UPSC Current Affairs Summary & Analysis: January 15, 2026


     

    1. Polity and Governance: The Constitutional Conundrum of Immunity and Accountability

    The Supreme Court Split Verdict on Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act

    The recent judicial pronouncement by the Supreme Court regarding the constitutional validity of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PC Act), 1988, has reignited a seminal debate in Indian administrative law: the delicate equilibrium between ensuring the autonomy of the civil service and enforcing strict accountability for corruption. The division bench, comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice K.V. Viswanathan, delivered a split verdict that has necessitated the referral of the matter to the Chief Justice of India for the constitution of a larger bench. This development is not merely a legal technicality but a pivotal moment that could redefine the contours of executive power and the independence of investigative agencies in India.

    Historical Context: The Evolution of the Shield

    To understand the gravity of the current split verdict, it is imperative to analyze the historical trajectory of anti-corruption legislation in India. The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, was enacted to consolidate the laws relating to the prevention of corruption and matters connected therewith. However, the bureaucracy has long argued that the fear of retrospective scrutiny by the "3 Cs"—the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)—has led to "policy paralysis," where honest officers hesitate to take bold or necessary decisions for fear that bona fide errors might later be criminalized.

    The legislature and the executive have made repeated attempts to introduce procedural safeguards to protect decision-makers. The most notable precursor to Section 17A was the "Single Directive," an executive order that mandated the CBI to seek prior permission from the government before initiating an inquiry against officers of the rank of Joint Secretary and above. This directive was famously struck down by the Supreme Court in the landmark judgment of Vineet Narain vs. Union of India (1998), where the Court asserted that the law cannot distinguish between offenders based on their status and that the independence of the investigative process is paramount.

    Undeterred, the government reinstated this protection through legislation by inserting Section 6A into the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946. This provision again required prior approval for investigating senior officers. However, in Subramanian Swamy vs. CBI (2014), a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court invalidated Section 6A. The Court held that the classification of public servants based on their rank for the purpose of protection from inquiry violated Article 14 of the Constitution (Right to Equality). The Court reasoned that the status of the offender does not alter the nature of the offence, and corruption is an enemy of the nation that must be fought without such artificial distinctions.

    The introduction of Section 17A through the 2018 Amendment to the PC Act was the legislative response to the Subramanian Swamy verdict. The drafters of the 2018 Amendment sought to cure the defect of discrimination by extending the requirement of prior approval to all public servants, regardless of rank, for any enquiry or investigation into offences relatable to recommendations made or decisions taken in the discharge of official functions.4

    Jurisprudential Analysis of the Split Verdict

    The disagreement between Justice Nagarathna and Justice Viswanathan is not on the text of the law, but on its impact on the Rule of Law and the Basic Structure of the Constitution.

    Justice B.V. Nagarathna’s Dissent: The Primacy of Truth

    Justice Nagarathna’s judgment represents the view that the criminal justice system must remain insulated from political and executive interference. She declared Section 17A unconstitutional, arguing that it effectively "protects the corrupt rather than the honest".3 Her reasoning is grounded in the observation that the requirement for prior approval acts as a formidable barrier at the very threshold of the investigative process. By prohibiting police officers from conducting even a preliminary enquiry without sanction, the provision prevents the discovery of truth.

    Justice Nagarathna emphasized that without a preliminary enquiry, the competent authority has no objective material to decide whether to grant or refuse sanction. This creates a "catch-22" situation where the sanctioning authority is expected to make a decision without facts, and the investigative agency is barred from gathering facts without sanction. She characterized this as "putting the cart before the horse".Furthermore, she argued that the provision resurrects the very vices struck down in Vineet Narain and Subramanian Swamy, merely by expanding the scope of protection to all officers, which does not mitigate the fundamental interference with the investigative machinery.She also highlighted the inherent conflict of interest, as the authority granting sanction is often part of the same administrative hierarchy as the accused.

    Justice K.V. Viswanathan’s Concurrence: The Doctrine of Reading Down

    Justice Viswanathan took a more pragmatic approach, upholding the constitutional validity of Section 17A while acknowledging its potential for abuse. He validated the legislative intent to prevent the "play it safe syndrome," arguing that honest officers require statutory assurance to function effectively without the sword of Damocles hanging over their heads.

