CURRENT-AFFAIRS

Context

Recently, the Justice Kurian Joseph Committee, appointed by the Government of Tamil Nadu, has submitted its report. This report issues a serious warning regarding the trend of increasing 'centralisation' in India over the past few decades. The committee believes that the Indian federal structure is currently passing through a phase where the autonomy of states is diminishing, which is a matter of concern for the health of democracy.

Key Points of the Kurian Joseph Committee Report

The committee has conducted a deep analysis of Center-State relations and has highlighted the following key aspects:

• Need for Structural Reset: The report states that Indian federalism currently requires a major 'structural reset' at the level of the 1991 economic reforms.
• Ease of Amending the Constitution: According to the committee, the process of amending the Indian Constitution is quite simple, taking advantage of which the Center often implements policies that encroach upon the rights of the states.
• Territorial Integrity of States: Citing the example of the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, the report states that the existence and boundaries of states have become dependent on the will of the Center, which is contrary to the federal spirit.
• Erosion of Financial Autonomy: After the implementation of GST, the states' own means of raising taxes have become limited. The allocation of financial resources is now more tilted in favor of the Center.
• Institutional Interference: The report sharply criticizes the politicization of the office of the Governor and the increasing control of the Center over subjects in the 'State List' such as education and health.

Other Important Aspects Affecting Federalism

Apart from the report, there are some issues in the current scenario that should be part of the national discourse:

• Concerns over Delimitation: The upcoming delimitation of Lok Sabha seats is a matter of concern for South Indian states. States that have been successful in population control fear that their political share in Parliament will decrease.
• One Nation, One Language/Election: Ideas like 'One Nation, One Language' or 'One Nation, One Election' may diminish India's diverse identity and the importance of local issues.
• Use of Agencies: The alleged misuse of central investigative agencies has widened the gap of mistrust between the Center and the states ruled by opposition parties.

Analysis

The framers of the Indian Constitution created a 'flexible federalism' to maintain the integrity of India, in which more powers were given to the Center. However, at present, it seems to be moving away from 'cooperative federalism' toward 'competitive and punitive federalism'.

While centralisation may increase administrative efficiency, a 'national solution to local problems' is not always successful in a vast and diverse country like India. Respecting diversity is the true strength of Indian democracy.

Way Forward

• Strengthening the Inter-State Council: This council, formed under Article 263, should be activated to make it the main forum for resolving disputes between the Center and the states.
• Financial Decentralization: The 16th Finance Commission should ensure the protection of the fiscal interests of the states and grant them more financial independence.
• Reform in the Office of Governor: The recommendations of the Punchhi Commission and Sarkaria Commission should be implemented so that the office of the Governor functions only as a constitutional guardian and not as a representative of the Center.
• Shared Discourse: It is mandatory to build consensus with all states on sensitive issues like delimitation.

Conclusion

The Justice Kurian Joseph Committee report is not merely a legal document but a 'wake-up call' for Indian democracy. For a strong India, it is essential to have a strong Center and strong States. If India is to progress while maintaining its diversity, it must revive the core spirit of cooperative federalism instead of centralisation. As the report suggests, the time has come for us to start a new national debate on federalism.

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Context

The world today is undergoing a phase of transformation where old structures of power are crumbling and a new language of protest is taking birth. At the center of this change is ‘Generation Z’ (Gen Z) the generation born between 1997 and 2012. While previous generations mobilized around ideologies and established organizations, Gen Z is surprising the world with its ‘digital native’ identity and a unique style of being ‘alone yet united’.

Global Perspective: From Streets to Social Media

Wherever democracy has faced a crisis across the globe, the presence of Gen Z has been recorded.

• United States: Through movements like ‘March for Our Lives’, this generation shook American politics on complex issues like gun control.
• Bangladesh and Nepal: In recent years (2024-25), the role of Gen Z remained decisive in the regime changes and anti-corruption movements in these countries. They demonstrated that even the largest regimes can be held accountable without a single ‘face’ or leader.

Indian Context: A Confluence of Confidence and Uncertainty

In India, Gen Z is living in a unique paradox. This is the most self-confident generation of post-independent India, having direct access to technology and information.

• Beyond Caste and Religion: Markets and globalization have provided a level playing field to this generation through ‘consumption’. If a Dalit youth and an upper-caste youth possess the same smartphone, it becomes a means to bridge the centuries-old social gap between them.
• Economic Insecurity: While on one hand there is the power of technology, on the other hand, disappearing jobs and the ‘gig economy’ have pushed this generation into deep mental stress and ‘anxiety about the future’.

