Current Affairs of 1 February 2026 by Vajiram & Ravi IAS Institute

Economic Survey 2025-26 and India’s Space Sector – Explained

February 1, 2026

Space Sector Latest News

The Economic Survey 2025-26 has assessed India’s space sector amid a flat budget trajectory and growing expectations from the private industry.

India’s Space Sector: Evolution and Policy Shift

India’s space programme has undergone a significant transition over the past decade, moving from a state-dominated model to a more open and commercially oriented ecosystem.
Landmark achievements such as successful lunar missions and a high launch success rate positioned India as a reliable spacefaring nation.
A major policy shift occurred in 2020, when reforms opened the space sector to private participation.
The creation of IN-SPACe as a regulatory and facilitative body and the encouragement of private launch vehicle and satellite start-ups marked the beginning of India’s “NewSpace” phase.
However, this transition has coincided with operational and fiscal challenges within the Department of Space (DoS).

Budgetary Trends in the Space Sector

The Economic Survey 2025-26 points out that the Department of Space has experienced near-stagnant budget growth over the last four years. When adjusted for inflation, the overall allocation has effectively declined.
Capital expenditure, crucial for new launch infrastructure, spacecraft development, and R&D, has fallen steadily.
In contrast, revenue expenditure, such as salaries and routine operational costs, has increased.
This shift has resulted in a growing share of the budget being consumed by maintenance rather than innovation, raising concerns about long-term technological competitiveness.
Additionally, the Department has repeatedly failed to fully utilise its allocated funds, leading to downward revisions during the Revised Estimates stage.
This weak absorption capacity has further constrained the case for a substantial budgetary increase.

Export Performance and Structural Concerns

Despite budgetary stress, the Survey highlights strong export performance.
Between 2015 and 2024, India launched nearly 400 foreign satellites for over 30 countries, generating substantial commercial revenue.
However, the Survey cautions that export earnings may be masking deeper structural issues.
Recent launch failures and near-misses have exposed vulnerabilities in manufacturing quality and supply chains.
The push for higher launch cadence, driven by commercial demand, has placed additional strain on an ecosystem still adapting from a protected state monopoly to a competitive market environment.

Role of NSIL in the Emerging Model

NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, has emerged as a key pillar in the government’s evolving strategy.
According to the Survey, NSIL’s revenues increased sharply within a few years, signalling the government’s intent to rely more on commercial income rather than tax-funded capital investment.
The implicit policy shift is towards commerce-led growth, where NSIL monetises launch services, satellite missions, and downstream applications.
However, this raises questions about whether commercial revenues can adequately substitute for sustained public investment in core R&D and critical infrastructure.

Industry Expectations and Policy Demands

Industry associations have expressed dissatisfaction with current funding levels.
They argue that India’s space budget remains a very small fraction of GDP compared to leading space powers.
Proposals include scaling up allocations, expanding launch infrastructure, and introducing targeted production-linked incentives for space components.
Private players have also advocated for a procurement-driven model, where the government acts as an anchor customer by purchasing services and data from domestic companies rather than owning all assets.
This approach mirrors international practices and could provide predictable demand, encouraging private investment.

Challenges Highlighted by the Economic Survey

The Survey underlines a widening gap between what the industry seeks and what the Department of Space can realistically deliver.
While private firms demand rapid expansion and assured procurement, the Department faces constraints related to quality control, spending efficiency, and operational reliability.
The Survey also notes that different space programmes, such as human spaceflight, satellite launches, and strategic missions, compete for limited resources, complicating prioritisation and long-term planning.

Way Forward

The Economic Survey suggests a phased and balanced transition.
Strengthening quality assurance systems, fixing supply-chain weaknesses, and improving fund utilisation are essential first steps.
Large infrastructure projects, such as new spaceports, must progress without repeated delays.
Equally important is a clear roadmap identifying which missions will gradually shift from government-built assets to industry-provided services.
Enhancing institutional capacity to manage complex, long-term service contracts will be crucial for building investor confidence.

Source: TH

Space Sector FAQs

Q1: What concern does the Economic Survey raise about India’s space budget?

Ans: It highlights stagnation in real terms and declining capital expenditure.

Q2: What role is NSIL expected to play in the space sector?

Ans: NSIL is expected to drive growth through commercial revenues and services.

Q3: Why is declining capital expenditure a concern?

Ans: It limits long-term innovation, infrastructure creation, and R&D capacity.

Q4: How has the private industry responded to current budget trends?

Ans: Industry bodies have demanded higher allocations and procurement-based support.

Q5: What is the key challenge identified by the Survey?

Ans: Balancing commercial expansion with institutional capacity and operational reliability.

Important Days in 2026, National and International Days List

February 1, 2026

Important Days in 2026, Month-wise List helps candidates track national and international observances throughout the year in an organised manner. These days cover important themes such as health, environment, education, science, culture, and national pride. Remembering the date along with its significance improves general awareness and exam performance.

The detailed article on Important Days in 2026, along with a month-wise list have been mentioned below.

Important Days in 2026

Important Days in 2026 include nationally and internationally recognised dates observed to promote awareness about health, environment, human rights, culture, science, and historical events. Throughout the year, these days commemorate significant milestones such as independence movements, social reforms, humanitarian efforts, and global cooperation initiatives.

Important Days in January 2026

Important Days in January 2026 mark the beginning of the year with significant national and international observances such as Republic Day, National Youth Day, and Army Day. These days highlight themes of patriotism, youth empowerment, cultural heritage, and social awareness.

Important Days in January 2026
Date	Important Day	Significance
1 January	English New Year	Marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year
1-31 January	National Road Safety Month	Spreads awareness on traffic safety and accident prevention
4 January	World Braille Day	Highlights importance of Braille for visually impaired
4 January	Holi	Festival symbolising victory of good over evil
5 January	National Birds Day	Promotes bird conservation and biodiversity
6 January	World War Orphans Day	Focuses on children orphaned due to wars
9 January	Pravasi Bharatiya Divas	Celebrates contribution of Indian diaspora
10 January	World Hindi Day	Promotes Hindi language globally
11 January	Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniversary	Remembers India’s second Prime Minister
12 January	National Youth Day	Birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda
13 January	Lohri	Harvest festival of North India
14 January	Makar Sankranti	Marks sun’s transition into Capricorn
15 January	Army Day	Establishment of Indian Army leadership
23 January	Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti	Honors freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose
25 January	India Tourism Day	Promotes tourism in India
25 January	National Voters Day	Encourages democratic participation
26 January	Republic Day	Adoption of Indian Constitution
28 January	Lala Lajpat Rai Jayanti	Birth anniversary of Punjab Kesari
28 January	Data Protection Day	Awareness on data privacy
28 January	K.M. Cariappa Day	Honors India’s first Field Marshal
30 January	Martyrs’ Day	Death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
30 January	World Leprosy Day	Awareness for leprosy eradication
31 January	International Zebra Day	Conservation of zebra species

Important Days in February 2026

Important Days in February 2026 focus on health, science, language, and social justice, with key observances like World Cancer Day, National Science Day, and International Mother Language Day.

Important Days in February 2026
Date	Important Day	Significance
1 February	Indian Coast Guard Day	Formation of Indian Coast Guard
2 February	World Wetlands Day	Conservation of wetlands
4 February	World Cancer Day	Awareness on cancer prevention
13 February	World Radio Day	Importance of radio communication
20 February	World Social Justice Day	Promotes equality and fairness
21 February	Mother Language Day	Protects linguistic diversity
24 February	Central Excise Day	Formation of Excise Department
28 February	National Science Day	Discovery of Raman Effect

Important Days in March 2026

March 2026 emphasises equality, happiness, and environmental protection through observances such as International Women’s Day, World Water Day, and World Wildlife Day. It promotes social justice, sustainability, and global well-being.

Important Days in March 2026
Date	Important Day	Significance
1 March	Zero Discrimination Day	Promotes equality
3 March	World Wildlife Day	Wildlife conservation
8 March	International Women’s Day	Women empowerment
14 March	Pi Day	Mathematical awareness
15 March	Consumer Rights Day	Protects consumer interests
20 March	Happiness Day	Global well-being
21 March	World Forestry Day	Forest conservation
22 March	World Water Day	Sustainable water management
23 March	Shaheed Diwas	Martyrdom of Bhagat Singh
24 March	World Tuberculosis (TB) Day	Tuberculosis awareness

Important Days in April 2026

Important Days in April 2026 underlines public welfare, democracy, and cultural heritage. The table have been shared below.

Important Days in April 2026
Date	Important Day	Important Day
1 April	Odisha Foundation Day	Marks the formation of Odisha as a separate state in 1936
1 April	April Fools’ Day	A day associated with humor, jokes, and light-hearted pranks
1 April	Prevention of Blindness Week	Promotes eye care awareness and prevention of avoidable blindness
2 April	World Autism Awareness Day	Spreads awareness about autism spectrum disorder and social inclusion
5 April	National Maritime Day	Commemorates India’s maritime history and shipping sector
7 April	World Health Day	Raises awareness on global public health issues under WHO
10 April	World Homoeopathy Day	Birth anniversary of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, founder of homoeopathy
11 April	National Safe Motherhood Day	Focuses on maternal health and reducing maternal mortality
13 April	Vaisakhi / Baisakhi / Vishu	Harvest festivals celebrated in different parts of India
13 April	Jallianwala Bagh Massacre	Remembers the 1919 massacre during India’s freedom struggle
14 April	Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti	Birth anniversary of the chief architect of the Indian Constitution
15 April	Bengali New Year / Bihu	Celebrates New Year and harvest season in eastern India
17 April	World Haemophilia Day	Raises awareness about haemophilia and bleeding disorders
18 April	World Heritage Day	Promotes protection of cultural and natural heritage sites
21 April	National Civil Service Day	Recognises the role of civil servants in governance
22 April	World Earth Day	Encourages environmental protection and climate action
23 April	World Book and Copyright Day	Promotes reading, publishing, and intellectual property rights
24 April	National Panchayati Raj Day	Marks constitutional status of local self-governance in India
25 April	World Malaria Day	Focuses on prevention and eradication of malaria
26 April	World Intellectual Property Day	Highlights importance of innovation and IP rights
30 April	World Veterinary Day	Recognises contributions of veterinarians to animal health

Important Days in May 2026

Important Days in May 2026 focuses on workers’ rights, family values, and global health through days like International Labour Day, International Day of Families, and World No Tobacco Day.

Important Days in May 2026
Date	Important Day	Significance
1 May	International Labour Day / May Day	Celebrates workers’ rights and labour movements worldwide
1 May	Maharashtra Day	Marks the formation of Maharashtra state in 1960
2 May	World Asthma Day	Raises awareness about asthma management and care
3 May	World Press Freedom Day	Promotes freedom of expression and press independence
4 May	Coal Miners Day	Recognises the contribution of coal miners
7 May	World Athletics Day	Encourages youth participation in sports and fitness
8 May	World Red Cross Day	Marks the birth of Henry Dunant and humanitarian work
8 May	World Thalassaemia Day	Raises awareness about thalassaemia prevention and care
9 May	Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti	Birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore
11 May	National Technology Day	Commemorates India’s technological achievements
12 May	Mother’s Day	Celebrates motherhood and maternal bonds
12 May	International Nurses Day	Birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale
17 May	National Endangered Species Day	Promotes conservation of endangered species
18 May	Armed Forces Day	Honours the armed forces and their service
18 May	World AIDS Vaccine Day	Encourages research towards HIV vaccines
18 May	International Museum Day	Highlights role of museums in cultural preservation
21 May	National Anti-Terrorism Day	Observed in memory of Rajiv Gandhi
22 May	International Day for Biological Diversity	Promotes biodiversity conservation
26 May	National Memorial Day	Honours military personnel who died in service
31 May	World No Tobacco Day	Raises awareness about harmful effects of tobacco

Important Days in June 2026

Important Days in June 2026 centre on environmental protection, yoga, and humanitarian issues, including World Environment Day and International Yoga Day.

Important Days in June 2026
Date	Important Day	Significance
1 June	World Milk Day	Highlights the importance of milk and dairy for nutrition
2 June	Telangana Formation Day	Marks formation of Telangana state in 2014
4 June	International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression	Protects children affected by war and violence
5 June	World Environment Day	Encourages environmental protection and climate action
7 June	World Food Safety Day	Raises awareness of safe food handling and hygiene
8 June	World Oceans Day	Promotes conservation of oceans and marine resources
12 June	World Day Against Child Labour	Focuses on ending child labour worldwide
16 June	Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev	Commemorates the 5th Sikh Guru’s martyrdom
17 June	World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought	Promotes sustainable land management
19 June	World Sickle Cell Awareness Day	Awareness about sickle cell disease
19 June	World Sauntering Day	Promotes slow walking for health and relaxation
20 June	World Refugee Day	Recognises the rights and plight of refugees
21 June	World Hydrography Day	Highlights the importance of mapping seas and waterways
21 June	International Yoga Day	Promotes physical and mental well-being through yoga
23 June	International Olympic Day	Celebrates Olympic values and sports participation
23 June	United Nations Public Service Day	Recognises contributions of public servants
23 June	International Widow’s Day	Raises awareness of challenges faced by widows
26 June	International Day against Drug Abuse	Focuses on prevention of drug abuse worldwide
29 June	National Statistics Day	Recognises importance of statistics for development
30 June	World Asteroid Day	Promotes awareness of asteroid impact risks

Important Days in July 2026

Important Days in July 2026 highlights population awareness, youth skills, and national pride with observances such as World Population Day and Kargil Vijay Diwas. It encourages responsibility, innovation, and patriotism.

Important Days in July 2026
Date	Important Day	Significance
1 July	National Doctor’s Day	Honours doctors for their contributions to healthcare
1 July	Canada Day	Celebrates Canada’s national day and independence
1 July	Chartered Accountants Day (India)	Recognises the role of CAs in India’s economy
2 July	National Anisette Day	Celebrates the anise-flavored liqueur drink
4 July	Independence Day (USA)	Commemorates US independence from British rule in 1776
7 July	Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra	Annual Hindu chariot festival in Puri, Odisha
11 July	World Population Day	Focuses on global population awareness and challenges
12 July	Malala Day	Celebrates education advocacy and women’s rights inspired by Malala Yousafzai
15 July	World Youth Skills Day	Highlights importance of skill development for youth
17 July	World Day for International Justice	Promotes accountability and international justice mechanisms
18 July	International Nelson Mandela Day	Honors Mandela’s legacy of peace, equality, and social justice
21 July	Guru Purnima	Pays tribute to spiritual and academic teachers
22 July	Chandrayaan 2 Launch Anniversary	Marks India’s second lunar mission launch
24 July	National Thermal Engineer Day	Recognises contributions of thermal engineers in India
26 July	Kargil Vijay Diwas	Commemorates India’s victory in Kargil War (1999)
28 July	World Nature Conservation Day	Promotes biodiversity and natural habitat protection
28 July	World Hepatitis Day	Raises awareness about hepatitis prevention and treatment
29 July	International Tiger Day	Promotes tiger conservation and wildlife protection

Important Days in August 2026

Important Days in August 2026 commemorate freedom, humanitarian values, and peace, led by Independence Day, Quit India Movement Day, and World Humanitarian Day. The month reflects sacrifice, unity, and national pride.

Date	Important Day	Significance
6 August	Hiroshima Day	Remembers the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945
7 August	National Handloom Day	Promotes India’s handloom sector and traditional weaving
8 August	Quit India Movement Day	Commemorates India’s 1942 struggle for independence
9 August	Nagasaki Day	Remembers atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945
12 August	International Youth Day	Highlights youth empowerment and social engagement
12 August	World Elephant Day	Promotes conservation of elephants and their habitats
13 August	World Organ Donation Day	Encourages organ donation to save lives
14 August	Youm-e-Azadi (Pakistan Independence Day)	Commemorates Pakistan’s independence from British India in 1947
15 August	National Mourning Day (Bangladesh)	Observes the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975
15 August	Independence Day (India)	Marks India’s independence from British rule in 1947
19 August	World Humanitarian Day	Honors aid workers and promotes humanitarian causes
20 August	Sadbhavna Diwas	Promotes national harmony and peace in India
20 August	Indian Akshay Urja Day	Highlights renewable energy initiatives in India
29 August	National Sports Day	Marks birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand

Important Days in September 2026

Important Days in September 2026 focus on education, democracy, and peace through International Literacy Day and International Day of Peace.

Important Days in September 2026
Date	Important Day	Significance
1 September	National Nutrition Week	Promotes awareness about balanced diet and nutrition
5 September	Teachers’ Day (India)	Honors teachers on Dr. S. Radhakrishnan’s birth anniversary
8 September	International Literacy Day	Promotes global literacy and education
11 September	National Forest Martyrs Day	Honors forest personnel who sacrificed their lives
14 September	Hindi Diwas	Celebrates Hindi as India’s official language
15 September	Engineer’s Day (India)	Marks birth anniversary of M. Visvesvaraya
15 September	International Day of Democracy	Promotes democratic values and governance
16 September	World Ozone Day	Raises awareness on ozone layer protection
18 September	World Bamboo Day	Promotes sustainable use of bamboo resources
21 September	International Day of Peace (UN)	Promotes global peace and non-violence
22 September	World Rhino Day	Promotes conservation of rhinoceros species
24 September	Antyodaya Diwas	Honors Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s birth anniversary
25 September	World Pharmacists Day	Recognizes role of pharmacists in healthcare
26 September	World Environmental Health Day	Highlights link between environment and public health
28 September	World Rabies Day	Raises awareness to eliminate rabies
30 September	International Translation Day	Honors translators and language professionals

Important Days in October 2026

Important Days in October 2026 highlight non-violence, mental health, and social equality, with key observances like Gandhi Jayanti and World Mental Health Day.

Important Days in October 2026
Date	Important Day	Significance
1 October	International Day of the Older Persons	Promotes dignity, rights, and well-being of senior citizens
2 October	Gandhi Jayanti	Marks birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
2 October	International Day of Non-Violence	Promotes non-violence inspired by Gandhian philosophy
8 October	Indian Air Force Day	Commemorates establishment of Indian Air Force in 1932
9 October	World Postal Day	Highlights role of postal services in communication
10 October	World Mental Health Day	Raises awareness about mental health issues
12 October	Dussehra	Celebrates victory of good over evil
13 October	International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction	Promotes disaster preparedness and resilience
16 October	World Anaesthesia Day	Commemorates first public demonstration of anaesthesia
17 October	International Day for the Eradication of Poverty	Highlights need to end poverty globally
20 October	World Statistics Day	Promotes importance of statistics in development
24 October	United Nations Day	Marks establishment of the United Nations in 1945
31 October	Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day)	Marks birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Important Days in November 2026

Important Days in November 2026 emphasise children’s welfare, science, and social tolerance through Children’s Day and World Science Day. It reflects compassion, education, and equality.

Important Days in November 2026
Date	Important Day	Significance
1 November	Rajyotsava Day (Karnataka Formation Day)	Celebrates formation of Karnataka state in 1956
5 November	World Tsunami Awareness Day	Raises awareness about tsunami risks and preparedness
7 November	National Cancer Awareness Day	Promotes early detection and cancer prevention
9 November	Legal Services Day	Raises awareness about legal aid and justice
11 November	National Education Day	Celebrates birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
12 November	World Pneumonia Day	Raises awareness on pneumonia prevention
14 November	Children’s Day (India)	Celebrates childhood on Jawaharlal Nehru’s birth anniversary
16 November	International Day for Tolerance	Promotes mutual understanding and harmony
17 November	National Epilepsy Day	Raises awareness about epilepsy
19 November	World Toilet Day	Promotes sanitation and hygiene
24 November	Guru Nanak Jayanti	Celebrates birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
25 November	International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women	Raises awareness to end gender-based violence
26 November	Constitution Day of India	Commemorates adoption of Indian Constitution

Important Days in December 2026

Important Days in December 2026 focus on human rights, national pride, and social responsibility, marked by World AIDS Day, Vijay Diwas, and Human Rights Day.

Important Days in December 2026
Date	Important Day	Significance
1 December	World AIDS Day	Raises awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment
2 December	National Pollution Control Day	Commemorates the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and promotes pollution control
4 December	Indian Navy Day	Marks Operation Trident and honours the Indian Navy
5 December	World Soil Day	Highlights importance of soil health for ecosystems
7 December	Armed Forces Flag Day	Supports welfare of Indian armed forces personnel
9 December	International Anti-Corruption Day	Raises awareness against corruption globally
10 December	Human Rights Day	Marks adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
14 December	National Energy Conservation Day	Promotes energy efficiency and conservation in India
16 December	Vijay Diwas	Celebrates India’s victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war
18 December	Minorities Rights Day (India)	Protects constitutional rights of minorities
19 December	Goa’s Liberation Day	Marks Goa’s liberation from Portuguese rule in 1961
22 December	National Mathematics Day	Birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan
23 December	Kisan Diwas	Birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh
24 December	National Consumer Rights Day	Promotes awareness of consumer rights
25 December	Christmas Day	Celebrates birth of Jesus Christ
25 December	National Good Governance Day	Birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Important Days in 2026 FAQs

Q1: What will be celebrated in 2026?

Ans: 2026 will be celebrated with major national, international, cultural, environmental, and awareness days observed throughout the year.

Q2: What is the significance of the year 2026?

Ans: The year 2026 holds importance for global observances, policy milestones, and competitive exam current affairs preparation.

Q3: What are the important days in August 2026 in India?

Ans: Key days include Independence Day (15 August), Quit India Movement Day (8 August), Hiroshima Day (6 August), and National Sports Day (29 August).

Q4: What will happen in year 2026?

Ans: 2026 will witness regular international observances, national commemorations, and scheduled social, environmental, and scientific events worldwide.

Q5: Why should students remember Important Days of 2026?

Ans: Remembering Important Days of 2026 helps students score better in competitive exams and stay aware of national and global issues.

Parts of Indian Constitution, Check All 25 Parts Subject, Key Details

February 1, 2026

The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, originally consisted of 395 Articles, 22 Parts, and 8 Schedules. Over time, through amendments, its scope has expanded to address emerging needs of governance and society. Today, the Constitution contains 448 Articles, 25 Parts, and 12 Schedules.

