportional Representation by Single Transferable Vote (STV).

Value of MLA Vote = [Total Population / Total Elected MLAs] × [1/1000]

Value of MP Vote = [Total Value of all MLA Votes / Total Elected MPs]

✍️ Oath & Vacancy (60-62)

Oath: Administered by the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Vacancy: Election must be held within 6 months; Vice-President acts as President in the interim.

⏳ Term of Office (56-57)

Term is 5 Years. Eligible for re-election for any number of terms (unlike the US limit of two). Resignation is addressed to the Vice-President.

Summary Table 54: Election | 56: Tenure | 58: Qualification (35yrs) | 60: Oath (CJI) | 61: Impeachment

“The Hindu” Editorial Analysis (24-January-2026)

Here is a detailed analysis of the The Hindu Editorials for January 24, 2026, categorized by syllabus relevance for UPSC preparation.

1. Delimitation after 2027: Redrawing Power in India

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Polity; Constitutional adjustments; Federalism; Regional Balance).

Context: An analysis of the impending delimitation exercise due after Census 2027, which will be the most consequential redrawing of political power since Independence.

Key Points:

Constitutional Freeze: The distribution of Lok Sabha seats has been frozen at 1971 Census figures since 1976 to avoid penalizing states that controlled population growth.
Diverging Fertility Rates: Sharp divergences in fertility rates mean that northern states (UP, Bihar) continue to see high growth, while southern and western states have achieved below-replacement levels.
Stark Projections: In an expanded Lok Sabha of 888 members, Uttar Pradesh could rise from 80 to 151 seats and Bihar from 40 to 82, totaling over 26% of the House.
Declining Relative Influence: While absolute seat numbers for states like Tamil Nadu (39 to 53) and Kerala (20 to 23) will rise, their percentage share in total strength will fall significantly.

UPSC Relevance: Essential for “Federalism Challenges,” “Electoral Representation,” and “Population Policy Impacts on Governance.”

Detailed Analysis:

Moral Paradox: The editorial by S.Y. Quraishi questions why states should be punished for good governance (population control) through loss of political representation.
Weighted Formula Option: One proposed solution is a formula giving 80% weight to population and 20% to development indicators (literacy, health), rewarding governance outcomes.
Rajya Sabha Strengthening: Suggestions include restoring domicile requirements and evolving a tiered system (large, medium, small states) to restore its moderating federal role.

2. India and the EU: A Strategic Fit in a Divided World

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Bilateral and global groupings involving India; International Relations; Strategic Autonomy).

Context: Preparation for the upcoming visit of EU leadership to New Delhi for Republic Day and the 16th India-EU Summit.

Key Points:

Geopolitical Insurance: The Free Trade Agreement (FTA), under negotiation since 2007, is now viewed as an insurance policy against global unpredictability (U.S. tariffs and China’s assertiveness).
Climate Equity Issues: A major sticking point is the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which India views as a non-tariff barrier levying 20%-35% charges on exports.
Defence Partnership: Beyond trade, a proposed Security and Defence Partnership would offer the EU access to India’s market and India access to high-tech European technology.
Strategic Autonomy: Both sides share a belief that sovereign choices must remain sovereign, avoiding veto power from Washington, Moscow, or Beijing.

UPSC Relevance: Significant for “India-EU Strategic Relations,” “Climate Finance/Trade Policy,” and “Global Multilateralism.”

Detailed Analysis:

Co-production Opportunities: For India, the partnership complements ‘Make in India’ by opening frameworks for joint military exercises and co-production in the Indian Ocean.
Multipolar Order: The alignment aims to co-create a new chapter in multilateralism that is resilient and equitable, moving beyond episodic interaction.

3. Right to Dignity: Ensuring Equitable Pay for ASHA Workers

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Development and management of Social Sector/Health; Issues relating to poverty and hunger).

Context: Ongoing protests by ASHA and anganwadi workers in West Bengal demanding a wage increase to ₹15,000 per month.

Key Points:

Denied Status: Successive governments have classified these essential workers as ‘volunteers’ or ‘activists’ to bypass labor laws and permanent employee benefits.
Budgetary Slashes: In 2015, the NDA government slashed the ICDS budget, and the Centre froze its contribution to worker pay in 2018.
Inter-State Disparity: As central honoraria stagnated, wealthier states topped up payments from their own budgets, creating significant regional inequality in pay.
Statutory Reclassification: The editorial calls for legally reclassifying them as statutory employees under the Code on Social Security to guarantee minimum wages and pensions.

UPSC Relevance: Vital for “Social Security for Healthcare Workers,” “Labor Law Reforms,” and “Welfare Governance.”

Detailed Analysis:

Exit of the Social Contract: The state has effectively exited the social contract for its most vulnerable laborers in favor of promoting central fiscal headroom.
Exploitative Framework: The piece argues that denying these workers their due while relying on them for core welfare schemes is knowingly exploitative.

4. Gubernatorial Walkouts: Testing Constitutional Limits

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Important aspects of governance; Role of the Governor; Centre-State Relations).

Context: Recent walkouts and selective readings of policy addresses by Governors in Opposition-ruled states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

Key Points:

Article 176 (1) Mandate: The Constitution specifies that the Governor “shall” address the Legislature and inform them of the causes of summons; it is considered an executive function.
Limited Discretion: The Supreme Court (e.g., Nabam Rebia case) has held that the Governor has no discretion to skip paragraphs or take public stances critical of government policy.
Aid and Advice: The address reflects the policy of the State Cabinet, and Governors are constitutionally required to abide by their advice.
Remote Control Concerns: The Shamsher Singh judgment (1974) noted that gubernatorial freewheeling is often “remote-controlled” by the Union Ministry.

UPSC Relevance: Crucial for “Federalism Disputes,” “Constitutional Functionaries,” and “Centre-State Friction.”

Detailed Analysis:

Symbol of Democracy: The address represents the vision of the people’s elected government; its disruption is seen as a “shirking of duty.”
Institutional Redefinition: There is a growing demand to redefine the gubernatorial role to ensure the stature of the office remains above party politics.

5. Trial by Social Media: The Cost of Public Shaming

Syllabus: GS Paper 1 (Social issues; Impact of technology) and GS Paper 2 (Important aspects of governance; Ethics).

Context: A tragic incident in Kerala where a man died by suicide after a viral social media video alleged he had sexually harassed a woman on a bus.

Key Points:

Instant Justice: The episode highlights how social media has turned into a “battleground” where public opinion assumes the role of judge and jury.
Police Findings: Subsequent police review of CCTV footage and witness statements found “nothing abnormal or objectionable” in the man’s behavior.
Legal Grey Zones: Cyber crime investigators point out that shooting videos in public spaces without consent and using them for public shaming violates individual rights.
Apathy and Reclaiming Agency: Supporters of viral videos argue that the apathy of the judicial system pushes victims to use social media as a form of self-defense.

UPSC Relevance: Significant for “Digital Ethics,” “Cyber Crime and Law,” and the “Social Contract in the Digital Age.”

Detailed Analysis:

Destructive Power: The case raises uncomfortable questions about accountability, empathy, and the risk of false allegations in an era of “quick, reckless shorts.”
Normalized Trauma: Psychiatrists warn that ending one’s life is becoming normalized as a response to mental trauma caused by public humiliation.

Editorial Analysis

Jan 24, 2026

GS-2 Polity

🗳️ Delimitation: The Federal Paradox

Impending redrawing after Census 2027: UP seats could surge to 151 while Southern states see their relative influence fall. Issue: Penalizing states for Population Control success. Solution: A weighted formula rewarding governance (literacy/health) alongside population.

GS-2 IR

🌍 India-EU: Strategic De-risking

FTA as “Geopolitical Insurance” against global volatility. Major hurdle: EU’s Carbon Border Tax (CBAM) levying 20-35% on exports. Goal: A Security & Defence Partnership giving India access to high-tech and the EU access to India’s vast defense market.

GS-2 Social

🏥 ASHA Workers: The Right to Dignity

Protests for ₹15,000 monthly wage highlight the “volunteer” status loophole. Critique: Classifying essential health workers as activists to bypass labor laws. Requirement: Statutory reclassification under the Code on Social Security for minimum wage.

GS-2 Polity

🏛️ Governors: Constitutional Boundries

Selective reading of policy addresses by Governors violates Article 176(1). SC (Nabam Rebia) clarity: Governors have no discretion to skip paragraphs approved by the Cabinet. Freewheeling is often seen as “Remote-controlled” by the Union Ministry.

GS-1 Society

📱 Trial by Social Media & Mob Justice

Tragedy in Kerala underscores the risk of “Instant Justice.” Digital shaming based on viral clips—often lacking context—assume the role of judge/jury. Ethics: Shooting videos in public without consent for humiliation violates Article 21 and the Presumption of Innocence.

Quick Value Addition: • 1971 Census: Basis for current Lok Sabha seats (frozen until first Census after 2026). • CBAM: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism – EU’s proposed climate tariff. • Shamsher Singh Case: 1974 SC judgment clarifying Governor’s role is bound by aid and advice.

Mapping:

For today’s mapping session, we will focus on India’s Major Ocean Ports and Strategic Maritime Routes. These are essential for your UPSC & PCS Exams, as they combine economic geography with geopolitical strategy (SAGAR initiative and String of Pearls).

1. Major Ports on the West Coast (Arabian Sea)

The West Coast is characterized by natural harbors and is the gateway to trade with the Middle East and Europe.

Kandla (Deendayal Port), Gujarat: A tidal port and a major hub for petroleum and fertilizer imports. It serves the highly industrial North-Western India.
Mumbai Port, Maharashtra: India’s largest and busiest natural harbor.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), Maharashtra: Also known as Nhava Sheva; it is the largest container port in India, designed to relieve pressure on Mumbai port.
Mormugao, Goa: India’s premier iron ore exporting port.
New Mangalore, Karnataka: Handles iron ore exports from the Kudremukh mines.
Kochi, Kerala: Located on the Willingdon Island at the entrance of the Vembanad Lake.

2. Major Ports on the East Coast (Bay of Bengal)

The East Coast is characterized by deltaic formations and is the gateway to South-East Asia and the Far East.

Tuticorin (V.O. Chidambaranar), Tamil Nadu: Handles a variety of cargo to neighboring countries like Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu: One of the oldest artificial ports on the eastern coast.
Ennore (Kamarajar Port), Tamil Nadu: India’s first corporate port, located north of Chennai.
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: The deepest landlocked and protected port in India; major hub for iron ore exports to Japan.
Paradip, Odisha: Situated in the Mahanadi delta; specializes in exporting iron ore and coal.
Kolkata-Haldia, West Bengal: A riverine port situated on the Hooghly River. Haldia was developed as a satellite port to handle heavy cargo.