    However, Justice Viswanathan recognized that vesting the power of sanction solely in the government violates the principles of independence required in corruption probes. To save the provision from unconstitutionality, he applied the doctrine of "reading down." He directed that the "competent authority" must not act on its own discretion but must be guided by the recommendations of an independent statutory body—the Lokpal at the Centre and the Lokayuktas in the States.

    By interposing the Lokpal as a screening mechanism, Justice Viswanathan attempted to create a buffer that protects honest officers from harassment while ensuring that political executives cannot shield corrupt loyalists. This interpretation seeks to operationalize the Lokpal, an institution that has arguably remained underutilized since its inception, by making it the central gatekeeper of anti-corruption investigations.

    Feature Justice B.V. Nagarathna’s View Justice K.V. Viswanathan’s View
    Verdict on Section 17A Unconstitutional; to be struck down. Constitutionally valid; upheld with caveats.
    Core Philosophy Primacy of investigation and Rule of Law; executive discretion impedes justice. Balance between accountability and administrative protection; legislative intent is valid.
    Interpretation of Precedents Violates the spirit of Vineet Narain and Subramanian Swamy. Distinguishes from Swamy as Section 17A applies to all ranks (non-discriminatory).
    Role of Executive Granting sanction power to the executive creates a conflict of interest. Executive control is problematic; necessitates independent oversight.
    Proposed Remedy Removal of the prior approval requirement entirely. Prior approval must be screened by the Lokpal/Lokayukta to ensure impartiality.
    Impact on Enquiry Forecloses the discovery of truth by barring preliminary enquiry. Preliminary enquiry acts as a filter against frivolous or vexatious complaints.

    Implications for Administrative Law and Governance

    The referral of this matter to a larger bench keeps the legal status of Section 17A in a state of limbo, but the eventual resolution will have profound consequences.

    1. The "Chilling Effect" vs. "Policy Paralysis": If Section 17A is struck down, as per Justice Nagarathna’s view, the bureaucracy fears a return to an era where every administrative decision could be potentially criminalized by overzealous investigators. This could lead to risk-averse behavior, slowing down developmental projects and economic reforms. Conversely, if the provision is upheld without adequate safeguards, it legitimizes a system where the government of the day can selectively shield its favored officers while allowing the prosecution of others, thereby politicizing the civil service.

    2. The Renaissance of the Lokpal: Justice Viswanathan’s judgment offers a potential roadmap for the revitalization of the Lokpal. If the larger bench adopts his reasoning, the Lokpal would transition from a largely dormant body to a critical institution with substantive powers to vet corruption cases against public servants. This would require a significant strengthening of the Lokpal’s institutional capacity, which currently faces challenges regarding infrastructure and vacancies.

    3. Independence of the Police: The judgment touches upon the core constitutional question of whether the police’s power to investigate cognizable offences under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) can be fettered by the executive. Justice Nagarathna’s reliance on the principle that "investigation is the exclusive domain of the police" reinforces the separation of powers, arguing that the executive should not have a veto over the initiation of criminal justice processes.

    In conclusion, the split verdict reflects the complexity of designing an anti-corruption framework in a democracy that values both clean governance and a fearless bureaucracy. The larger bench’s decision will determine whether the "shield" provided by Section 17A remains a protective gear for the honest or becomes a cloak for the corrupt.

    2. Social Justice and Education: Institutionalizing Equity in Higher Education

    The UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026

    The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken a decisive step toward dismantling systemic discrimination in Indian academia by notifying the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026. This notification is a direct outcome of the Supreme Court's intervention in a public interest litigation filed by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, two promising students whose suicides underscored the pervasive caste-based toxicity within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

    The Sociology of Discrimination on Campus

    Caste discrimination in modern Indian universities operates in insidious ways. It is often no longer about explicit untouchability but manifests as "exclusionary civility." Students from marginalized communities—Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs)—often face isolation in hostels, subtle biases in grading, humiliation in viva-voce examinations, and a general lack of social capital. The concept of "merit" is frequently weaponized to stigmatize students admitted under reservation categories, creating a hostile environment that leads to mental health crises and dropouts.

    The 2012 Regulations were criticized for being toothless and failing to address these nuances. Specifically, the omission of OBCs from the ambit of certain protections and the lack of a strong enforcement mechanism rendered the previous guidelines ineffective in preventing tragedies like those of Vemula and Tadvi. The 2026 Regulations aim to bridge these gaps by creating a robust, structural framework for equity.