The Parts of Indian Constitution serve as the backbone, organizing its provisions into broad themes such as fundamental rights, directive principles, governance structure, and emergency provisions. Later additions like Part IXA (Municipalities), Part IXB (Co-operative Societies), and Part XIVA (Tribunals) highlight the evolving nature of constitutional law in India.

It’s also important to note that when new Articles or Parts are inserted, they are numbered alphabetically (like Article 21A) to maintain the document’s structure without disrupting the original sequence.

Parts of Indian Constitution

The Constitution of India is not just a legal document but also the supreme law of the land. It lays down the framework of governance by defining the roles of people in positions of authority and clearly outlining the limitations on their power. At the same time, it secures the rights, powers, procedures, and duties of both the government and the citizens.

What makes it unique is its emphasis on the supremacy of the Constitution itself, rather than the supremacy of the legislature. This ensures that every law and every action of the government remains within the constitutional framework.

To understand this structure better, here’s an overview of the Parts of the Indian Constitution presented in a table:

Parts of Indian Constitution Overview
Particulars	Details
Constitution formed on	26th November 1949
Parts of Indian Constitution Originally	22 Parts
Parts of Indian Constitution at Present	25 Parts
New Parts added in Constitution	Part IX A of the Constitution was inserted by the Constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992. It contains provisions for local self government at the urban level. Part IXB of the Constitution grants constitutional status to co-operative societies and contains provisions for their democratic functioning. It was inserted by the Constitution (97th, Amendment) Act, 2011. Part XIVA of the Indian Constitution provides for the appointment of tribunals for administrative and other disputes. It was not a part of the Constitution of India 1950, but was added by the Constitution (Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1942.

List of Parts of Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution is a written document that serves as the supreme law of the land. It was drafted by the Constituent Assembly, with key contributions from leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Rajendra Prasad, and Jawaharlal Nehru, and came into effect on January 26, 1950.

To ensure clarity and proper governance, the Constitution is divided into distinct sections that address specific subjects. Over time, it has expanded and now consists of 25 Parts, each focusing on different aspects of governance, rights, and duties.

List of Parts of Indian Constitution
Parts and Subject	Articles
Part I - The Union and its Territories	1 - 4
Part II - Citizenship	5 -11
Part III - Fundamental Rights	12 - 35
Part IV - Directive Principles of State Policy	36 - 51
Part IV A - Fundamental Duties	51A
Part V - The Union	52 - 151
Part VI - The States	152 - 237
Part VII - The States in Part B of First Schedule	238 [Repealed]
Part VIII - The Union Territories	239 - 242
Part IX - The Panchayats	243 - 243O
Part IXA - The Municipalities	243P - 243ZG
Part IXB - The Co-operative Societies	243ZH - 243ZT
Part X - The Scheduled and Tribal Areas	244 - 244A
Part XI - Relation between the Union and the States	245 - 263
Part XII - Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits	264 - 300A
Part XIII - Trade, Commerce and Intercourse within the territory of India	301 - 307
Part XIV - Services Under the Union and the States	308 - 323
Part XIVA - Tribunals	323A - 323B
Part XV - Elections	324 - 329A
Part XVI - Special provisions relating to certain classes	330 - 342
Part XVII - Official language	343 - 351
Part XVIII - Emergency Provisions	352 - 360
Part XIX - Miscellaneous	361 - 367
Part XX - Amendment of the Constitution	368
Part XXI - Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions	369 - 392
Part XXII - Short Title, Commencement, Authoritative Text in Hindi and Repeals	393 - 395

Parts of Indian Constitution Details

The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the land. It was adopted on 26 January 1950 and originally contained 395 Articles, 22 Parts, and 8 Schedules. Today, through amendments, it has expanded to 448 Articles, 25 Parts, and 12 Schedules.

Each Part of the Constitution deals with a specific subject - from Union and State structures to rights, duties, emergency provisions, and governance frameworks.

Parts of Indian Constitution Details
Part	Articles Covered	Subject / Theme	Brief Explanation
Part I	Articles 1 - 4	The Union and its Territory	Defines India as a Union of States; regulates formation of new states and alteration of boundaries.
Part II	Articles 5 - 11	Citizenship	Lays down provisions for citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution and rules for acquisition/termination.
Part III	Articles 12 - 35	Fundamental Rights	Guarantees six categories of Fundamental Rights to citizens, inspired by the US Bill of Rights.
Part IV	Articles 36 - 51	Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)	Guidelines for the State to establish a just society; non-justiciable but fundamental to governance.
Part IVA	Article 51A	Fundamental Duties	Lists 11 duties of citizens, added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) on recommendation of Swaran Singh Committee.
Part V	Articles 52 - 151	The Union	Deals with the Union Government - Executive (President, PM, Council of Ministers), Parliament, and Judiciary.
Part VI	Articles 153 - 237	The States	Deals with State Governments - Governors, State Legislature, and High Courts.
Part VII	[Repealed]	States in Part B	Dealt with Part B states; repealed by the 7th Amendment (1956).
Part VIII	Articles 239 - 242	Union Territories	Provides for administration of Union Territories by the President through Administrators.
Part IX	Articles 243 - 243O	The Panchayats	Establishes Panchayati Raj system (73rd Amendment, 1992) for rural local self-government.
Part IXA	Articles 243P - 243ZG	The Municipalities	Establishes urban local bodies (74th Amendment, 1992) with structure, powers, and responsibilities.
Part IXB	Articles 243ZH - 243ZT	Co-operative Societies	Provides for regulation and management of co-operatives (97th Amendment, 2011).
Part X	Articles 244 - 244A	Scheduled and Tribal Areas	Deals with administration of Scheduled Areas (Fifth Schedule) and Tribal Areas (Sixth Schedule).
Part XI	Articles 245 - 263	Relations between the Union and States	Lays down legislative, administrative, and financial relations between the Centre and States.
Part XII	Articles 264 - 300A	Finance, Property, Contracts, and Suits	Covers distribution of revenues, borrowing powers, property rights, and legal suits involving government.
Part XIII	Articles 301 - 307	Trade, Commerce, and Intercourse	Ensures freedom of trade and commerce across India; modeled on Australian Constitution.
Part XIV	Articles 308 - 323	Services under Union and States	Covers recruitment, conditions of service, and role of Public Service Commissions.
Part XIVA	Articles 323A - 323B	Tribunals	Provides for Administrative Tribunals and other tribunals for speedy justice (42nd Amendment, 1976).
Part XV	Articles 324 - 329A	Elections	Deals with conduct of elections; empowers Election Commission of India.
Part XVI	Articles 330 - 342	Special Provisions for Certain Classes	Safeguards for SCs, STs, and Anglo-Indians, including reservation of seats.
Part XVII	Articles 343 - 351	Official Language	Declares Hindi in Devanagari script as official language; provides for use of English and development of regional languages.
Part XVIII	Articles 352 - 360	Emergency Provisions	Provides for National Emergency, President’s Rule, and Financial Emergency.
Part XIX	Articles 361 - 367	Miscellaneous	Covers protection of President/Governors, privy purses, interpretation of Constitution, etc.
Part XX	Article 368	Amendment of the Constitution	Provides the procedure for constitutional amendments - flexible yet rigid.
Part XXI	Articles 369 - 392	Temporary, Transitional, and Special Provisions	Deals with temporary and special provisions for certain states and union territories.
Part XXII	Articles 393 - 395	Short title, Commencement, Authoritative Text, Repeals	Specifies short title, date of commencement, authoritative text in Hindi, and repeals of previous laws.

Parts of Indian Constitution FAQs

Q1: Are there 22 or 25 parts in the Indian Constitution?

Ans: Originally, the Constitution had 22 parts, but after subsequent amendments and additions, it now has 25 parts.

Q2: Why is part 7 removed?

Ans: Part 7 dealt with Part-B states. After the 7th Constitutional Amendment, 1956, Part-B states were merged with others, making this part redundant, so it was repealed.

Q3: What is part 8 of the Indian Constitution?

Ans: Part 8 (Articles 239-242) deals with Union Territories, their administration, governance, and special provisions.

Q4: What are the articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 of the Constitution?

Ans: Article 1 - India, that is Bharat, is a Union of States, Article 2 - Admission/establishment of new States, Article 3 - Formation of new States and alteration of areas/boundaries, Article 4 - Laws under Articles 2 & 3 not amendments under Article 368, Article 5 - Citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution.

Q5: How to remember 25 parts of the Indian Constitution?

Ans: Use a mnemonic chain technique. For example: “The Union’s State Needs Citizenship, Directive Policies, Emergency Provisions, Panchayati Raj, Tribunals...” linking each part in order with keywords.

Important Days in January 2026, National and International Days List

February 1, 2026

January is one of the most important months in the calendar year, especially for India. It marks new beginnings and includes major national festivals, international observances, and awareness days related to education, youth, technology, human rights, and public health. Important Days in January 2026 highlight Cultural Diversity of India through festivals like Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu, along with global observances such as World Braille Day and International Day of Education.

Important Days in January 2026

January 2026 includes several national and international days that are officially recognized for their historical, cultural, educational, and social importance. These days either have a strong impact on Indian society or are observed worldwide to spread awareness on global issues. They are crucial and help to understand history, values and social responsibilities.

List of Important Days in January 2026

The complete list of Important Days in January 2026 has been tabulated below:

Important Days in January 2026
Date	Day	Event	Significance
January 1	Thursday	New Year’s Day, Global Family Day	Marks the beginning of the new year and promotes peace and family unity worldwide.
January 4	Sunday	World Braille Day	Raises awareness about Braille and the rights of visually impaired people.
January 6	Tuesday	World Day of War Orphans	Focuses on the challenges faced by children affected by war.
January 9	Friday	Pravasi Bharatiya Divas	Celebrates the contribution of Non-Resident Indians to India’s development.
January 10	Saturday	World Hindi Day	Promotes the global use and recognition of the Hindi language.
January 12	Monday	National Youth Day (India)	Birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, inspiring youth empowerment.
January 13	Tuesday	Lohri	Marks the end of winter and is celebrated mainly in Punjab.
January 14	Wednesday	Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu	Celebrates harvest and the sun’s northward movement.
January 15	Thursday	Indian Army Day	Honors the bravery and service of the Indian Army.
January 16	Friday	National Startup Day (India)	Recognizes innovation and startup culture in India.
January 18	Sunday	World Religion Day	Encourages unity and understanding among all religions.
January 23	Friday	Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti	Birth anniversary of a great freedom fighter and leader.
January 24	Saturday	International Day of Education, National Girl Child Day (India)	Highlights education and the importance of the girl child.
January 25	Sunday	National Tourism Day, National Voters’ Day (India)	Promotes tourism and democratic participation.
January 25	Last Sunday	World Leprosy Day	Spreads awareness about leprosy and ending discrimination.
January 26	Monday	Republic Day (India), International Customs Day	Celebrates adoption of the Indian Constitution.
January 27	Tuesday	International Holocaust Remembrance Day	Remembers victims of the Holocaust.
January 28	Wednesday	Data Privacy Day	Raises awareness about personal data protection.
January 30	Friday	Martyr’s Day/ Shaheed Diwas	Observed in memory of Mahatma Gandhi.

Major Important Days in January 2026 Explained

The significance and relevance of the days that fall in the month of January 2026 has been described below:

January 1 - New Year’s Day and Global Family Day

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of a new calendar year and is celebrated across the world. People welcome the year with hope, new goals, and resolutions. The same day is also observed as Global Family Day, which promotes peace, unity, and love among families and communities worldwide.

January 4 - World Braille Day

World Braille Day highlights the importance of Braille as a communication tool for people who are blind or visually impaired. It reminds society that access to information is a basic human right and supports inclusive education.

January 9 - Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas honors the contribution of Indians living abroad. It is observed on this day because Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915. The day recognizes the role of the Indian diaspora in national growth.

January 12 - National Youth Day

National Youth Day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The day inspires young people to follow his teachings on self confidence, discipline, and service to the nation. Schools and colleges organize motivational programs on this day.

January 13 - Lohri

Lohri is a popular winter festival in Punjab and northern India. It celebrates the harvest season and the end of cold winter days. People light bonfires, sing folk songs, and share traditional food.

January 14 - Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu

This day marks the sun’s transition into the Makar rashi. It is celebrated across India under different names. Makar Sankranti symbolizes new beginnings, Pongal honors farmers in Tamil Nadu, and Magh Bihu marks the harvest festival in Assam.

January 15 - Indian Army Day

Indian Army Day pays tribute to the soldiers who protect the nation. It commemorates the day when Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949.

January 23 - Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti

This day marks the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a fearless leader of India’s freedom struggle. He is remembered for his leadership of the Indian National Army and his slogan “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom.”

January 24 - International Day of Education and National Girl Child Day

The International Day of Education highlights the role of education in building a better future. National Girl Child Day in India focuses on girls’ rights, education, and equality.

January 26 - Republic Day

Republic Day is one of India’s most important national festivals. It celebrates the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950. The grand parade in New Delhi showcases India’s cultural diversity and military strength.

January 30 - Martyrs’ Day

Martyrs’ Day or Shaheed Diwas is observed on the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. It honors all freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence. Silence is observed nationwide in remembrance.

Important Days in January 2026 FAQs

Q1: Why is January an important month in India?

Ans: January includes Republic Day, harvest festivals and national observances related to youth, education, and national unity.

Q2: Which is the most important National Day in January?

Ans: Republic Day on January 26 is the most important National Day in January in India.

Q3: Why is National Youth Day celebrated on January 12?

Ans: It marks the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and inspires youth empowerment.

Q4: What festivals are celebrated on January 14?

Ans: Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu are celebrated on January 14 across India.

Q5: What is the purpose of World Braille Day?

Ans: World Braille Day promotes awareness about Braille and supports the rights of visually impaired individuals.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by Election Commission, Significance, Challenges

February 1, 2026

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a strategic exercise by the Election Commission of India (ECI) aimed at thoroughly updating, verifying and correcting the voter lists across India. While routine roll updates happen annually, SIR is a far more comprehensive, time-bound house-to-house verification drive, often preceding major elections. Its goal is to ensure that the electoral roll is accurate, inclusive and free from errors such as duplicates, deceased voters, or ineligible entries.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

SIR refers to a large-scale, intensive revision of electoral rolls by the Election Commission of India under its constitutional and statutory powers. Usually triggered in anticipation of high-stakes elections or when the rolls have remained largely unchanged for years, the SIR involves steps such as fresh enumeration forms, house-to-house verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs), document verification of voters, deletion of ineligible entries, and inclusion of those omitted. The SIR 2025 in Bihar, where more than 8 crore voters were to be re-verified, is the latest example. Key facts:

The legal basis lies in Article 324 of the Constitution (superintendence, direction and control of elections) and Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which allows the Commission to carry out “special revision of the electoral roll.”
The objective is to include every eligible citizen (18+ years) and to remove duplicates, deceased persons, ineligible entries and correct errors like wrong names or addresses.
It is not simply a summary revision but combines features of a full enumeration (intensive revision) and summary updates, hence the nomenclature “Special Intensive”.

Special Intensive Revision Significance

The SIR exercise offers multiple benefits for democracy and electoral integrity:

Reduces ghost voters and multiple registrations: By removing duplicate entries, the fairness of elections improves.
Reflects demographic changes: Large-scale migration, new elector entrants, and urbanization distort old rolls; SIR addresses this.
Improves inclusion of marginalised groups: Young voters, internal migrants, disabled voters get properly registered.
Strengthens transparency and trust: When voters feel the list is updated and inclusive, public confidence in the system increases.
Facilitates efficient polling logistics: Clean rolls help better planning: fewer spoiled ballots, accurate polling station allocation (as seen in Jaipur creation of new booths).

Special Intensive Revision Objectives

The major objectives of conducting a Special Intensive Revision are:

Accuracy: To update and correct the electoral roll so that duplicate names, deceased voters, and ineligible persons are removed.
Inclusion: To ensure that all eligible citizens, including first-time voters, migrants, and those omitted earlier, are included in the voter list.
Legitimacy: To strengthen public trust in elections by cleansing rolls and thereby reinforcing the “one person, one vote” principle.
Demographic adjustment: With increasing migration (rural→urban), changing residencies, newly eligible voters (18+), SIR helps the roll reflect ground realities.
Pre-election readiness: Especially before major Assembly or Lok Sabha elections, a clean roll reduces litigations and helps smooth polling operations.

Special Intensive Revision Legal Framework

The legal and constitutional basis for SIR is critical for understanding its authority and challenges:

Article 324 (1): Grants the ECI superintendence, direction and control of elections to Parliament and State Legislatures.
Article 326: Guarantees adult suffrage to all citizens aged 18+ for elections to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
Representation of the People Act, 1950, Section 16 and 19: Sets out criteria for voter eligibility (citizen, 18+, ordinary resident). Section 21(3) empowers the ECI to order special roll revision.
Registration of Electors Rules, 1960: Specifies procedures for enrolment, revision, etc. Some legal commentators note that the term “Special Intensive Revision” itself is not explicitly present in the Rulebook, raising questions of nomenclature and procedural clarity.

Special Intensive Revision Process

The SIR process involves several distinct phases and features which differentiate it from routine roll updates:

Notification & Planning: The ECI issues notification specifying qualifying date (e.g., July 1, 2025 in Bihar).
House-to-House Enumeration: BLOs visit every house in assigned polling booth area and distribute pre-filled “Enumeration Forms” to existing electors and new eligible persons.
Submission of Documents: For voters enrolled after a certain past date (e.g., Jan 2003 in Bihar SIR) proof of date/place of birth and parentage is required. This is stricter than earlier frameworks.
Verification & Deletions/ Additions: EROs scrutinise the submissions, identify deaths, duplicates, migration, ineligible voters and remove them; simultaneously new inclusions are processed. For example in Jaipur, 741 new polling booths were to be created under SIR to accommodate changes.
Draft Publication & Objections: A draft roll is published, objections entertained, grievance redressal mechanism applied. The Supreme Court directed ECI to publish details of deleted names in the Bihar SIR litigation.
Final Roll & Freeze: The final roll is constituted and frozen for ensuing election. Additions/deletions after that are restricted to special cases.

Special Intensive Revision Features

The key features of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has been listed below:

Focus on every household rather than selective updates.
Time-bound completion preceding major elections.
Special emphasis on migrants, youth, and excluded electorates.
Integration of digital tools, SMS alerts, online enumeration portals.
Stronger document verification for entries added post last intensive revision.

Bihar SIR 2025

The SIR exercise launched in Bihar in mid-2025 offers concrete insights and lessons. This case underlines both the scale and complexity of SIR. It also highlights the balancing act between thoroughness of revision and inclusivity of electoral participation.

The ECI notified SIR with the qualifying date 1 July 2025, marking all citizens turning 18 by 1 October 2025 as eligible for inclusion.
More than 8 crore voters were subject to enumeration; BLOs and 4 lakh volunteers were mobilised.
The process required voters registered after Jan 2003 to provide proof of their name, birth date and parent’s details. This was stricter than past editions of intensive revision.
The Supreme Court directed the ECI to publish details of deletions and make it widely known via websites and media.
As part of booth rationalisation, districts such as Jaipur created hundreds of new polling stations under SIR to avoid over-crowding.

Uttar Pradesh SIR 2026

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has published the draft electoral roll for Uttar Pradesh following the recently completed Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026, marking one of the most extensive voter list overhauls in the state ahead of upcoming elections. Out of the total 15.44 crore registered voters in Uttar Pradesh, the names of 12.55 crore voters have been retained in the draft electoral roll after the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

The reasons for this Uttar Pradesh Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 have been listed below.

Death of the voter as verified through field checks and official records
Permanent migration of voters to other states or constituencies
Duplicate or multiple entries detected in the electoral roll
Voters found to be untraceable or not residing at the given address during verification
Ineligible entries due to age-related discrepancies or incorrect details
Failure to submit required documents or verification forms during the SIR process

Special Intensive Revision Challenges

While SIR is conceptually sound, its implementation has raised serious concerns:

Risk of disenfranchisement: The demand for additional documents (especially for post-2003 entries) may exclude legitimate voters lacking birth or parentage proof. Critics argue that this risks excluding the poor, migrants and marginalised groups.
Timing before elections: Conducting a full-scale revision just before a major election may create confusion, logistic issues, and allegations of bias. For example, state parties asked for clarity that SIR is not a citizenship verification exercise.
Terminology & procedural clarity: The term “Special Intensive Revision” is not explicitly mentioned in existing rules, leading to questions about legal basis and consistency.
Resource and staffing constraints: House-to-house enumeration at scale demands huge human and technological resources, field officials have flagged shortages.
Digital divide and accessibility: Rural, remote, migrant or low-literate citizens may be disadvantaged in online enumeration or document submission.
Political objections and litigations: Some opposition parties allege SIR may be used to manipulate voter lists for favourable outcomes. For example, the Supreme Court is hearing a PIL (Association for Democratic Reforms vs ECI) challenging the 2025 Bihar SIR.

Way Forward:

Given the importance and complexity of SIR, a set of reforms can help strengthen its outcomes:

Define clear legal guidelines: While Section 21(3) of RP Act provides power, transparent guidelines on document requirements, timeline and inclusion criteria can reduce disputes and litigations.
Ensure minimal documentation barrier: Maintain presumption of validity for earlier registered voters; avoid blanket demands of new proof unless probable cause exists.
Use technology to streamline the process: Mobile apps for enumeration, GIS mapping of premises, online grievance portals for exclusion/delayed enrolment can enhance efficiency and reduce errors.
Inclusion focus: Special camps for migrants, disabled, first-time voters; mass awareness campaigns in multiple languages; mobile verification vehicles in remote areas.
Stakeholder consultation: Political parties, civil society organisations, tribal and migrant groups must be consulted to detect potential exclusion and build confidence in the exercise.
Real-time monitoring & public disclosure: Publishing lists of deleted/included names, reasons for deletion, leveraging transparency to reduce fear of disenfranchisement.
Post-roll audit & feedback mechanism: Conduct sample audits after the roll is finalised to verify inclusion of marginalised groups, and correct omissions before polling.
Synchronise with delimitation and polling station rationalisation: Changes in constituency boundaries, migration flows, and new polling station creation (as seen in Jaipur) must be integrated into SIR design.

SIR Election Commission

The Election Commission of India (ECI) plays a central role in planning and executing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). It issues formal notifications specifying the schedule, qualifying date, and procedures for enumeration. The ECI also supervises the house-to-house verification, document scrutiny, and final roll publication. Through its constitutional authority under Article 324, the Commission ensures that every eligible citizen is included and every error or duplicate is eliminated from the voter roll.

