PrelimsPolityExam Relevance 7/10
Jammu & Kashmir HC upholds Article 311(2)(c) dismissal without inquiry for 'security of state' cases
The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has affirmed that under Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution, the President or Governor can dismiss government employees without inquiry if they pose a threat to state security. This landmark judgment clarifies the scope of 'security of state' and limits judicial review to cases of mala fide or arbitrariness.
- ▸Target this Data: 91 government employees dismissed since 2021 under Article 311(2)(c) in J&K.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution of India.
PrelimsPolityExam Relevance 7/10
PM-SETU Scheme: Andhra Pradesh Approves First ₹200.21 Cr Investment Plan for Visakhapatnam ITI Cluster via ArcelorMittal/Nippon Steel
Andhra Pradesh has become the first state to implement the ₹60,000 crore PM-SETU scheme by securing approval for a ₹200.21 crore Strategic Investment Plan for the Visakhapatnam ITI Cluster, with ArcelorMittal/Nippon Steel India as the Anchor Industry Partner. This sets a national model for industry-led vocational education upgrades under the Viksit Bharat-2047 vision.
- ▸Target this Data: ₹200.21 crore (First SIP) and ₹60,000 crore (Total PM-SETU outlay)
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: National Steering Committee (NSC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
- ▸Target this Legal Point: 'Anchor Industry Partner (AIP)' - a key governance structure under PM-SETU
PrelimsEconomyExam Relevance 7/10
NPCI Mandates Biometric Authentication for High-Value UPI, OMCs Enforce 25-45 Day LPG Refill Lock-in from June 1, 2026
From June 1, 2026, the NPCI is enforcing stricter UPI security protocols, including biometric verification for high-value transactions and pre-transaction name verification. Simultaneously, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are implementing new LPG rules, including a mandatory refill gap of 25 days (urban) and 45 days (rural), to curb hoarding and encourage PNG adoption. These changes impact digital payments and household energy management.
- ▸Target this Data: 25 days (urban) and 45 days (rural) LPG refill gap.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) for UPI rules; Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for LPG rules.
- ▸Target this Legal Point: The enforcement date of June 1, 2026.
PrelimsEconomyExam Relevance 7/10
India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) Talks June 1-4: Aim to Finalize $500 Billion Purchase & Tariff Recalibration
Crucial India-US trade talks commence in New Delhi to finalize an interim trade pact, with a focus on market access and a proposed $500 billion purchase commitment. The negotiations require recalibration after recent US tariff impositions and Section 301 investigations targeting India, impacting India's significant trade surplus.
- ▸Target this Data: $500 billion (India's proposed US purchase over 5 years) and $34.4 billion (India-US trade surplus 2025-26).
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: US Trade Representative (USTR) and India's Department of Commerce.
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Section 301 of the US Trade Act and International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) 1977.
CorePrelimsMainsPolityExam Relevance 9/10
SC Clarifies POCSO Act Applies to Minor Victims of Commercial Sex Trafficking Alongside BNS & ITPA
The Supreme Court has delivered a landmark judgment clarifying that the POCSO Act applies to cases of trafficking for Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE) where the victim is a minor, irrespective of the victim's consent. This bridges the legal framework between the POCSO Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA). For exam aspirants, this is a critical update on child protection laws and judicial interpretation of trafficking.
- ▸Target this Legal Point: POCSO Act applies to child victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE) trafficking.
- ▸Target this Constitutional Article: Article 23 prohibits trafficking and is enforceable against private individuals.
- ▸Target this Legal Synergy: POCSO Act + BNS (Sections 143 & 144) + Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.
PrelimsMainsSecurity & DefenceExam Relevance 8/10
India Exports BrahMos to Vietnam ($375M Deal), Mandates Domestic Solar Cells from June 1, SC Flags Illegal Sand Mining in Chambal
Three critical updates for aspirants: India's strategic BrahMos missile export to Vietnam deepens defence diplomacy, a new mandate requiring domestic solar cells aims to reduce import dependence from June 1, and the Supreme Court censures three states over illegal sand mining in the ecologically vital Chambal sanctuary, highlighting a governance-environment crisis.
- ▸Target this Data: BrahMos cruise speed is Mach 3; Domestic Solar Cell mandate starts June 1, 2026.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: BrahMos Aerospace is the JV between DRDO (India) and NPO Mashinostroyeniya (Russia).
- ▸Target this Legal Point: National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary where sand mining was prohibited in 2006.
MainsPolityExam Relevance 7/10
NEET Shifts to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) from 2027; Aadarsh Pariksha Kendra Model Highlighted Amid Infrastructure Concerns
India is planning a major transition of the high-stakes NEET exam to a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format from 2027 to address security vulnerabilities. However, the core challenge lies not in software but in building a robust, standardized national examination infrastructure, as highlighted by Bihar's Aadarsh Pariksha Kendra initiative.