A New Way of Protest: ‘Sporadic’ yet ‘Effective’

The protests of Gen Z are entirely different from old movements (such as the Farmers' Movement in India).

• Leaderless Movements: There is no single commander in their demonstrations. They unite on social media, flash like lightning, leave their impact, and then disappear.
• The Personal is Political: For them, politics is not just about casting a vote; rather, what they wear, what they eat, and how openly they talk about mental health is also a part of their politics.

Digital World and Hyper-Nationalism

While technology is a tool for empowerment, it also creates an ‘echo-chamber’. The rapid flow of information has encouraged ‘hyper-nationalism’. In countries like India, Gen Z is extremely vocal about taking pride in their cultural roots while also looking toward modern future possibilities (such as space missions and the Indian influence in Silicon Valley).

Conclusion: An Uncertain yet Bright Future

Gen Z is often dismissed as a generation ‘lost in the virtual world’, but the reality is quite the opposite. They do not view the world through the old lens of morality. For them, an ‘iPhone’ can be a symbol of equality and ‘therapy’ a symbol of courage.

This generation will disappoint us in ways we expect, yet surprise us in ways we never imagined. The future of democracy now rests less on parliamentary debates and more on the smartphone screens of Gen Z and their collective emotions.

General Studies Paper – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations

Introduction:

India currently stands at such a historical crossroads where its linguistic diversity is an example for the world. According to the 2011 Census data, India is rich with more than 1,300 mother tongues and 121 constitutionally recognized languages. This diversity is not merely statistical data, but a national strength. Language is not just a means of communication, but it is the accumulated knowledge of generations and a unique perspective of understanding the world. When a language becomes extinct, humanity loses a significant part of its knowledge.

Central Role of Mother Tongue in Teaching

• According to UNESCO, for the quality of education, it is mandatory that teaching is conducted in the language that the child understands and speaks best.
• The theme of International Mother Language Day 2025, "Youth voices on multilingual education," also underlines the fact that when a student's linguistic identity is respected in the classroom, schools become an inclusive and pleasant place for them to learn.

Current Challenges: Language Barrier and Learning Gap

Globally, millions of children are forced to receive education in a language they do not understand. In the context of India, NCERT (2022) data shows that nearly 44% of children begin receiving education in a language that is different from their home language (mother tongue). This has a direct adverse effect on the foundation of students:

• The additional burden of 'decoding' an unfamiliar language before understanding academic concepts.
• Decline in Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN).
• Decrease in confidence and an increasing possibility of dropping out of school.

Policy Reforms and Technological Intervention

Recognizing these challenges, India has prioritized Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) through the 'National Education Policy (NEP) 2020'. According to the 'Bhasha Matters' report, successful experiments of this have been seen in many states:

• Odisha: A teaching program in 21 tribal languages, benefiting 90,000 students.
• Telangana: Availability of digital content in local languages through the 'DIKSHA' portal.
• Digital Initiatives: Platforms like 'BHASHINI', 'PM eVIDYA', and 'AI4Bharat' are bringing revolutionary changes in the conservation of endangered languages and the translation of teaching materials using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Future Roadmap: Essence of Policy Recommendations

The report proposes a clear action plan for India, in which the key points are as follows:

• Clear state-level multilingual education policies.
• Making Multilingual Pedagogy mandatory in teacher recruitment and training.
• Including community participation and indigenous knowledge in the curriculum.
• Responsible and sustainable investment in language technologies.
• National Mission: Establishment of a dedicated 'National Mission' for coordination between ministries and research institutions.

Conclusion:

Linguistic diversity is not an obstacle in the path of development, but a powerful driver of social unity and equality. The evidence is clear that children learn best in their own language. Today, India’s multilingual moment has arrived, where the education system must recognize the language of every learner. Only when policy aspirations take the form of a national movement will the youth of India be able to build a strong future.

General Studies Paper – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations.

Context

Manipur has been reeling under the fire of ethnic violence for more than two years. The formation of a new government on February 4, 2026, and the appointment of female leadership like Nemcha Kipgen as Deputy Chief Minister has ignited a new hope for peace. However, the chasm of mistrust between communities and security concerns remain a major challenge on the ground.