3. Strategic Maritime Choke Points & Routes

Mapping these is vital for the “Internal Security” and “International Relations” sections of the IAS/PCS syllabus.

Feature	Strategic Importance	Mapping Location
Six Degree Channel	Separates Great Nicobar from Sumatra (Indonesia).	South of Indira Point
Palk Strait	Connects Bay of Bengal with Palk Bay.	Between TN and Sri Lanka
Ten Degree Channel	Separates Andaman group from Nicobar group.	10° N Latitude
9 Degree Channel	Separates Minicoy from the main Lakshadweep.	9° N Latitude

4. Major National Waterways (NW) for Mapping

NW-1: Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system (Prayagraj to Haldia).
NW-2: Brahmaputra River (Sadiya to Dhubri).
NW-3: West Coast Canal in Kerala (Kottapuram to Kollam).

Summary Mapping Checklist

Category	Mapping Highlight	Key Location
Deepest Port	Visakhapatnam	Andhra Pradesh
First Corporate Port	Ennore	Tamil Nadu
Largest Container Port	JNPT (Nhava Sheva)	Maharashtra
Riverine Port	Kolkata	West Bengal

Maritime Gateways

Western Littoral

⚓ Ports of the Arabian Sea

Characterized by natural harbors, this coast features Kandla (tidal hub), Mumbai (busiest natural port), and JNPT—India’s largest container port.

Mission: Locate Willingdon Island in Kochi and identify the Kudremukh iron ore route to New Mangalore.

Eastern Littoral

🚢 The Deltaic Gateways

Gateway to SE Asia, featuring the riverine port of Kolkata-Haldia, the artificial harbor of Chennai, and Visakhapatnam—the deepest landlocked port.

Mission: Find the Mahanadi delta to locate Paradip and identify India’s first corporate port, Ennore.

Geopolitics

🌊 Strategic Choke Points

Vital waterways for national security and trade, including maritime channels and the Palk Strait.

Feature	Strategic Importance	Location
6° Channel	Separates Nicobar from Sumatra	South of Indira Point
Palk Strait	Connects Bay of Bengal to Palk Bay	Between TN & Sri Lanka
10° Channel	Separates Andaman from Nicobar	10° N Latitude

Mission: Trace National Waterway-1 (NW-1) from Prayagraj down to the port of Haldia.

Maritime Mapping Checklist

Category	Mapping Highlight	Key Location
Deepest Port	Visakhapatnam	Andhra Pradesh
Corporate Port	Ennore (Kamarajar)	Tamil Nadu
Largest Container Hub	JNPT (Nhava Sheva)	Maharashtra
Riverine Port	Kolkata Port	Hooghly River, WB

IAS PCS Mission 2026: Daily Study Material – 23 Jan 2026

Study Target
Editorial Analysis
Mapping

NCERT History: Class 7 Chapter-8 (Devotional Paths to the Divine)

Chapter 8, “Devotional Paths to the Divine,” explores the various Bhakti and Sufi movements that evolved from the eighth century onwards, emphasizing intense love for God and the rejection of rigid social hierarchies.

1. The Idea of a Supreme God

Before large kingdoms emerged, people worshipped local gods and goddesses. As empires grew, new ideas took root:

Cycles of Rebirth: The belief that all living things pass through cycles of birth and rebirth based on good and bad deeds became widely accepted.
Social Inequality: The idea that social privileges come from birth in a “noble” family or “high” caste gained ground.
Personal Devotion: Many turned to the teachings of the Buddha or Jainas to overcome social differences. Others were attracted to the idea of a Supreme God reachable through Bhakti (devotion), an idea popularised in the Bhagavadgita.

2. A New Kind of Bhakti in South India: Nayanars and Alvars

Between the seventh and ninth centuries, new religious movements were led by the Nayanars and Alvars.

The Saints: The Nayanars (devotees of Shiva) and Alvars (devotees of Vishnu) came from all castes, including “untouchable” groups like the Pulaiyar and the Panars.
Philosophy: They preached ardent love for Shiva or Vishnu as the path to salvation. They traveled to various villages, composing beautiful poems in praise of the deities enshrined in local temples.
Temple Building: Between the tenth and twelfth centuries, Chola and Pandya kings built grand temples around the shrines visited by these saint-poets, strengthening the links between the Bhakti tradition and temple worship.

3. Philosophy and Bhakti: Shankara and Ramanuja

Shankara (8th Century): Born in Kerala, he was an advocate of Advaita, or the doctrine of the oneness of the individual soul and the Supreme God. He taught that the world is an illusion (maya) and preached renunciation.
Ramanuja (11th Century): Born in Tamil Nadu, he was deeply influenced by the Alvars. He preached that the best means of attaining salvation was through intense devotion to Vishnu. He propounded the doctrine of Vishishtadvaita (qualified oneness), which suggests that the soul, even when united with the Supreme God, remains distinct.

4. Basavanna’s Virashaivism

The Virashaiva movement, initiated by Basavanna and his companions like Allama Prabhu and Akkamahadevi, began in Karnataka in the mid-twelfth century.

Beliefs: They argued strongly for the equality of all human beings and against Brahmanical ideas about caste and the treatment of women.
Rituals: They were also against all forms of ritual and idol worship.

5. The Saints of Maharashtra

From the thirteenth to the seventeenth centuries, Maharashtra saw a great number of saint-poets, such as Jnaneshwar, Namdev, Eknath, and Tukaram, as well as women like Sakhubai.

Vitthala: This tradition focused on the worship of Lord Vitthala (a form of Vishnu) in Pandharpur.
Rejection of Rituals: These saints rejected all forms of ritualism, outward display of piety, and social differences based on birth. They preferred to live with their families, earning a living and humbly serving fellow human beings in need.

6. Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis

Many religious groups during this period criticized conventional religion and social order.

Path to Salvation: They advocated renunciation of the world and believed that the path to salvation lay in meditation on the formless Ultimate Reality.
Practices: To achieve this, they advocated intense training of the mind and body through practices like yogasanas, breathing exercises, and meditation.

7. Islam and Sufism

Sufis were Muslim mystics who rejected outward religiosity and emphasized love and devotion to God and compassion toward all human beings.

Union with God: Sufis believed that the heart could be trained to look at the world in a different way. They developed elaborate methods of training using zikr (chanting of a name), contemplation, and sama (singing).
Silsilas: A genealogy of Sufi teachers, each following a slightly different method (tariqa) of instruction. The Chishti silsila was among the most influential in India, with great teachers like Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti and Nizamuddin Auliya.

8. New Religious Developments in North India

The period after the thirteenth century saw a powerful wave of the Bhakti movement in North India.

Kabir: One of the most influential saints, he was brought up in a family of Muslim weavers (julahas) in Varanasi. His ideas are known from a vast collection of verses called sakhis and pads. He believed in a formless Supreme God and rejected all forms of external worship and the caste system.
Baba Guru Nanak (1469–1539): He established a center at Kartarpur. His teachings emphasized the worship of one God and the importance of right belief and honest living. He used the terms nam, dan, and isnan for the essence of his teachings. His hymns were compiled into the Guru Granth Sahib.
Mirabai: A Rajput princess married into the royal family of Mewar, she became a disciple of Ravidas, a saint from an “untouchable” caste. Her songs openly challenged the norms of the “upper” castes and became popular with the masses.

🪕 Devotional Paths to the Divine

🕉️ Bhakti in the South

Led by Nayanars (Shiva) and Alvars (Vishnu), who rejected caste. Philosophers like Shankara taught Advaita (oneness), while Ramanuja preached devotion as the path to salvation.

🕌 Sufi Mysticism

Muslim mystics emphasized love for God and compassion. They used Zikr (chanting) and Sama (singing). The Chishti Silsila became highly influential under saints like Nizamuddin Auliya.

🧘 Radical Critics

Virashaivas in Karnataka fought for human equality. Groups like Nathpanthis and Yogis advocated renunciation and meditation on a formless Ultimate Reality through breath control and yoga.

📖 North Indian Saints

Kabir rejected external worship and caste. Baba Guru Nanak established Kartarpur and taught Nam, Dan, and Isnan. Rajput princess Mirabai challenged upper-caste norms through her songs.

Common Core Most medieval saints rejected ritualism and social hierarchies, preferring to live among ordinary people and expressing their devotion in regional languages accessible to all.

📂

Class-7 History Chapter-8 PDF

Complete Study Notes: Devotional Paths to the Divine

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⚖️Indian Polity: Comparison of FR & DPSP; Fundamental Duties

This section explores the delicate balance between Fundamental Rights (FR) and the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), followed by a detailed look at the Fundamental Duties that bind every citizen to the nation.

I. FR vs. DPSP: The Conflict and Balance

The relationship between Part III (FR) and Part IV (DPSP) has evolved through several landmark Supreme Court judgments. While FRs are individualistic and justiciable, DPSPs are socialistic and non-justiciable.

Key Differences

Feature	Fundamental Rights (Part III)	DPSP (Part IV)
Nature	Negative (Prohibit State from doing certain things).	Positive (Direct State to do certain things).
Justiciability	Justiciable (Enforceable in Court).	Non-Justiciable (Not enforceable).
Aim	Establish Political Democracy.	Establish Social & Economic Democracy.
Legal Superiority	Generally superior to DPSP.	Generally subordinate to FR.

History of the Conflict (Landmark Cases)

Champakam Dorairajan Case (1951): The SC ruled that FRs are superior. If a law violates FRs to implement DPSP, the law is void. DPSPs must run as “subsidiary” to FRs.
Golaknath Case (1967): The SC held that FRs are “sacrosanct” and cannot be diluted for the implementation of DPSP.
25th Amendment Act (1971): Parliament introduced Article 31C, stating that laws made to implement Art 39(b) and 39(c) cannot be challenged even if they violate Articles 14 or 19.
Minerva Mills Case (1980): The SC established the “Doctrine of Harmony.” It ruled that the Constitution is founded on the bedrock of the balance between Part III and Part IV. Giving absolute primacy to one over the other would disturb the basic structure.

II. Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)

The Fundamental Duties were not part of the original Constitution. They were added during the Emergency to remind citizens that while they enjoy rights, they also have obligations.

The Swaran Singh Committee (1976)

Context: The Government set up this committee to make recommendations about fundamental duties during the National Emergency.
Result: Based on its suggestions, the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1976) was passed.
New Addition: A new Part IV-A and a single Article 51A were added to the Constitution.
Source: Inspired by the Constitution of the USSR (now Russia).