- ▸Target this Data: NEET to shift to CBT from 2027.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts NEET.
- ▸Target this Model: Bihar's Aadarsh Pariksha Kendra initiative for standardized exam centres.
PrelimsSocial IssuesExam Relevance 7/10
NFHS-6 (2023-24): 6.79 Lakh Households Surveyed, Shows Progress in Maternal & Child Health, Vaccination
The Union Health Ministry has released the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) for 2023-24, a critical data source for health and social sector planning. It shows significant progress in maternal and child health indicators, including vaccination and hospital births, and provides evidence for district-level program implementation.
- ▸Target this Data: 6.79 lakh households surveyed across 715 districts in NFHS-6 (2023-24).
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai.
- ▸Target this Ministry: Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
PrelimsEnvironmentExam Relevance 8/10
Aravalli Degradation Increases Dust Storm Exposure: 31 of 128 Hills Gone, Delhi Records 2.5 Storm Days in June
The Aravalli range acts as a natural barrier, intercepting dust from the Thar Desert before it reaches the Indo-Gangetic plains. However, degradation from mining and deforestation is weakening this shield, leading to increased dust transport to regions like Delhi and worsening air quality, as evidenced by a major storm in Churu, Rajasthan.
- ▸Target this Data: 31 out of 128 Aravalli hills in Rajasthan have disappeared (FSI 2018).
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Forest Survey of India (FSI) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII) for assessment studies.
- ▸Target this Report: IMD's Climate Hazards and Vulnerability Atlas of India (1981-2010 normals).
PrelimsSecurity & DefenceExam Relevance 7/10
General N.S. Raja Subramani Appointed as India's 3rd CDS on May 31, 2026, Tasked with Military Theaterisation Plan
General N.S. Raja Subramani, a former Vice Chief of Army Staff and expert on Pakistan and China, assumed office as India's new Chief of Defence Staff on May 31, 2026. His primary mandate is to implement the long-pending military theaterisation plan to enhance tri-service integration and accelerate the induction of indigenous weapons.
- ▸Target this Data: May 31, 2026 (Appointment Date) and December 14, 1985 (Commissioning Date)
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and Department of Military Affairs (DMA)
- ▸Target this Legal Point: The post of CDS was created based on recommendations of the Kargil Review Committee (1999).
PrelimsMainsPolityExam Relevance 8/10
Cow Slaughter Debate: West Bengal Enforces 1950 Act; Article 48 in Directive Principles; Historical Flashpoint from 1857 to 2026
The politics of cow slaughter, a recurring flashpoint for over a century, has resurfaced with West Bengal strictly enforcing a 1950 Act. This issue, deeply embedded in India's constitutional history via Article 48 and historical communal dynamics, remains a critical area for exam questions on Directive Principles, Gandhi's nuanced stance, and post-independence legal developments.
- ▸Target this Data: Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950 (West Bengal) and age limit of 14 years.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: The Constituent Assembly and the key members involved (Thakurdas Bhargava, Seth Govind Das, B.R. Ambedkar, Z.H. Lari).
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Article 48 of the Constitution under Directive Principles of State Policy.
CorePrelimsMainsPolityExam Relevance 9/10
SC Upholds ECI's Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls Under Section 16 of RP Act, 1950
The Supreme Court has upheld the Election Commission of India's (ECI) power to conduct Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists and scrutinize citizenship claims. This judgment clarifies the ECI's role in electoral roll purification under Section 16 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, while mandating procedural safeguards to prevent mass disenfranchisement.
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Section 16 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Election Commission of India (Constitutional Body under Article 324).
- ▸Target this Precedent: 1997 intensive revision in Assam leading to 'Doubtful' (D-Voter) cases.
PrelimsIntl. RelationsExam Relevance 7/10
Ukraine's Robotic Warfare: 22,000 Missions by Unmanned Systems in 2026 Highlight Shift to Autonomous Combat
The Russia-Ukraine war has entered a new phase with Ukraine deploying a large fleet of combat robots, drones, and remotely piloted tanks. This technological shift, aimed at overcoming manpower shortages, has resulted in 22,000 unmanned missions since January 2026, reducing battlefield casualties and reshaping modern warfare tactics.
- ▸Target this Data: 22,000 missions by unmanned systems (since January 2026)
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Ukrainian military (as the deploying entity)
- ▸Target this Strategic Shift: Use of robots to overcome manpower shortages
CorePrelimsMainsEconomyExam Relevance 9/10
SC Upholds 28% Retrospective GST on Online Gaming, Reviving ₹2.5 Lakh Crore Tax Demand Under 2025 Ban Act
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of a 28% retrospective GST levy on online gaming, treating the 2023 amendment as clarificatory. This revives massive tax demands of nearly ₹2.5 lakh crore and operates within the framework of the strict Online Gaming Act, 2025, which bans online money games.