Chief Electoral Officer

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of each state or union territory is responsible for implementing SIR on the ground. Acting under the guidance of the Election Commission, the CEO coordinates with District Election Officers, Electoral Registration Officers, and Booth Level Officers. The CEO ensures timely data collection, field verification, training of staff, public awareness drives, and transparent grievance redressal during the revision. Their reports form the basis for ECI’s final electoral roll approval.

Special Intensive Revision UPSC

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched the next phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 states and Union Territories, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and Puducherry, ahead of upcoming Assembly elections. The process begins on November 4, 2025, covering over 51 crore voters, with the final roll to be released on February 7, 2026. Voters must prove eligibility using one of 13 documents, including the Aadhaar card, a provision introduced after procedural reforms during the Bihar SIR. States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala have sought clarifications, citing concerns over large-scale voter verification. Meanwhile, Assam has been excluded due to the ongoing NRC exercise, making this one of India’s largest voter verification drives since 2002.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) FAQs

Q1: What is Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?

Ans: SIR is a large-scale voter roll verification process conducted by the Election Commission to update and correct the electoral list.

Q2: Why is Special Intensive Revision important before elections?

Ans: It ensures fair and accurate elections by removing duplicate or ineligible entries and adding newly eligible voters to the list.

Q3: Who conducts Special Intensive Revision in each state?

Ans: The Chief Electoral Officer and local election officers conduct SIR under the supervision of the Election Commission of India.

Q4: What documents are required for SIR verification?

Ans: Voters may need to provide proof of age, address, and parentage, especially for registrations after 2003.

Q5: What are the major challenges in Special Intensive Revision?

Ans: Challenges include risk of voter exclusion, documentation barriers, limited staff, and digital accessibility issues in remote areas.

Republic Day 2026, Chief Guest, Theme, History, Significance

February 1, 2026

India celebrates Republic Day every year on 26 January to mark the historic day when the Constitution of India came into force in 1950, transforming the nation into a sovereign democratic republic. Republic Day 2026 will mark the 77th anniversary of the Republic of India and holds immense constitutional, political, and cultural importance for citizens

Republic Day 2026

Republic Day 2026 will be celebrated across the country with patriotism, discipline, and national pride. The main celebration takes place at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, featuring a grand parade that showcases India’s military strength, cultural diversity, technological achievements, and federal unity.

Schools, colleges, government institutions, and Indian missions abroad also observe the day by hoisting the national flag, singing the national anthem, and organizing cultural programs.

Why is Republic Day 2026 celebrated?

Republic Day 2026 is celebrated to commemorate the adoption and implementation of the Indian Constitution on 26 January 1950. Although India attained independence on 15 August 1947, it did not have a permanent constitution until 1950.

The date 26 January was deliberately chosen to honor the Purna Swaraj Declaration of 1929 at Lahore Session on December 19, 1929, when the Indian National Congress proclaimed complete independence from British rule. Republic Day symbolizes:

Supremacy of the Constitution
Rule of law
Democratic governance
Equality, liberty, and justice for all citizens

Republic Day 2026 Chief Guests

The Chief Guests for India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026 will be the top leadership of the European Union, namely Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council. Their presence reflects a significant deepening of India–EU strategic and diplomatic relations. The EU leaders will be on an official visit to India from 25 to 27 January 2026, during which they will also co-chair the 16th India–EU Summit, underscoring growing cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, security, and global governance.

Other leaders across various countries will also be invited to participate in India’s Republic Day 2026 celebration.

Beating Retreat Ceremony 2026

The Beating Retreat Ceremony 2026 is a solemn and dignified tradition that formally concludes the Republic Day 2026 celebrations. The ceremony embodies national pride and India’s military heritage, showcased against the majestic setting of Vijay Chowk in New Delhi.

Republic Day 2026 Theme

The Republic Day 2026 theme continues to echo India’s long-term national vision of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and “Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka” (India – The Mother of Democracy). These themes underscore India’s commitment to achieving comprehensive development by 2047 while reaffirming its deep-rooted democratic traditions that date back to ancient times.

The spirit of these themes is vividly showcased through tableaux presented by States, Union Territories, and central Ministries, highlighting governance reforms, cultural heritage, technological progress, and inclusive growth.

Republic Day History

Lahore Session of the INC (1929): The Indian National Congress, at its historic Lahore Session on 19 December 1929 under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, formally adopted the resolution of Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence), rejecting dominion status under British rule.
Proclamation of Complete Independence: The Purna Swaraj resolution declared that British rule in India was illegitimate and affirmed the Indian people’s inalienable right to self-governance and sovereignty.
Observance of Independence Day Before 1947: Between 1930 and 1947, 26 January was observed as Independence Day by freedom fighters across India, with public meetings, oath-taking ceremonies, and hoisting of the tricolour.
Formation of the Constituent Assembly (1946): The Constituent Assembly of India was constituted in December 1946 to draft a permanent constitution for independent India, representing diverse regions, communities, and political ideologies.
Adoption of the Constitution (1949): After nearly 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days of deliberations, the Constitution of India was adopted on 26 November 1949, establishing the :framework of governance and fundamental values.
Choice of 26 January as Republic Day: The date 26 January 1950 was chosen for the enforcement of the Constitution to honor the historic Purna Swaraj resolution of 1930, linking constitutional governance with the freedom struggle.
India Becomes a Republic (1950): On 26 January 1950, the Constitution came into force, India officially became a Sovereign Democratic Republic, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as the first President of India.
First Republic Day Celebration: The first Republic Day parade was held at Rajpath (now Kartavya Path), New Delhi, symbolizing the transfer of power from colonial rule to the people of India through constitutional democracy.
Evolution of Republic Day Celebrations: Over the decades, Republic Day celebrations have evolved to showcase India’s military strength, cultural diversity, technological progress, and federal unity, making it a powerful symbol of national integration.
Constitutional and Democratic Legacy: Republic Day serves as an annual reminder of the supremacy of the Constitution, the rule of law, and the commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the Preamble.

Role of the Constitution in Strengthening Indian Democracy

The Constitution of India establishes India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic, ensuring that ultimate authority rests with the people, which is the foundation of democratic governance.
It provides Universal Adult Franchise, granting voting rights to all citizens above 18 years of age, enabling political equality and mass participation regardless of caste, gender, religion, or economic status.
The Constitution guarantees Fundamental Rights (Articles 12–35), including equality before law, freedom of speech and expression, and protection against discrimination, empowering citizens to actively participate in democracy.
It enshrines the Rule of Law, ensuring that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are subject to the Constitution, thereby preventing arbitrary exercise of power.
An independent judiciary with powers of judicial review safeguards the Constitution, protects citizens’ rights, and acts as a check on the legislature and executive.
The principle of separation of powers among the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary creates a system of checks and balances, strengthening accountability and preventing concentration of power.
The federal structure divides powers between the Union and the States through the Seventh Schedule, allowing democratic governance at multiple levels while maintaining national unity.
The Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) guide the state to achieve social and economic justice, helping transform political democracy into a welfare-oriented democracy.
Constitutional bodies such as the Election Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), Finance Commission, and UPSC ensure free elections, financial transparency, and administrative neutrality.
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992) strengthened grassroots democracy by empowering Panchayats and Municipalities, bringing governance closer to the people.
Provisions for reservation and affirmative action for SCs, STs, OBCs, women, and minorities promote inclusive representation and social justice in democratic institutions.

Republic Day Awards and Civil Honours

Republic Day Awards and Civil Honours recognize individuals for exceptional service and achievements in fields such as public service, arts, science, social work, sports, and national security, reflecting the nation’s gratitude and constitutional values.

Civilian Awards (Highest Honours):

Bharat Ratna – India’s highest civilian award for exceptional service in art, literature, science, or public service; a maximum of three awards per year
Padma Vibhushan – Conferred for exceptional and distinguished service
Padma Bhushan – Awarded for distinguished service of a high order
Padma Shri – Given for distinguished service in any field

Gallantry and Service Awards (Police and Forces):

President’s Police Medal (PPM) – For distinguished service
Police Medal (PM) for Gallantry – For acts of exceptional bravery
Police Medal (PM) for Meritorious Service – For sustained dedication and service
Fire Services, Home Guards, and Correctional Services Awards – For bravery and distinguished service

Other Important Awards:

Jeevan Raksha Padak – For acts of courage and life-saving by civilians
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar – For children showing exceptional achievement and bravery

Republic Day 2026 Significance

Republic Day 2026 marks the celebration of India’s constitutional governance and reaffirms the ideals of sovereignty, democracy, and rule of law as the nation progresses through the Amrit Kaal towards a developed India by 2047.

Celebrates the enforcement of the Indian Constitution (26 January 1950)
Reinforces democratic values and constitutional morality
Highlights unity in diversity and national integration
Showcases India’s defence strength and cultural heritage
Inspires citizens to uphold fundamental rights and duties

Republic Day 2026 FAQs

Q1: When is Republic Day 2026 celebrated?

Ans: Republic Day 2026 is celebrated on 26 January 2026.

Q2: Why is 26 January important in Indian history?

Ans: 26 January marks both the Purna Swaraj Declaration (1930) and the enforcement of the Constitution (1950).

Q3: Who drafted the Indian Constitution?

Ans: The Constitution was drafted by the Constituent Assembly, with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as Chairman of the Drafting Committee.

Q4: What is the significance of the Republic Day parade?

Ans: The parade showcases India’s military strength, cultural diversity, and developmental progress.

Q5: Which awards are announced on Republic Day?

Ans: Major awards include Padma Awards, Bharat Ratna, and Gallantry Awards.

Important Days in December 2025, National and International Days List

February 1, 2026

Many Important Days in December 2025 are celebrated in India and around the world. These days focus on raising awareness, remembering events, and honoring people. From World AIDS Day and Human Rights Day to Christmas and New Year’s Eve, each day is special. Celebrating these days helps people learn, remember, and take part in important causes.

List of Important Days in December 2025

Here is the List of Important Days in December 2025, tabulated below. These days help in spreading knowledge and encourage participation in social, cultural, and global initiatives.

List of Important Days in December 2025
Date	Event
1 December	World AIDS Day
2 December	National Pollution Control Day
2 December	International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
2 December	World Computer Literacy Day
3 December	World Day of the Handicapped / International Day of Persons with Disabilities
4 December	Indian Navy Day
5 December	International Volunteer Day
5 December	World Soil Day
6 December	B.R. Ambedkar’s Death Anniversary
6 December	National Microwave Oven Day
7 December	Armed Forces Flag Day
7 December	International Civil Aviation Day
8 December	Bodhi Day
9 December	International Anti-Corruption Day
10 December	Human Rights Day
10 December	Death Anniversary of Alfred Nobel
11 December	International Mountain Day
11 December	UNICEF Day
12 December	Universal Health Coverage Day
13 December	National Horse Day
13 December	U.S. National Guard Birthday
14 December	National Energy Conservation Day
14 December	Hanukkah Beginning
16 December	Vijay Diwas
18 December	Minorities Rights Day in India
18 December	International Migrants Day
19 December	Goa Liberation Day
20 December	International Human Solidarity Day
21 December	Blue Christmas
21 December	December Solstice
22 December	National Mathematics Day
23 December	Kisan Diwas / National Farmers’ Day
24 December	National Consumer Rights Day
24 December	DMRC Foundation Day
25 December	Christmas Day
25 December	Good Governance Day (India)
26 December	Veer Bal Diwas
26 December	Boxing Day
27 December	International Day of Epidemic Preparedness
29 December	International Cello Day
31 December	New Year's Eve

Important Days in December 2025 Details

1 December - World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is observed every year on 1 December to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, support people living with HIV, and remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses. It was first celebrated in 1988, and the 2025 theme is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.”

2 December - National Pollution Control Day

National Pollution Control Day is observed every year on 2 December in India to raise awareness about the harmful effects of pollution on the environment and human health. It also honors the memory of those who lost their lives in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984 and emphasizes the importance of pollution prevention and sustainable environmental practices.

2 December - International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed every year on 2 December to raise awareness about modern forms of slavery, including human trafficking, forced labor, and child marriage. It highlights global efforts to end exploitation and protect human rights. The day also commemorates the adoption of the UN Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons in 1949.

2 December- World Computer Literacy Day

This day is observed on 2 December each year to promote digital skills and computer literacy worldwide. It aims to bridge the digital divide.

3 December - World Day of the Handicapped / International Day of Persons with Disabilities

World Day of the Handicapped / International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed every year on 3 December. This day aims to promote awareness, understanding, and support for people with disabilities. It highlights the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in all aspects of society.

4 December- Indian Navy Day

Every year on 4 December, Navy Day is observed to recognise the achievements of the Indian Navy. This day was chosen as on that day in 1971, during Operation Trident, including the 1971 Indo-Pak war operations.

5 December - International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day is observed every year on 5 December to recognise and promote the invaluable contributions of volunteers worldwide. It encourages people to engage in voluntary service, support communities, and foster social development and solidarity.

5 December - World Soil Day

World Soil Day is observed every year on 5 December to emphasise the crucial role of healthy soil in food security, ecosystems, and human well-being. It was proposed by the International Union of Soil Sciences in 2002 and officially adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2014.

6 December - B.R. Ambedkar’s Death Anniversary

December 6, observed as Mahaparinirvan Diwas, commemorates Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. The day honors his contributions as a social reformer and his lifelong advocacy for equality and justice.

6 December- National Microwave Oven Day

National Microwave Oven Day is observed annually on 6 December to celebrate the invention of the microwave oven and its revolutionary impact on modern cooking. The microwave oven, invented by Percy Spencer in 1945, transformed meal preparation.

7 December- Armed Forces Flag Day

Armed Forces Flag Day is observed in India on 7 December to honor the bravery of soldiers and martyrs who protect the nation. Funds are also collected from the public to support ex-servicemen and their families.

7 December - International Civil Aviation Day

Observed worldwide on 7 December, this day highlights the importance of civil aviation in connecting people, boosting economies, and supporting international trade.

8 December - Bodhi Day

Bodhi Day is celebrated on 8 December to honor Gautam Buddha and his teachings. It marks the day Buddha attained enlightenment and is observed in many countries with meditation and reflection.

9 December - International Anti-Corruption Day

This day is observed on 9 December to raise awareness about corruption and its harmful effects on society, governance, development, and equality.

10 December - Human Rights Day

Celebrated on 10 December, Human Rights Day marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. It promotes the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms for all people.

10 December - Death Anniversary of Alfred Nobel

Alfred Nobel, inventor of dynamite and founder of the Nobel Prizes, passed away on 10 December 1896. He is remembered for his scientific contributions and the prestigious awards established in his name.

11 December - International Mountain Day

Observed on 11 December, this day educates people about the importance of mountains in providing water, food, clean energy, and recreation.

11 December - UNICEF Day

UNICEF Day is observed on 11 December to recognize the efforts of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund in protecting children worldwide.

12 December - Universal Health Coverage Day

Observed on 12 December, this day promotes awareness about strong health systems and universal health coverage to ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare.

13 December - National Horse Day

In the U.S., 13 December celebrates National Horse Day to honor the contributions of horses to culture, history, and the economy.

13 December - U.S. National Guard Birthday

The U.S. National Guard celebrates its birthday on 13 December to mark its establishment in 1636 and its role in national defense and emergency support.

14 December - National Energy Conservation Day

Observed on 14 December in India, this day promotes awareness about saving energy and using it efficiently in daily life.

14 December - Hanukkah Beginning

Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, begins on 14 December this year. It celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem with menorah lighting, games, and festive meals.

16 December - Vijay Diwas

Vijay Diwas is observed on 16 December in India to honor the martyrs of the 1971 war and celebrate the country’s victory.

18 December - Minorities Rights Day in India

This day is observed on 18 December to promote the rights and safety of minority communities through campaigns and awareness programs.

18 December - International Migrants Day

International Migrants Day is observed on 18 December to raise awareness about migrant rights and remember those who lost their lives seeking safety.

19 December - Goa Liberation Day

Goa Liberation Day on 19 December marks the end of Portuguese rule in 1961 and celebrates the role of the Indian armed forces in freeing Goa.

20 December - International Human Solidarity Day

Observed on 20 December, this day highlights the importance of unity in diversity and encourages people to fight poverty, hunger, and disease together.

21 December - Blue Christmas

Blue Christmas, observed around 21 December, offers support to people who find the holiday season difficult, especially during the longest night of the year.

21 December - December Solstice

The December Solstice on 21 December marks the start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere, with the shortest day and longest night in the north.

21 December - World Saree Day

World Saree Day is celebrated on 21 December to honor the elegance and cultural significance of the traditional Indian saree.

22 December - National Mathematics Day

Observed on 22 December, this day commemorates the birth anniversary of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan and his contributions to mathematics.

23 December - Kisan Diwas / National Farmers’ Day

Kisan Diwas is celebrated on 23 December to honor farmers and the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. Events focus on agriculture and farming education.

24 December - National Consumer Rights Day

Observed on 24 December, this day raises awareness about consumer rights and the importance of protecting them under the Consumer Protection Act.

24 December - DMRC Foundation Day

DMRC Foundation Day on 24 December commemorates the inauguration of the Delhi Metro’s Red Line in 2002, marking a milestone in India’s urban transport.

24 December - Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve, on 24 December, is the evening before Christmas Day, celebrated with family gatherings, prayers, and festive traditions.

25 December - Christmas Day

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ on 25 December, observed worldwide with joy, gifts, and religious ceremonies.

25 December - Good Governance Day (India)

Observed on 25 December, Good Governance Day honors the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and promotes accountability and transparency in governance.

26 December - Veer Bal Diwas

Veer Bal Diwas on 26 December pays tribute to the courage of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s four sons who sacrificed their lives for their faith.

26 December - Boxing Day

Boxing Day, on 26 December, is traditionally a day to give gifts and money to service workers and celebrate post-Christmas generosity.

27 December - International Day of Epidemic Preparedness

Observed on 27 December, this day raises awareness about epidemic preparedness, sharing scientific knowledge, and improving global health response.

28 December - Ratan Tata Birthday

Ratan Tata, the renowned Indian industrialist and philanthropist, is celebrated on 28 December for his contributions to industry, entrepreneurship, and society.

29 December - International Cello Day

International Cello Day on 29 December honors the legacy of cellist Pablo Casals and celebrates the music and artistry of the cello.

31 December - New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve, on 31 December, marks the last day of the year according to the Gregorian calendar. People celebrate with parties, music, and festivities to welcome the New Year.

Important Days in December 2025 FAQs

Q1: When is World AIDS Day observed?

Ans: World AIDS Day is observed on 1 December every year to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and support people living with it.

Q2: What is National Pollution Control Day?

Ans: National Pollution Control Day is observed on 2 December in India to honor the victims of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and raise awareness about pollution prevention.

Q3: When is International Day for the Abolition of Slavery?

Ans: It is observed on 2 December to highlight efforts against modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labor.

Q4: When is Bodhi Day celebrated?

Ans: Bodhi Day is celebrated on 8 December to honor Gautam Buddha and his enlightenment.

Q5: What is Human Rights Day?

Ans: Human Rights Day is on 10 December, marking the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

Bharat Ratna Award Winners List from 1954 to 2026, Recipients Name

February 1, 2026

The Bharat Ratna is India’s most prestigious civilian honour award which was established in 1954. This award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the nation, whether through public service or exceptional achievements in literature, science, art, or other fields. Each year, a maximum of 3 individuals may be honoured with this title. Below, we present a Bharat Ratna Award Winners List from 1954 to 2026, along with their important contribution in the history of the nation.

Bharat Ratna Award Winners

The recommendation for the most prestigious Bharat Ratna Award is given by the Prime Minister of India and is presented by the President of India. Till 2026, 48 aspiring personalities have been awarded with the Bharat Ratna Award, including 14 posthumously.

As per Article 18(1) of the Indian Constitution, no titles related to the award can be used as prefixes or suffixes to a person’s name. This rule also applies to the Bharat Ratna, meaning awardees cannot add the award to their names officially. The award doesn’t hold any monetary rewards. Recipients are given a certificate (Sanad) signed by the President and a peepal-leaf-shaped medal. This medal displays the state emblem of India and the national motto, “Satyamev Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs).

Bharat Ratna Award Winners List from 1954 to 2026

The Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, has a rich history associated with its recipients and nominations. For instance, in 1992, the Government of India decided to present the award posthumously to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. However, his family and supporters opposed it, questioning the circumstances surrounding his death. Similarly, the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand’s name has frequently surfaced for this honour, yet he has not been awarded to date.

No Bharat Ratna awards were presented in 2021 or 2022. Below is a year-wise Bharat Ratna Award Winners List from 1954 to 2026, with posthumous recipients marked by an asterisk (*).