    Structural Mandates of the 2026 Regulations

    The new regulations introduce several mandatory institutions within universities to ensure compliance and accountability.

    1. Campus Equity Committees: The Institutional Anchor

    The cornerstone of the new framework is the establishment of Equity Committees. Unlike the ad-hoc committees of the past, these are statutory bodies with a defined composition and mandate.

    • Composition: The committee is to be chaired by the Head of the Institution (Vice-Chancellor or Principal). Crucially, the regulations mandate that the committee must include representation from OBCs, SCs, STs, women, and persons with disabilities (PwD). The explicit inclusion of OBCs is a significant victory for student groups who argued that OBC students face similar socio-economic prejudices but were often excluded from protective mechanisms.11

    • Mandate: The committee is responsible for overseeing the implementation of anti-discrimination policies, inquiring into specific complaints, and recommending punitive or corrective measures. It is mandated to meet at least twice a year, ensuring that equity remains a continuous agenda rather than a reactive measure.12

    2. Comprehensive Definition of Discrimination

    The regulations provide an expansive definition of discrimination, moving beyond overt acts to include systemic exclusion.

    • Scope: Discrimination is defined as any distinction, exclusion, limitation, or preference based on caste, tribe, religion, race, gender, place of birth, or disability that has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing equality of treatment in education.

    • Specific Protections: The regulations explicitly recognize "caste-based discrimination" against members of SCs, STs, and OBCs. This acknowledgement is vital for legal redressal, as it brings subtle forms of caste bias—such as derogatory comments about reservation status—under the punitive ambit of the university administration.

    3. Support Infrastructure: Helplines and EOCs

    • Equal Opportunity Cells (EOCs): Institutions must establish EOCs to run affirmative action programs and provide academic and administrative support to marginalized students. The EOCs act as the operational arm of the equity framework.

    • 24/7 Equity Helpline: In a move to provide immediate support, HEIs are required to operate a round-the-clock helpline for students facing harassment or discrimination. This ensures that help is available during crises, potentially preventing self-harm incidents.

    • Online Complaint Portal: Transparency is enforced through a mandatory online portal where complaints can be registered and tracked, preventing the suppression of grievances by local administrators.

    4. Removal of the "False Complaint" Deterrent

    A critical development in the final notification is the removal of the clause penalizing "false complaints." The draft version of the regulations had included provisions to punish students who filed complaints found to be false. Activists and legal experts argued that in a power structure heavily skewed against marginalized students, proving discrimination is difficult, and such a clause would be used to intimidate victims into silence. Its removal signals a victim-centric approach.11

    Comparative Framework: 2012 vs. 2026 Regulations

    Feature UGC Regulations 2012 UGC Regulations 2026 (New)
    Primary Focus Groups SCs, STs. SCs, STs, OBCs, PwDs, Women.
    Institutional Mechanism Anti-Discrimination Officer / Ombudsman. Equity Committee & Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC).
    Representation Mandate No specific mandate for diverse representation. Mandatory representation of SC, ST, OBC, Women, PwD in committees.
    Operational Frequency No specific meeting schedule. Equity Committee must meet at least twice a year.
    Support Systems Grievance Redressal mechanism. 24/7 Equity Helpline, Online Complaint Portal, Equity Squads.
    Punitive Measures for HEIs Withholding grants; public notification.

    De-recognition; debarment from UGC schemes; removal of degree-granting status.

    Complainant Protection Penalties for false complaints (implied/draft).

    "False complaint" penalty clause removed; focus on protection from victimization.

    Analysis: From Redressal to Prevention?

    The 2026 Regulations mark a paradigm shift from a redressal-based approach to a prevention-based approach. By mandating "Equity Squads" to maintain vigil and requiring regular committee meetings, the UGC is pushing universities to be proactive. The strict penalties—including the "nuclear option" of de-recognition—suggest that the UGC intends to enforce these norms rigorously.

    However, the efficacy of these regulations will depend on the "National-Level Monitoring Committee" proposed by the UGC to oversee implementation. Without external monitoring, internal committees in universities often succumb to local power dynamics. The inclusion of civil society representatives in the Equity Committees is a positive step to mitigate this, bringing external scrutiny into the closed world of university administration. The regulations align with the constitutional vision of Article 46, which directs the State to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people.