The 11 Fundamental Duties (Detailed)

Originally there were 10 duties; the 11th was added later.

Abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals, the National Flag, and the National Anthem.
Cherish and follow the noble ideals of the freedom struggle.
Uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
Defend the country and render national service when called upon.
Promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood; renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
Value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
Protect and improve the natural environment (forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife).
Develop scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry.
Safeguard public property and abjure violence.
Strive toward excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
Provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of 6 and 14 years (Added by 86th Amendment Act, 2002).

III. Shortcut Table for Fundamental Duties

Duty Focus	Key Word to Remember
Flag/Anthem	Respect
Freedom Struggle	Noble Ideals
Sovereignty	Protect Unity
National Service	Defend
Brotherhood	Harmony
Culture	Heritage
Environment	Wildlife/Rivers
Science	Scientific Temper
Property	Public Assets
Excellence	Best Performance
Kids Education	Age 6–14 (86th Amd)

Key Points:

Non-Justiciable: Like DPSP, Fundamental Duties are not enforceable by law unless Parliament makes a specific law for them (e.g., The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act).
Only for Citizens: Unlike some FRs that apply to foreigners, Fundamental Duties are confined only to the Citizens of India.

⚖️ FR vs. DPSP Balance

Feature	Fundamental Rights (Part III)	DPSP (Part IV)
Nature	Negative (State Restrictions)	Positive (State Directions)
Justiciability	Enforceable in Court	Non-Enforceable
Aim	Political Democracy	Social & Economic Democracy
Priority	Sacrosanct/Superior	Subsidiary to FRs

📜 Golaknath Case (1967)

SC ruled that Fundamental Rights are sacrosanct and cannot be diluted even to implement the Directive Principles.

🤝 Minerva Mills (1980)

Established the Doctrine of Harmony. The Constitution is founded on the bedrock of balance between Part III and Part IV.

Legal Fact Per Article 31C, laws implementing Art 39(b) and 39(c) are protected even if they violate the right to equality (Art 14) or freedoms (Art 19).

🇮🇳 Fundamental Duties (51A)

✍️ Origin & Source

Added by 42nd Amendment (1976) based on the Swaran Singh Committee. Inspired by the USSR Constitution. Part IV-A was created.

🛡️ Scope & Nature

Like DPSPs, these are Non-justiciable. Crucially, they apply only to Citizens, not to foreigners.

Duty Focus	Key Keyword	Memory Trick
Flag/Anthem	Respect	Respect National Symbols
Unity/Integrity	Sovereignty	Protect India’s Map
Brotherhood	Harmony	Dignity of Women
Environment	Wildlife	Lakes, Rivers, Forests
Science	Scientific Temper	Spirit of Inquiry
Property	Public Assets	No Violence
Education	Age 6–14	Added by 86th Amd (2002)

Key Note There are currently 11 Fundamental Duties. The 11th duty (education) was added to align with the Right to Education (Art 21A).

“The Hindu” Editorial Analysis (23-January-2026)

Here is a detailed analysis of the The Hindu Editorials for January 23, 2026, categorized by syllabus relevance for UPSC preparation.

Here is a detailed, point-by-point analysis of the major editorials and features from The Hindu (Delhi Edition) dated January 23, 2026, structured for your preparation:

1. Discretion and the Rule of Law: SC on Electoral Rolls

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Electoral Reforms; Constitutional Bodies; Important aspects of governance).

Context: The Supreme Court (SC) questioned the Election Commission (EC) on whether “illegal cross-border immigration” was explicitly cited as a reason for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) that led to nearly 6.5 crore name deletions.

Key Points:

Ambiguous Triggers: The Bench observed that the SIR notification listed “frequent migration” as a reason but lacked an “eloquent expression” linking it to citizenship verification under the 2003 Citizenship Act amendments.
Judicial Clarification: The Court drew a clear distinction: “migration” within India is a fundamental freedom and always lawful, whereas “illegal immigration” involves inter-country movement.
Burden on Citizens: The SC flagged the “extreme stress” caused to millions—including Nobel laureates and the elderly—who were forced into physical hearings to prove credentials.
Discretionary Limits: The Court clarified that while the EC has wide discretion under Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, it is not “unshackled” from prescribed norms and must act fairly.

UPSC Relevance: Vital for “Powers of the ECI,” “Universal Adult Franchise,” and “Judicial Review of Administrative Actions.”

Detailed Analysis:

Illegal Immigrant Definition: The concept, introduced in 2003, requires both parents of an elector to be Indian citizens; the EC argued Article 324 authorizes them to verify this.
Procedural Fix: UP voters may soon skip physical hearings by uploading documents to the EC website or sending authorized representatives (including booth-level agents).
Sanctity of Franchise: The editorial warns that forcing genuine voters to re-register via Form 6 (for fresh voters) is illogical and potentially violates the right to vote.

2. BRICS India Summit: A Green and Resilient Agenda

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Bilateral, regional and global groupings involving India; International Relations).

Context: India is set to host the next BRICS Summit in 2026, presenting an opportunity to lead the Global South on a unified climate resilience and green development strategy.

Key Points:

Stabilising Multilateralism: In a world where collaborative multilateralism is under stress (e.g., U.S. withdrawal from the International Solar Alliance), India can position BRICS as a stabilising force for climate action.
Geopolitical Balancing: India must navigate the “anti-Western” perception of BRICS by President Trump while ensuring its own strategic autonomy and leadership in the Global South.
Common Concerns: Climate impacts like permafrost thaw, Himalayan vulnerabilities, and coastal risks are shared challenges across BRICS members (e.g., Brazil, Russia, India, China).
Heft of Expansion: The inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE means BRICS now represents 40% of global GDP and 26% of global trade.

UPSC Relevance: Essential for “Global Leadership in Climate Change,” “India’s Multi-alignment Strategy,” and “South-South Cooperation.”

Detailed Analysis:

Climate Finance Enabler: The analysis argues for including World Bank and IMF chiefs in the BRICS Summit to catalyse global climate finance, as relying solely on the New Development Bank is insufficient.
Countering Ambitions: A strong Indian green agenda within BRICS serves to keep Chinese ambitions for global environmental leadership in check.
Diplomatic Adroitness: Just as in the G-20 (2023), India needs to balance massive tariff threats and global oil geopolitics to ensure “presidential happiness” in Washington while advancing Global South interests.

3. A Piece of Board: Navigating Trump’s Peace Plans

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (International Relations; Bilateral relations; Effect of developed countries’ policies).

Context: Analysis of India’s absence from the inaugural meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” (BoP) in Davos.

Key Points:

BoP Structure: The Board aims to rival the UN, with Trump as chairman and no inclusion of Palestinian leadership, despite its stated goal of resolving the Gaza conflict.
Membership Tiers: A controversial “two-tier” system offers permanent membership for a $1 billion “fee,” which is flagged as a major concern.
Regional Pressure: With Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE joining, India faces pressure to participate despite the lack of structural clarity.
Kashmir Risk: A significant “red flag” for India is the possibility of Trump extending the BoP’s mandate to include the Kashmir dispute in his peace plans.

UPSC Relevance: Critical for “India-U.S. Strategic Ties,” “West Asian Geopolitics,” and “Multilateralism Challenges.”

Detailed Analysis:

Strategic Autonomy: The editorial advises that India must not act out of “fear of missing out” or fear of U.S. ire, but should consult partners and its own conscience.
UN Parallel: While the UN Security Council cleared Phase 2 of the Gaza proposal, the BoP appears to unilaterally alter the mandate and supplant UN functions.

4. Himalayan Ecocide: Infrastructure vs. Disaster Resilience

Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Environment; Conservation; Disaster Management).

Context: A critical look at the felling of nearly 7,000 Devdar trees for the Char Dham road-widening project in ecologically fragile and disaster-prone zones of Uttarakhand.

Key Points:

Flawed Standards: The project utilizes the “Double Lane with Paved Shoulder” (DL-PS) standard, which mandates a 12-metre width on unstable slopes where major infrastructure is traditionally discouraged.
Ecological Loss: Beyond the loss of 7,000 trees, the project has led to the emergence of over 800 active landslide zones along the nearly 700 kilometres of widened road.
Root System Benefits: Deodar forests serve as crucial ecological assets, with extensive root systems that stabilize slopes, prevent landslides, and act as natural barriers against avalanches.
Water Quality: These forests maintain the water quality of the Ganga by inhibiting harmful bacteria through unique antimicrobial qualities found in their wood, bark, and resin.

UPSC Relevance: Essential for “Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA),” “Sustainable Mountain Development,” and “National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE).”

Detailed Analysis:

Bypassing Regulations: The project execution is described as a “case study in how not to build,” involving the bypassing of comprehensive EIAs through project fragmentation and vertical hill-cutting on fragile slopes.
Risk Multiplier: Climate change is causing high-altitude areas to warm 50% faster than the global average, which, combined with deforestation, supercharges the frequency of deadly flash floods and landslides.
Policy Contradiction: Current infrastructure initiatives directly contradict the NMSHE (2014), which was established specifically to protect the fragile Himalayan ecology and monitor receding glaciers.
Locals’ Derision: Due to frequent closures and landslide damage, the touted “all-weather road” is now derisively referred to by locals as an “all-paidal” (all-pedal) road.

5. Household Stability: The Fragility Beneath Growth

Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy; Mobilization of resources; Inclusive growth).

Context: An analysis of household finance data suggesting that India’s macroeconomic stability is increasingly reliant on household debt.

Key Points:

Rising Debt: Household debt rose from 36% of GDP in 2021 to 41.3% by March 2025; while low compared to peers, it masks domestic income stress.
Borrowing to Consume: Credit is being used increasingly to close income-expense gaps rather than for asset creation, substituting for stagnant real income growth.
Thinning Buffers: Net financial savings have fluctuated drastically, indicating that a growing portion of savings is being offset by new borrowing.
Risk Reallocation: Fiscal policies that prioritize capital expenditure while limiting revenue expenditure implicitly transfer economic risk from the State to households.

UPSC Relevance: Vital for “Fiscal Policy,” “Monetary Policy Transmission,” and “Social Welfare Economics.”

Detailed Analysis:

Vulnerable Groups: The lack of employment opportunities and higher incomes for low-income groups makes even moderate debt levels a significant source of vulnerability.
Budget 2026 Mandate: The key task for the upcoming budget is to restore balance by enabling disposable income and creating labor-intensive employment.

Editorial Analysis

Jan 23, 2026

GS-2 Polity

🗳️ SC on ECI: Discretion vs. Constitutional Liberty

SC questions ECI on 6.5 Crore name deletions during SIR. Bench distinguishes between “internal migration” (lawful) and “illegal immigration.” Critique: Forcing genuine voters to prove citizenship under “extreme stress” violates the sanctity of franchise.