Bharat Ratna Award Winners List from 1954 to 2026
Recipients (State/UT)	Year	Key Notes
C. Rajagopalachari/ Rajaji (Tamil Nadu)	1954	He was the last Governor General of India and also founder of the Swatantra Party. He was the conscience keeper of MK Gandhi.
Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan (Tamil Nadu)	1954	He was the first Vice President of India and the country's second President.
C. V. Raman (Tamil Nadu)	1954	He became the first Asian scientist to receive a Nobel Prize in any branch of science, also famous for his discoveries in physics like Raman Scattering.
Bhagwan Das (Uttar Pradesh)	1955	He co-founded the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, also contributed to the foundation of Banaras Hindu University.
M. Visvesvaraya (Karnataka)	1955	He was a civil engineer who contributed much to the country's dam development.
Jawaharlal Nehru (Uttar Pradesh)	1955	Jawaharlal Nehru became the first and longest tenure Prime Minister (PM) of India, He was PM at the time of receiving this award.
Govind Ballabh Pant (Uttarakhand)	1957	He was elected to be the first chief minister of the state of Uttar Pradesh who was a huge supporter of making Hindi a national language.
Dhondo Keshav Karve (Maharashtra)	1958	Dhondo Keshav Karve was a great social reformer and was famous for women's education, and widow remarriage also founded the Widow Marriage Association.
Bidhan Chandra Roy (West Bengal)	1961	Bidhan Chandra Roy is recognized as the Maker of Modern West Bengal.
Purushottam Das Tandon (Uttar Pradesh)	1961	Purushottam Das Tandon was titled Rajarshi. He became the speaker in Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly. He supported the Hindi language making it the official language.
Rajendra Prasad (Bihar)	1962	Rajendra Prasad swore as the first President of India. He was actively involved in the non-cooperation movement with Mahatma Gandhi Ji.
Zakir Husain (Andhra Pradesh)	1963	Zakir Husain was elected to be the second Vice President and third President of India. He became the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University.
Pandurang Vaman Kane (Maharashtra)	1963	He was a great Indologist and Sanskrit scholar who was well known for his works like ‘History of Dharmasastra: Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Laws in India’.
Lal Bahadur Shastri (Uttar Pradesh) *	1966	Lal Bahadur Shastri became the first posthumous recipient of the Bharat Ratna Award, He was elected to be the second PM of India. He is popular in the country for his slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’.
Indira Gandhi (Uttar Pradesh)	1971	Indira Gandhi was the first female recipient of the Bharat Ratna Award, She was PM during the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
V. V. Giri (Odisha)	1975	V. V. Giri, 4th President of India, was a trade union leader and freedom fighter championing workers' rights and democracy.
K. Kamaraj (Tamil Nadu) *	1976	K. Kamaraj, "Kingmaker," played a pivotal role in Indian politics by supporting Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi as Prime Ministers.
Mother Teresa (West Bengal, born in North Macedonia)	1980	Mother Teresa, a Bharat Ratna recipient and Nobel Laureate, founded the Missionaries of Charity, dedicating her life to humanitarian service.
Vinoba Bhave (Maharashtra) *	1983	Vinoba Bhave, a Gandhian, is renowned for the Bhoodan Movement and received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for his humanitarian efforts.
Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Pakistan)	1987	Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, "Frontier Gandhi," founded the Red Shirt Movement and was the first non-citizen Bharat Ratna recipient.
M. G. Ramachandran (Tamil Nadu) *	1988	M. G. Ramachandran, the first actor to receive Bharat Ratna, founded AIADMK and became the first actor-turned-Chief Minister.
B.R. Ambedkar (Maharashtra)	1990	B.R. Ambedkar, chief architect of the Indian Constitution and first Law Minister, strongly opposed the caste system in Hinduism.
B.R. Ambedkar (South Africa)	1990	B.R. Ambedkar, known as the "Gandhi of South Africa," was the second non-citizen Bharat Ratna recipient and Nobel laureate.
Rajiv Gandhi (Uttar Pradesh)	1991	Rajiv Gandhi, India’s youngest PM at 40, passed landmark laws like the Anti-defection Law during his tenure from 1984.
Vallabhbhai Patel (Gujarat)	1991	Vallabhbhai Patel, the "Iron Man of India," served as Deputy Prime Minister and led the Bardoli Satyagraha and All India Services.
Morarji Desai (Gujarat)	1991	Morarji Desai, India's first non-Congress PM and oldest PM, is the only Indian awarded Pakistan's Nishan-e-Pakistan honour.
Abul Kalam Azad (West Bengal)	1992	Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India's first Education Minister, is honoured on his birth anniversary (11th November) as National Education Day.
J. R. D. Tata (Maharashtra)	1992	J. R. D. Tata, an industrialist and aviation pioneer, founded Air India and established institutes like TIFR, TCS, and Tata Motors.
Satyajit Ray (West Bengal)	1992	Satyajit Ray, renowned for bringing Indian cinema global recognition, directed Pather Panchali and received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Gulzarilal Nanda (Punjab)	1997	Gulzarilal Nanda served twice as interim PM and deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, advocating labor issues nationally.
Aruna Asaf Ali (West Bengal)	1997	Aruna Asaf Ali, the first post-independence Mayor of Delhi, played a key role in the Quit India Movement of 1942.
A.P.J Abdul Kalam (Tamil Nadu)	1997	A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the "Missile Man of India," advanced missile technology, served as 11th President, and authored notable works.
M. S. Subbulakshmi (Tamil Nadu)	1998	M. S. Subbulakshmi, the Queen of Songs, was India's first musician awarded the Ramon Magsaysay for her charity work.
Chidambaram Subramaniam (Tamil Nadu)	1998	Chidambaram Subramaniam contributed to the Green Revolution in India and the International Rice Research Institute of Manila, Philippines.
Jayaprakash Narayan (Bihar)	1999	Jayaprakash Narayan, known as Loknayak, led the Total Revolution Movement against the Congress government, advocating for political and social reforms.
Amartya Sen (West Bengal)	1999	Amartya Sen, Nobel Laureate in Economics, contributed to welfare economics, social justice, and social choice theory, influencing global policies.
Gopinath Bordoloi (Assam)	1999	Gopinath Bordoloi, Assam's first chief minister, is honored as Lokapriya for his dedication to Assam's development and progress.
Ravi Shankar (Uttar Pradesh)	1999	Ravi Shankar, the world’s leading Hindustani classical musician, is renowned for his mastery and received a Grammy Award for his work.
Lata Mangeshkar (Maharashtra)	2001	Lata Mangeshkar, the Nightingale of India, honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, is celebrated as the Queen of Melody.
Bismillah Khan (Uttar Pradesh)	2001	Bismillah Khan, a renowned shehnai virtuoso, popularised the instrument in Indian music and became the third classical musician honoured with Bharat Ratna.
Bhimsen Joshi (Karnataka)	2009	Bhimsen Joshi, a renowned Hindustani classical singer from Kirana Gharana, was celebrated for his mastery in the Khyal genre.
C. N. R. Rao (Karnataka)	2014	C. N. R. Rao, an eminent chemist, contributed to solid-state chemistry and received numerous prestigious awards, including the Marlow Medal.
Sachin Tendulkar (Maharashtra)	2014	Sachin Tendulkar is known as the Master Blaster in cricket history. He is the only batsman to score more than 30,000 runs in entire forms of international cricket matches.
Madan Mohan Malaviya (Uttar Pradesh)	2015	Madan Mohan Malaviya was the founder of the Banaras Hindu University and Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha.
Atal Bihari Bajpayee (Madhya Pradesh)	2015	Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a three-time PM and 1994 Best Parliamentarian, was also a renowned poet and statesman.
Pranab Mukherjee (West Bengal)	2019	Pranab Mukherjee, the 13th President of India and former Lok Sabha leader, passed away in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Nanaji Deshmukh (Maharashtra)	2019	Nanaji Deshmukh, also known as Chandikadas Deshmukh, contributed to education, rural development, health, and led Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
Bhupen Hazarika (Assam)	2019	Bhupen Hazarika, known as Sudhakantha, was an influential filmmaker, poet, lyricist, playback singer, and musician in India.
Karpoori Thakur (Bihar)*	2024	Karpoori Thakur, Bihar's former CM and Jan Nayak, passed away on 17th February 1988; award recognized 35 years later.
Lal Krishna Advani	2024	He served as Home Minister and later Deputy Prime Minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee's cabinet from 1999 to 2004.
MS Swaminathan (Thiruvananthapuram)	2024	Conferred with the Bharat Ratna - the country's highest civilian honour.
Chaudhary Charan Singh (Uttar Pradesh)*	2024	He dedicated his life to farmers' welfare, opposed the Emergency, and inspired through his unwavering commitment to farmers.
PV Narasimha Rao (Andhra Pradesh)	2024	Narasimha Rao led major economic reforms in the 1990s, transforming India's economy while heading a Congress government at Centre.

First Three Bharat Ratna Award Winners

The Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, was first awarded in 1954. Among the inaugural recipients were C. Rajagopalachari, C.V. Raman, and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, all from Tamil Nadu.

Rajagopalachari, a multifaceted leader, was a prominent activist, statesman, and lawyer.
Dr. Radhakrishnan, renowned for his contributions to education, served as India's first Vice-President and later became its second President.
C.V. Raman, a distinguished physicist and mathematician, is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in the field of physics, particularly for the discovery of Raman Scattering. His remarkable achievements led him to become the first Asian scientist to win a Nobel Prize in a scientific field.

Bharat Ratna Award Winner Indian Presidents

Between 1954 and 2026, several Indian Presidents have been honoured with the Bharat Ratna Award. Out of the 48 individuals who have received this esteemed recognition, six of them have served as Presidents of India. Below is a table listing the names of these Presidents and the years they were awarded the Bharat Ratna.

Bharat Ratna Award Winner Indian Presidents
Presidents of India	Year of Award
Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan	1954
Rajendra Prasad	1962
Zakir Hussain	1963
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam	1997
Dr. V V Giri	1975
Pranab Mukherjee	2019

What Are The Benefits For Bharat Ratna Award

Bharat Ratna awardees are placed at Position 7A in the Table of Precedence, alongside top dignitaries like Governors, Former Presidents, and the Deputy Prime Minister, ensuring high-level recognition during official events.
Awardees receive a diplomatic passport, granting them access to separate immigration counters, VIP lounges at airports, and other privileges reserved for top government officials.
Recipients enjoy lifetime free air travel in executive class across domestic routes, sponsored by the Government of India.
They receive the same treatment as senior government dignitaries during official travels, including protocol services and access to government guest houses.
The Bharat Ratna Award includes a bronze medallion shaped like a peepal leaf, a miniature replica, and a certificate signed by the President of India.
Any financial rewards or accompanying honors received by Bharat Ratna Awardees are exempt from income tax under Indian tax laws.
Bharat Ratna recipients are revered across the country. Their names are often associated with public institutions, and they hold a permanent place of respect in Indian history and society.

Youngest Recipient of Bharat Ratna Award

The Youngest Recipient of Bharat Ratna Award is Sachin Tendulkar, who received the honour in 2014 at the age of 40. He made history not only as the youngest awardee but also as the first sportsperson to receive India’s highest civilian honour. Tendulkar was recognised for his exceptional contribution to Indian cricket, having inspired millions through his sporting achievements and discipline.

Oldest Recipient of Bharat Ratna Award

The Oldest Recipient of Bharat Ratna Award is Dhondo Keshav Karve, who was honoured in 1958 at the age of 100. A renowned social reformer and educator, Karve played a crucial role in women’s education and widow remarriage in India during the early 20th century. His lifetime of service to society earned him this prestigious recognition at a remarkably advanced age.

Bharat Ratna Award Winners FAQs

Q1: Who became the first Bharat Ratna Award winner?

Ans: The first recipients of the Bharat Ratna Award were C Rajagopalachari, CV Raman, and S Radhakrishnan in 1954. Interestingly all first recipients were from the state of Tamil Nadu.

Q2: Who became the youngest Bharat Ratna Awardee?

Ans: The youngest recipient of the Bharat Ratna award is Sachin Tendulkar who was awarded in 2014.

Q3: Who were the first three recipients of Bharat Ratna?

Ans: The first three recipients of Bharat Ratna were C Rajagopalachari, CV Raman, and S Radhakrishnan. All three were awarded with the Bharat Ratna award in 1954.

Q4: Who are the recipients of the Bharat Ratna Award 2019?

Ans: The latest recipients of the Bharat Ratna Award are Pranab Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh, and Bhupen Hazarika who were awarded in 2019.

Q5: How many people have received the Bharat Ratna Award till now?

Ans: The total number of recipients of the Bharat Ratna Award is 48 as of now.

Neighbouring Countries of India, List, Capital, Physical Features

February 1, 2026

Neighbouring Countries of India: India, a prominent South Asian nation, stands out as one of the largest countries in the world. Positioned in both the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres, India ranks as the seventh-largest globally by land area. India's land boundaries extend to approximately 15,106.7 kilometers, encompassing a coastline of around 7,516.6 kilometers. This extensive border area offers unique access to neighboring countries, connecting India with cultures, economies, and ecosystems that enhance its regional significance.

Neighbouring Countries of India

India shares over 15,106.7 kilometers of land borders with six countries: Pakistan to the west, China and Nepal to the north, Bhutan to the northeast, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. This geographical spread makes India a central player in South Asian geopolitics.

In addition to its land borders, India has a coastline stretching 7,516.6 kilometers, providing it with direct access to the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. This coastal expanse connects India to international waters, giving it a strategic marine position that supports trade routes linking the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Important ports like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata facilitate extensive trade and cultural exchange, solidifying India's role in the global economy.

Neighbouring Countries of India Overview

India shares its borders with nine countries: seven land borders (Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Afghanistan) and two maritime borders (Sri Lanka and the Maldives). This geographical knowledge is vital for competitive exams, especially in the General Awareness section.

Neighbouring Countries of India Overview
Total Neighbouring Countries Of India	9
Neighbouring Countries Of India	Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and MyanmarTotal
Total Land Border Of India	15,106.7 k.m.
Total Length Of Indian Coastline	7516.6 km

List of Neighbouring Countries of India With Capital

India shares its borders with 9 countries, each with distinct geographical, cultural, and economic ties. Below is a List of Neighbouring Countries of India With Capital the capital, border length, and bordering states.

List of Neighbouring Countries of India With Capital
Country	Capital	Border Length	Bordering States
Afghanistan	Kabul	106 Km	Ladakh (PoK)
Bangladesh	Dhaka	4096.7 Km	West Bengal, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Assam
Bhutan	Thimphu	699 Km	West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh & Assam
China	Beijing	3488 Km	Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh
Myanmar	Naypyidaw, Yangon	1643 Km	Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur
Nepal	Kathmandu	1751 Km	Bihar, Uttarakhand, UP, Sikkim and West Bengal
Pakistan	Islamabad	3323 Km	Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat
Sri Lanka	Colombo (Commercial), Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (Legislative)	Sea Border	It is separated to India by Gulf of Mannar
Maldives	Male	Sea Border	It lies in the south-west part of India Ocean below the Lakshadweep Island

Neighbouring Countries of India Physical Features

India shares its land and maritime boundaries with several countries, each having distinct physical features that influence geopolitics, trade, and regional cooperation. India shares land borders with seven countries and maritime boundaries with two. The Neighbouring Countries of India Physical Features has been discussed in the table below:

Neighbouring Countries of India Physical Features
Country	Geographical & Climatic Features	Energy & Natural Resources	India’s Strategic Interests
Afghanistan	Mountainous terrain influences cold winters and seismic activity due to tectonic plate location.	Rich in minerals and water but lacks infrastructure in remote regions.	Acts as a corridor for India to Central Asia, enhancing connectivity and economic cooperation.
Bangladesh	Dense river network vital for agriculture, but vulnerable to monsoons and floods; seismic risk exists.	Investing in solar energy to meet growing demands; high population strains resources.	Important trade partner in textiles and agriculture; collaboration on river management is crucial.
Bhutan	High-altitude mountainous country; experiences cold winters and occasional earthquakes.	Major hydropower potential; rivers are tapped for electricity generation.	India imports hydropower from Bhutan, vital for energy supply in northeastern states.
China	Geographically diverse, with deserts, tropical zones, and the Tibetan Plateau; earthquake-prone zones.	Global leader in renewable and nuclear energy production.	Trade ties benefit India in goods and tech, though geopolitical relations are complex and sensitive.
Myanmar	Tropical climate with intense monsoons; situated near earthquake fault lines.	Exploring geothermal and wind energy; rich in river-based water resources.	Strategic for India’s Act East policy; access to ports strengthens trade and regional integration.
Nepal	Dominated by the Himalayas; experiences altitude-driven cold weather and frequent quakes.	Excellent hydropower potential; solar energy initiatives are rising in remote areas.	Access to Nepal’s rivers for electricity benefits India’s northern power grid and water-sharing cooperation.
Pakistan	Diverse terrain with deserts and fertile plains; northern areas face high seismic activity.	Water-stressed despite major rivers; exploring wind and solar solutions.	Cooperation essential for managing shared rivers like the Indus; has energy and climate impact implications.
Sri Lanka	Island nation with tropical monsoons; affected by Indian Ocean climate and tsunami risk.	Expanding use of solar energy; coastal ecosystems critical for livelihood.	Strategic location aids India in maritime security, trade routes, and regional diplomacy.
Maldives	The low-lying island nation, highly threatened by sea-level rise, has a tropical marine climate.	Depends largely on solar energy; rich marine biodiversity in coral reefs.	Important for India’s maritime diplomacy and security in the Indian Ocean; enhances regional influence.

9 Neighbouring Countries of India

India shares its borders with nine neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Among them, seven share land borders: Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Afghanistan, while Sri Lanka and the Maldives are India’s maritime neighbours. These countries together reflect India’s vast geopolitical landscape, cultural diversity, and regional influence.

1. Pakistan

Pakistan lies to the northwest of India, sharing a 3,323 km long border. The two countries were part of undivided British India until 1947. Key border crossings include Wagah (Punjab) and Attari (Amritsar). While relations have been politically strained, they share strong cultural and linguistic links.

2. China

China borders India to the north and northeast with a border length of 3,488 km. The boundary passes through Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Both countries are ancient civilizations and major Asian powers. However, the border areas like Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh remain disputed.

3. Nepal

Nepal lies to the north of India, bordered by Bihar, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, sharing an open border of 1,770 km. Citizens of both countries can travel and work freely across borders. The two nations share deep cultural, linguistic, and religious ties. Mount Everest and the Himalayas further connect their geography and tourism.

4. Bhutan

Bhutan is a landlocked Himalayan kingdom situated to the northeast of India, sharing a 699 km border. It touches Indian states like Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal. Relations between India and Bhutan are marked by friendship, trust, and cooperation. India assists Bhutan in defense, trade, and hydropower development.

5. Bangladesh

Bangladesh lies to the east of India and shares the longest international border with India, about 4,096 km. It borders West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. The two countries share strong historical and cultural bonds, with Bengali as a common language. India supported Bangladesh’s independence movement in 1971.

6. Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar shares a 1,643 km border with India, touching Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. It acts as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia under the “Act East Policy.” The Moreh–Tamu border point facilitates trade and cross-border cooperation. India and Myanmar also collaborate in defense and counter-insurgency operations.

7. Afghanistan

Afghanistan shares a 106 km border with India, though it currently lies in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Historically, India and Afghanistan had strong trade and cultural connections through the Silk Route. India has helped rebuild Afghanistan through infrastructure and education projects. The region is strategically vital for South Asian geopolitics.

8. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is India’s southern maritime neighbor, separated by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. The shortest distance between them is around 30 km through Adam’s Bridge (Rama’s Bridge). The two nations share close historical, cultural, and religious ties, especially through Buddhism and Hinduism. Trade and tourism link both economies strongly.

9. Maldives

The Maldives lies to the southwest of India in the Indian Ocean, about 700 km from the Lakshadweep Islands. Though separated by sea, it is a key maritime neighbor of India. The two countries maintain friendly ties focused on security, trade, and tourism. India often assists the Maldives in disaster relief and defense cooperation.

Neighbouring Countries of India Facts

India-China Relations

India and China share a historical bond that spans thousands of years, marked by significant cultural and trade exchanges. In modern times, the two nations signed the Panchsheel Agreement in 1954, emphasizing mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. However, the relationship has been marred by a border conflict in 1962, which has led to long-standing disputes over territorial boundaries.

India-Pakistan Relations

The relationship between India and Pakistan is deeply rooted in a shared history, marked by the partition of British India in 1947. Despite cultural and historical similarities, the two nations have faced tensions, especially after conflicts such as the 1965 war and the Kargil conflict in 1999. Diplomatic channels remain open, with a focus on reducing tensions and fostering stability in the region.

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

Established in 1985, SAARC was formed with the goal of promoting regional cooperation and advancing economic, social, and cultural development across South Asia. Comprising eight member states, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, SAARC aims to create a unified approach to addressing regional challenges such as poverty, education, and climate change. The organization has played a significant role in fostering peace and collaboration, though political disagreements have sometimes hindered its full potential.

India-Bangladesh Relations

India's support for Bangladesh's independence in 1971 laid the foundation for a strong bilateral relationship. Since then, India and Bangladesh have developed close ties in political, economic, and cultural spheres. Both countries share a commitment to regional peace and stability, with cooperation in areas like trade, water-sharing agreements, and counterterrorism.

India-Sri Lanka Relations

India and Sri Lanka have long standing historical and cultural ties that have shaped their bilateral relationship. The two nations share deep connections through religion, language, and trade. While challenges related to the Indian-origin Tamil population in Sri Lanka have occasionally strained relations, both countries continue to maintain positive political and economic ties. Cooperation in areas such as defense, trade, and infrastructure development has strengthened the partnership, with efforts focused on resolving issues diplomatically.

Neighbouring Countries of India FAQs

Q1: How many neighbouring countries of India?

Ans: There are 9 neighbouring countries of India.

Q2: Which country has the longest boundary with India?

Ans: Bangladesh has the longest boundary with India.

Q3: Which country has the shortest boundary with India?

Ans: Afghanistan has the shortest boundary with India.

Q4: How many states share boundaries with China?

Ans: China shares a boundary with 5 Indian states.

Q5: How many states share boundary with Bangladesh?

Ans: Bangladesh share boundary with 5 Indian states.

‘CHAKRA’ – Centre of Excellence (CoE)

February 1, 2026

‘CHAKRA’ – Centre of Excellence (CoE) Latest News

State Bank of India (SBI) recently announced the launch of ‘CHAKRA’ – Centre of Excellence (CoE) for financing sunrise sectors that are critical to India’s economic development.

About ‘CHAKRA’ – Centre of Excellence (CoE)

It was launched by the State Bank of India (SBI) aimed at financing sunrise sectors critical to India’s economic transformation.
The Centre will function as a knowledge-driven platform to facilitate funding for next-generation, technology-led and sustainability-focused industries.
CHAKRA will focus on eight sunrise sectors:
- Renewables
- Data Centres
- E-Mobility & Charging Infra
- Advanced Cell Chemistry / Battery
- Semiconductors
- Green Hydrogen and Ammonia
- Decarbonization
- Smart Infrastructure.
By 2030, these eight sunrise sectors are expected to unlock cumulative capital expenditure of over INR 100 lakh crore.
The CoE will work towards enabling this investment, enhancing India’s integration into the global value chain, and accelerating progress toward the country’s sustainability and Net Zero goals.
Additionally, the CoE will drive technology & AI innovation and play an advisory role, supporting not only the SBI’s Project Finance & Structuring team but also the broader financial ecosystem in India.
It will engage actively with external stakeholders - with policymakers and regulatory bodies, to shape a robust manufacturing ecosystem that supports investment, innovation, and sustainability.
The Centre will facilitate structured engagement with development finance institutions, multilateral agencies, banks, NBFCs, industry bodies, corporates, start-ups, academia, and policy think tanks.

