Context: India’s democracy thrives on the delicate balance between the three pillars of governance — Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. Amidst evolving challenges, the Supreme Court’s role under judicial review and Article 142 has stirred nationwide debate. Here’s an analytical breakdown. Judicial Review: Constitutional Mandate Judicial Activism vs Judicial Review Public Interest Litigation (PIL) Article 142: Power for Complete Justice Judicial Accountability and Political Perceptions The Role of Judges Amid Political and Religious Sensitivities Democracy vs Judiciary Landmark Judicial Observations Separation of Powers and Respectful Criticism Balancing Justice with Restraint The Indian judiciary, though unelected, acts as the guardian of the Constitution. Judicial review, far from being undemocratic, is the bulwark against executive overreach. Article 142, while potent, must be exercised with wisdom and restraint to maintain the court’s credibility and constitutional balance. TH & The Indian Express
Major Sources of Air Pollution in India
Air pollution leads to millions of premature deaths globally each year, with India being one of the worst-affected countries. Understanding where this pollution originates is key to designing effective mitigation strategies. Below is a breakdown of key pollutants and their primary sources based on recent data from 2022. Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) – Major Cause of Acid Rain Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ) – Toxic to Lungs Black Carbon – The Deadly Soot Methane (CH₄) – Potent Greenhouse Gas Ammonia (NH₃) – A Hidden Killer Non-Methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOCs) – Silent Threats Sectoral Action Needed Air pollution in India stems from energy, transport, agriculture, waste, and household sources. Each pollutant has distinct sources and health effects, underlining the need for sector-specific policies such as: TH
Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
Context: A brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, left 26 people dead, prompting a swift and strong response from India. Following a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a five-point diplomatic and strategic action plan was rolled out. Indus Waters Treaty Suspended Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) About the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT): Key Provisions of the Treaty: 1. Water Sharing Arrangement: 2. Permanent Indus Commission: 3. Dispute Resolution Mechanism: Important Projects Inspected Under the IWT: • Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project: • Lower Kalnai Project: • Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project: • Ratle Hydroelectric Project: Other Key Decisions Attari Integrated Check Post Shut Down End of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistan Diplomatic Expulsions and Downsizing UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims: Q. With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus directly. Among the following, which one is such a river that joins the Indus direct? (2021) (a) Chenab (b) Jhelum (c) Ravi (d) Sutle Ans: (d) Q. Consider the following pairs (2019) Glacier River 1. Bandarpunch Yamuna 2. Bara Shigri Chenab 3. Milam Mandakini 4. Siachen Nubra 5. Zemu Manas Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 1, 3 and 4 (c) 2 and 5 (d) 3 and 5 Ans: (a) TH
India-Saudi Arabia Collaboration on Oil Refining and Energy Market Stability
Context: India and Saudi Arabia have made significant strides in their collaboration to enhance energy security and market stability. Both countries have agreed to set up two new refineries in India and jointly work toward enhancing global oil market stability. This announcement comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s brief visit to Saudi Arabia, which was cut short due to the Pahalgam terror attack. Refinery Establishments and Investments Enhancing Energy Supply and Security Bilateral High-Level Task Force and Investments Labor, Human Resources, and Specialized Industries Long-Term Impact of the $100 Billion Investment BS
Samunnati Launches FPO Partnership Model for Market-Led Agri Value Chain Empowerment
Context: Agri-value chain enabler Samunnati has launched a pioneering FPO Partnership Model to transform the way Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) engage with the market. Unlike conventional credit-centric approaches, the model fosters shared value creation, making FPOs equal partners in procurement, processing, and sales across the agri value chain. First Implementation: Maathota Tribal FPC, Andhra Pradesh Core Features of the FPO Partnership Model Advantages Over Traditional Models Nationwide Expansion Plans The Samunnati FPO Partnership Model represents a significant shift in India’s agri-finance landscape—positioning FPOs not just as producers, but as empowered partners in the national market. By integrating finance, advisory, and market access, Samunnati is unlocking sustainable prosperity for India’s farmer collectives. BL
eNAM Integration Empowering Farmers with Better Prices
Context: Integration of APMC mandis with the National Agriculture Market (eNAM) is enhancing price realization for farmers, says R Leshma Manogna, Assistant Professor at BITS Goa. Her NABARD-sponsored research focuses on price gaps, the role of middlemen, and market forecasting using AI and machine learning. Key Benefits of eNAM Integration Ground Realities and Farmer Concerns BITS Goa & NABARD Study Highlights Forecasting Price Trends Using AI & ML Incorporating Ground-Level Variables eNAM is transforming agri-markets by enabling transparency, better prices, and predictive insights. The integration of tech and policy must continue for inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth. AI-powered price forecasting offers a future-ready tool for both policy planners and farmers. BL
Nabard Invests in eKisanCredit Agri-Fintech Startup to Digitize Rural Credit
Context: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) has made its first-ever investment in a bootstrapped startup, acquiring a 10% equity stake in 24×7 Moneyworks Consulting Pvt Ltd. The startup operates eKisanCredit (eKCC), a digital loan origination and automation platform for cooperative banks, PACS, and regional rural banks (RRBs). About eKisanCredit (eKCC) Strategic Importance of the Investment Other Innovations by 24×7 Moneyworks BL
World Bank Cuts India’s FY25 Growth Forecast to 6.3%
Context: The World Bank has revised India’s GDP growth forecast downward for FY2025, citing a mix of global economic weakness and domestic policy uncertainty. The downgrade aligns with similar projections by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), indicating growing caution about India’s short-term economic trajectory. Key Highlights Primary Drivers of the Downward Revision IMF Also Revises India’s Growth Outlook The IMF cut its FY25 GDP forecast to 6.2% from its earlier estimate of 6.5%, echoing the World Bank’s concerns Outlook and Implications While India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies, persistent external challenges and internal inefficiencies could constrain potential outputPolicymakers may need to accelerate structural reforms, stimulate private investment, and ensure execution of public infrastructure projects to revive momentum TH
AU Small Finance Bank Rolls Out Elite Concierge Services for AU ivy and AU Eternity Program Members
Context: AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), India’s largest small finance bank, has introduced concierge services for its premium banking programs, AU ivy and AU Eternity. Key Highlights: About AU SFB:
RBI Cancels Licence of Ajantha Urban Co-operative Bank, Aurangabad
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the banking licence of Ajantha Urban Co-operative Bank Maryadit, based in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, citing inadequate capital and poor earning prospects. Effective From Winding-up Process Depositor Protection under DICGC RBI’s Justification Post-Cancellation Restrictions The bank is prohibited from all banking activities, including: Recent RBI Development About the RBI
