Constitutional Right to Protest

The issue of the Right to Protest has gained renewed attention after clashes between protesters and police during the "Sansad Chalo" march. 

Right to Protest in India

»     Constitutional Provisions:

• Article 19(1)(a): Freedom of speech and expression. 
• Article 19(1)(b): Right to assemble peacefully and without arms.
• Article 19(1)(c): Right to form associations or unions.

»     Regulation of Protest: Articles 19(2) and (3) renders above rights subject to ''reasonable restrictions'' for the reasons of public order, sovereignty, security, decency or morality.

• Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (earlier Section 144 of the CrPC) makes police permission mandatory.

Key SC Judgments:

»     Himat Lal K. Shah v. Commissioner of Police (1973): Upheld right to public assembly but allowed State regulation for public order. 

»     Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v. Union of India (2018): Issued guidelines balancing protest rights with residents’ right to peace and free movement.

»     Amit Sahni v. Commissioner of Police (2020) – Shaheen Bagh: Public spaces cannot be occupied indefinitely for protests.

India’s Rising Role in Cotton Trade

India ranks first in the world in terms of acreage under cultivation and second in both cotton production and consumption.

»     India’s cotton production is estimated at 290.91 lakh bales in 2025-26, while domestic consumption stands at 328 lakh bales.

»     It contributes nearly 19% of global fibre production.

• In 2024-25, India accounted for around 3.37% of global cotton exports – USD 11.49 billion in value terms.

»     India is the only country cultivating all four recognised cotton species — G. Arboreum & G. Herbaceum (Asian), G. Barbadense (Egyptian or Sea Island or Peruvian), and G. Hirsutum (American or Upland). 

Cotton Crop

»     Cotton, a Kharif crop and a semi-xerophyte, is grown in tropical and subtropical conditions.

»     Optimum Conditions: 21–27°C temperature with requirement of at least 210 frost-free days and 50-100 cm rainfall. 

»     Soil: Well-drained black (regur) or alluvial soils.

»     Cultivation Region: Spread across 9 major states in 3 agro-ecological zones - Northern Zone (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan), Central Zone (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh), and Southern Zone (Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka).

Challenges Associated with Cotton Sector

»     Low Productivity: Yields remain below the global average due to irregular rainfall, droughts and dependence on 67% rain-fed cultivation.

»     Pest Infestation: Pink bollworm and other pests continue to reduce productivity and increase cultivation costs.

»     Market & Income Risks: Price volatility and inadequate market infrastructure affects farmers'' incomes.

»     Quality Constraints: Limited production of Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton and inconsistent fibre quality reduce export competitiveness.

India’s Updated Industrial Benchmark 2022–23

The new series will replace the existing series of ICI with Base Year 2011- 12.

»     This step aims to ensure coherence across major macroeconomic indicators such as GDP, WPI, and IIP having 2022-23 as the common base year.

Key features of the New ICI series (Base Year 2022-23):

»     Addition of a New Sector: Iron Ore has been added to the index basket as the 9th core industry.

• In the 2011-12 series, eight core industries (Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilizer, Steel, Cement, and Electricity) constituted the index basket.

»     Combined Weight: Of these nine core industries is 32.88% of IIP (down from 40.27% in the 2011- 12 series).

»     Compilation of the Steel Index: Gross production data (instead of net production data) has been used to make it consistent with Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

»     Only Raw Coal has been retained in the new series of ICI, by excluding Coal Middling and Washed Coal in order to remove double counting.

Index of Core Industries (ICI) 

»     It is a monthly production volume index that measures the combined and individual performance of key infrastructure-based industries.

• ICI serves as a primary "lead indicator" for the IIP (Index of Industrial Production).
• IIP is compiled and released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) as an indicator of the overall industrial performance and activity within the economy.

»     Released by: The Office of Economic Adviser (OEA), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Joining Global Fisheries Sustainability Accord

WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies 

»     Genesis: Adopted by consensus at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva in 2022.

• The Agreement entered into force in September 2025 after acceptance by two-thirds of WTO Members.

»     It is the first multilateral WTO agreement with an environmental sustainability objective.

»      Subsidies Prohibited: Subsidies contributing to 

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, 

»     Overfished stocks (unless the support is designed to rebuild the stock to biologically sustainable levels),

»     Fishing-related activities in the unregulated high seas (outside the jurisdiction of a coastal member or relevant management organization).