GS-2 IR

🌍 BRICS 2026: India’s Green Leadership

India set to host BRICS 2026, representing 40% of global GDP. Strategy: Positioning BRICS as a stabilizing force for climate finance via the NDB and Global South resilience, while balancing U.S. tariff threats and Chinese ambitions.

GS-2 IR

🏳️ Board of Peace: The $1 Billion Membership

Trump’s “Board of Peace” (BoP) in Davos creates a two-tier system with a $1 Billion fee for permanent seats. High risk for India: The potential extension of BoP mandates to the Kashmir Dispute, bypassing UN functions.

GS-3 Environ

🌲 Himalayan Ecocide: The Char Dham Cost

Widening projects (DL-PS standard) lead to felling 7,000 Deodar trees. Ecological fallout: Creation of 800 active landslide zones. Critique: Infrastructure projects bypass NMSHE (2014) mandates, turning “all-weather roads” into “all-paidal roads.”

GS-3 Economy

📉 Household Debt: The Consumption Trap

Household debt hit 41.3% of GDP. Concern: Credit is increasingly used to bridge income-expense gaps rather than for asset creation. Result: Macroeconomic risk is being transferred from the State to households, thinning financial savings.

Quick Value Addition: • DL-PS Standard: Double Lane with Paved Shoulder (12m width) – unsuitable for fragile Himalayan slopes. • Section 21(3): Representation of the People Act – provides EC with discretion, but subject to Rule of Law. • NMSHE: National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem – being undermined by current felling.

Mapping:

For today’s mapping session, we will focus on India’s Major National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries categorized by their geographic zones.

1. Northern & Himalayan Zone

These parks are characterized by high-altitude flora and fauna like the Snow Leopard and Musk Deer.

Dachigam National Park (J&K): Famous for the Hangul (Kashmiri Stag).
Hemis National Park (Ladakh): India’s largest national park; a global stronghold for the Snow Leopard.
Valley of Flowers & Nanda Devi (Uttarakhand): UNESCO World Heritage sites known for alpine meadows.
Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand): India’s first national park; located in the foothills of the Shiwaliks.
Great Himalayan National Park (HP): Known for the Western Tragopan and Himalayan Tahr.

2. Western & Arid Zone

Focus on species adapted to dry deciduous forests and desert ecosystems.

Gir National Park (Gujarat): The only natural habitat of the Asiatic Lion.
Desert National Park (Rajasthan): One of the last remaining homes of the Great Indian Bustard.
Ranthambore & Sariska (Rajasthan): Key tiger reserves located in the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges.
Marine National Park (Gulf of Kutch): India’s first marine park, famous for coral reefs and dugongs.

3. North-Eastern & Eastern Zone

These areas are critical for “Mega-herbivore” conservation and tropical rainforest mapping.

Kaziranga (Assam): Famous for the One-horned Rhinoceros.
Manas (Assam): A tiger and biosphere reserve on the border with Bhutan.
Keibul Lamjao (Manipur): The world’s only floating national park (located on Loktak Lake), home to the Sangai (brow-antlered deer).
Namdapha (Arunachal Pradesh): Known for being the only park where four big cat species (Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard) are found.
Sundarbans (West Bengal): The largest mangrove forest; famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger.

4. Southern & Central Zone

These parks are hubs for Elephant and Tiger conservation in the Western Ghats and Deccan Plateau.

Park Name	State	Key Mapping Feature
Kanha & Bandhavgarh	MP	The “Tiger State” heartland; Kanha is famous for Barasingha.
Bandipur & Nagarhole	Karnataka	Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve; high elephant density.
Periyar	Kerala	An elephant and tiger reserve situated around a man-made lake.
Silent Valley	Kerala	Tropical evergreen forest in the Nilgiris; home to the Lion-tailed Macaque.

Summary Mapping Checklist

Category	Mapping Highlight	Key Location
Largest Park	Hemis	Ladakh
Only Floating Park	Keibul Lamjao	Manipur
Lion Habitat	Gir	Gujarat
Rhino Stronghold	Kaziranga	Assam

Wildlife Horizons

Himalayan Zone

🏔️ High-Altitude Refuges

Stretching from Hemis (India’s largest park) in Ladakh to the Valley of Flowers, these zones protect the Snow Leopard, Kashmiri Stag (Hangul), and Himalayan Tahr.

Mission: Locate Dachigam National Park in J&K and identify it as the primary home of the endangered Hangul.

Arid & Marine

🦁 Dry Deciduous Bastions

Unique ecosystems ranging from Gir (last home of the Asiatic Lion) to the Desert National Park, home to the Great Indian Bustard.

Mission: Find the Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch—India’s first dedicated marine sanctuary.

Eastern Rain-Belts

🦏 Mega-Herbivore Hubs

Critical wetlands and rainforests including Kaziranga (One-horned Rhino) and Keibul Lamjao—the world’s only floating national park on Loktak Lake.

Mission: Locate the Sundarbans on the West Bengal delta, the world’s largest mangrove stronghold for Tigers.

Southern & Central Gems

Park Name	State	Key Mapping Feature
Kanha & Bandhavgarh	MP	Tiger heartland; Famous for Barasingha
Bandipur & Nagarhole	Karnataka	Part of Nilgiri Biosphere; Elephant density
Periyar	Kerala	Tiger reserve around a man-made lake
Silent Valley	Kerala	Tropical evergreen; Lion-tailed Macaque

Quick Mapping Checklist

Category	Mapping Highlight	Key Location
Largest Park	Hemis National Park	Ladakh (High Altitude)
Only Floating Park	Keibul Lamjao	Manipur (Loktak Lake)
Lion Habitat	Gir National Park	Gujarat (Saurashtra)
Rhino Stronghold	Kaziranga National Park	Assam (Brahmaputra bank)

Daily CSAT Quiz – January 23, 2026

Daily CSAT Quiz

10:00

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IAS PCS Mission 2026: Daily Study Material – 22 Jan 2026

Study Target
Editorial Analysis
Mapping

NCERT History: Class 7 Chapter-7 (Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities)

This chapter, “Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities,” explores the lives of societies that existed outside the varna-based social order and how they interacted with settled states during the medieval period.

1. Beyond Big Cities: Tribal Societies

Many societies in the subcontinent did not follow the social rules and rituals prescribed by the Brahmanas.

Definition: These societies are often called tribes.
Social Structure: Members were united by kinship bonds. They generally did not have numerous unequal classes.
Livelihood: Many tribes obtained their livelihood from agriculture. Others were hunter-gatherers or herders. They often made full use of the natural resources of the area where they lived.
Territory: Tribes often controlled land and pastures jointly, dividing these among households according to their own rules.
Interaction: There was a constant interaction—both conflict and dependence—between tribal and caste-based societies. This relationship gradually caused both types of societies to change.

2. Location of Tribal People

Tribal communities were found in almost every region of the subcontinent.

Powerful Tribes: In Punjab, the Khokhar tribe was influential in the 13th and 14th centuries; later, the Gakkhars became more important.
Multan and Sind: The Langahs and Arghuns dominated extensive regions.
North-West: The Balochis were a large and powerful tribe divided into smaller clans.
North-East: The Nagas, Ahoms, and many others lived in these distant areas.
Central and Western India: The Bhils were spread across these regions. The Gonds were found in great numbers across present-day Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.

3. How Nomads and Mobile People Lived

Nomadic pastoralists moved over long distances with their animals.

Exchange: They lived on milk and other pastoral products. They exchanged wool, ghee, etc., with settled agriculturists for grain, cloth, utensils, and other products.
The Banjaras: They were the most important trader-nomads. Their caravan was called a tanda. Sultan Alauddin Khalji used the Banjaras to transport grain to the city markets, and Emperor Jahangir recorded that they carried grain on their bullocks from different areas to sell in towns.
Itinerant Groups: Other groups, such as craftspersons and entertainers, also traveled from village to village performing their crafts or shows.

4. Changing Society: New Castes and Hierarchies

As the economy and the needs of society grew, people with new skills were required.

Jatis: Smaller castes, or jatis, emerged within varnas. For example, new castes appeared among the Brahmanas.
Specialized Groups: Many tribes and social groups were taken into caste-based society and given the status of jatis. Specialized artisans—smiths, carpenters, and masons—were also recognized as separate jatis by the Brahmanas.
Rajput Clans: Among the Kshatriyas, new Rajput clans (such as Hunas, Chandelas, and Chalukyas) became powerful. They gradually replaced older rulers and used their wealth to create powerful states.

5. A Closer Look: The Gonds and Ahoms

The text provides detailed histories of two major tribal groups that established states.

The Gonds

Habitat: They lived in a vast forested region called Gondwana. They practiced shifting cultivation.
Administration: The large Gond kingdom was divided into garhs. Each garh was controlled by a particular Gond clan. This was further divided into units of 84 villages called chaurasi.
Social Change: The emergence of large states changed the nature of Gond society. Their basically equal society gradually became divided into unequal social classes. Brahmanas received land grants from Gond rajas and became more influential.

The Ahoms

Migration: The Ahoms migrated to the Brahmaputra valley from present-day Myanmar in the 13th century.
State Building: They created a new state by suppressing the older political system of the bhuiyans (landlords). They used firearms as early as the 1530s.
Forced Labour: The Ahom state depended upon forced labour. Those forced to work for the state were known as paiks.
Clans: Ahom society was divided into clans or khels. A khel often controlled several villages.
Religion: Originally, the Ahoms worshipped their own tribal gods, but during the 18th century, Hinduism became the predominant religion. However, the Ahom kings did not completely give up their traditional beliefs after adopting Hinduism.

🏹 Tribes, Nomads & Communities

🌿 Tribal Societies

Societies united by Kinship that lived outside the varna-based order. They controlled lands jointly and interacted with settled states through a mix of conflict and trade.

🐂 Nomadic Traders

Pastoralists exchanged products like ghee for grain. The Banjaras were the most vital trader-nomads; their caravans, called Tanda, were used by Sultans to transport grain to city markets.

🌳 The Gonds

Forest dwellers of Gondwana who practiced shifting cultivation. Their kingdom was divided into Garhs, which were further split into units of 84 villages called Chaurasi.

🚣 The Ahoms

Migrants from Myanmar to the Brahmaputra valley. They built a powerful state using firearms and a forced-labour system called Paik. Their society was organized into clans known as Khels.

Social Change As tribal states grew, they became more hierarchical; Brahmanas received land grants and the society began to split into unequal classes, mimicking settled social structures.