    3. Economy and International Relations: The Structural Crisis of Trade Dependency

    India-China Trade Deficit: A Record High of $116 Billion

    In the realm of international economics, the latest trade data released by Chinese customs for the calendar year 2025 presents a stark picture of India's strategic vulnerability. The bilateral trade deficit between India and China has widened to a historic high of $116.12 billion, crossing the $100 billion threshold for the second time (the first being in 2023). This ballooning deficit comes despite a modest recovery in India's exports to China, highlighting the structural nature of India's import dependence.16

    Deconstructing the Data (2025)

    • Total Bilateral Trade: The economic engagement between the two Asian giants touched an all-time high of $155.62 billion. This figure serves as a testament to the "separation of economics and politics," where trade continues to thrive despite the unresolved military standoff in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.

    • India's Exports: India’s outbound shipments to China rose by 9.7% to $19.75 billion. This is a positive deviation from the stagnant trends of previous years. The export basket has seen some diversification into marine products, oil meals, spices, and telecom instruments, suggesting that Indian exporters are finding niches despite market access barriers.16

    • India's Imports: Imports from China surged by 12.8% to $135.87 billion. This growth outpaces exports significantly, driving the massive deficit.16

    Structural Causes: The "Factory Asia" Trap

    The widening deficit is not merely a result of currency fluctuations or short-term demand; it is structural.

    1. Import Dependency for Critical Sectors:

    India's manufacturing ecosystem is deeply integrated with Chinese supply chains. A significant portion of imports comprises intermediate goods and capital goods.

    • Pharmaceuticals: India is the "pharmacy of the world," but it relies on China for nearly 70% of its Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Key Starting Materials (KSMs). A disruption in this supply chain poses a health security risk.

    • Electronics and Smartphones: While India has successfully ramped up mobile phone assembly (e.g., Apple, Samsung), the components—displays, chips, batteries, printed circuit boards (PCBs)—are largely imported from China. As India exports more phones, its import of Chinese components paradoxically increases, a phenomenon described as "import-led export growth".20

    • Renewable Energy: India's ambitious solar energy targets rely heavily on Chinese solar modules and photovoltaic cells.

    2. China's "Overcapacity" and Deflation Export:

    The Chinese economy is currently grappling with weak domestic consumption and a crisis in its real estate sector. To sustain growth, Beijing has doubled down on manufacturing, leading to massive industrial overcapacity. China is aggressively exporting this surplus to global markets at deflationary prices. The data indicates that China's global trade surplus reached a record $1.2 trillion in 2025. With Western markets (US and EU) erecting tariff barriers against Chinese EVs and steel, these goods are being diverted to open markets like India, often threatening domestic MSMEs through predatory pricing.

    3. Tariff Wars and Trade Diversion:

    The report highlights that 2025 saw increased tariff hostilities between China and the US (under President Donald Trump). High US tariffs on Chinese goods have forced Chinese exporters to seek alternative markets in the Global South, intensifying the flow of goods into India.16

    Strategic Implications: Weaponized Interdependence

    The sheer scale of the deficit ($116 billion) creates a strategic liability. In modern geopolitical theory, this is known as "weaponized interdependence." In the event of a military escalation, China could leverage its dominance in critical supply chains (APIs, rare earths, components) to choke Indian industry.

    Furthermore, the deficit exerts immense pressure on the Indian Rupee (INR). Financing a $116 billion deficit requires substantial foreign capital inflows or drawing down forex reserves, affecting India's macroeconomic stability.

    India-China Trade Trends (5-Year Snapshot)

    Year India's Exports to China ($ Bn) India's Imports from China ($ Bn) Trade Deficit ($ Bn)
    2021 28.1 97.5 69.4
    2022 17.5 118.5 101.0
    2023 16.6 101.7 85.1
    2024 14.25 113.45 99.21
    2025 19.75 135.87 116.12

    The Way Forward: Strategic Decoupling vs. De-risking

    Complete decoupling is economically unfeasible and potentially damaging. The consensus strategy is "de-risking":

    1. Deepening PLI Schemes: The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes must evolve from incentivizing "assembly" to incentivizing "component manufacturing." The focus must be on upstream value chains (e.g., semiconductor fabs, API parks) to reduce reliance on Chinese intermediates.

    2. China Plus One: India must aggressively pursue Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with alternative suppliers like Vietnam, South Korea, and Taiwan to diversify sourcing of critical components.