Background of the Crisis and Current Statistics

The violence in Manipur began on May 3, 2023, when a Tribal Solidarity March was organized to protest the Meitei community's demand for 'Scheduled Tribe' (ST) status.

• Casualties and Displacement: More than 250 people have lost their lives so far, and approximately 60,000 people are forced to live in camps after being displaced from their homes.
• Triangular Conflict: Initially, this conflict was only between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, but according to recent reports, clashes have also been observed between Kuki-Zo and Naga communities (such as the incident in Ukhrul district), indicating that the crisis is becoming even more complex.

Major Obstacles in Restoring Peace

• Lack of Trust: There is a deep sense of mistrust not only between the communities but also toward the state administration and security forces.
• Geographical and Social Division: Manipur is currently clearly divided into 'Valley' (Meitei dominated) and 'Hill' (Kuki and Naga dominated) areas. The presence of 'Buffer Zones' has restricted movement.
• Institutional Challenges: The inability of the state’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister, Nemcha Kipgen, to attend the assembly session in Imphal due to security reasons reflects the failure of governance and the fragile security situation.

Proposed 'Humanitarian Approach' for Peace

Nemcha Kipgen has called for a 'mother-like' approach to restore peace, the main points of which are as follows:

• Empathy and Care: Listening to the pain of the communities on their own terms instead of punishment.
• Remembrance of Shared Heritage: Reviving the shared history, languages, cultural values, and tribal heritage of Manipur.
• Unity in Diversity: Accepting that harmony does not mean 'sameness', but rather living together while respecting each other's distinct identities.

Meitei Community

• Place of Residence: They mainly reside in the Imphal Valley of Manipur, which accounts for about 10% of the state's total area.
• Population: Meiteis constitute approximately 53% of the total population of Manipur.
• Religion: Most Meiteis are Hindus, but there is also a small section of 'Sanamahi' and Muslims (Meitei Pangals).
• Language: Their language is 'Meiteilon' (Manipuri), which is included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.
• Main Demand: They have been demanding 'Scheduled Tribe' (ST) status for a long time so that they can purchase land in the hills and get reservation in jobs.

Kuki Community

• Place of Residence: They mainly live in the hill districts of Manipur, which cover about 90% of the state's total area.
• Population: Kukis and Nagas together make up about 40% of the state's total population.
• Religion: Most of the Kuki community follows Christianity.
• Cultural Identity: Kuki is an ethnic group spread across India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. They are considered part of the 'Chin-Kuki-Mizo' group.
• Constitutional Status: They hold 'Scheduled Tribe' (ST) status, which provides them with special land rights and reservation in hill areas.

Main Causes of Conflict

• Land Rights: Meitei people live in the valley where population density is high, but due to existing laws, they cannot buy land in the hills (ST areas).
• Demographic Change: There is a fear of the population balance in the hills being disturbed due to illegal migration from Myanmar (after the 2021 coup).
• Reservation Issue: The Kuki community fears that if Meiteis get ST status, they will take over their jobs and resources.
• Opium Cultivation and Encroachment: The government's campaign against opium cultivation and the removal of 'encroachers' under the Forest Conservation Act in hill areas was perceived by the Kuki community as targeted action against them.

Constitutional Safeguards

• Article 371C: It makes special provisions for the hill areas of Manipur, under which a 'Hill Areas Committee' has been formed.
• 6th Schedule vs Autonomous District Council (ADC): The 6th Schedule is not applicable in Manipur; instead, Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) operate here, which the Kuki community demands to be further empowered.

Analytical Perspective

The Manipur crisis is not just a law-and-order problem, but a conflict between identity politics and the distribution of resources. The history of insurgency and infiltration from neighboring countries like Myanmar has added fuel to this fire. Until 'security guarantees' are ensured between communities, removing 'Buffer Zones' or the return of displaced persons to their homes could be a risky step.

Way Forward

• Decentralization of Dialogue: Dialogue should start not only at the political level but also between civil society and religious communities.
• Judicial Accountability: It is essential to restore faith in the justice system by punishing the perpetrators of violence.
• Safe Corridors: Creating safe corridors from the valley to the hills for public representatives and common citizens so that governance and the supply of logistics can be uninterrupted.
• Mental Health and Rehabilitation: Economic aid alone is not enough for the displaced; counseling centers are needed for the treatment of their mental trauma.