📂

Class-7 History Chapter-7 PDF

Complete Study Notes: Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities

Download Now

⚖️Indian Polity: Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36–51)

The DPSPs are the “Instrument of Instructions” to the State. They are non-justiciable (cannot be enforced in court) but are fundamental in the governance of the country.

Article 36: Definition of “State”

This article ensures consistency across the Constitution. It states that unless the context requires otherwise, the term “State” in Part IV has the same meaning as it does in Article 12 (Part III). It includes the Union Government, State Governments, Parliament, State Legislatures, and all local or other authorities.

Article 37: Nature and Application

This article defines the legal character of DPSPs. It declares two fundamental points:

These principles are not enforceable by any court (Non-justiciable).
They are, nevertheless, fundamental in the governance of the country, and it is the moral duty of the State to apply them when making laws.

The Socialistic & Welfare Directives:

Article 38: Establishing a Social Order

38(1): The State shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order where Justice (Social, Economic, and Political) informs all institutions of national life.
38(2): Added by the 44th Amendment (1978), it directs the State to minimize inequalities in income, status, facilities, and opportunities.

Article 39: Principles of Policy

The State shall direct its policy toward securing:

(a) Right to an adequate means of livelihood for all citizens.
(b) Ownership and control of material resources are distributed to best subserve the common good.
(c) Operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth.
(d) Equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
(e) Protection of the health of workers and children against abuse.
(f) Children are given opportunities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity (Added by 42nd Amendment).

Article 39A: Equal Justice and Free Legal Aid

Inserted by the 42nd Amendment (1976), it mandates the State to provide free legal aid by suitable legislation or schemes to ensure that no citizen is denied justice due to economic or other disabilities.

Article 41: Right to Work and Assistance

The State shall, within its economic limits, make provisions for securing the Right to work, to education, and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement.

Article 42: Humane Work and Maternity Relief

The State shall make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for providing maternity relief to women employees.

Article 43: Living Wage and Cottage Industries

The State shall endeavor to secure a living wage (which covers not just survival but education and health) and a decent standard of life for all workers. It also promotes cottage industries in rural areas.

The Gandhian & Social Reform Directives:

Article 40: Organization of Village Panchayats

The State shall take steps to organize Village Panchayats and endow them with such powers as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government.

Article 43B: Co-operative Societies

Added by the 97th Amendment (2011), it directs the State to promote the voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, and professional management of co-operative societies.

Article 46: Interests of SCs and STs

The State shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other weaker sections, protecting them from social injustice.

Article 47: Nutrition, Standard of Living, and Prohibition

The State shall regard the raising of the level of nutrition and public health as its primary duty. Specifically, it shall endeavor to bring about the prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs (except for medicinal purposes).

Article 48: Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

The State shall organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern, scientific lines and shall take steps for preserving and improving breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter of cows, calves, and other milch cattle.

The Liberal-Intellectual Directives:

Article 44: Uniform Civil Code

The State shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India, aimed at replacing personal laws with a common set of civil laws for all religions.

Article 45: Early Childhood Care

Amended by the 86th Amendment (2002), it mandates the State to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years.

Article 48A: Environment and Wildlife

Added by the 42nd Amendment (1976), it mandates the State to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.

Article 49: Protection of Monuments

It is the obligation of the State to protect every monument or place of national importance from destruction, disfigurement, or export.

Article 50: Separation of Judiciary

The State shall take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State to ensure judicial independence.

Article 51: International Peace

The State shall endeavor to:

Promote international peace and security.
Maintain honorable relations between nations.
Foster respect for international law.
Encourage settlement of disputes by arbitration.

Quick Comparison: FR vs. DPSP

Feature	Fundamental Rights (Part III)	DPSP (Part IV)
Nature	Negative (State cannot do)	Positive (State should do)
Justiciability	Enforceable in Court	Not enforceable in Court
Aim	Political Democracy	Social & Economic Democracy
Suspension	Can be suspended (except 20, 21)	Never suspended; only implemented

⚡ 5-Minute DPSP Memorization Table

This table uses the Keyword Method. If you remember the keyword, the entire article follows.

Article	Keyword	Short Logic / Memory Trick
36	Definition	Same as Art 12 (Definition of State).
37	Nature	Non-justiciable but “Fundamental” for laws.
38	Welfare	Secure a Social Order (Social, Economic, Political).
39	Livelihood	Equal pay, wealth distribution, and resources.
39A	Legal Aid	A = Aid (Free legal help for the poor).
40	Panchayat	Think of Gandhi’s vision for villages.
41	Work/Edu	Right to Work, Education, and Public Assistance.
42	Maternity	Human work conditions + Maternity relief.
43	Living Wage	Minimum pay to live a decent life.
43A	Management	Workers’ participation in factory management.
43B	Co-ops	B = Business (Co-operative societies).
44	Uniformity	4 & 4 are uniform (Uniform Civil Code).
45	Infants	Education for kids under 6 (Pre-school).
46	SC / ST	Promotion of weaker sections.
47	Health	Nutrition up + Alcohol/Drugs down (Prohibition).
48	Agriculture	Scientific farming + No Cow Slaughter.
48A	Environment	A = Air/Animals (Forests & Wildlife).
49	Monuments	Protect historical sites (National Importance).
50	Separation	50-50 split (Judiciary vs. Executive).
51	Peace	Final goal: International Peace & Security.

💡 The “Ideology” Grouping (Exam Hack)

In exams, they often ask: “Which of these is a Gandhian Principle?”

Socialistic (Welfare): 38, 39, 39A, 41, 42, 43, 43A, 47.
Gandhian (Rural/Moral): 40, 43, 43B, 46, 47, 48.
Liberal (Modern): 44, 45, 48, 48A, 49, 50, 51.

🛠️ Implementation Examples

Art 39A → Fulfilled by the Legal Services Authorities Act (NALSA).
Art 40 → Resulted in Panchayati Raj (73rd Amendment).
Art 44 → Currently implemented in Goa only.
Art 45 → Led to Right to Education (86th Amendment).
Art 47 → Basis for Liquor Bans in Bihar/Gujarat.

📜 Directive Principles (Part IV)

⚖️ Nature of DPSP (36-37)

Non-justiciable “Instrument of Instructions”. Art 37 declares them Fundamental in Governance. They aim for Social & Economic Democracy.

💰 Socialistic Goals (38-39)

38: Promote welfare via Justice. 39: Equitable resource distribution, Equal Pay, and prevention of wealth concentration.

⚖️ Legal Aid & Work (39A-42)

39A: Free Legal Aid. 41: Right to Work & Education. 42: Humane work conditions & Maternity Relief.

🏘️ Gandhian Principles (40-47)

40: Village Panchayats. 43B: Co-ops. 46: SC/ST interests. 47: Raising nutrition & Prohibition of alcohol.

🌍 Liberal Directives (44-51)

44: Uniform Civil Code. 48A: Environment. 50: Judiciary separation. 51: International Peace.

🔄 FR vs. DPSP

FR: Negative/Political Democracy/Justiciable.
DPSP: Positive/Social-Economic Democracy/Non-Justiciable.

Ideologies

Gandhian: 40, 43, 46, 47, 48 Liberal: 44, 45, 50, 51

🧠 5-Minute Memorization Table

Art.	Keyword	Memory Trick
39A	Legal Aid	A = Aid (Help for the poor)
40	Panchayat	Gandhi’s Village vision
43B	Co-ops	B = Business (Co-operative)
44	Uniformity	4 & 4 are Uniform (UCC)
45	Infants	Education for under 6 years
48A	Environment	A = Air/Animals
50	Separation	50-50 split (Judiciary/Exec)
51	Peace	Final goal: World Peace

Implementation Art 40 → 73rd Amendment | Art 45 → Right to Education | Art 39A → NALSA | Art 47 → Liquor Ban

“The Hindu” Editorial Analysis (22-January-2026)

Here is a detailed analysis of the The Hindu Editorials for January 22, 2026, categorized by syllabus relevance for UPSC preparation.

1. Discretion is Not Unregulated Power: SC on SIR

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Electoral Reforms; Constitutional Bodies; Important aspects of governance).

Context: The Supreme Court’s observations on the Election Commission’s (EC) “Special Intensive Revision” (SIR) of electoral rolls and the limits of discretionary power.

Key Points:

Judicial Oversight: The Court clarified that while the EC has “widest discretions” under Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, this does not grant “unregulated power” to deviate from established norms.
Procedural Sanctity: The Bench emphasized that deviations from the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, must be backed by reasons that are “fair, transparent, and recorded.”
The “Stress and Strain” Factor: The Court highlighted the “extreme stress” caused to millions of citizens—including elderly and disabled persons—who were forced into physical hearings to prove their citizenship.
Voter Protection: The SC warned that any revision that forces genuine voters to re-apply as “fresh” voters (Form 6) is a violation of the right to franchise.

UPSC Relevance: Essential for “Powers and Functions of the ECI,” “Judicial Review of Administrative Actions,” and “Electoral Integrity.”

Detailed Analysis:

Doctrine of Reasonableness: The editorial notes that the SC has invoked the principle that all administrative discretion must be exercised reasonably and in public interest.
Systemic Burden: The EC’s contention that it is “unshackled” from normal procedures during an SIR was rejected, reinforcing that the “rule of law” prevails over “rule of discretion.”
Impact of Mass Deletions: With nearly 6.5 crore names removed, the Court’s intervention seeks to prevent a “civil death” for voters who have been voting for decades.

2. Trump’s Greenland Ultimatum: A New Colonialism?

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (International Relations; Effect of policies and politics of developed countries).

Context: U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for “negotiations” on Greenland and the imposition of heavy tariffs on Denmark.

Key Points:

Economic Coercion: The U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on Danish goods, including LEGO and pharmaceuticals, to force a sale of the autonomous territory.
Arctic Strategy: The demand is driven by the need for “strategic depth” and access to vast untapped mineral resources, including rare earth elements essential for high-tech industries.
The “No Force” Claim: Trump stated he would not use military force but emphasized that “economic power” would be used to correct historical “imbalances.”
European Response: Denmark and the EU have termed the demand “absurd,” leading to a diplomatic standoff within the NATO alliance.

UPSC Relevance: Critical for “Arctic Council Geopolitics,” “U.S. Foreign Policy,” and “Global Resource Security.”

Detailed Analysis:

Monroe Doctrine Reborn: This is viewed as an extension of the “Donroe Doctrine,” where the U.S. asserts exclusive influence over the Western Hemisphere, including the Arctic.
Impact on Greenlanders: The 57,000 residents of Greenland have rejected the proposal, asserting their right to self-determination under international law.
Shift in Global Order: The editorial suggests this marks a transition from a rules-based order to a “transactional order” where sovereignty is treated as a tradeable asset.