    3. Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs): India needs to utilize Quality Control Orders (QCOs) effectively to block the influx of sub-standard Chinese goods, protecting domestic industries from dumping without violating WTO norms.

    4. Market Access: Diplomatic pressure must be sustained to open Chinese markets to Indian IT services and agricultural products to bridge the gap.

    4. Geopolitics Watch: Volatility in West Asia and the Arctic

    The Crisis in Iran: Internal Revolt and External Threats

    The geopolitical landscape of West Asia is witnessing a dangerous escalation centered on Iran. Reports indicate that the Islamic Republic is facing its most severe internal challenge since the 1979 Revolution. A collapsing currency (Rial) and removal of subsidies have triggered nationwide protests, which have morphed into a movement for regime change.

    • Human Rights Crisis: The Iranian state’s response has been brutal. Rights groups estimate that over 2,500 protesters have been killed by security forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The judiciary has signaled swift trials and executions to quell the unrest.

    • International Dimension: The crisis has been internationalized by the rhetoric of US President Donald Trump, who has threatened "very strong action" if the executions continue. This has fueled speculation about potential US or Israeli military intervention, possibly targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities or leadership. This follows the "12-day war" in June 2025, suggesting a fragile ceasefire is on the verge of collapse.

    • Regional Ripple Effects: Tehran has adopted an asymmetric deterrence strategy, threatening to strike US military bases in hosting nations like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar if Iran is attacked. This threat endangers the entire Persian Gulf's energy infrastructure and the safety of the millions of Indian expatriates living in these countries.10

    India's Diplomatic Response:

    New Delhi has activated a high-level contingency plan. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has issued an advisory urging Indian nationals to leave Iran immediately via commercial means. This is a significant escalation from standard travel advisories and indicates that New Delhi assesses the risk of conflict as high. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has engaged with his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, to navigate this crisis. India's stake is high: beyond the diaspora, Iran is crucial for India’s connectivity to Central Asia via the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). A destablized Iran isolates India from its strategic interests in Afghanistan and Central Asia.10

    Arctic Geopolitics: The Greenland Dispute

    In a surprising geopolitical maneuver, US President Donald Trump has revived his interest in Greenland, asserting that the US needs to control the island for "national security" reasons, specifically citing a "Golden Dome" missile defense project. He argued that NATO’s northern flank is vulnerable without US control over Greenland.

    • Strategic Context: Greenland sits at a critical choke point in the North Atlantic (the GIUK Gap) and hosts the Thule Air Base, the US military's northernmost installation, vital for early warning of ballistic missiles from Russia or China.

    • Resource Competition: Beyond security, Greenland is home to some of the world's largest deposits of Rare Earth Elements (REEs). With China currently dominating the REE supply chain, control over Greenland’s resources is a strategic priority for the West.

    • Diplomatic Fallout: The proposal has been firmly rejected by Denmark and the Greenlandic government, who stated the island is "not for sale." This incident highlights the growing militarization and strategic competition in the Arctic region as climate change opens up new shipping routes and resource frontiers.

    5. Defence and Security: Army Day 2026 and the Network Centric Leap

    Context: Army Day Significance

    India celebrates Army Day on January 15 annually. The date commemorates the historic moment in 1949 when Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa (then Lieutenant General) took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from the last British Commander, General Sir Francis Bucher. It serves as a day to honor the valor of the soldiers and reaffirm the Army's dedication to the nation.

    Theme 2026: "Year of Networking and Data Centricity"

    The Indian Army has designated 2026 as the "Year of Networking and Data Centricity". This theme underscores a doctrinal pivot from traditional platform-centric warfare (relying on tanks, ships, and planes) to Network-Centric Warfare (NCW).

    Key Pillars of Modernization:

    1. Digital Integration: The objective is to connect sensors (satellites, UAVs, radars), shooters (missiles, tanks, artillery), and decision-makers (commanders) into a single, secure digital grid. This integration reduces the "OODA Loop" (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act), allowing Indian forces to act faster than the adversary.

    2. Pinaka System Upgrade: The indigenous Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system is being upgraded. The range is being extended from 120 km to 150 km, with guided munitions that offer precision strike capabilities. This enhances the Army's deep-strike capability without relying on the Air Force.