Source: TH

‘CHAKRA’ – Centre of Excellence (CoE) FAQs

Q1: What is ‘CHAKRA’ – Centre of Excellence (CoE)?

Ans: CHAKRA is a Centre of Excellence launched by the State Bank of India (SBI) to finance sunrise sectors critical to India’s economic transformation.

Q2: What is the primary objective of ‘CHAKRA’ – Centre of Excellence (CoE)?

Ans: Its objective is to facilitate funding for next-generation, technology-led and sustainability-focused industries.

Q3: How does ‘CHAKRA’ – Centre of Excellence (CoE) function in the financial ecosystem?

Ans: It functions as a knowledge-driven platform supporting project finance, structuring, and advisory services.

Q4: How many sunrise sectors are covered under CHAKRA’ – Centre of Excellence (CoE)?

Ans: CHAKRA focuses on eight sunrise sectors.

Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP)

February 1, 2026

Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) Latest News

Oil India undertook a seismic study of the blocks it was awarded during the ninth round of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) to chart a bidding strategy for the tenth round.

About Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP)

It was introduced by the Government of India (GoI) as a part of the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (“HELP”) on March 30, 2016.
- HELP replaced the New Exploration and Licensing Policy (NELP) regime, which was in existence for over 18 years.
OALP is a major reform that changed how companies can apply for oil & gas exploration blocks in India.
Under the OALP, the company has the option to undertake prospecting for fuels in areas which are not notified by the GoI.
- Prospecting refers to drilling the selected area to check availability of hydrocarbon fuels.
The OLAP gives a company the opportunity to prospect for fuels in any area where the technical feasibility study indicates the presence of hydrocarbons.
- The technical feasibility study is an analysis which indicates the likelihood of availability of hydrocarbons in an area.
Once the feasibility study shows the presence of hydrocarbons, the company can proceed with the exploration after obtaining permission from the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH).
If multiple requests for sanction are received for the same area, the DGH will make an allotment by conducting an auction.
Until the OALP was introduced, exploration for hydrocarbons was allowed only in the case of areas covered by the tenders issued by the GoI.
Under the OALP the exploration can be made without waiting for an announcement from the GoI that an area is available for exploration.
The OALP regime also allows companies access to seismic data at the National Data Repository (NDR).
- NDR is an online data library containing:
  - Seismic surveys
  - Geological maps
  - Well logs
  - Exploration history
- Companies can study the data and propose new blocks.

Source: TH

Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) FAQs

Q1: What is the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP)?

Ans: OALP is a policy framework that allows companies to select and apply for oil and gas.

Q2: Under which broader policy was Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) introduced?

Ans: OALP was introduced as part of the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP).

Q3: What major reform did Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) bring to hydrocarbon exploration in India?

Ans: It allowed companies to apply for exploration blocks without waiting for government-issued tenders.

Q4: What is the National Data Repository (NDR)?

Ans: NDR is an online data library containing hydrocarbon-related exploration data.

Grain ATM

February 1, 2026

Grain ATM Latest News

Recently, the Bihar state government approved the installation of the first set of three grain ATM machines in Patna as a pilot project.

About Grain ATM

A grain ATM or Annapurti (meaning “provider of grain”) is an automated machine that dispenses food grains (wheat and/or rice).
The World Food Programme (WFP) developed the technology behind the machine and has worked in collaboration with the Food Corporation of India and various state governments.

Key Features of Grain ATM

It can release 50 kg of grain in five minutes.
The machines can work 24×7 like ATMs, and can be powered through solar energy.
They also require internet connectivity to access the PDS database and the individual profile of a Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholder.

Working of Grain ATM

Once a PDS beneficiary swipes their beneficiary or grain ATM card on a PoS machine, linked to the ration card or to their Aadhar card, the beneficiary is asked to select the grain option and its quantity.
They must also undergo Aadhar-based biometric authentication.
The maximum limit of grain disbursement is also specified.
Once the grain is dispensed, the beneficiary’s PDS data is updated, and a slip is also issued for confirmation and as a physical record.

Source: IE

Grain ATM FAQs

Q1: What is the primary purpose of a Grain ATM?

Ans: To provide food grains to beneficiaries

Q2: What is a key benefit of Grain ATMs?

Ans: Ensures timely access to food grains

United Nations Commission for Social Development

February 1, 2026

United Nations Commission for Social Development Latest News

The Minister of State for Women and Child development to lead the Indian delegation at the 64th Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development (CSocD).

About United Nations Commission for Social Development

It is a functional commission of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
It was formerly known as the Social Commission.
It focuses on advancing international cooperation on social development issues, including social inclusion, equity, and welfare-oriented policies.
It has been in existence since the very inception of the United Nations, advising ECOSOC and governments on a wide range of social policy issues and from the social perspective of development.
Purpose:

- Its primary purpose is to advance social development and formulate policies and recommendations to address global social issues.
- It focuses on topics such as poverty eradication, social inclusion, and the promotion of equitable and sustainable development.
- Since the 1995 World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen , the CSocD has been the key UN body in charge of the follow-up and implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action.

Membership of United Nations Commission for Social Development

Originally 18, membership has been increased several times, most recently in 1996, and now stands at 46.
Members are elected by ECOSOC based on equitable geographical distribution for four-year terms.
Meetings: The CSocD meets every year at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, typically in February.

Source: PIB

United Nations Commission for Social Development FAQs

Q1: How often does the United Nations Commission for Social Development meet?

Ans: Annually.

Q2: What is the primary objective of the United Nations Commission for Social Development?

Ans: Advance social development and eradicate poverty.

Molybdenum Disulfide

February 1, 2026

Molybdenum Disulfide Latest News

Scientists recently developed an electronic system using molybdenum disulphide only a few atoms thick; high-energy particles pass through it without causing damage.

About Molybdenum Disulfide

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is an inorganic compound made up of sulfur and molybdenum.
It exists in nature in the mineral molybdenite.
In its bulk form, it appears as a dark, shiny solid.
It belongs to a class of materials called 'transition metal dichalcogenides' (TMDCs).
- Materials in this class have the chemical formula MX₂, where M is a transition metal atom (groups 4-12 in the periodic table) and X is a chalcogen (group 16).
Its crystals have a hexagonal layered structure that is similar to graphite.
Like most mineral salts, MoS2 has a high melting point, but it begins to sublime at a relatively low 450 ºC. This property is useful for purifying the compound.
Because of its layered structure, hexagonal MoS2, like graphite, is an excellent solid lubricant.
- It can be used as surface coatings on machine parts (e.g., in the aerospace industry), in two-stroke engines (the type used for motorcycles), and in gun barrels (to reduce friction between the bullet and the barrel).
- Unlike graphite, MoS2 does not depend on adsorbed water or other vapors for its lubricant properties.
- It can be used at temperatures as high as 350 ºC in oxidizing environments and up to 1100 ºC in nonoxidizing environments.
- Its stability makes it useful in high-temperature applications in which oils and greases are not practical.
- MoS2 is highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion, making it an effective lubricant for high-humidity and saltwater environments.
In addition to its lubricating properties, MoS2 is a semiconductor.

Source: TH

Molybdenum Disulfide FAQs

Q1: What is molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂)?

Ans: Molybdenum disulfide is an inorganic compound composed of molybdenum and sulfur.

Q2: In which mineral form does molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) occur naturally?

Ans: It occurs naturally as the mineral molybdenite.

Q3: To which class of materials does molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) belong?

Ans: MoS₂ belongs to the transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) class.

Q4: What is the crystal structure of molybdenum disulfide?

Ans: MoS₂ has a hexagonal layered crystal structure, similar to graphite.

Q5: Why is molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) an effective solid lubricant?

Ans: Its layered structure allows easy sliding of layers, reducing friction.

What is the Arab League?

February 1, 2026

Arab League Latest News

Recently, the External affairs minister met the foreign ministers of five Arab League member states and held discussions on ways to develop ties with West Asia and the situation in the region.

About Arab League

The Arab League, or League of Arab States, is a voluntary association of countries whose peoples are mainly Arabic-speaking or where Arabic is an official language.
It is a regional organization of Arab states in the Middle East and parts of Africa.
Its stated aims are to strengthen ties among member states, coordinate their policies and direct them towards a common good.
Formation: It was formed in Cairo on 22 March 1945 with six members: Egypt, Iraq, Transjordan (later renamed Jordan), Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Syria, with Yemen joining on 5 May 1945.
Members: It currently has 22 member states: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestinian Authority, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
- Observer Members: Brazil, Eritrea, India, and Venezuela.
Headquarters: Cairo, Egypt.

Governance of Arab League

The highest body of the League is the Council, which is composed of representatives of each state.
The League makes decisions on a majority basis. The decisions are binding only on states that voted for them.
The General Secretariat, the administrative and executive body of the League, runs the League on a daily basis.
It is headed by a Secretary-General appointed by the Arab League Council every five years.

Source: HT

Arab League FAQs

Q1: Where is the Arab League headquartered?

Ans: Cairo, Egypt

Q2: What is one of the primary objectives of the Arab League?

Ans: Promote economic cooperation among member states

Indian Coast Guard

February 1, 2026

Indian Coast Guard Latest News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently extended greetings to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on its 50th Raising Day.

About Indian Coast Guard

It is a maritime armed force operating under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
It is a multi-mission organization, conducting round-the-year real-life operations at sea.
Raised on February 1, 1977, the ICG was envisioned to address emerging maritime challenges and safeguard India’s expanding marine interests.
It was formally established in 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 as an independent Armed force of India.
The Headquarters of the ICG is located in New Delhi, and is under the command of the Director General Indian Coast Guard.
Moto: "VAYAM RAKSHAMAH" - WE PROTECT
Mission:
- To protect our ocean and offshore wealth, including oil, fish, and minerals.
- To assist mariners in distress and safeguard life and property at sea.
- To enforce maritime laws with respect to the sea, poaching, smuggling, and narcotics.
- To preserve the marine environment and ecology and protect rare species.
- To collect scientific data and back up the Navy during war.
From its humble beginnings in 1977 with just seven surface platforms, the ICG has evolved into a formidable maritime force comprising 155 ships and 80 aircrafts today.

Source: NEWS18

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) FAQs

Q1: What is the Indian Coast Guard (ICG)?

Ans: The Indian Coast Guard is a maritime armed force operating under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

Q2: When was the Indian Coast Guard raised?

Ans: The Indian Coast Guard was raised on 1 February 1977.

Q3: Under which law was the Indian Coast Guard formally established?

Ans: It was formally established under the Coast Guard Act, 1978.

Q4: What is the motto of the Indian Coast Guard?

Ans: The motto of the Indian Coast Guard is “Vayam Rakshamah” (We Protect).

New Ramsar Sites

February 1, 2026

New Ramsar Sites Latest News

Recently, the union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change has announced the addition of two new wetlands to India’s Ramsar network, ahead of World Wetlands Day.

About New Ramsar Sites

Patna Bird Sanctuary

Location: It is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
It consists of freshwater marshes, woodlands and grasslands, and is surrounded by agricultural landscapes.
Together, these different landscapes create a wide range of habitats and support a high level of biodiversity.
It has been designated an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by Birdlife International.
Flora and Fauna: It consists of 178 bird species and 252 plant species.

About Chhari-Dhand Wetland

Location: It is located in Kutch, Gujarat.
It is a seasonal saline wetland situated between the famous Banni grasslands and salt flats of Kutch.
It is an important wintering site for waterfowl.
Fauna: It supports species such as critically endangered sociable lapwing, the vulnerable common pochard, and, notably, common cranes (Grus grus) annually.

Source: PIB

New Ramsar Sites FAQs

Q1: In which state is the Patna Bird Sanctuary located?

Ans: Uttar Pradesh

Q2: What is one of the key criteria for a site to be designated as an IBA?

Ans: Presence of globally threatened bird species

El Niño-La Niña Weather Patterns

February 1, 2026

El Nino Latest News

There is a chance that the El Nino phenomenon may occur after July this year, but clarity will only emerge in April, according to the director-general of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Normal Climatic Conditions

In "neutral" conditions, surface water in the Pacific Ocean is cooler in the east and warmer in the west.
The "trade winds" tend to blow east-to-west, taking warm water from South America towards Asia.
To replace that warm water, cold water rises from the depths — a process called upwelling.

What is El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)?

El Niño and La Niña are two opposing climate patterns that break normal climatic conditions.
Scientists call these phenomena the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle.
El Niño and La Niña can both have global impacts on weather, wildfires, ecosystems, and economies.
Episodes of El Niño and La Niña typically last nine to 12 months but can sometimes last for years.
El Niño and La Niña events occur every two to seven years, on average, but they don’t occur on a regular schedule.
Generally, El Niño occurs more frequently than La Niña.

What is El Nino?

El Niño is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
El Niño is the “warm phase” of the ENSO.
During El Niño, surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific rise, and trade winds — east-west winds that blow near the Equator — weaken.
They falter and change direction to turn into westerlies, bringing warm water from the western Pacific towards the Americas.
The phenomena of upwelling is reduced under El Niño.
- This in turn reduces phytoplankton. Thus, fish that eat phytoplankton are affected, followed by other organisms higher up the food chain.
Warm waters also carry tropical species towards colder areas, disrupting multiple ecosystems.
Since the Pacific covers almost one-third of the earth, changes in its temperature and subsequent alteration of wind patterns disrupt global weather patterns.
- El Niño causes dry, warm winters in the Northern U.S. and Canada and increases the risk of flooding in the U.S. gulf coast and south-eastern U.S.
- It also brings drought to Indonesia and Australia.

What is La Nina?

La Niña, the “cool phase” of ENSO, sees cooler than average sea surface temperature (SST) in the equatorial Pacific region.
Trade winds are stronger than usual, pushing warmer water towards Asia.
On the American west coast, upwelling increases, bringing nutrient-rich water to the surface.
Pacific cold waters close to the Americas push jet streams — narrow bands of strong winds in the upper atmosphere — northwards.
Impacts:
- This leads to drier conditions in the Southern U.S., and heavy rainfall in Canada.
- La Niña has also been associated with heavy floods in Australia.

Impact on India’s monsoons

In India, El Niño causes weak rainfall and more heat, while La Niña intensifies rainfall across South Asia, particularly in India’s northwest and Bangladesh during the monsoon.

Source: TH

El Nino FAQs

Q1: What is El Niño?

Ans: El Niño is a climate pattern marked by the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

Q2: El Niño represents which phase of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)?

Ans: El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

Q3: How do trade winds behave during an El Niño event?

Ans: Trade winds weaken, falter, and may reverse direction to become westerlies.

Q4: What is the effect of weakened trade winds on ocean water movement during El Niño event?

Ans: Warm water from the western Pacific moves eastward towards the Americas.

Q5: How does El Niño affect upwelling in the eastern Pacific?

Ans: Upwelling is reduced, limiting the rise of nutrient-rich cold water.

PM-POSHAN Scheme

February 1, 2026

PM-POSHAN Scheme Latest News

Recently, a total of 22 states and Union Territories that responded to the Education Ministry’s call for suggestions on the PM-POSHAN scheme have asked the centre to hike the honorarium for PM-POSHAN scheme cooks and helpers.

About PM-POSHAN Scheme

It was formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
It is implemented by the Ministry of Education.
The Scheme is implemented across the country covering all the eligible children without any discrimination of gender and social class.
It aims to provide one hot cooked meal per school day to children studying in Balvatikas (pre-primary), and Classes 1 to 8 across government and government-aided schools.
Objectives:
- Enhancing nutritional status of school-going children
- Improving enrollment, retention, and attendance in schools, especially among disadvantaged children
Nutritional norms under PM-POSHAN
- For Balvatika and Primary classes: 20g pulses, 50g vegetables, and 5g oil
- For Upper Primary classes: 30g pulses, 75g vegetables, and 7.5g oil
  - The Labour Bureau collects monthly price data from 600 villages in 20 states to calculate inflation for the PM POSHAN basket, using the Consumer Price Index for Rural Labourers (CPI-RL).
Funding Pattern under POSHAN Abhiyan:
- 60:40 between Centre and States/UTs with legislature
- 90:10 for the Northeastern and Himalayan States
- 100% central funding for UTs without legislature

Source: IE

PM-POSHAN Scheme FAQs

Q1: What is the primary objective of the PM-POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Kaurvi Abhiyan) Scheme?

Ans: To provide mid-day meals to school-going children

Q2: What is the old name of the PM-POSHAN Scheme ?

Ans: Mid-Day Meal Scheme

Election Commission of India (ECI), Structure, Framework, Composition

February 1, 2026

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections to the Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President of India. Established on 25 January 1950, the Commission ensures that elections are conducted freely, fairly, and transparently across the country. Its work upholds the democratic principle of universal adult suffrage guaranteed by the Constitution under Article 326. The ECI’s independence and credibility are vital to maintaining India’s democratic integrity.

Election Commission of India

The Election Commission of India derives its powers and responsibilities from Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. It is a constitutional body, independent of government influence, tasked with supervising the entire electoral process. Initially a single-member body, it became a multi-member Commission in 1993, consisting of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners. The ECI manages over 97 crore registered voters (as per 2024 data) and conducts elections in more than 10 lakh polling stations nationwide.

Election Commission of India Structure

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. It is a multi-member commission responsible for supervising elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President. Originally, it had only one Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), but since October 1993, it became a three-member body. The Commission operates as a collegiate body, ensuring collective decision-making. It has a permanent secretariat at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi, and functions independently of government control. Its structure ensures autonomy, impartiality, and accountability in the electoral process as mandated by the Constitution.

Election Commission of India Composition

The ECI comprises the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners (ECs), as provided under Article 324(2) of the Constitution. The President of India determines the number of Commissioners from time to time. All three members enjoy equal powers, salaries, and status, and decisions are taken collectively through majority vote. The Chief Election Commissioner acts as the head of the institution, ensuring smooth coordination. The administrative staff is drawn from central and state government services. This composition aims to maintain checks and balances within the Commission, upholding transparency and non-partisanship in the conduct of elections.

As of 2025 the members of Election Commission of India are:

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC): Shri Gyanesh Kumar
Election Commissioners: Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)

The Chief Election Commissioner is the head of the Election Commission of India and ensures the independence and integrity of the electoral process.

The CEC is appointed by the President of India under Article 324(2) of the Constitution.
The CEC’s role is crucial in enforcing the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), supervising voter rolls, and ensuring impartial conduct of elections.
The Supreme Court in T.N. Seshan vs Union of India (1995) upheld that all Election Commissioners are equal in power and status, ensuring collective functioning.
The CEC is considered the guardian of India’s electoral democracy, accountable only to Parliament and the Constitution.

Election Commissioners Appointment

The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India under Article 324(2). Though the Constitution does not specify a detailed procedure, the appointment is made on the advice of the Council of Ministers. However, several legal experts and the Supreme Court (in March 2023) have recommended a collegium system involving the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, and Chief Justice of India to ensure transparency until Parliament enacts law. Their appointment order is issued by the President, and their terms, conditions, and service benefits are defined under the Election Commission (Conditions of Service) Rules, 1992.

Election Commissioners Tenure

Under the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991, each Election Commissioner, including the CEC, holds office for six years or until attaining the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. This fixed tenure provides functional independence and stability. Their salaries and allowances are equivalent to those of Judges of the Supreme Court, ensuring parity with other high constitutional offices. Article 324(5) protects their tenure by stating that their service cannot be varied to their disadvantage after appointment. Such constitutional safeguards ensure autonomy and prevent arbitrary interference by the executive branch.

Election Commissioners Resignation and Removal

Election Commissioners may resign from office by submitting a written resignation to the President of India. However, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) enjoys stronger constitutional protection. Under Article 324(5), the CEC can be removed only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court, that is, by a special majority of both Houses of Parliament on proven misbehavior or incapacity. Other Election Commissioners can be removed only on the recommendation of the CEC. This system ensures the Commission’s independence, preventing misuse of executive power and preserving the institution’s credibility and neutrality in elections.

Election Commission of India Powers

The Commission enjoys wide-ranging powers to ensure the integrity, neutrality, and transparency of the electoral process across India.Key Powers:

Administrative Powers: Control over election schedules, polling arrangements, and the deployment of polling staff.
Advisory Powers: Advises the President and Governors on matters related to disqualification of members.
Quasi-Judicial Powers: Decides disputes regarding political party recognition and symbols under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
Regulatory Powers: Enforces the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and monitors election expenditure.
Disciplinary Powers: Can direct transfers or suspension of officials for election-related misconduct.

Election Commission of India Functions

The ECI performs multiple functions to ensure free, fair, and periodic elections in accordance with democratic principles. Major Functions:

Conduct of Elections: Supervises, directs, and controls elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and high offices.
Delimitation: The Election Commission of India (ECI) does not directly have delimitation powers; instead, it oversees the process, which is conducted by a separate, temporary Delimitation Commission established by the Central Government.
Electoral Rolls: Prepares, revises, and updates voter lists through continuous revision and SIR (Special Intensive Revision).
Registration of Political Parties: Recognizes parties and allots election symbols.
Voter Education: Promotes awareness under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program.
Monitoring Expenditure: Ensures transparency through election expenditure audits and monitoring teams.

Election Commission of India Constitutional Provisions

The Election Commission of India is established under Article 324 of the Constitution to ensure free and fair elections in India. Key Constitutional Provisions:

Article 324(1): Grants the ECI the power to conduct elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President.
Article 324(2): Empowers the President to appoint the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.
Article 324(5): Provides protection to the tenure and service conditions of the CEC, ensuring independence.
These provisions ensure the ECI acts as an autonomous constitutional authority, not subordinate to any executive or legislature.

Election Commission of India Legal Safeguards

The legal framework guarantees the Commission’s independence and shields it from executive or political influence during elections. Major Legal Provisions:

Article 324(5): Protects the CEC’s tenure and prevents arbitrary removal.
Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991: Defines tenure, salaries, and conditions of service.
Representation of the People Acts (1950 & 1951): Provide detailed election procedures, voter eligibility, and dispute resolution.
Indian Penal Code & Conduct of Election Rules, 1961: Penalize malpractices like bribery, booth capturing, and false nominations.
These legal safeguards collectively ensure institutional autonomy and operational transparency.