- ▸Target this Data: 28% GST rate and ₹2.5 lakh crore tax demand.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) under MeitY.
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
PrelimsMainsSocial IssuesExam Relevance 8/10
Community Health Workforce: 1 Million ASHAs Need 1 Million More 'Ashoks' for Non-Communicable Diseases
Pioneers of the ASHA model advocate for a major expansion of India's community health workforce. They argue for doubling the workforce to 2 million and introducing male 'Ashok' workers to address the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in rural India, while calling for a tripling of public health spending to 3-4% of GDP.
- ▸Target this Data: Current number of ASHA workers (1 million/10 lakh) and proposed expansion target (double to 2-3 million).
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) - under which the ASHA program was launched.
- ▸Target this Name: The proposed male community health worker - 'Ashok'.
PrelimsMainsEnvironmentExam Relevance 8/10
IMD-IISER Study in Pune Establishes Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature Thresholds of 31.5°C, 32°C, 33°C for Low, Moderate, Extreme Heat Stress
A collaborative study by IMD, IISER Pune, and Fergusson College has established the first Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) thresholds for Pune, quantifying human heat stress beyond just air temperature. The findings of 31.5°C, 32°C, and 33°C for low, moderate, and extreme stress levels provide crucial data for urban planning and climate resilience, especially for vulnerable groups like outdoor workers and the elderly.
- ▸Target this Data: WBGT thresholds for Pune - 31.5°C, 32°C, 33°C.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: The collaborative team from IMD, IISER Pune, and Fergusson College.
- ▸Target this Index: Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) and its origin for US Army training in the 1950s.
MainsPolityExam Relevance 7/10
Delhi HC Restrains Google from Auctioning Trademarks as Keywords: Landmark Ruling on 'Free-Riding' in Digital Advertising
The Delhi High Court has ruled against Google's practice of auctioning registered trademarks as keywords to rivals. This judgment, favoring Hindware Limited, addresses the conflict between trademark law and digital advertising, curbing 'free-riding' on brand goodwill. It sets a crucial precedent for online advertising ethics and brand protection in India.
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Delhi High Court's ruling on trademark use in Google keyword advertising as 'free-riding'.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Delhi High Court (Judiciary).
- ▸Target this Year: 2009 - The year Google changed its policy in India to allow trademarked keywords.
CorePrelimsEconomyExam Relevance 8/10
RBI MPC Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% Amid CPI 3.48%, West Asia Conflict Threatens FY27 Growth
The RBI Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is likely to maintain the repo rate at 5.25% in its June meeting despite inflationary risks from West Asia conflict and rising oil prices. The decision hinges on CPI inflation remaining below target at 3.48% and the need to support growth, which may be revised down to 6.7% in FY27.
- ▸Target this Data: April CPI Inflation at 3.48% and Repo Rate at 5.25%.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: RBI Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).
- ▸Target this Legal Point: RBI's mandate to maintain CPI inflation at 4% (medium-term target).
PrelimsMainsPolityExam Relevance 8/10
Calcutta HC Acquits Professor, Orders ₹10 Lakh Compensation for Wrongful Incarceration, Highlights POCSO Trial Bias
The Calcutta High Court's acquittal of a college professor, who spent over 4 years in jail on wrongful rape charges, is a landmark case on judicial accountability and fair trial rights. It exposes critical lapses in investigation and prosecutorial bias, ordering the state to pay ₹10 lakh compensation. For exam aspirants, this highlights core issues of criminal justice reform and the misuse of stringent laws like POCSO.
- ▸Target this Data: ₹10 lakh compensation ordered by Calcutta HC.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Calcutta High Court (Jurisdiction: West Bengal & Andaman & Nicobar Islands).
- ▸Target this Legal Point: POCSO Act, 2012 - deals with sexual offences against children.
PrelimsMainsPolityExam Relevance 8/10
CBSE On-Screen Marking Glitches: Pass Percentage Dips to 85.29% in 2026, Parliamentary Panel Summons Officials
A rushed, full-scale rollout of On-Screen Marking (OSM) for CBSE Class 12 evaluations in 2026 led to system failures, student distress, and a parliamentary inquiry. This case study is crucial for understanding governance failures in technology adoption in public systems, a common theme in UPSC Mains.
- ▸Target this Data: Pass percentage dip from 88.39% (2025) to 85.29% (2026).
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports.
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Procurement policy of the government (GFR) and CERT-In audit requirements.