3. Police Media Briefings: Protecting the Accused

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Important aspects of governance; Judiciary; Fundamental Rights).

Context: The Supreme Court’s directive to States and Union Territories to frame a comprehensive policy on police media briefings within three months.

Key Points:

Presumption of Innocence: The SC observed that premature media briefings by police often result in “media trials” that violate the accused’s right to a fair trial.
Privacy and Dignity: Publicly parading accused persons or revealing sensitive investigation details infringes upon Article 21 (Right to Life and Liberty).
Sensitization of Forces: The policy must include training for police officers on what information can be shared without compromising the investigation or the rights of the victim.
Victim Protection: Special emphasis was placed on protecting the identities of victims in cases of sexual offences and those involving minors.

UPSC Relevance: Vital for “Police Reforms,” “Rights of the Accused,” and “Media Ethics.”

Detailed Analysis:

Regulating “Breaking News”: The editorial argues that the quest for “police glory” in the media often leads to a miscarriage of justice.
Balanced Disclosure: The proposed policy aims to balance the “public’s right to know” with the “accused’s right to a fair trial.”
Accountability: State DGPs will be held responsible for any unauthorized leaks or briefings that jeopardize judicial proceedings.

4. Sinking Deltas: An Environmental Crisis

Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Environment; Conservation; Disaster Management).

Context: A recent study in Nature identifying major Indian deltas as being at high risk due to unsustainable groundwater extraction and urbanisation.

Key Points:

Subsidence Rates: Human interventions have accelerated the sinking of deltas, transforming a gradual geological process into an urgent crisis.
Vulnerable Regions: The Ganges-Brahmaputra and Cauvery deltas are particularly affected by groundwater depletion, while the Brahmani delta suffers from rapid urbanisation.
The “Unprepared Diver”: The Ganges-Brahmaputra delta has shifted from a “latent threat” to an “unprepared diver,” meaning risks have increased while institutional capacity has stagnated.
Impact on Ports: Sinking deltas threaten critical infrastructure, including transport networks and ports, which are vital for India’s trade.

UPSC Relevance: Significant for “Climate Change Adaptation,” “Water Resource Management,” and “Coastal Erosion.”

Detailed Analysis:

Institutional Lag: The study highlights that despite the high population density in these regions, policy responses remain reactive rather than proactive.
Compaction and Tectonics: While natural compaction occurs, the extraction of water and hydrocarbons removes the “pore pressure” that supports the land, leading to rapid sinking.
Food Security: As deltas sink, saline water intrusion ruins agricultural land, leading to migration and resource competition.

5. Data Point: Curbs on Chinese FDI

Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy; Mobilization of resources; FDI Policy).

Context: India’s consideration of scrapping certain restrictions on Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the potential economic fallout.

Key Points:

Post-Galwan Policy: Since 2020, Press Note 3 has required government approval for FDI from countries sharing a land border with India.
The Manufacturing Gap: Despite the “China Plus One” strategy, Indian manufacturers still rely heavily on Chinese components, leading to calls for eased investment norms to boost local manufacturing.
Chinese Reluctance: The analysis questions whether China will want to invest given the “trust deficit” and India’s recent history of tax raids on Chinese tech firms.
Trade Imbalance: India’s trade deficit with China remains a structural concern, and FDI is seen as a way to convert trade into local production.

UPSC Relevance: Key for “India-China Economic Relations,” “Make in India,” and “Foreign Investment Trends.”

Detailed Analysis:

Security vs. Growth: The editorial analyzes the tension between national security (avoiding Chinese influence in critical sectors) and the need for capital and technology in electronics and EVs.
Strategic Leverage: By easing FDI, India seeks to integrate into global value chains that are currently dominated by Chinese firms.
Reciprocity: Any easing of norms will likely be calibrated and sectoral, rather than a blanket reversal of the 2020 policy.

Editorial Analysis

Jan 22, 2026

GS-2 Polity

⚖️ SC on SIR: Curbing Unregulated Power

Supreme Court warns that EC’s “widest discretion” is not Unregulated Power. Key safeguard: Any deviation from 1960 Rules must be fair and transparent. Forcing genuine voters to re-apply via Form 6 is a violation of the right to franchise.

GS-2 IR

🌎 Greenland & “Transactional” Diplomacy

U.S. imposes 25% Tariff on Denmark to force negotiations for Greenland. Strategic aim: Access to Rare Earth Elements and Arctic depth. Result: A shift from rules-based order to one where sovereignty is treated as a tradeable asset.

GS-2 Gov.

🚔 Police Briefings: Ending Media Trials

SC directs states to frame policies on media briefings within 3 Months. Focus: Protecting the Presumption of Innocence and Article 21. Premature disclosure of investigation details is labeled a violation of the accused’s right to a fair trial.

GS-3 Environ.

🌊 Sinking Deltas: The “Unprepared Diver”

Nature study identifies Ganges-Brahmaputra and Cauvery as high-risk due to Groundwater Over-extraction. Environmental threat: Rapid subsidence leading to Saline Water Intrusion and the loss of agricultural land and critical port infrastructure.

GS-3 Economy

🇨🇳 Reassessing Chinese FDI Restrictions

India considers easing Press Note 3 to bridge the manufacturing gap in electronics/EVs. Strategic dilemma: Balancing National Security with the need for capital. Issue: Structural trade deficit remains high despite “China Plus One” efforts.

Mapping:

For today’s mapping session, we will focus on India’s Major Valley Systems and Canyons. Valleys are high-yield topics for UPSC & PCS Exams as they combine physical geography with climate and human settlement patterns.

1. Himalayan Valley Systems

These valleys are formed by tectonic activity and glacial erosion, often serving as critical agricultural and cultural hubs.

Kashmir Valley (J&K): Located between the Greater Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range. It is famous for Karewa formations, which are essential for saffron cultivation.
Kullu Valley (Himachal Pradesh): Known as the “Valley of Gods,” it is located between the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges.
Spiti Valley (Himachal Pradesh): A high-altitude cold desert valley. It is a key area for Buddhist culture and high-altitude trekking mapping.
Doon Valley (Uttarakhand): A longitudinal valley (Dun) situated between the Lesser Himalayas and the Shiwaliks. Dehradun is located here.
Yumthang Valley (Sikkim): Often called the “Valley of Flowers of the East,” located at a very high altitude near the Tibetan border.

2. Peninsular and Southern Valleys

These valleys are generally older and are often characterized by dense tropical forests or unique river erosion.

Valley Name	State	Significance
Silent Valley	Kerala	Located in the Nilgiri Hills; famous for its rare biodiversity and tropical evergreen forests.
Araku Valley	Andhra Pradesh	Located in the Eastern Ghats; known for coffee plantations and tribal culture.
Kambam Valley	Tamil Nadu	A fertile valley located between the Theni hills and the Western Ghats.
Dzukou Valley	Nagaland/Manipur	Famous for its seasonal flowers and unique bamboo species at high altitudes.

3. The “Grand Canyon” of India: Gandikota

Location: Andhra Pradesh (Kadapa district).
Formation: Carved by the Pennar River through the Erramala hills.
Mapping Point: On a physical map, locate this in the eastern part of the Deccan Plateau. It is a prime example of a gorge/canyon in the peninsular region.

4. Strategic Gorges and Canyons

Indus Gorge: Where the Indus river cuts through the Himalayas near Gilgit; one of the deepest in the world.
Brahmaputra (Dihang) Gorge: The point where the river enters India, cutting through the easternmost Himalayas.
Satluj Gorge: Located at Shipki La, where the river enters India from Tibet.

Summary Mapping Checklist

Feature Type	Mapping Highlight	Key Location
Saffron Hub	Kashmir Valley	Between Pir Panjal and Himadri
Longitudinal Valley	Dehradun (Doon)	Between Shiwaliks and Himachal
Biodiversity Hotspot	Silent Valley	Palakkad, Kerala
Peninsular Canyon	Gandikota	Pennar River, Andhra Pradesh

Valley Systems

Northern Ranges

🏔️ Himalayan Fold Valleys

Tectonic and glacial wonders like the Kashmir Valley (famous for Karewa saffron soil) and longitudinal ‘Duns’ like Dehradun, situated between the Lesser Himalayas and Shiwaliks.

Mission: Locate the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh and identify its classification as a high-altitude cold desert.

Peninsular South

🌲 Tropical & Plateau Valleys

Older systems like Silent Valley (a Nilgiri biodiversity hotspot) and Araku Valley in the Eastern Ghats, known for its tribal culture and coffee.

Mission: Find the Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh and note its position relative to the Eastern Ghats.

Gorges & Gaps

🏜️ The Grand Canyon of India

The Gandikota Canyon, carved by the Pennar River through the Erramala hills, stands as a premier example of riverine erosion in the Deccan Plateau.

Mission: Trace the Pennar River to locate Gandikota in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh.

Mapping Checklist

Feature Type	Mapping Highlight	Key Location
Saffron Hub	Kashmir Valley	Between Pir Panjal and Himadri
Longitudinal Valley	Dehradun (Doon)	Between Shiwaliks and Himachal
Biodiversity Hotspot	Silent Valley	Palakkad, Kerala
Peninsular Canyon	Gandikota	Pennar River, AP

IAS PCS Mission 2026: Daily Study Material – 21 Jan 2026

Study Target
Editorial Analysis
Mapping

NCERT History: Class 7 Chapter-6 (Towns, Traders & Craftpersons)

This chapter, “Towns, Traders and Craftspersons,” explores the variety of medieval towns and the vibrant networks of trade and artisanal production in the Indian subcontinent.

1. Types of Medieval Towns

Medieval towns often served multiple functions simultaneously, acting as administrative, religious, and economic centers.

Administrative Centres: Towns like Thanjavur, the capital of the Cholas, were hubs for governance where kings issued orders and officials managed the state.
Temple Towns: These were centers of pilgrimage and religious activity. Examples include Thanjavur (home to the Rajarajeshvara temple) and Madurai.
Commercial Towns and Ports: These centers focused on trade and commerce. Surat, Hampi, and Masulipatnam were key examples.

2. Temple Towns and Pilgrimage Centres

Temples were central to the economy and society.

Economic Hubs: Rulers used temples to demonstrate their devotion and endowed them with land and money to carry out elaborate rituals.
Urbanization: Pilgrims made donations, and priests, workers, and merchants settled near temples to cater to their needs and those of the pilgrims.
Pilgrimage Centres: Sites like Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh) and Tiruvannamalai (Tamil Nadu) developed into busy towns.