Election Commission of India Government Policies

To strengthen electoral integrity, several policy measures and reforms have been introduced by the government in consultation with the ECI. Key Policies and Their Impact:

Electoral Bond Scheme (2018): Introduced to improve transparency in political funding, though under judicial scrutiny.
One Nation, One Election (Proposal): Aims to synchronize national and state elections, reducing expenditure and administrative burden.
Voter ID-Aadhaar Linking Drive (Proposal): Ensures cleaner voter rolls by removing duplicate entries.
Remote Voting Prototype (Proposal): Designed to allow migrant workers to vote from other locations.
Awareness Campaigns (SVEEP): Promotes voter education and participation, increasing turnout rates to over 67% in 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Election Commission of India Independence

The independence of the Election Commission is fundamental to Indian democracy. The Constitution grants it autonomy, but its accountability mechanisms ensure transparency.

Accountability Measures:

Judicial review of Commission decisions.
Parliamentary oversight through questions and debates.
Media transparency and publication of detailed election reports.

Measures Ensuring Independence:

Fixed Tenure: CEC and ECs hold office for six years or till the age of 65.
Security of Tenure: CEC can be removed only by parliamentary impeachment similar to a Supreme Court judge.
Equal Status: All commissioners enjoy equal decision-making power.
Financial Autonomy: ECI’s budget is charged on the Consolidated Fund of India, ensuring executive non-interference.
Neutrality in Appointments: Recent Supreme Court directives advocate a collegium-based selection process for transparency.

Election Commission of India Case Laws

Several judicial decisions have strengthened the constitutional position and functioning of the ECI:

S. Subramaniam Balaji v. State of Tamil Nadu (2013): Directed the ECI to enforce the Model Code of Conduct more stringently.
Union of India v. Association for Democratic Reforms (2002): Mandated disclosure of candidates’ criminal, educational, and financial backgrounds.
PUCL v. Union of India (2003): Recognized the Right to Vote as part of the freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a).
A.C. Jose v. Sivan Pillai (1984): Affirmed that the ECI has plenary powers under Article 324 to ensure free elections.
ADR vs. Election Commission (2024): The Supreme Court emphasized transparency in voter list revisions under SIR, ensuring uniform procedures across states.

Election Commission of India Challenges

Despite its achievements, the ECI faces several operational and institutional challenges:

Political Pressure and Allegations of Bias: Increasing accusations of partisanship affect its credibility.
Voter Exclusion: Issues in electoral roll verification, especially during Special Intensive Revisions (SIR), lead to disenfranchisement.
Election Expenditure: Unchecked campaign spending and unaccounted political donations undermine transparency.
Fake News and Electoral Manipulation: Social media misinformation impacts voter behavior.
Digital Divide: Limited accessibility of digital services in rural areas hinders full participation.

Way Forward:

Establish a collegium system for appointment of Election Commissioners.
Provide statutory backing for the Model Code of Conduct.
Expand voter education programs in marginalized communities.
Enhance cyber resilience through AI-based monitoring.
Strengthen coordination with social media platforms to curb misinformation.

Election Commission of India Technology Integration

The ECI has significantly integrated technology into election management, ensuring faster, more secure, and transparent processes. Key Digital Initiatives:

EVMs and VVPATs: Ensure tamper-proof voting and verifiable paper trails.
cVIGIL App: Allows citizens to report Model Code violations in real time.
ERONet and NVSP Portal: Facilitate online voter registration and roll management.
Suvidha and Samadhan Portals: Streamline candidate permissions and grievance redressal.
Garuda App: Enables Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to conduct door-to-door verification digitally.

Election Commission of India Significance

The Election Commission acts as the foundation of India’s democracy, ensuring the people’s mandate is exercised freely, fairly, and periodically.

Democratic Legitimacy: Upholds citizens’ right to vote under Article 326, maintaining public confidence in electoral outcomes.
Institutional Stability: Ensures smooth transitions of power without conflict, protecting the essence of parliamentary democracy.
Inclusivity: Implements initiatives like SVEEP and Accessible Elections Project to include marginalized groups, PwDs, and senior citizens.
Technological Reforms: Adoption of EVMs, VVPAT, and digital voter roll systems enhances transparency and reduces human error.
Global Recognition: India’s ECI is often cited as a model for electoral management by international organizations like the UNDP and International IDEA.

Election Commission of India UPSC

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced Phase 2 of its nationwide “Special Intensive Revision” (SIR) of electoral rolls, covering 12 states and Union Territories from November 4, 2025.

The exercise will affect around 51 crore electors, aiming for a final roll publication on February 7, 2026.
States involved include major poll-bound regions such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and Puducherry.
The ECI clarified that Aadhaar card and 13 other documents may be used for identity proof, though concerns over potential disenfranchisement have been raised by opposition parties.
The revision follows the earlier SIR pilot in Bihar, where the ECI reported zero appeals or complaints relating to deletions.
Some states have questioned the timeline and scope of the exercise, arguing that it should not proceed in a short span of 2-3 months given migration and administrative challenges.

Election Commission of India FAQs

Q1: What is the Election Commission of India?

Ans: It is a constitutional body established under Article 324 to supervise elections in India.

Q2: Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner?

Ans: The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.

Q3: What is the tenure of Election Commissioners?

Ans: They hold office for six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.

Q4: What are the major powers of the Election Commission of India?

Ans: The ECI conducts elections, enforces the Model Code, and regulates political parties and expenditure.

Q5: How does the Election Commission of India ensure free and fair elections?

Ans: Through technology use, strict monitoring, legal powers, and transparent processes under constitutional safeguards.

Shifting the Fiscal Anchor – India’s Move from Fiscal Deficit to Debt-to-GDP Ratio

February 1, 2026

Debt-to-GDP Ratio Latest News

As the Finance Minister prepares to present her ninth consecutive Union Budget, India’s fiscal framework is poised for a structural transition.
From FY 2026–27, the Centre will operationally shift its fiscal consolidation target from the fiscal deficit to the debt-to-GDP ratio, aligning India’s approach with global best practices.
This Budget will, for the first time, spell out the fine print of this new fiscal anchor for a full financial year.

Expected Changes

Shift: From earlier anchor of annual fiscal deficit target to the new anchor of medium-term debt-to-GDP ratio.
Rationale: It provides greater flexibility to respond to economic shocks, enables gradual fiscal consolidation, and creates space for growth- and development-enhancing expenditure.

Key Projections and Targets (Debt Trajectory)

The Centre has projected the debt-to-GDP ratio to decline to 50±1% by March 2031 from an estimated 56.1% in March 2026.
Most economists estimate the Centre to peg it at 55% of the GDP for FY27 in the Budget.
Achieving this trajectory implies a steady annual reduction of ~1 percentage point in the debt ratio.

Fiscal Deficit Implications

A one percentage point reduction in the ratio every year would translate into a fiscal deficit of 4.2% of GDP in FY27.
Even at this level, gross borrowings remain high due to -
- Large repayment obligations.
- Future liabilities such as implementation of the 8th Pay Commission.

Role of Growth and Borrowings

Determinants of Debt-to-GDP ratio:
- Nominal GDP growth (denominator effect)
- Government borrowing and repayment profile
- Interest costs (likely to ease with softer monetary conditions)
Debt sustainability: Improves faster with higher nominal growth even if fiscal deficits remain moderate.

Economic Survey 2025-26 - Validation of the Strategy

India has reduced general government debt by around 7.1 percentage points since 2020.
This is achieved while sustaining high public capital expenditure.
The Survey endorses 50 ± 1% debt-to-GDP as a credible medium-term policy anchor.

General Government Debt and States’ Role

Why States matter:
- General government debt, which refers to the debt of both states and the Centre, is the metric observed by global rating agencies to assess the fiscal health of the country.
- While the Centre will detail its fiscal numbers linked to the debt-to-GDP ratio, the role of states in managing their public finances is seen facing greater scrutiny, as they account for a large share of total public debt.
Emerging view:
- States may need explicit, medium-term debt-to-GSDP glide paths.
- Focus should shift from annual deficit targets to scenario-based debt trajectories.

Finance Commission and Federal Fiscal Architecture

While the 16th Finance Commission recommendations (FY 2026–27 to 2030–31) are awaited, it will clarify -
- Tax devolution
- Revenue-sharing mechanisms
- Possible fiscal parameters for states
CEA V Anantha Nageswaran emphasised:
- Need for empirical work and scenario analysis.
- Avoid premature decisions on a uniform fiscal metric for states.

RBI’s Concerns on State Finances

RBI warns that high debt crowds out investment and growth.
For example, while the debt of all states put together had declined to 28.1% of GDP by March 2024 from a peak of 31% as of March 2021, the figure is expected to rise to 29.2% by the end of the current fiscal.
RBI urges highly leveraged states to adopt clear debt consolidation glide paths.

Rising State Borrowings

States’ borrowings have risen significantly in the last two decades.
For example, in the first half of the current fiscal, states borrowed 21% more compared to the same period of 2024-25 and are slated to borrow Rs 5 lakh crore in the current quarter that ends on March 31.
Historical context: Debt surge during 2015–20 partly due to UDAY power sector reforms, where states absorbed DISCOM debt.

Centre’s Fiscal Position Going Ahead

On the other hand, the Centre is set to meet its commitment to keep the fiscal deficit below 4.5% of the GDP by FY26 despite tax cuts.
Going ahead, while the government will get some fiscal breather with the debt-to-GDP ratio, the headwinds from the recent reductions in income tax and the Goods and Services Tax may weigh on the deficit projection.
FY27 expectations: Debt target (~55% of GDP) and fiscal deficit (4.3–4.4% of GDP).

Challenges and Way Forward

Managing borrowings: For example, high gross borrowings despite lower deficit targets. Institutionalise debt-to-GDP ratio as the primary fiscal anchor.
Ensuring states’ fiscal discipline: Without undermining cooperative federalism. Align state fiscal strategies with medium-term debt sustainability.
Balancing: Development expenditure with long-term debt sustainability. Use scenario-based fiscal planning rather than rigid annual targets.
Uncertainty: From future liabilities (Pay Commissions, welfare commitments). Leverage higher nominal GDP growth and lower interest costs to rebuild buffers. Strengthen Centre–State coordination post 16th Finance Commission.

Conclusion

India’s shift from a fiscal deficit-centric framework to a debt-to-GDP-based fiscal anchor marks a maturation of its fiscal policy architecture.
By prioritising long-term debt sustainability while preserving flexibility for growth-oriented spending, the new framework seeks to balance macroeconomic stability with developmental aspirations.
However, its success will hinge on robust nominal growth, prudent borrowing, and active participation by states, making cooperative fiscal federalism more critical than ever.

Source: IE

Debt-to-GDP Ratio FAQs

Q1: Why has the Government of India shifted its fiscal consolidation anchor from fiscal deficit to debt-to-GDP ratio?

Ans: It provides greater flexibility to respond to economic shocks while ensuring long-term debt sustainability.

Q2: What is the significance of the Centre’s target of achieving a 50±1% debt-to-GDP ratio by March 2031?

Ans: It serves as a credible medium-term fiscal anchor that signals commitment to macroeconomic stability.

Q3: How does nominal GDP growth influence the success of a debt-to-GDP-based fiscal framework?

Ans: Higher nominal GDP growth improves debt sustainability by reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio even with moderate fiscal deficits.

Q4: Why is the role of states critical in achieving overall fiscal consolidation in India?

Ans: States account for a significant share of general government debt, which is the key indicator monitored by global rating agencies.

Q5: What challenges could undermine the Centre’s debt-to-GDP consolidation strategy in the medium term?

Ans: High gross borrowings, rising state debt, future liabilities like Pay Commission awards, and revenue pressures from tax reductions.

Why the India–EU Trade Agreement Matters

February 1, 2026

India–EU Trade Agreement Latest News

Negotiations on the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) formally concluded on January 27, ending nearly two decades of on-and-off talks.
Often described by leaders on both sides as the “mother of all deals,” the agreement balances ambition with pragmatism—delivering mutual economic benefits by securing key concessions while steering clear of the most politically sensitive and intractable issues.

Why the India–EU FTA Is Called the ‘Mother of All Deals’

The India–EU FTA earns this tag due to the sheer scale of the economies and trade involved.
It links the world’s second (EU) - and fourth-largest (India) customs blocs/economy, covering a combined market of about $24 trillion.
While India’s eight recent FTAs together accounted for around 16% of its trade in 2024–25, the EU alone made up nearly 12%.
Bilateral merchandise trade reached $136.5 billion, with Indian exports at $75.9 billion, and services trade touched $83.1 billion in 2024—underscoring the deal’s outsized significance.

What India Gains from the India–EU Free Trade Agreement

Major Tariff Elimination on Indian Exports - Under the deal, the EU will immediately remove duties on 70.4% of tariff lines, covering about 90.7% of India’s export value once the FTA comes into force.
Phased Tariff Cuts on Sensitive Products - Another 20.3% of tariff lines—covering 2.9% of exports—will see tariffs eliminated over 3–5 years, including selected marine products, processed foods, and arms and ammunition.
Partial Reductions and Quota-Based Access - Around 6.1% of tariff lines, accounting for 6% of exports, will see reduced (but not zero) tariffs or quota-based concessions. These apply to items such as poultry, preserved vegetables, bakery products, automobiles, steel, shrimp, and prawns.
Near-Complete Coverage of Indian Exports - Taken together, EU tariff concessions apply to over 99% of the total value of India’s exports to the bloc, making it one of the most comprehensive market-access packages India has secured.
Improved Access for Services - Beyond goods, the EU has offered broader and deeper commitments in services across 144 sub-sectors, including IT/ITeS, professional services, education, and other business services.

Sectors Set to Gain Most from the India–EU FTA

Big Wins for Labour-Intensive Manufacturing - The FTA’s potential gains for labour-intensive sectors are about $35 bn, with $33.5 bn moving to zero duty on Day 1.
- Beneficiaries include textiles and apparel, marine products, leather and footwear, chemicals, plastics/rubber, sports goods, toys, and gems and jewellery—sectors that currently face 4–26% EU tariffs.
Relief Amid US Tariff Pressures - These gains are especially significant as many of the same labour-intensive sectors have been hit by high U.S. tariffs on Indian imports, making preferential access to the EU market a timely offset.
Agriculture and Processed Foods Get Preferential Access - The government said tea, coffee, spices, grapes, gherkins and cucumbers, dried onion, fresh fruits and vegetables, and processed food products will receive preferential access, improving their competitiveness in the EU.
Opportunities for Traditional Medicine (AYUSH) - The FTA is also expected to benefit AYUSH services. In EU countries without specific regulations, AYUSH practitioners can offer services using qualifications earned in India, expanding professional opportunities abroad.

What India Has Offered the EU Under the FTA

Wide-Ranging Tariff Liberalisation - India has agreed to immediately eliminate duties on 49.6% of tariff lines, covering 30.6% of trade value, once the FTA takes effect.
- A further 39.5% of tariff lines—covering 63.1% of trade value—will see tariffs phased out over 5, 7, or 10 years. Overall, India’s offer spans 92.1% of tariff lines and 97.5% of trade value.
Cheaper European Goods for Indian Consumers - Many European products will become cheaper in India, with wine and automobiles being the most prominent consumer-facing categories affected by the deal.
Wine: Phased Cuts with Safeguards - Duties on European wine—currently around 150%—will be reduced over seven years to 30% for wine priced €2.5–€10 and 20% for wine priced above €10.
- Cheap wine is excluded to protect domestic producers. All concessions apply within quotas; imports beyond quotas face non-FTA tariffs.
Automobiles: Gradual Cuts, Quota-Based - Tariffs on motor vehicles will be gradually reduced from 110% to 10%, but strictly under a quota system.
- Cars below ₹25 lakh (the bulk of India’s market) are excluded.
- Vehicles above this threshold are split into three quota brackets, with smaller quotas where Indian manufacturers compete and larger quotas in the ultra-luxury segment where European makers face little domestic competition.
Balancing Access and Protection - India’s concessions aim to open markets while protecting sensitive domestic sectors, using phased reductions and quotas to manage competitive pressures.

Which Sectors Are Excluded from the India–EU FTA

India kept several sensitive agricultural sectors out of the deal, including beef, poultry, dairy, fish and seafood, cereals (especially rice and wheat), fruits and vegetables, nuts, edible oils, tea, coffee, spices, and tobacco.

EU’s Exclusions and Limited Quotas

The EU, for its part, excluded beef, sugar, rice, chicken meat, milk powder, honey, bananas, soft wheat, garlic, and ethanol.
It offered quota-based access (not full liberalisation) for sheep and goat meat, sweetcorn, grapes, cucumbers, dried onions, and rum made from molasses and starches.

Key Concerns Around the India–EU FTA

One major unresolved issue is the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the EU’s carbon-linked tariff framework.
The EU argued CBAM applies uniformly to all countries, leaving little room for country-specific concessions.
However, India secured a most-favoured treatment assurance—any CBAM concession granted to another country would automatically extend to India.

Investment Climate Pressures

Another concern is investment readiness.
To capitalise on the tariff-free access to Europe and attract firms relocating supply chains, India will need to accelerate domestic reforms to improve ease of doing business, regulatory certainty, and infrastructure.

The Bottom Line

While the FTA delivers broad market access, CBAM-related costs and the pace of domestic reforms will shape how fully India can convert the agreement into sustained trade and investment gains.

Source: TH

India–EU Trade Agreement FAQs

Q1: Why is the India–EU trade agreement called the mother of all deals?

Ans: The India–EU trade agreement covers a $24 trillion market, links major customs blocs, and involves trade volumes far larger than India’s other recent FTAs.

Q2: What does India gain from the India–EU trade agreement?

Ans: Under the India–EU trade agreement, over 99% of India’s export value gets tariff concessions, with immediate duty elimination on most goods and wider access in services.

Q3: Which sectors benefit most from the India–EU trade agreement?

Ans: The India–EU trade agreement benefits labour-intensive sectors like textiles, apparel, leather, marine products, gems and jewellery, agriculture, and traditional medicine services.

Q4: What has India offered under the India–EU trade agreement?

Ans: India has offered phased tariff elimination covering 92% of tariff lines, with quota-based concessions on wine and automobiles while protecting sensitive domestic sectors.

Q5: What are the key concerns around the India–EU trade agreement?

Ans: Concerns include unresolved CBAM costs and India’s need to accelerate domestic reforms to attract investment and fully leverage the India–EU trade agreement.

Why India’s EV Battery Scheme Is Falling Short

February 1, 2026

EV Battery Scheme Latest News

India’s ₹18,100 crore Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Production Linked Incentive scheme, aimed at building domestic battery manufacturing for electric vehicles, has made limited progress.
Against a target of 50 GWh capacity by 2025, only 1.4 GWh has been installed, with 8.6 GWh delayed and 20 GWh seeing no movement.
The scheme has also delivered just 1,118 jobs—a fraction of the projected employment—and attracted only about a quarter of the intended investment, raising concerns over its effectiveness.

About Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC)

Advanced Chemistry Cells are next-generation energy storage technologies that store electricity in chemical form and release it when needed.
Lithium-ion batteries are the most widely used ACCs today, but India’s ACC scheme is technology-agnostic, allowing alternatives such as nickel manganese cobalt, lithium iron phosphate, and sodium-ion batteries.

ACC PLI Scheme: Big Ambitions, Limited Outcomes So Far

Launched in October 2021, the Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) PLI scheme aimed to build a domestic battery manufacturing ecosystem and cut India’s heavy dependence on Chinese imports.
However, various studies by experts show that progress has been minimal.
As of October 2025, only 2.8% of the targeted 50 GWh capacity has been commissioned—1.4 GWh, all from Ola Electric.
Despite a planned incentive payout of ₹2,900 crore by this stage, no funds have been disbursed, as none of the beneficiaries have met the required milestones.

How the ACC PLI Scheme Was Designed to Work

The ACC PLI scheme aimed to build domestic battery manufacturing capacity by incentivising private players to set up production of key components such as cathodes, anodes, and electrolytes.
Companies were selected through an auction process, required to commit to at least 5 GWh capacity, meet minimum net worth criteria, and manufacture batteries domestically.
In return, firms could claim subsidies of up to ₹2,000 per kWh for batteries sold.
To ensure localisation, the scheme mandated 25% Domestic Value Addition within two years and 60% by the fifth year, with the broader goal of reducing battery costs and accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
In the first auction round of the Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) PLI scheme, three companies were selected: Ola Electric (20 GWh), Reliance New Energy (15 GWh initially, plus 10 GWh in the second round), and Rajesh Exports (5 GWh).

Why the ACC PLI Scheme Has Struggled

Unrealistic Timelines for Gigafactories - The scheme requires beneficiaries to commission facilities within a two-year gestation period, which experts consider impractical for setting up complex battery gigafactories from scratch in a nascent ecosystem.
Challenging Domestic Value Addition (DVA) Norms - Meeting 25% DVA in two years and 60% in five years has been difficult because India lacks adequate processing capacity for key minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt.
Selection Criteria Favoured New Entrants - The evaluation prioritised DVA and subsidy benchmarks over proven manufacturing experience. As a result, established battery makers such as Exide Industries and Amara Raja did not qualify, leaving the programme largely with relatively inexperienced players.
Dependence on China for Inputs and Know-How - India’s heavy reliance on China for raw materials, technology, and expertise has slowed progress. Delays in visas for Chinese technical specialists—amid a shortage of domestic skilled labour for cell manufacturing—have become a major bottleneck.
Foundational Capability Gaps - Many beneficiaries are still building basic technical and operational capabilities, further delaying commissioning and preventing the scheme from meeting its ambitious capacity, investment, and employment targets.

Recommended Fixes for Reviving the ACC PLI Scheme

The report calls for immediate measures such as fast-tracking visas for technical experts and extending project timelines by at least one year to avoid penalising delayed facilities.
For the long term, it recommends building domestic capabilities through schemes for critical mineral refining and component manufacturing, along with sustained investment in R&D and skill development to strengthen India’s battery ecosystem.

Source: TH

EV Battery Scheme FAQs

Q1: Why is India’s EV battery scheme in the news?

Ans: India’s EV battery scheme has underperformed, with only 1.4 GWh installed against a 50 GWh target, minimal job creation, and low investment uptake.

Q2: What was the objective of the EV battery scheme?

Ans: The EV battery scheme aimed to create domestic ACC manufacturing capacity, reduce dependence on Chinese imports, lower battery costs, and accelerate electric vehicle adoption.

Q3: How was the EV battery scheme supposed to work?