Conclusion

The situation in Manipur stands at a decisive turning point between 'hate vs peace'. There are no winners in the rhetoric of hate and violence. As Nemcha Kipgen has highlighted, the future of Manipur depends on the safety of its children and rediscovering the 'shared ground' between communities. The government must now adopt a blend of 'Hard Security' along with 'Soft Diplomacy'.

General Studies Paper – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations

Context

In global geopolitics, tariffs (import duties) are no longer just a tax, but have been established as a 'strategic weapon' of economic warfare. This has been evidenced by the fierce trade war between the U.S. and China in recent years and threats to impose up to 50% duties on India due to Russian oil purchases. Continuing this protectionist tradition, President Trump imposed sweeping tariffs worldwide in the name of a 'national emergency.' These have once again become a center of global discourse and legal dispute after being declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court.

'Trump Tariffs' and America First Policy

• Objective: The Trump administration imposed heavy duties globally, including on India, in April 2025 by terming the trade deficit a 'national emergency.' The goal was to revive American manufacturing and put pressure on other countries under 'America First.'
• Economic Impact: This policy disrupted global supply chains and created a 'Trade War' situation. Imported goods became expensive in the U.S., leading to increased inflation and a burden on consumers.

Why in Discussion?

The Supreme Court, by a 6-3 majority, overturned the Trump administration's decision that used the 'International Emergency Economic Powers Act' (IEEPA) to impose tariffs worldwide.

• Chief Justice John Roberts stated that IEEPA gives the President the power to "regulate imports," not to impose "uncontrolled taxes." He clarified that the power to tax belongs solely to Congress.
• In April 2025, Trump imposed heavy duties on almost all countries, including India, citing the trade deficit as a "national emergency," which collected $133 billion by December 2025. The court has now declared this illegal.
• This decision was challenged in court by states and large business entities (such as Costco). Their argument was that the President cannot snatch the constitutional taxing power of Parliament (Congress) in the name of an "emergency."

Situation After the Supreme Court Decision

Following the Supreme Court's quashing of IEEPA-based tariffs, the Trump administration is now resorting to alternative laws. He has ordered a 10% tariff for 150 days under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which only Congress can extend further. Now, a legal battle has begun in lower courts regarding the refund of the $133 billion.

Global Impact

This disrupts global supply chains and creates a 'Trade War' situation. In 2025, this led to a decline in the global GDP growth rate.

India-U.S. Relations: Opportunities and Challenges

The situation is contradictory for India:

• Bilateral Agreement: Under an agreement reached in February 2026, tariffs were to be reduced from 50% to 18%.
• New Obstacle: Immediately after the court's decision, Trump again imposed a 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.
• Crisis of Trust: Although Trump assured that this would not affect the deal with India, his history (such as the threat of 50% tariffs over Russian oil purchases) underscores the need for 'cautious diplomacy.'

Analysis: Persistence vs. Necessity

The 'America First' policy may be popular in domestic politics, but it is isolating America globally. The Supreme Court's decision proves that economic nationalism must also adhere to democratic norms and the separation of powers.

Way Forward: Strategy for India

India should take the following steps to maintain its 'strategic autonomy':

• Market Diversification: Focus on EU, ASEAN, and African markets for exports instead of relying solely on the U.S.
• Legal Activism: Make diplomatic efforts to ensure 'refunds' for Indian exporters from the accumulated $133 billion in tariffs.
• Supply Chain Resilience: Make domestic manufacturing competitive enough through 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' to reduce the impact of global shocks.
• Binding Clause: Include provisions in future agreements that are not affected by the whims of leadership changes.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court's decision is a victory for 'Checks and Balances.' India must adopt a policy of "Trust but Verify" in its relations with the U.S., so that our economic security does not fall prey to the ambitions of any particular individual.

General Studies Paper – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations

Context

The foundation of democracy lies in a fair and error-free electoral process. Ahead of the upcoming elections in West Bengal, the process of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is underway. The primary objective of this process is to remove discrepancies from the voter list and ensure the inclusion of eligible citizens. However, for some time, this process remained in limbo due to administrative and political disputes, casting clouds of uncertainty over the voting rights and citizenship status of millions of citizens.