3. A Network of Small Towns

From the eighth century onwards, the subcontinent was dotted with small towns that likely emerged from large villages.

Mandapika: These were markets (later called mandis) where nearby villagers brought their produce to sell.
Hatta: These were market streets (later called haats) lined with shops.
Artisan Quarters: Specific streets were dedicated to different types of craftspersons, such as potters, oil pressers, and blacksmiths.

4. Traders: Small and Big

Trade was conducted by various groups, ranging from local peddlers to powerful merchant guilds.

Caravans and Guilds: To protect their interests, merchants traveled in caravans and formed guilds, such as the Manigramam and Nanadesi in South India.
Global Links: Indian merchants like the Chettiars and Marwari Oswals traded extensively with the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, East Africa, Southeast Asia, and China.
Key Commodities: India exported spices, cotton cloth, and indigo, while importing gold, ivory, and horses.

5. Crafts in Towns

Towns were famous for specialized craft production.

Bidri: Craftspersons in Bidar were so famous for their copper and silver inlay work that the craft came to be known as Bidri.
Vishwakarma Community: This group, consisting of goldsmiths, bronzesmiths, blacksmiths, and carpenters, was essential to building temples and palaces.
Textile Production: Weaving communities like the Saliyar or Kaikkolar became prosperous and made large donations to temples.

6. A Closer Look: Hampi, Surat, and Masulipatnam

Hampi: Located in the Krishna-Tungabhadra basin, it was the nucleus of the Vijayanagara Empire. It was famous for its distinctive architecture and bustling markets filled with European and Islamic traders.
Surat: Known as the “Gateway to the West,” it was a major emporium for trade with West Asia. It was famous for its zari (gold lace) textiles and functioned as a cosmopolitan city where people of all faiths lived.
Masulipatnam: A port town on the Krishna delta that became a center of intense competition between the Dutch, British, and French East India Companies in the seventeenth century.

7. New Towns and Traders

The rise of European East India Companies in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries changed the landscape of Indian trade.

Shift to Ports: Trade shifted toward “Black Towns” established by Europeans in cities like Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras.
Loss of Independence: Indian weavers and craftspersons began working on a system of advances, losing their creative freedom to meet European demand.

🏺 Towns, Traders & Craftspersons

🏙️ Urban Centers

Medieval towns were often multi-functional: Administrative (Thanjavur), Temple Towns (Madurai), or Ports (Surat). Temple Towns drove urbanization as services grew around pilgrims.

🤝 Market Networks

Villagers sold produce at Mandapikas (mandis) and shopped at Hattas (haats). Big traders formed guilds like Manigramam and Nanadesi to protect long-distance trade.

⚒️ Specialized Crafts

Famous crafts included Bidri (silver inlay). The Vishwakarma community built temples, while weaving groups like the Saliyar became wealthy and influential donors.

⚓ Famous Ports

Hampi was the architectural gem of Vijayanagara. Surat was the “Gateway to the West” famous for Zari textiles. Masulipatnam was a fiercely contested port on the Krishna delta.

European Shift In the 17th century, trade moved to European-run “Black Towns” (Bombay, Madras, Calcutta), where Indian weavers lost their creative independence to a system of advances.

📂

Class-7 History Chapter-6 PDF

Complete Study Notes: Towns, Traders & Craftpersons

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⚖️Indian Polity: Understanding Articles 46-51

To conclude the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), Articles 46 to 51 cover a wide range of responsibilities, from the upliftment of marginalized communities to the protection of the environment and the pursuit of global peace. These are often categorized as Gandhian, Socialistic, and Liberal-Intellectual principles.

Upliftment, Environment, and Global Peace: Articles 46–51
These final articles represent the transition from national social welfare to India’s role as a responsible global actor.

Article 46: Promotion of Educational and Economic Interests of SCs, STs, and Other Weaker Sections

This article is a directive for “Social Justice” and the prevention of exploitation.¹

Mandate: The State shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and, in particular, of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and the Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Protection: It directs the State to protect these communities from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.
Implementation: This article serves as the basis for various reservation policies and schemes like the Pre-Matric/Post-Matric Scholarships for SC/ST students.

Article 47: Duty of the State to Raise the Level of Nutrition and Standard of Living

This article links public health with social morality.

Mandate: The State shall regard the raising of the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health as among its primary duties.²
Prohibition: Specifically, the State shall endeavor to bring about prohibition of the consumption (except for medicinal purposes) of intoxicating drinks and drugs which are injurious to health.³
Implementation: States like Bihar and Gujarat have used this article to justify liquor bans.⁴ National missions like the POSHAN Abhiyaan are also rooted here.

Article 48: Organization of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

Mandate: The State shall endeavor to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines.
Cattle Protection: It directs the State to take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.⁵
Implementation: Various state laws regarding cow slaughter and the introduction of “Green Revolutions” align with this directive.

Article 48A: Protection and Improvement of Environment

Origin: Added by the 42nd Amendment Act (1976).
Mandate: The State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.
Implementation: Acts like the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and the Environment Protection Act (1986) were enacted to fulfill this directive.⁶

Article 49: Protection of Monuments and Places of National Importance

Mandate: It shall be the obligation of the State to protect every monument or place or object of artistic or historic interest (declared by Parliament to be of national importance) from spoliation, disfigurement, destruction, or export.
Implementation: Managed largely by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Article 50: Separation of Judiciary from Executive

Mandate: The State shall take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State.
Objective: To ensure judicial independence and prevent the executive branch from influencing legal outcomes.
Implementation: Fulfilled by the Criminal Procedure Code (1973).

Article 51: Promotion of International Peace and Security

This article outlines India’s foreign policy goals. The State shall endeavor to:

Promote international peace and security.
Maintain just and honorable relations between nations.
Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations.
Encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.

Detailed Summary Table

Article	Category	Core Key-Word	Implementation
46	Socialistic	SC/ST Interests	Reservations/Scholarships
47	Gandhian	Public Health & Prohibition	Mid-day Meals / Liquor Ban
48	Gandhian	Scientific Agriculture	Animal Husbandry Schemes
48A	Liberal	Environment & Wildlife	Forest Conservation Act
49	Liberal	Monuments	ASI Protections
50	Liberal	Separation of Powers	Independent Judiciary
51	Liberal	International Peace	“Panchsheel” / Foreign Policy

🌍 Upliftment & Global Peace

✊ Art 46: SC, ST & Weaker Sections

State must promote the Educational & Economic interests of SCs, STs, and weaker sections while protecting them from social injustice and Exploitation.

🍎 Art 47: Health & Prohibition

Duty to raise Nutrition and standard of living. Directs the State to prohibit Intoxicating Drinks and harmful drugs (Ref: Liquor bans in Bihar/Gujarat).

🐾 Art 48 & 48A: Environment

48: Scientific agriculture and prohibiting Cattle Slaughter. 48A: (42nd Amendment) Safeguarding forests, wildlife, and the environment.

🏛️ Art 49 & 50: State Structure

49: Protection of monuments/national history. 50: Separation of the Judiciary from Executive to ensure judicial independence.

🕊️ Art 51: International Peace

The basis of India’s Foreign Policy. Promoting international security, maintaining honorable relations between nations, and fostering respect for International Law.

Art.	Category	Core Key-Word	Implementation
46	Socialistic	SC/ST Interests	Reservations/Scholarships
47	Gandhian	Public Health	POSHAN Abhiyaan / Prohibition
48A	Liberal	Environment	Wildlife Protection Act
50	Liberal	Judicial Independence	CrPC (1973)
51	Liberal	Global Peace	Panchsheel / Arbitration

Pro Tip Article 51 is unique as it directs the State to look beyond its borders, positioning India as a champion of Honorable Relations and treaty obligations globally.

“The Hindu” Editorial Analysis (21-January-2026)

Here is a detailed analysis of the The Hindu Editorials for January 21, 2026, categorized by syllabus relevance for UPSC preparation.

1. Augean Mess: Cleaning the Electoral Rolls

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Electoral Reforms; Constitutional Bodies; Citizenship).

Context: Critical analysis of the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and the resulting widespread deletion of electors.

Key Points:

Aggressive Deletions: In states like Tamil Nadu, deletions in certain booths have been so aggressive that the sum of 2024 voters and deleted names reportedly exceeds the original total roll count, suggesting genuine 2024 voters were removed.
Gender Disparity: Anomalies in Bihar showed a disproportionate deletion of female electors compared to men, indicating a fundamentally flawed initial process.
Mismatched Counts: In Uttar Pradesh, the State Election Commission’s count of the rural electorate alone exceeds the ECI’s count for the entire state in the draft rolls.
Illogical Re-registration: The ECI’s insistence that wrongly deleted voters register as “fresh” electors (Form 6) prevents an audit of original errors and is described as “illogical”.

UPSC Relevance: Vital for “Electoral Integrity,” “Universal Adult Franchise,” and the “Role of the Election Commission.”

Detailed Analysis:

Judicial Intervention: The Supreme Court has had to issue fresh guidelines to “ease the strain and stress” of millions facing verification notices, particularly in West Bengal and Bihar.
Systemic Glitches: Many complaints stem from errors in the 2002 mapping list used by the ECI and glitches in ad hoc software, leading to a “dragnet” effect on genuine citizens.
Threat to Franchise: The editorial warns that by not deciding on the constitutionality of this aggressive revision early on, the process now poses a threat to the universal adult franchise.

2. Bridging the Gulf: Negotiating Defence Ties

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (International Relations; Bilateral relations; Effect of regional politics on India’s interests).

Context: The visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MbZ) to Delhi and the announcement of a landmark India-UAE strategic defence partnership.

Key Points:

Defence Milestone: India and the UAE intend to conclude a framework agreement for a “Strategic Defence Partnership,” the first of its kind between the two nations.
Economic Pacts: Economic outcomes included a commitment to double bilateral trade to $200 billion, a $3 billion LNG deal, and significant UAE investment in Gujarat.
Regional Friction: The visit occurred amidst a “new cold war” in the Gulf due to intensified power tussles between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, particularly over Sudan.
Connectivity Risks: Regional instability imperils India’s cross-regional plans, including the Chabahar port, the INSTC, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

UPSC Relevance: Essential for “West Asian Geopolitics,” “Strategic Autonomy,” and “Energy Security.”

Detailed Analysis:

Indian Diaspora Factors: India must navigate these ties cautiously as nearly 10 million Indians reside in the Gulf region, making regional stability a domestic priority.
Balancing Act: The proposed defence agreement is viewed by some as a potential front against other regional alignments, requiring India to “tread lightly” to maintain balance.
Strategic Necessity: With Western sanctions curtailing other energy sources, the GCC area remains a critical, indispensable energy partner for India.