    3. Apache AH-64E Induction: A significant capability boost comes with the Army inducting its own fleet of Apache attack helicopters. Previously, these assets were controlled by the Air Force. Army control ensures better integration with ground forces (tank formations) for close air support in the plains of Punjab or the mountains of Ladakh.

    4. UAV Integration: The Army is aggressively inducting Loitering Munitions ("Kamikaze drones") and surveillance UAVs down to the infantry battalion level, democratizing air power and situational awareness.

    Operations Commemorated:

    The 2026 celebrations explicitly paid tribute to the veterans of:

    • Operation Pawan (IPKF): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh broke from past reticence to honor the soldiers who fought in Sri Lanka (1987-1990). This recognition is significant for the morale of veterans who often felt their sacrifices in this complex peacekeeping mission were unacknowledged due to political sensitivities.

    • 1965 & 1971 Wars: Pivotal conflicts that established India's dominance in South Asia.

    • 1999 Kargil War: A testament to high-altitude warfare capabilities.

    6. Miscellaneous News in Brief

    Kashi Tamil Sangamam: Rediscovering Civilizational Bonds

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attending Pongal celebrations, lauded the Kashi Tamil Sangamam initiative. He described Tamil culture as a "global heritage" and emphasized the initiative's role in the "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" program. The Sangamam aims to revive the ancient intellectual and cultural links between Varanasi (Kashi) and Tamil Nadu, two of India's oldest seats of learning and spirituality. This cultural diplomacy seeks to bridge the North-South divide through people-to-people connect.10

    Economy: Inflation and Labour Codes

    • WPI Inflation: Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rose to a 9-month high of 0.83% in December 2025. This uptick, driven by food and manufactured goods, signals potential cost-push inflationary pressures that could eventually transmit to the retail level (CPI).10

    • Labour Codes Impact: Corporate earnings for Q3 (December 2025) reveal that the implementation of the new Labour Codes has impacted profitability. The codes, which mandate higher social security contributions (like increased Provident Fund and Gratuity liability), have raised the wage bill for labor-intensive sectors like IT. Major firms like Infosys reported significant one-time financial impacts due to these statutory compliance changes.10

    UPSC Practice Questions

    Mains Questions

    Q1. (Polity/GS-II)

    "The split verdict on Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act reflects the perennial tension between administrative autonomy and accountability." Critically analyze this statement in light of the principles of Rule of Law and the independence of investigative agencies. Discuss whether the institution of Lokpal can serve as an effective middle ground. (250 Words)

    Q2. (Social Justice/GS-II)

    "Institutional mechanisms to combat discrimination in higher education must evolve from mere redressal to active prevention." Discuss the significance of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, in ensuring social justice on campuses. How does the inclusion of OBCs in equity committees strengthen this framework? (250 Words)

    Q3. (Economy/GS-III)

    "India's widening trade deficit with China is not just a statistical imbalance but a structural vulnerability." Examine the reasons behind the persistent trade deficit. Suggest strategic measures to reduce import dependence while integrating into global supply chains. (250 Words)

    Prelims Practice Questions

    Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988:

    1. Section 17A was introduced by the 2018 Amendment to protect public servants from frivolous investigations.

    2. In the case of Subramanian Swamy vs. CBI (2014), the Supreme Court struck down Section 6A of the DSPE Act as discriminatory.

    3. Section 17A mandates prior approval only for officers of the rank of Joint Secretary and above.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    A) 1 only

    B) 1 and 2 only

    C) 2 and 3 only

    D) 1, 2 and 3

    Q2. With reference to the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, consider the following statements:

    1. It mandates the establishment of Equity Committees chaired by the Head of the Institution.

    2. It explicitly includes representation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

    3. It retains the provision for penalizing students who file false complaints.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    A) 1 and 2 only

    B) 2 only

    C) 1 and 3 only

    D) 1, 2 and 3

    Q3. The 'Pinaka' system, recently seen in the news in the context of Army Day 2026, refers to:

    A) A hypersonic cruise missile developed by DRDO.

    B) An indigenous multi-barrel rocket launcher system.

    C) An anti-satellite weapon system.

    D) An advanced early warning radar system.

    Answers to Prelims Questions:

    • Q1: B (Statement 3 is incorrect; Section 17A applies to all public servants, curing the discrimination defect of Section 6A).

    • Q2: A (Statement 3 is incorrect; the provision penalizing false complaints was removed in the final regulations).

    • Q3: B (Pinaka is an indigenous Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher system).

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