Current News Point

• The Supreme Court of India has taken an 'extraordinary' decision to expedite this stalled SIR process in West Bengal.
• A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Justice Surya Kant has directed that judicial officers will now be directly involved in this process.
• The Court has requested the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to deploy serving and retired judicial officers of District and Additional District Judge rank for this task.
• These officers will now hear the grievances of millions of voters whose names were removed from the draft rolls.

Reasons for this Decision of the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court had to take this tough step due to the following reasons:

• Trust Deficit: According to the Court, a state of deep mistrust persists between the West Bengal government and the Election Commission of India (ECI), leading to a standstill in constitutional work.
• Administrative Stalemate: Continuous allegations and counter-allegations were being traded between the State Government and the Election Commission regarding the appointment and qualifications of officers, due to which the revision process could not be completed within the deadline.
• Question of Citizenship and Franchise: The Court observed that if the SIR process is not completed on time, there could be "serious consequences" for the citizenship claims and voting rights of millions.
• Lack of Time: The deadline for the disposal of claims and objections, February 28, is very close, in view of which the normal administrative machinery appeared inadequate.

Potential Impacts of the Decision

This judicial intervention is likely to have far-reaching impacts:

• Fairness in the Process: The presence of judicial officers will bring transparency to the verification of electoral rolls and reduce the scope for political bias.
• Expeditious Disposal: The association of District Judge-level officers will accelerate the hearing of millions of pending cases.
• Administrative Accountability: The Court has clarified that the instructions of the judicial officers will be deemed as orders of the Supreme Court, which the state administration will be mandatory to comply with.
• Increase in Judicial Workload: The Court itself acknowledged that this task might impact regular court cases, for which it suggested transferring cases to other courts for a short duration.

Legal and Constitutional Analysis

• Constitutional Basis: Article 324 of the Constitution gives full power to the Election Commission, but when a 'stalemate' between institutions poses a crisis to fundamental rights (Right to Vote), the Supreme Court can intervene under Article 142 to ensure 'complete justice'.
• Historical Context: Although judicial intervention in the election process is rare, the Court has appointed special committees in the past during the 'Lakshmi Kant Pandey' case and delimitation disputes. Deploying an entire 'force' of District Judges for the SIR process is a historic precedent.
• Cooperation, Not Curb: This step is not a curb on the autonomy of the Commission, but a legal cooperation to overcome the 'trust deficit'. This will free the process from political interference and increase its credibility.
• Judicial Activism: This is a classic example of 'Judicial Activism', where the Court has acted as a 'mediator' to revive the administrative machinery so that the name of any eligible citizen is not removed from the voter list in an unjust manner.

Conclusion

This decision of the Supreme Court is like a protective shield for the defense of Indian democracy. When two constitutional institutions (the State Government and the Election Commission) fail to establish mutual coordination, the intervention of the judiciary becomes inevitable. Although engaging judicial officers in administrative tasks is an extraordinary step, it is extremely necessary in the current circumstances to maintain the sanctity of the citizens' franchise. This step will ensure that the "crisis of trust" in the electoral process is removed and a transparent and error-free electoral roll is prepared.

Context

To secure the supply chain at a global level, India has decided to join the U.S.-led tech alliance 'Pax Silica'. This step has been taken to counter China's increasing dominance and the disruptions caused by it in the supply chain.

Current News Points

• Signing Ceremony: India formally signed the document to join this group during the 'AI Impact Summit' held in New Delhi.
• Key Presence: Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and U.S. Undersecretary Jacob Helberg were present on this occasion.
• Expansion of the Alliance: India has now joined the list of elite countries which includes major partners like Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the European Union (EU).
• Economic Sovereignty: Jacob Helberg stated that it is essential for countries like India and the U.S. to reclaim sovereignty over their supply chains to reduce pressure from "external forces."
• Countering China: This group will specifically focus on reducing dependency on China for rare earth elements and electronics.

What is Pax Silica?

Pax Silica is an international strategic alliance whose objective is to create a resilient and secure supply chain for electronics, semiconductors, and critical minerals worldwide.

• Establishment: Its inaugural summit was held in December 2025 in Washington, D.C.
• Objective: To protect member countries from economic blackmail and "weaponised dependency."
• Function: This alliance works to secure the entire 'silicon stack', from semiconductor manufacturing to AI infrastructure.

Conclusion

India's inclusion in Pax Silica will not only strengthen the country's technological self-reliance but also bolster India's position as a reliable partner at the global level. This alliance will serve as a protective shield against future challenges and economic pressures.