»     Exception: Aquaculture and inland fisheries remain outside the scope of this Agreement.

Flexibilities and Transparency:

»     Special and Differential Treatment: Developing and least-developed country (LDC) members benefit from a two-year "peace clause," exempting them from dispute settlement for subsidies related to IUU fishing and overfished stocks in their own EEZs. 

»     WTO Fish Fund: A voluntary funding mechanism supports developing and LDC members in aligning their legal frameworks with the agreement.

Significance of the agreement for India

»     Boosts Export Competitiveness: E.g., Aquaculture-based shrimp, the backbone of India''s seafood exports, is outside the Agreement''s scope, preserving the sector''s export competitiveness and resilience.

»     Protecting Small-Scale Fishers: Creates a level playing field by curbing harmful subsidies to large industrial fishing fleets, benefiting India''s predominantly small-scale fisheries.

»     Supports Blue Economy Goals: Aligns with India''s vision of sustainable marine resource utilization under the Blue Economy and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Phase II Negotiations (ongoing): India is advocating for

»     A 25-year transition period for developing countries.

»     Stronger disciplines strictly targeting distant-water industrial fleets.

»     A permanent carve-out to protect small-scale and artisanal fishers.

Kolleru Wetland Ecosystem

The Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has issued directions over illegal fish ponds and environmental degradation in the Kolleru Lake.

Kolleru Lake

»     Located in Andhra Pradesh, it is one of the largest freshwater lakes in India.

»     Lies in the inter-deltaic plain of Krishna and Godavari rivers.

»     It receives water from Budameru, Ramileru, Tammileru, Errakalva rivers.

»     It is a designated Ramsar Wetland.

Moldova: Regional Developments

Moldova (Capital: Chișinău)

President Droupadi Murmu became first Indian head of state to visit Moldova since establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992.

Political Features

»     Location: Landlocked country lying in the north-eastern corner of Balkan region of Europe.

»     Bordering Countries: Ukraine and Romania.

Geographical Features

»     Highest point: Mount Bălănești.

»     Major Rivers: Dniester, Prut.

»     Natural resources: Lignite, Phosphorites, Gypsum, Limestone etc.

Muga Silk: Pride of Assam

The Assam Government has launched Mission Senehjori to convert Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Muga silk waste into high-value spun yarn.

Muga silk

»     It is one of the 5 major natural varieties of silk.

• India produces all five - Mulberry, Tropical Tasar, Oak Tasar, Eri, and Muga.

»     It is produced by the semi-domesticated multivoltine silkworm Antheraea

assamensis, which is endemic to Northeast India.

• Silk is a natural protein fibre produced by silkworms, primarily from the Bombyx mori species.

»     Unique Identity: Muga silk is the world’s only naturally golden silk and India’s first GI-tagged silk (2007).

»     Production: Assam accounts for 90% of the world’s Muga silk production.

NaBFID: Driving Development Finance

National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) gets nod to raise 20,000 cr via Zero-coupon Bonds.

o    Zero-coupon bonds are financial instruments that do not pay periodic interest but are sold at a discount and redeemed at their full face value upon maturity. 

NaBFID:

»     It is a specialized Development Finance Institution (DFI) in India aimed at supporting the country''s infrastructure sector.

• Other Key DFIs in India: NABARD, SIDBI, EXIM Bank, National Housing Bank, etc.

»     Set Up: under the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Act, 2021.

Objectives: 

»     To address the gaps in long-term non-recourse finance for infrastructure development.

»     To strengthen the development of bonds and derivatives markets in India.

Operation Regional Preparednes

Indian Navy hosts Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi.

Operation Southern Readiness 26-2

»     It is a multinational maritime security training exercise.

»     It is conducted under the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154) in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

• CMF is a 47 nations maritime partnership that upholds the International Rules Based Order (IRBO) by countering illicit non-state actors on the high seas and promoting security, stability and prosperity across international waters.

»     It is the first edition of Operation Southern Readiness to be hosted in India.

PARIVARTAN: Pathway to Change

Delhi cabinet approved implementation of Central scheme PARIVARTAN (Programme for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivization of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions).

PARIVARTAN Scheme

»     Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

»     Objective: It seeks to phase out ageing, polluting trucks and buses and replace them with vehicles meeting BS-VI emission standards or electric vehicles (EVs).