3. The Donroe Doctrine: A Broken International Order

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (International Relations; Effect of policies of developed countries; Bilateral relations).

Context: An analysis by M.K. Narayanan on the reassertion of the Monroe Doctrine by the Trump administration and its global implications.

Key Points:

The Maduro Operation: U.S. airborne troops abducted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, an action being characterized as a modern “Monroe Doctrine”.
Violation of Sovereignty: The operation is viewed as a “shock and awe” tactic reasserting U.S. pre-eminence in the Western Hemisphere while violating international law.
Precedent Risk: Muted global protests suggest the post-1945 international order is dying, potentially encouraging China (Taiwan) or Russia to take similar unilateral actions.
Implicit Threats: Implicit threats now exist for similar U.S. actions against Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico, alongside plans for Greenland.

UPSC Relevance: Critical for “Global Security Trends,” “U.S.-India Relations,” and “Strategic Stability.”

Detailed Analysis:

Impact on India: India stands at a crossroads; despite siding with the U.S. on most matters, it faces a “tirade” from Trump over importing subsidized Russian oil.
Regional Isolation: An implicit “coldness” in India-U.S. relations is resulting in New Delhi’s relative isolation in conflict zones like West Asia.
Pakistan Dynamic: Trump’s endorsement of Field Marshal Asim Munir and lifting arms restrictions on Pakistan further complicates India’s strategic environment.

4. The EV Boom: An Impending Copper Crunch

Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy; Infrastructure; Energy Transition; Environment).

Context: The global shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is facing a structural resource bottleneck due to a massive projected deficit in copper supply.

Key Points:

Exponential Demand: Global EV sales surged from 0.55 million units in 2015 to 20 million in 2025, with copper consumption rising from 27.5 thousand tonnes to over 128 million tons.
Resource Deficit: Demand is projected to reach 30 million tonnes by 2026, while supply lags at 28 million tonnes, creating a “jaw-opening deficit”.
Supply Constraints: Lagging growth is due to declining ore grades, environmental opposition in Chile and the U.S., and a 10-15 year development cycle for new mines.
China’s Dominance: China controls 70% of global battery cell production and is projected to account for 60% of global EV-based copper consumption by 2025.

UPSC Relevance: Vital for “Energy Transition Strategy,” “Critical Mineral Security,” and “Industrial Policy.”

Detailed Analysis:

Structural Bottleneck: EVs require four to five times more copper than internal combustion vehicles, and there are currently no viable large-scale substitutes.
Pricing Power: China’s dominance gives it a structural advantage in pricing power and strategic leverage over copper-rich regions.
Policy Imperative: The pace of global electrification will be dictated by “geology rather than ambition” unless there is bold action in recycling and technological innovation.

5. The Importance of Pax Silica for India

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India; Effect of policies of developed countries on India’s interests).

Context: An analysis of the U.S.-led “Pax Silica” initiative, which aims to secure global semiconductor and AI supply chains, and India’s potential role within it.

Key Points:

Initiative Goals: Pax Silica (Latin for “Peace” and “Silica” for chips) seeks to reduce coercive dependencies, secure high-tech supply chains, and build trusted digital infrastructure among like-minded nations.
Geopolitical Response: The initiative is a direct response to China’s dominance in Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and its history of using resource restrictions for political ends, such as the 2025 suspension of REE exports to the U.S.
India’s Invitation: Despite being a member of the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative and the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, India was not invited to the inaugural Pax Silica summit in December 2025. However, the new U.S. Ambassador, Sergio Gor, stated on January 12 that India will soon be invited to join.
Strategic Assets: India brings a strong digital infrastructure, a rapidly growing AI market, and a vast pool of highly trained engineers, many of whom may return from the U.S. due to shifting visa policies.

UPSC Relevance: Vital for understanding “Critical Mineral Security,” “Technological Sovereignty,” and “India’s Multi-alignment Strategy.”

Detailed Analysis:

The “Expectation Gap”: India would be the first developing country and first non-treaty ally of the U.S. to join Pax Silica, which may lead to nuanced differences in global security responses.
Protecting Domestic Interests: India is likely to seek preferential treatment for its relatively young semiconductor and AI ecosystems through subsidies and calibrated import regulations, which may clash with Washington’s current policy stance.
Dual Supply Chains: The editorial predicts the emergence of two dominant high-tech supply chains—one led by China and the other by Pax Silica members—forcing nations to choose their partnerships carefully to maintain strategic autonomy.

Editorial Analysis

Jan 21, 2026

GS-2 Polity

⚖️ Electoral SIR: The Deletion Dragnet

Widespread anomalies in Special Intensive Revision: Bihar shows disproportionate female deletions, while UP’s rural count contradicts ECI draft rolls. Critique: Insistence on Form 6 (fresh registration) for wrongly deleted voters prevents an Audit of Errors.

GS-2 IR

🛡️ India-UAE: Strategic Defence Milestone

Announcement of a framework for Strategic Defence Partnership—a first for India in the Gulf. Economic goal: Double bilateral trade to $200 Billion. Challenge: Navigating the Saudi-UAE rift while securing energy interests and 10 Million Diaspora members.

GS-2 IR

🌎 The “Donroe” Doctrine & Sovereignty

Abduction of Venezuelan President Maduro marks a reassertion of the Monroe Doctrine. Impact: Threatens the post-1945 international order. Result for India: Relative Strategic Isolation in conflict zones and friction over Russian oil imports.

GS-3 Economy

🔋 The EV Copper Crunch

EVs require 4-5x more copper than ICE vehicles. Deficit: Demand projected at 30M tons vs 28M supply. Dominance: China controls 70% of global battery cell production, giving it immense pricing power over the green transition.

GS-2 IR

💻 Pax Silica: High-Tech Sovereignty

U.S.-led initiative for Semiconductor & AI supply chains. Response to China’s REE dominance. Opportunity: India’s vast pool of engineers and engineers returning due to shifting visa policies could secure its role as a Trusted Digital Hub.

Quick Value Addition: • Form 6: Used for fresh registration in electoral rolls. • Pax Silica: Strategic high-tech de-risking club; India’s invite pending for Feb. • Monroe Doctrine: 1823 U.S. policy opposing European colonialism in the Americas.

Mapping:

For today’s mapping session, we will focus on Strategic Glaciers and High-Altitude Peaks, as well as Glacial Lakes, which are critical for the environmental and security mapping of Northern India.

1. Major Glaciers of the Himalayas

Glaciers are the “Water Towers” of India, feeding the perennial river systems. On a map, these are concentrated in the Trans-Himalayan and Greater Himalayan regions.

Siachen Glacier (Karakoram Range): The longest glacier in India (approx. 76 km). It is the source of the Nubra River.
Gangotri Glacier (Uttarakhand): One of the largest in the Himalayas; the primary source of the Ganga (Bhagirathi).
Yamunotri Glacier (Uttarakhand): Located on the Bandarpunch Peak; the source of the Yamuna River.
Zemu Glacier (Sikkim): The largest glacier in the Eastern Himalayas, situated at the base of Kanchenjunga; it feeds the Teesta River.
Biafo and Baltoro Glaciers: Located in the Karakoram region; vital for the Indus river system’s water volume.

2. Highest Peaks (Relief Mapping)

Accurate map pointing requires distinguishing between the ranges these peaks belong to.

Peak	Height (Approx)	Range/Region	Significance
K2 (Godwin-Austen)	8,611 m	Karakoram (Ladakh)	Highest peak in India (and 2nd in the world).
Kanchenjunga	8,586 m	Eastern Himalayas (Sikkim)	Highest peak in the Himalayas within India.
Nanda Devi	7,816 m	Garhwal Himalayas (UK)	Highest peak located entirely within India.
Namcha Barwa	7,782 m	Eastern Himalayas	The point where the Brahmaputra takes a “U-turn” into India.
Anamudi	2,695 m	Western Ghats (Kerala)	The highest peak in Peninsular India.

3. Glacial and High-Altitude Lakes

These lakes are ecologically sensitive and often serve as strategic boundary markers.

Pangong Tso (Ladakh): A high-altitude endorheic lake famous for its color-changing waters; divided by the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Tso Moriri (Ladakh): A large high-altitude freshwater lake and a designated Ramsar site.
Gurudongmar Lake (Sikkim): One of the highest lakes in the world; sacred to Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus.
Roopkund (Uttarakhand): Known as the “Skeleton Lake,” located in the high-altitude glacial lap of the Trishul massif.
Cholamu Lake (Sikkim): Often cited as the highest lake in India, located near the Tibetan border.

Summary Mapping Checklist

Feature	Mapping Highlight	Key Location
Longest Glacier	Siachen	Nubra Valley, Ladakh
Source of Teesta	Zemu Glacier	North Sikkim
South India’s Highest	Anamudi	Eravikulam, Kerala
Strategic Water Body	Pangong Tso	Eastern Ladakh

Glacial Towers

Cryosphere

❄️ Strategic Glaciers

India’s “Water Towers” include the Siachen (76km), source of the Nubra, and the Gangotri, source of the Bhagirathi. In the east, the Zemu Glacier feeds the Teesta from the base of Kanchenjunga.

Mission: Locate the Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram Range and identify the Nubra Valley below it.

Topography

🏔️ High-Altitude Relief

From the Karakoram giant K2 to the purely Indian Nanda Devi. Strategic peaks like Namcha Barwa mark where the Brahmaputra enters India via a massive U-turn.

Peak	Height	Range/Region	Significance
K2	8,611 m	Karakoram (Ladakh)	Highest point in India
Kanchenjunga	8,586 m	Eastern Himalayas	Highest Himalayan peak in India
Nanda Devi	7,816 m	Garhwal (UK)	Entirely within Indian territory
Anamudi	2,695 m	Western Ghats (KL)	Highest in Peninsular India

Limnology

💧 Sentinel Lakes

Ecologically sensitive water bodies like Pangong Tso (divided by the LAC) and Gurudongmar (Sikkim) serve as high-altitude biological markers and border sentinels.

Mission: Trace the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as it passes through the waters of Pangong Tso in Eastern Ladakh.

Mapping Summary Checklist

Feature	Mapping Highlight	Key Location
Longest Glacier	Siachen	Nubra Valley, Ladakh
Source of Teesta	Zemu Glacier	North Sikkim
Highest in South	Anamudi	Anaimalai Hills, Kerala
Strategic Water	Pangong Tso	Eastern Ladakh (Border)

सीसैट परीक्षा में पूछे गए वास्तविक प्रश्नों का नियमित अभ्यास करें।