Ans: Under the EV battery scheme, companies bid for capacity, committed to domestic manufacturing, met DVA targets, and received subsidies up to ₹2,000 per kWh sold.

Q4: Why has the EV battery scheme struggled to deliver results?

Ans: The EV battery scheme faced unrealistic commissioning timelines, tough DVA norms, lack of mineral processing capacity, inexperienced beneficiaries, and dependence on Chinese expertise.

Q5: What fixes are suggested for the EV battery scheme?

Ans: Experts recommend extending timelines, fast-tracking visas for technical experts, and investing in mineral refining, component manufacturing, R&D, and skill development for the EV battery scheme.

International Awards List 2025, Category, Winners

February 1, 2026

International Awards 2025 are conducted to highlight the contributions of people and organisations in fields of science, peace, literature, journalism and film. Awards like Pulitzer Prize, Nobel prize and others show the global excellence of human development. In this article, we are going to cover these international awards, their importance and the winners. Here is the list of Top 10 Awards and Honours List.

Top 10 Awards in the World

The international awards include a huge range of categories like peace, literature, science and arts and many more. The top 10 international awards include:

1. Oscar Awards 2025

The Oscar Awards 2025 also known as academy awards, recognises the film industry. Introduced in 1929 for the first time by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,

97th Oscar Awards
Award Category	Winner
Best Picture	Anora
Best Actor in a Leading Role	Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
Best Actress in a Leading Role	Mikey Madison (Anora)
Best Directing	Sean Baker (Anora)
Best Animated Feature Film	Flow
Best Cinematography	Lol Crawley (The Brutalist)
Best Documentary Feature Film	No Other Land
Best International Feature Film	I’m Still Here

2. Nobel Prize

The Nobel Prize is considered as the highest most prestigious international award established in 1901 by Alfred Nobel, a Swedish engineer, chemist and inventor. The prize is awarded for six categories: Literature, Physics, Economic science,Chemistry, Medicine and Peace. Here is a list of Nobel Prize winners of 2024:

Nobel Prize Winners 2024
Prize Category	Laureates	Contribution Description
Physiology/Medicine	Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun	Discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation.
Physics	John J. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton	Foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks.
Chemistry	David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper	Baker was recognized for his work in computational protein design, while Hassabis and Jumper were honored for protein structure prediction.
Literature	Han Kang	Intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.
Peace	Nihon Hidankyo	Efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for demonstrating through witness testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again.
Economic Sciences	Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson	Studies of how institutions are formed and affect prosperity

3. Magsaysay Awards

Established in 1957, Magsaysay Award is Asia's version of nobel prize, that demonstrates the integrity of government, the service to the people and idealism within a democratic society. The list of Magsaysay Awards is given below:

Ramon Magsaysay Awards 2024
Awardee	Country	Contribution Description
Karma Phuntsho	Bhutan	Harmonizing Bhutan's past with its present; inspiring pride in heritage.
Miyazaki Hayao	Japan	Using animation to illuminate the human condition and nurture children's imagination.
Rural Doctors Movement	Thailand	Advocating for rural health and rights; ensuring no one is left behind in progress.
Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong	Vietnam	Promoting public service and hope; warning against the repercussions of war.
Farwiza Farhan	Indonesia	Connecting nature and humanity; advancing social justice and environmental awareness.

4. The International Booker Prize

The International Booker Prize, awarded every year since 2004, honors the best translated fiction published in the UK or Ireland. The 2024 winner is Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck, translated by Michael Hofmann. This novel, set in 1980s East Berlin, explores a turbulent romance and raises deep questions about freedom and love. The £50,000 prize is shared equally between the author and translator.

The Booker Prize 2024 was awarded on November 12 to British author Samantha Harvey for Orbital, a novel set aboard the International Space Station. Described as a "space pastoral," it delves into human fragility and Earth's beauty, following six astronauts experiencing 16 sunrises and sunsets in a single day. Harvey began writing it during the COVID-19 lockdowns, drawing parallels between space isolation and life on Earth. Her lyrical prose and profound reflections earned her the £50,000 ($64,000) prize.

5. Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards established in 1959, honors the achievements across various genres of pop, rock and classical. Introduced by the Recording academy, grammy awards are given to the artists and technical merits of the music industry.

Grammy Awards Winners
Award	Winner
Album of the Year	Taylor Swift - Midnights
Record of the Year	Miley Cyrus - Flowers
Song of the Year	Billie Eilish - What Was I Made For?
Producer of the Year	Non-Classical - Jack Antonoff

6. Pulitzer Prize

Started in 1917, the Pulitzer Prize was initiated by Joseph Pulitzer, who was an american-hungarian journalist. The award recognises the excellence of musical composition, literature and journalism. Awarded for 21 categories, here is a list of Pulitzer award winners:

Top Pulitzer Prize Winners 2024
Category	Winner
Public Service	ProPublica (Joshua Kaplan et al.)
Investigative Reporting	Hannah Dreier, The New York Times
Editorial Writing	David E. Hoffman, The Washington Post
Breaking News Photography	Photography Staff of Reuters

7. UN Human Rights Award

The UN Human Rights awards were established in 1966 by the United Nations to honor individuals and organisations for their contributions towards promoting human rights. Presented every five years, the award winners include name likes Human Rights Center “Viasna”, Ms. Julienne Lusenge (DR Congo), the Amman Centre for Human Rights Studies (Jordan) and a global coalition for the right to a clean environment.

8. Goldman Environmental Prize

The Goldman Environmental Prize established in 1989, is awarded to environmental activists around the world every year. The award recognises the efforts of environmentalists towards protecting and improving the natural environment. The Goldman Environmental Prize, also known as “Green Nobel Prize” is awarded to six activists around the six continents.

Goldman Environmental Prize
Winner	Country	Contribution
Alok Shukla	India	Protected a forest from coal mining.
Andrea Vidaurre	U.S.	Changed California’s transportation regulations.
Marcel Gomes	Brazil	Exposed links between beef and deforestation.
Murrawah Maroochy Johnson	Australia	Blocked the development of a coal mine.
Teresa Vicente	Spain	Led a campaign for legal rights to an ecosystem.
Nonhle Mbuthuma and Sinegugu Zukulu	South Africa	Stopped destructive seismic testing for oil and gas.

9. The Booker Prize

Established in 1969, the Booker Prize is a literary award awarded to authors who write original fiction novels in English, irrespective of nationality. In 2023, Paul Lynch’s Prophet Song was awarded the Booker Prize that awarded him £50,000.

10. The International Gandhi Peace Prize

Established by India in 1995, the International Gandhi Peace Prize honors individuals and institutions for their contributions to social change through non-violence, reflecting Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. The award includes ₹1 crore (approximately $130,000), a plaque, and a citation. The 2021 Gandhi Peace Prize has been awarded to Gita Press, Gorakhpur for its remarkable contributions.

International Awards Categories

International awards honor excellence in diverse fields such as science, peace, literature, journalism, and films. Here’s a breakdown of key awards and their significance:

Science Awards

Nobel Prize (Physics, Chemistry, Medicine) – The highest recognition for groundbreaking discoveries in these fields.
Breakthrough Prize – Dubbed the "Oscars of Science," it celebrates advances in fundamental physics, life sciences, and mathematics.

Peace Awards

Nobel Peace Prize – The most prestigious global award recognizing efforts toward peace and conflict resolution.
International Gandhi Peace Prize – Awarded by the Government of India for contributions to non-violent social, economic, and political transformation.
Indira Gandhi Peace Prize – Honors efforts in peace, disarmament, and development.
World Peace Prize – Acknowledges significant contributions to global peace.

Literature Awards

Nobel Prize in Literature – The highest global honor for literary excellence.
Pulitzer Prize – Recognizes achievements in literature, journalism, and musical composition in the U.S.
Booker Prize – One of the most prestigious awards for novels written in English.
Man Booker International Prize – Celebrates translated works of literary excellence.

Journalism Awards

Pulitzer Prize for Journalism – The top honor for outstanding journalistic work in the U.S.
George Polk Awards – Recognizes journalists who risk their lives to uncover crucial stories.
International Press Freedom Awards – Celebrates courageous defenders of press freedom.

Film Awards

Academy Awards (Oscars) – The highest recognition in global cinema, honoring excellence in acting, directing, and production.
BAFTA Film Awards – The British counterpart of the Oscars, celebrating outstanding films worldwide.
International Film Awards (IFAs) – Recognizes exceptional achievements in global cinema.

International Awards 2025 FAQs

Q1: Who are the Oscar winners in 2025?

Ans: "Anora" won Best Picture; Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison secured Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.

Q2: Which is the number one award in the world?

Ans: The Nobel Prize is widely regarded as the world's most prestigious award.

Q3: Who won the leading actress award in 2025?

Ans: Mikey Madison won Best Actress for her role in "Anora."

Q4: Who won the best song in the Oscars in 2025?

Ans: Specific information about the Best Original Song winner at the 2025 Oscars is not available in the provided sources.

Q5: Who is hosting the Oscars in 2025?

Ans: Conan O'Brien hosted the 2025 Oscars.

PM Yasasvi Scholarship Scheme 2025, Eligibility, Application Process

February 1, 2026

PM Yasasvi Scholarship Scheme also known as the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India, abbreviated as YASASVI was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of the Government of India. The goal is to give scholarships to students belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, including Denotified Tribes. The registration form is open till 31 August 2025. In order to avail the scheme, the annual income of the student's parents or guardians should not exceed Rs. 2.5 Lakhs. The students will be selected on the basis of merit. In this article, we are going to cover the PM YASASVI Scholarship Scheme, its eligibility criteria, exam date and application process.

PM Yasasvi Scholarship Scheme 2025

PM Yasasvi Scholarship Scheme is an important initiative adopted by the government to help students belonging to the OBC community by providing them with financial aid to support their education at pre-matriculation or secondary stage of education. The scheme can only be availed to study in India and is funded by the State/Union Territory to which the students belongs.

PM Yasasvi Scholarship 2025 Eligibility

To qualify for the PM Yasasvi Scholarship, applicants must fulfill the following conditions:

They must belong to one of the following categories: Other Backward Class (OBC), Economically Backward Class (EBC), or Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT).
The combined annual income of parents or guardians should not exceed ₹2.5 lakhs.
The applicant must be currently studying in Class IX or Class XI in a government-recognized school.
Enrollment in a government school is mandatory.
For students pursuing professional courses, the institution must be registered with a valid UDISE (Unified District Information System for Education) or AISHE (All India Survey on Higher Education) code.

PM Yasasvi Scholarship 2025 Application Last Date

To apply for the PM Yasasvi Scholarship 2025, students can visit scholarships.gov.in website. The last date to apply online is

Events	Dates
Application start date	June 2, 2025
Last day to apply	August 31, 2025
Defective Application Verification open till	September 15, 2025
Institute Verification open till	September 15, 2025
DNO/SNO/MNO Verification open till	September 30, 2025

PM Yasasvi Scholarship 2025 Exam Date

As per latest updates, the entrance test for PM Yasasvi Scholarship 2025 was cancelled and now students will be selected on the basis of merit. Students studying in Top Class Schools private and government both and securing 100% pass percentage in class 10th and 12th exams, will be eligible to be selected under this yojana.

YASASVI offers scholarships at two educational levels: Pre-matriculation (Class 9th) and Secondary (Class 11th).

PM Yasasvi Scholarship 2025 Selection Process

The selection of candidates under the PM Yasasvi Scholarship Scheme is based on merit, determined by the marks secured in the final examinations of Class 9, 11, or 12 (as applicable).

Previously, the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the YASASVI Entrance Test (YET) to identify eligible candidates. However, as per the latest update, the entrance test has been discontinued. Now, selection will be made purely on the basis of academic performance in the previous final examination.

How to Apply for the PM Yasasvi Scholarship Scheme 2025

To apply for the PM Yasasvi Scholarship online, follow these steps:

Visit the official application portals: yet.nta.ac.in or scholarships.gov.in.
Register by providing the required details to create a login.
Fill out the application form carefully with accurate academic and personal information.
Upload all necessary documents as per the guidelines.
Review your application thoroughly before final submission.

PM Yasasvi Scholarship Scheme 2025 FAQs

Q1: Who is eligible for Yashasvi scholarship 2025?

Ans: Students from OBC, EBC, or DNT categories currently enrolled in Class IX or Class XI in government schools, with parental/guardian income below ₹2.5 lakhs, are eligible.

Q2: What is the PM Scholarship 2025?

Ans: The PM Yasasvi Scholarship 2025 is a merit-based scholarship awarded to eligible students from specified communities, based on their Class IX/XI/XII exam performance.

Q3: Who is eligible for PM scholarship?

Ans: Eligibility requires belonging to OBC, EBC, or DNT categories, studying in government schools or recognized institutes (with UDISE/AISHE codes), and having a family income under ₹2.5 lakhs annually.

Q4: How much scholarship can I get from PM Yasasvi?

Ans: The scholarship amount varies based on academic performance and level of study, with specific details provided in the official scheme documentation.

Q5: Who is eligible for PM Modi scholarship?

Ans: Assuming the reference is to the same PM Yasasvi Scholarship, eligibility aligns with OBC, EBC, or DNT students in Class IX/XI from government institutions with parental income under ₹2.5 lakhs.

Salient Features of Indian Constitution, List, Complete Details

February 1, 2026

The Indian Constitution is the lengthiest in the world which includes various provisions that, in many other countries, would typically be addressed through ordinary legislation or administrative measures. The framers of the Constitution intentionally incorporated such details to avoid ambiguity, legal uncertainty, or future controversies.

In contrast to the United States where a federal Constitution exists alongside individual state constitutions, India adopted a single, unified Constitution to address the country’s vast size, social and cultural diversity, and administrative complexity. This also led to the inclusion of several temporary and special provisions to modify the unique needs of different regions and communities. This article discusses the Salient Features of Indian Constitution.

List of Salient Features of Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution was drafted after a comprehensive study of various constitutions across the globe. While it incorporates several provisions from these sources, it has evolved into a unique and enduring document that reflects socio-political diversity of India. The Salient Features of Indian Constitution are:

Lengthiest Written Constitution
Drawn from Various Sources
Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility
Federal System with Unitary Bias
Parliamentary Form of Government
Synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty and Judicial Supremacy
Rule of Law
Integrated and Independent Judiciary
Fundamental Rights
Directive Principles of State Policy
Fundamental Duties
Indian Secularism
Universal Adult Franchise
Single Citizenship
Independent Bodies
Emergency Provisions
Three-tier Government
Co-operative Societies

Lengthiest Written Constitution

There are two primary types of constitutions: written, such as that of the United States, and unwritten, as seen in the United Kingdom. The Constitution of India is widely regarded as the longest and most detailed written constitution in the world. The influence of the Government of India Act, 1935 significantly shaped its structure. India follows a single constitutional framework that governs both the Union and the states, adding to its complexity.

Drawn from Various Sources

A significant portion of the Indian Constitution draws upon the constitutions of various other nations, as well as the Government of India Act of 1935, which contributed nearly 250 provisions. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar acknowledged that the framers had thoroughly studied several global constitutions to shape India’s own which are discussed in the table below:

Drawn from Various Sources
Source	Borrowed
Government of India Act, 1935	Federal Scheme, Office of Governor, Judiciary, Public Service Commissions, Emergency Provisions, Administrative Details
British Constitution	Parliamentary Government, Rule of Law, Legislative Procedure, Single Citizenship, Cabinet System, Prerogative Writs, Parliamentary Privileges, Bicameralism
US Constitution	Fundamental Rights, Independence of Judiciary, Judicial Review, Impeachment of President, Removal of Supreme Court and High Court Judges, Post of Vice-President
Irish Constitution	Directive Principles of State Policy, Nomination of Members to Rajya Sabha, Method of Election of President
Canadian Constitution	Federation with a Strong Centre, Vesting of Residuary Powers in the Centre, Appointment of State Governors by the Centre, Advisory Jurisdiction of Supreme Court
Australian Constitution	Concurrent List, Freedom of Trade, Commerce, and Inter-course, Joint Sitting of Two Houses of Parliament
Weimar Constitution of Germany	Suspension of Fundamental Rights During Emergency
Soviet Constitution (USSR, now Russia)	Fundamental Duties, Ideal of Justice (Social, Economic, and Political) in Preamble
French Constitution	Republic and Ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity in Preamble
South African Constitution	Procedure for Amendment of Constitution, Election of Members of Rajya Sabha
Japanese Constitution	Procedure Established by Law

Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility

There are broadly two types of constitutions: rigid and flexible. A rigid constitution, such as that of the United States, requires a special and often complex procedure for amendment. On the other hand, a flexible constitution, like that of the United Kingdom, can be amended through the ordinary legislative process. The Indian Constitution represents a blend of both types. Its amendment procedure includes elements that are both strict and adaptable, reflecting a balance between rigidity and flexibility. The nature of its amendment process is what determines this dual character.

Federal System with Unitary Bias

The Constitution of India lays the foundation for a federal system of governance. It incorporates essential characteristics of a federation, including a dual government structure, a clear division of powers, a written and supreme constitution, an independent judiciary, and a bicameral legislature.

Parliamentary Form of Government

The Constitution of India adopts the British Parliamentary System of Government rather than the American Presidential model. This system operates at both the central and state levels. Key features of the Indian parliamentary framework include the presence of a nominal and a real executive, governance by the majority party, collective responsibility of the executive to the legislature, ministers being part of the legislature, leadership by the Prime Minister or Chief Minister, and the authority to dissolve the lower house (Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly).

Although the Indian parliamentary system is largely inspired by the British model, it differs in significant ways. The Indian Parliament is not a sovereign body as the British Parliament is. Furthermore, India functions as a republic with an elected head of state, whereas the United Kingdom remains a monarchy with a hereditary head of state.

Synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty & Judicial Supremacy

The British Parliament operates on the principle of parliamentary sovereignty, whereas the American system upholds the doctrine of judicial supremacy through its Supreme Court. In contrast, the Indian Supreme Court holds more limited powers of judicial review compared to its American counterpart. This distinction aligns with the differing constitutional philosophies: the Indian Constitution adheres to the principle of “procedure established by law” under Article 21, while the US Constitution guarantees “due process of law.” These differences reflect broader divergences in how legislative and judicial powers are balanced within each system.

Rule of Law

The idea rests on a simple truth: people aren't perfect, so a society must be governed by laws, not by the whims of individuals. This principle is the backbone of any democracy. But more than just having laws, it's the belief in the supremacy of law that no one is above it that truly defines a just system. At its roots, law grows out of long-standing customs, the collective habits and beliefs shaped over generations. In that sense, the rule of law isn’t just a legal idea, it’s the distilled wisdom of society itself.

Integrated and Independent Judiciary

India follows a single, integrated judicial system. The Constitution of India ensures the independence of the judiciary by keeping it free from interference by the legislature and the executive. At the apex of this system stands the Supreme Court, which functions as the highest judicial authority in the country.

Below the Supreme Court are the High Courts at the state level, which in turn oversee subordinate courts, including district and other lower courts. The Supreme Court serves multiple roles: it is the final court of appeal, the guardian of fundamental rights, and the interpreter and protector of the Constitution. To uphold its autonomy, the Constitution provides several institutional safeguards ensuring the judiciary’s independence.

Fundamental Rights

The Constitution of India includes six Fundamental Rights to all citizens under Part III. These rights form the core of the Constitution, reflecting its commitment to individual liberty and democratic values. These rights are not subject to revocation by popular opinion or legislative action. Their purpose is to uphold the ideals of constitutional democracy and ensure that the dignity and autonomy of each citizen are protected.

Fundamental Rights
Right	Articles
Right to Equality	14-18
Right to Freedom	19-22
Right against Exploitation	23-24
Right to Freedom of Religion	25-28
Cultural and Educational Rights	29-30
Right to Constitutional Remedies	32

Directive Principles of State Policy

The Directive Principles of State Policy, described by Dr. BR Ambedkar as a “new aspect” of the Indian Constitution, are enshrined in Part IV. They were incorporated to promote social and economic justice for all citizens and to guide the State in establishing a welfare society. These principles aim to prevent the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few and ensure equitable distribution of resources.

Although they are non-justiciable and not legally enforceable in a court of law, their significance is foundational. In the landmark Minerva Mills case (1980), the Supreme Court emphasized that the Constitution rests on a harmonious balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles.

Fundamental Duties

The original Constitution did not include a section on the fundamental obligations of citizens. Based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee, the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 introduced Fundamental Duties into the Constitution. This amendment added ten duties that every Indian citizen is expected to observe. Subsequently, the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002 added an eleventh duty. While Fundamental Rights are guaranteed entitlements provided to individuals, Fundamental Duties represent moral and civic responsibilities expected of every citizen.

Indian Secularism

The Constitution of India guarantees a secular government, meaning the state does not endorse or promote any particular religion. But that doesn’t mean the government is anti-religion. What it really ensures is equal respect and protection for all faiths. This idea of secularism in India is about neutrality not indifference and equal treatment, not preference.

Universal Adult Franchise

Universal Adult Franchise is allowing every citizen who is above 18 years to cast their votes in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies regardless of their caste, race, religion, gender or wealth. The age was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1989, under 61st Constitutional Amendment Act.

Single Citizenship

The Indian Constitution establishes a federal structure with a division of powers between the central and state governments. However, it provides for only a single citizenship, Indian citizenship. This implies that every individual, regardless of the state or territory in which they are born or reside, enjoys the same political and civil rights across the country, without any form of discrimination.

Independent Bodies

The Constitution of India has established various independent bodies other than legislative, executive and judicial of the state and federal governments which are essential for the democratic system of India.

Emergency Provisions

The framers of the Indian Constitution predicted the situations where normal governance might become unjustified. To address such scenarios, the Constitution includes detailed emergency provisions. In times of national crisis, these provisions empower the central government with overriding authority, effectively placing the functioning of state governments under its direct control.

Three-Tier Government

The Indian Constitution originally established a two-tier system of governance, describing the powers and responsibilities of the central and state governments. However, the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts of 1992 introduced a third tier local government which is a rare feature in most other constitutions. The 73rd Amendment added Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule, thereby granting constitutional status to panchayats (rural local bodies). Similarly, the 74th Amendment incorporated Part IX-A and the Twelfth Schedule, formally recognizing municipalities as urban local bodies within the constitutional framework.