»     Benefits: Owners replacing BS-IV or older goods vehicles and purchasing new BS-VI compliant or electric goods vehicles will receive 100% motor vehicle tax exemption for 10 years, full waiver of registration fees, five percent interest subsidy, eight percent discount from OEM etc. 

Qdenga Dengue Vaccine

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) approved India’s first dengue vaccine, Qdenga.

»     Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

Qdenga

»     It is a live, attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine developed using recombinant DNA technology by Takeda GmbH, Germany.

• Recombinant DNA technology can be used to combine (or splice) DNA from different species or to create genes with new functions.

»     Manufactured in Vero cells using a DENV-2 backbone containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

»     Received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification.

Strengthening Environmental Assessment Standards

The changes have been notified by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to resolve project appraisal delays at the state-level.

Key Features of the Notified Amendments 

»     Establishment of Standing Bodies (for each state and Union territory): 

• Standing Authority on Environment Impact Assessment (SAEIA): To assume functions of State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) for maximum 1 year if it is non-functional or causes delay. 
• Standing Committee on Environment Impact Appraisal (SCEIA): To perform the duties of the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) for max 1year, if it is non-functional.

»     Extended Tenure: The tenure for EAC and SEAC members has been extended from 3 to 4 years. (Maximum 2 terms).

• The maximum age for appointment is 70 years (75 years in exceptional cases).
• Removal Criteria: Members can be removed in case of delays in processing proposals for the grant or rejection of environmental clearances beyond specified timelines.

»     Removal of Central Safeguard: Replaces the former default mechanism (inactive state cases elevated to the Central EAC) with local appraisal by non-expert bureaucratic standing bodies

Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Framework in India

»     Meaning: EIA is a systematic process to identify, predict, evaluate, and mitigate the environmental and social impacts of proposed developmental projects.

»     Legislative Framework: EIA Notification, 2006, under the Environment Protection Act 1986.

Categorisation of Projects: 

»     Category A: Large-scale projects (e.g., major dams) require clearance from the Central Government based on recommendations from an Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC). 

»     Category B: Moderately polluting or smaller-scale projects are reviewed at the state level by the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC). 

• Sub-category B1: Requires a full EIA study and public consultation.
• Sub-category B2: Exempted from both a comprehensive EIA study and public consultation (usually smaller or less polluting activities).

»     EIA Steps: Screening, Scoping, Public Consultation, Decision Making and Monitoring. \

Transforming Begging into Livelihoods

SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment aims to realise the vision of a "Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat" (Begging-Free India). 

The Scheme

»     Type: Central Sector Scheme.

»     Objective: Comprehensive rehabilitation of persons engaged in begging through a dignity-based and livelihood-oriented approach.

»     Extent: Operational in 216 cities, with a target to cover 295 cities and rehabilitate 35,000 persons by FY 2030–31.

»     Two Sub-Schemes: 

• Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons
• Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging

Key Features:

»     Comprehensive Rehabilitation: Identification, rescue, shelter, healthcare, counselling and rehabilitation.

»     Livelihood Support: Skill development, education and sustainable employment opportunities.

»     Social Reintegration: Mainstreaming beneficiaries with dignity and self-reliance.

»     Convergence-Based Implementation: Coordination between the Central Government, States/UTs, District Administrations etc. while converging with schemes such as DAY-NULM, NRLM, Mission Vatsalya.

»     Digital Monitoring & Transparency: Uses the SMILE-Beggary National Portal for registration, monitoring and tracking of rehabilitation centres and beneficiaries.

Way Ahead

»     Address Root Causes: Tackle poverty, homelessness, mental illness, addiction and trafficking.

»     Legal deterrence: Ban on begging as well as giving alms in public places, with enforcement against violations.

»     Enhance Public Awareness & Monitoring: Promote community participation, discourage organized begging though monitoring.

»     Best Practices (Indore): India''s first "Beggar-Free City" after a year-long rehabilitation campaign.

Wildlife Corridor of Segur Plateau

Supreme Court uphold removal of all commercial activity in the Segur plateau (Western Ghats area), which was declared as an Elephant corridor.

Segur Plateau 

»     It connects the Western and the Eastern Ghats and sustains elephant populations and their genetic diversity.

• It has the Nilgiri Hills on its southwestern side and the Moyar River Valley on its north-eazstern side.

»     The plateau is a part of Mudumulai Tiger Reserve and a key component of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (a UNESCO World Network site).