Co-operative Societies

The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, passed in 2011, gave cooperative societies constitutional status and protection. It empowered Parliament to make laws for multi-state cooperatives, while state legislatures were given the authority to regulate those operating within their own states.

Salient Features of Indian Constitution Criticism

The Indian Constitution is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive drafted constitutions in the world, yet there are various criticism along which are discussed below:

Length and Complexity: With over 450 articles spread across numerous parts, schedules, and amendments, the Indian Constitution is among the longest in the world. Its size and intricate structure often make it difficult for the average citizen to fully grasp its contents and implications.

Rigidity and Flexibility: While certain parts of the Constitution particularly those related to federal structure and fundamental rights are difficult to amend and require a special majority in Parliament, the Constitution has nonetheless been amended over a hundred times.

Federalism with a Unitary Bias: Although the Constitution establishes a federal system of government, the distribution of powers heavily favors the central government. Provisions such as the power to dismiss state governments under Article 356 and control over the All-India Services have led many to argue that India’s federalism is largely nominal and unitary in practice.

Parliamentary System of Government: India’s adoption of the Westminster-style parliamentary system means that the executive is drawn from and accountable to the legislature. Critics argue that this system has led to political instability, coalition governments, and frequent changes in leadership, particularly at the central level during certain periods.

Fundamental Rights: The Constitution guarantees six fundamental rights to all citizens. However, critics point out that these rights are subject to various reasonable restrictions, and the scope of certain rights such as the right to equality or freedom of expression has often been narrowed by judicial interpretation or legislative action.

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs): While the DPSPs aim to guide the state toward ensuring social and economic justice, they are non-justiciable meaning they cannot be enforced in a court of law. As a result, their practical impact is often seen as limited, leading to concerns about their effectiveness.

Emergency Provisions: The Constitution empowers the central government to assume extraordinary powers during national emergencies, including the suspension of fundamental rights and the imposition of President’s Rule in states. These provisions have been criticized for their potential for misuse, as seen during the Emergency of 1975–77, when civil liberties were significantly curtailed.

Other Related Posts
Directive Principles of State Policy	Federalism in Indian Polity
Uniform Civil Code	Sarkaria Commission
Fundamental Duties	Punchhi Commission
Ordinance Making Power of President	Inter State Council
Prime Minister of India	Fiscal Federalism
Fundamental Rights	Rule of Law
Citizenship	Emergency in India

Salient Features of Indian Constitution FAQs

Q1: What are the salient features of the Indian Constitution?

Ans: The Indian Constitution is federal in structure, parliamentary in nature, with a written document, fundamental rights, directive principles, secularism, and an independent judiciary.

Q2: Who is considered the chief architect of the Indian Constitution?

Ans: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, is regarded as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.

Q3: Is the Indian Constitution rigid or flexible?

Ans: It is a blend of rigidity and flexibility some parts require a special majority for amendment, while others can be changed by a simple majority.

Q4: How is the Indian Constitution federal in nature?

Ans: It divides powers between the Centre and States through three lists in the Seventh Schedule, ensuring a federal system with a strong central government.

Q5: Why is India called a secular country under the Constitution?

Ans: India has no official state religion, and the Constitution guarantees equal treatment of all religions by the state, promoting religious freedom and harmony.

Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), Report 2025, Indicator, Calculation

February 1, 2026

The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) goes beyond traditional income-based measures to evaluate poverty through various deprivations that people face in their daily lives. It includes factors like education, health, and living standards to capture the real extent of hardship. The 2025 Global MPI, released on October 17, 2025, marks a significant milestone by combining climate hazard data with poverty measures, highlighting how environmental risks and poverty are deeply connected across the world.

Multidimensional Poverty Index

The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is an international measure of poverty developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI). Unlike monetary poverty, which measures income alone, MPI identifies people who are deprived in multiple aspects of life such as education, health, and standard of living.

Each of these three dimensions carries several specific indicators. A household is considered multidimensionally poor when it is deprived in at least one-third of the weighted indicators. The MPI value ranges from 0 to 1, where a lower value indicates better performance. It serves as a crucial policy tool for governments to monitor and address poverty more effectively.

Multidimensional Poverty Index 2025

The Global MPI Report 2025, titled “Overlapping Hardships: Poverty and Climate Hazards”, presents an in-depth look at how poverty and environmental vulnerability overlap. It evaluates data from 109 countries, with subnational estimates for 1,359 regions across 101 nations. Key Findings from MPI 2025 Report:

1.1 billion people out of 6.3 billion live in acute multidimensional poverty.
More than 50% of the poor are children, highlighting generational vulnerability.
Around 740 million poor people, approximately 64.5%, live in middle-income countries.
887 million poor individuals are exposed to at least one of four major climate hazards: high heat, drought, floods, and air pollution.
Among these, 309 million face three or four concurrent hazards, intensifying their hardship.
Common deprivations include lack of clean cooking fuel, housing, sanitation, nutrition, and electricity.
India’s MPI value stands at 0.069, indicating significant progress compared to past years.

Multidimensional Poverty Index Indicators

The Multidimensional Poverty Index measures deprivation through three key dimensions, each containing specific indicators. Every indicator is assigned a particular weight, contributing to the overall MPI score.

Health (1/3 Total Weight)

- Nutrition (1/6): A person is deprived if any adult or child in the household is undernourished.
- Child Mortality (1/6): A family is deprived if any child under 18 has died in the past five years.

Education (1/3 Total Weight)

- Years of Schooling (1/6): Deprivation occurs if no household member above school entrance age + six years has completed six years of schooling.
- School Attendance (1/6): A household is deprived if any school-aged child is not attending school up to class eight.

Standard of Living (1/3 Total Weight)

- Cooking Fuel (1/18): Using wood, charcoal, dung, or coal counts as deprivation.
- Sanitation (1/18): Sanitation is considered deprived if facilities are unimproved or shared with other households.
- Drinking Water (1/18): If improved water is unavailable or over a 30-minute round trip away, it is deprived.
- Electricity (1/18): Absence of electricity is a deprivation.
- Housing (1/18): If walls, roof, or floor are made from natural or rudimentary materials, it is deprived.
- Assets (1/18): If the household owns fewer than one asset such as a radio, TV, or bicycle, and no vehicle, it is deprived.

Multidimensional Poverty Index Calculation

The Multidimensional Poverty Index is calculated using a systematic and data-driven process. It includes the following steps:

Identification of Deprivations: Each household is assessed across the ten indicators.
Scoring: Each indicator is given a specific weight, and households are assigned scores based on their deprivation status.
Cut-off Point: If the cumulative deprivation score is 33% or more, the household is identified as multidimensionally poor.
Headcount Ratio (H): This represents the proportion of people identified as poor.
Intensity (A): It measures the average proportion of indicators in which poor people are deprived.
MPI Value (H × A): The final MPI score is obtained by multiplying the Headcount Ratio and Intensity.

Multidimensional Poverty Index India

India’s multidimensional poverty reduction has been a global success story. Between 2015-16 and 2019-21, around 135 million people escaped multidimensional poverty according to earlier MPI findings.

The national MPI value of 0.069 reflects a headcount ratio of 16.4%, meaning that about 16 out of every 100 Indians experience multidimensional poverty. The intensity of deprivation stands at 42%, which is the average proportion of indicators in which poor people are deprived. Breakdown by major dimensions:

Health deprivation: 32.2%
Education deprivation: 28.2%
Standard of living: 39.7%

States like Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh still have higher MPI values, showing deeper deprivations. In contrast, states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Goa perform far better, with very low poverty intensity and higher educational attainments.

Kerala to Announce Extreme Poverty Free Status

On November 1, 2025, Kerala will become the first Indian state officially declared free from extreme poverty. The Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme, launched in 2021, identified 64,006 extremely poor families through detailed surveys assessing deprivation in food, health, livelihood, and shelter. Following this, micro-plans were prepared for each family, ensuring access to essentials like housing, land, and documents. As of 2025, 59,277 families have been successfully uplifted. Kerala’s poverty rate, just 0.7% (NITI Aayog, 2021), is the lowest in India. The official declaration will be made by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram, marking a historic milestone.

Multidimensional Poverty Index Challenges

Despite global progress, multidimensional poverty remains a critical challenge. The intertwining of poverty and climate vulnerability is one of the biggest threats of the 21st century. The 2025 report highlights several ongoing challenges that demand urgent global attention.

Climate and Environmental Risks: Nearly 887 million poor people live in regions facing at least one major climate hazard, and 309 million face multiple hazards. Droughts, floods, and extreme heat directly impact livelihoods, food security, and health, pushing millions back into poverty.
Unequal Access to Resources: Inequality persists both within and between countries. Rural areas continue to lag behind in sanitation, drinking water, and energy access, showing that infrastructure development remains incomplete.
Child Poverty: Children constitute more than half of the global multidimensionally poor population. Malnutrition, low school attendance, and poor living standards threaten their long-term development.
Data Gaps and Measurement Challenges: Many low-income countries lack regular data collection, making it difficult to monitor poverty reduction accurately. Reliable and timely data are essential for effective policy interventions.
Policy Fragmentation: Policies addressing poverty often operate in silos, missing the interconnected nature of deprivations. Integrating environmental and social policies is key to sustainable poverty alleviation.

Way Forward:

Integrated Development Approach: Governments must combine poverty reduction with climate adaptation strategies.
Focus on Education and Skill Development: Education remains a critical tool for breaking poverty cycles.
Inclusive Growth Policies: Ensuring equitable access to healthcare, housing, and sanitation can accelerate progress.
Community Participation: Local empowerment and decentralized planning can enhance efficiency in poverty eradication.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Expanding data collection and sharing across regions will improve monitoring and accountability.
International Cooperation: Richer nations and global institutions must provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries.

Multidimensional Poverty Index UPSC

The 2025 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index reminds the world that poverty is not just about income, it is about overlapping hardships that affect human dignity and opportunity. India’s progress, especially the success of states like Kerala, shows that strategic investment in health, education, and social protection can yield powerful results. However, the growing link between poverty and climate hazards calls for renewed global commitment to building a poverty-free and climate-resilient future.

This year’s report provides valuable insight into how climate change and poverty interact, stressing that countries facing the steepest temperature rises are often those already struggling with high poverty rates.

Multidimensional Poverty Index FAQs

Q1: What is the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)?

Ans: The MPI measures poverty using multiple indicators beyond income, including health, education, and living standards, developed by UNDP and Oxford University.

Q2: What is India’s MPI value in 2025?

Ans: As per the 2025 Global MPI Report, India’s MPI value is 0.069, reflecting a steady improvement in multidimensional poverty reduction.

Q3: How many people live in multidimensional poverty globally in 2025?

Ans: According to the UNDP Global MPI 2025, around 1.1 billion people across 109 countries live in acute multidimensional poverty.

Q4: Which states in India have the lowest multidimensional poverty?

Ans: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh have the lowest multidimensional poverty levels, due to better education, health, and infrastructure outcomes.

Q5: How is the MPI different from income-based poverty?

Ans: Unlike income measures, the MPI considers ten indicators across three dimensions, health, education, and standard of living, to capture holistic poverty levels.

7th Schedule of Indian Constitution, Provisions, States, Articles

February 1, 2026

The Constitution of India establishes a clear framework for the distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States, reinforcing the Federal System of India. A key component of this framework is the 7th Schedule of Indian Constitution, which discusses the division of subjects into three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List. Each list defines the areas in which the respective governments can legislate, ensuring clarity and preventing overlap in responsibilities. This structured division plays an important role in governance, policy formulation, and legal interpretation, making it an essential feature of India’s constitutional design.

7th Schedule of Indian Constitution History

The concept of the 7th Schedule of Indian Constitution has its discussion in the Government of India Act, 1935, which introduced a three-fold division of legislative subjects into:

Federal List
Provincial List
Concurrent List

This model was later adopted and modified by the Constitution of India in 1950. While drafting the Constitution, the Constituent Assembly took into account India’s complex realities such as its cultural diversity, need for unity, and uneven levels of development.

Hence, the Seventh Schedule was included to maintain a functional balance between the powers of the Centre and the States. India is a quasi-federal country with a strong unitary bias, unlike classical federations like the United States. The Constitution allows the Centre to step into State affairs under specific conditions, a provision that became especially important in the early post-Independence period, when ensuring national integration was critical.

Article 246

Article 246 of the Indian Constitution discusses the division of legislative powers between the Union and State governments based on the Seventh Schedule. It establishes a hierarchical structure among the three lists:

Clause (1): Parliament has exclusive authority to legislate on subjects listed in the Union List.
Clause (2): Both Parliament and State Legislatures can legislate on matters in the Concurrent List.
Clause (3): State Legislatures have exclusive powers over subjects in the State List.
Clause (4): Parliament holds the right to legislate on State List matters for Union Territories.

In case of conflict or overlap, the lists follow a priority order: Union List > Concurrent List > State List. If there’s any inconsistency between Central and State law on Concurrent subjects, the Parliament’s law exists.

7th Schedule of Indian Constitution Structure

The 7th Schedule of Indian Constitution plays a central role in defining the federal structure of governance. It clearly defines the areas of legislation between the Union and State governments through three distinct lists. The below table includes 7th Schedule of Indian Constitution Structure:

7th Schedule of Indian Constitution Structure
List	Subject Count	Examples	Significance	Special Provisions
Union List (List I)	Originally 97, now ~100	Defence, Atomic Energy, Foreign Affairs, Railways, Banking, Insurance, Citizenship, Currency, Interstate Trade	Centralizes control of key national areas Maintains national unity Ensures uniform foreign policy and economic strategy	Parliament has exclusive authority
State List (List II)	Originally 66, now 61	Police, Public Order, Local Government, Public Health, Land, Agriculture, Fisheries, Betting and Gambling	Strengthens state autonomy Encourages decentralised governance Reflects regional priorities and diversity	Parliament can legislate during:• National Emergency (Art. 250)• Rajya Sabha Resolution (Art. 249)• States' Consent (Art. 252)• To implement International Agreements (Art. 253)
Concurrent List (List III)	Originally 47, now ~52	Criminal Law, Marriage & Divorce, Education, Forests, Economic and Social Planning, Trade Unions, Bankruptcy	Balances national interest with state flexibility Support Centre-State coordination Encourages cooperative federalism	If State law conflicts with Union law, Union law prevails unless State law has Presidential assent (Art. 254)

Union List (List I)

The Union List contains subjects on which only the Parliament of India can make laws. These matters are of national importance such as defense, foreign affairs, atomic energy, and railways. It currently includes 100 subjects under the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Key Subjects under Union List	Description
Defence and Armed Forces	Management and control of India’s defense system.
Foreign Affairs	Diplomatic relations, treaties, and international organizations.
Atomic Energy	Regulation of nuclear power and research.
Railways	Development and operation of the national railway network.
Currency and Banking	Control over the Reserve Bank of India and monetary policy.
Citizenship and Naturalization	Rules governing Indian citizenship and immigration.

State List (List II)

The State List includes subjects on which state legislatures have the exclusive power to make laws. These topics primarily concern local or regional governance and welfare. The list contains 61 subjects, such as police, public health, and agriculture.

Key Subjects under State List	Description
Police and Public Order	Maintenance of law, order, and internal security within the state.
Public Health and Sanitation	Regulation of hospitals, healthcare, and sanitation systems.
Agriculture	Policies related to farming, irrigation, and crop management.
Local Government	Administration of municipalities and panchayats.
State Taxes	Collection of taxes on land, electricity, and goods within the state.
Prisons and Reformatories	Management of jails and correctional facilities.

Concurrent List (List III)

The Concurrent List contains subjects on which both Parliament and state legislatures can make laws. In case of a conflict, the Central law prevails. It includes 52 subjects, focusing on areas requiring cooperative federalism such as education, forests, and labor welfare.

Key Subjects under Concurrent List	Description
Education	Policies for schools, universities, and technical education.
Forests and Wildlife	Conservation and regulation of natural resources.
Marriage and Divorce	Uniform laws governing marriage, divorce, and succession.
Criminal Law and Procedure	Penal codes and criminal justice administration.
Labor Welfare	Working conditions, trade unions, and industrial disputes.
Social Security	Welfare schemes for workers, women, and children.

Article 248

The Constitution gives Parliament the exclusive power to make laws on subjects not covered in any of the three lists. These are called residuary subjects. This setup tilts power toward the Centre and ensures it can step in to handle new, evolving issues as they arise.

Examples: Cyber laws, space exploration, digital currencies, artificial intelligence.

7th Schedule of Indian Constitution Major Amendments

The Federal System of India has undergone significant transformation through constitutional amendments. Among them, the 42nd and 101st Amendment Acts stand out for their deep impact on Centre-State relations. While the 42nd Amendment expanded the Centre’s legislative domain by shifting key subjects to the Concurrent List, the 101st Amendment reshaped India’s fiscal landscape through the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The table below highlights the 7th Schedule of Indian Constitution Major Amendments.

7th Schedule of Indian Constitution Major Amendments
Amendment	Key Provisions	Impact
42nd Amendment Act, 1976	Shifted 5 subjects from State List to Concurrent List: Education Forests Weights & Measures Administration of Justice Protection of Wild Animals & Birds	Enhanced Centre’s legislative power Triggered debates on State autonomy erosion
101st Amendment Act, 2016 (GST)	Introduced GST; added Article 246A for concurrent taxation powers; removed State List sales tax entries	Unified indirect tax regime Reduced State’s fiscal autonomy Established GST Council

7th Schedule of Indian Constitution FAQs

Q1: What is the 7th Schedule in the Constitution?

Ans: It defines subjects for Union, State, and both governments via Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.

Q2: How many subjects are in the Union List?

Ans: There are 97 subjects in the Union List.

Q3: How many subjects are in the State List?

Ans: There are 66 subjects under the State List.

Q4: What is the Concurrent List?

Ans: It contains 47 subjects where both Union and State governments can make laws.

Q5: Who can amend the 7th Schedule?

Ans: Parliament can amend it through a constitutional amendment under Article 368.

National Constitution Day of India 2025, History, Significance, Timeline

February 1, 2026

National Constitution Day of India, also known as Samvidhan Divas, is observed every year on 26 November to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution. The day honours the vision of the Constituent Assembly and reinforces the role of constitutional values in shaping India’s democracy. It also aims to promote constitutional literacy among citizens, especially students and public servants. The detailed article on the Constitution Day of India has been shared below.

National Constitution Day of India

National Constitution Day of India, observed on 26 November, commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1949 and honours the work of the Constituent Assembly. The Constitution’s drafting was an extensive process that lasted 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days, from 9 December 1946 to 26 November 1949. The day highlights the vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other framers who shaped India’s democratic foundations. It also promotes awareness of constitutional values, rights, duties, and the importance of safeguarding democratic principles.

National Constitution Day of India History

National Constitution Day was officially designated on 19 November 2015, when the Government of India decided to commemorate 26 November 1949, the date on which the Constitution was adopted. Prior to 2015, the day was observed informally as Law Day by legal institutions. The renaming highlighted the need to recognise the Constitution’s transformative impact on India’s socio-political fabric. The celebration pays tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Constituent Assembly for laying India’s democratic foundation.

Adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949.
Enforced fully on 26 January 1950, marking the birth of the Republic.
Declared officially as Constitution Day in 2015 to honour Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 125th birth anniversary year.
Earlier known as Law Day, celebrated primarily by legal bodies.

National Constitution Day of India Significance

National Constitution Day holds deep symbolic and educational importance, as it reaffirms India's commitment to democracy, liberty, equality, justice, and fraternity. It encourages citizens to understand the Constitution not as a legal document alone but as a living guide shaping governance and rights.

Why Constitution Day Matters

Raises awareness about Fundamental Rights, Duties, and Directive Principles.
Reinforces commitment to constitutional supremacy and democratic governance.
Pays homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Constitution.
Encourages study of key values like secularism, federalism, equality, and rule of law.

National Constitution Day of India Drafting Timeline

The drafting of the Indian Constitution was a monumental process that spanned 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days, beginning with the Constituent Assembly’s first meeting on 9 December 1946 and culminating in its adoption on 26 November 1949. A major milestone was the creation of the Drafting Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on 29 August 1947, which prepared the foundational text of the Constitution. The final draft was placed before the Assembly for detailed debate and scrutiny on 4 November 1948, marking the beginning of intensive discussions. The Constitution was finally adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into full effect on 26 January 1950, celebrated today as Republic Day.

National Constitution Day of India Drafting Timeline
Event	Date
Formation of Constituent Assembly	9 December 1946
First meeting of the Constituent Assembly	9 December 1946
Dr. Rajendra Prasad elected as President of the Assembly	11 December 1946
Formation of Drafting Committee under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar	29 August 1947
Presentation of Draft Constitution	4 November 1948
Adoption of Constitution by the Constituent Assembly	26 November 1949
Enforcement of Constitution / Republic Day	26 January 1950

Constitutional Values Highlighted on Constitution Day of India

Constitution Day serves as a reminder of the core values enshrined in the Preamble, which guide India’s democratic, ethical, and governance framework. These values shape the relationship between the State and the citizen while promoting justice, equality, liberty, and national unity.

Justice - Ensuring social, economic, and political fairness for all citizens.
Liberty - Protecting freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
Equality - Guaranteeing equal rights, opportunities, and dignity for every individual.
Fraternity - Promoting national unity, integrity, and brotherhood across communities.
Secularism - Upholding religious neutrality and respect for all faiths.
Democracy - Ensuring participation, representation, and accountability in governance.
Rule of Law - Establishing supremacy of law over arbitrary power.

National Constitution Day & Republic Day Differences

National Constitution Day marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution on 26 November 1949, focusing on awareness of constitutional values and citizen duties. In contrast, Republic Day on 26 January 1950 celebrates the enforcement of the Constitution, symbolising India’s transition to a sovereign republic with a public holiday and national celebrations. The detailed key differences between Constitution Day & Republic Day have been shared below in the table.

National Constitution Day & Republic Day Difference
Feature	Constitution Day (26 Nov)	Republic Day (26 Jan)
Purpose	Marks adoption of the Constitution	Marks enforcement of the Constitution
Declared as	Constitution Day (2015)	National Festival
Focus	Awareness of constitutional values	Celebration of India becoming a Republic
Type of Holiday	Not a public holiday	National public holiday
Activities	Preamble reading, debates, lectures	Parade, awards, cultural displays

National Constitution Day of India FAQs

Q1: Why is National Constitution Day celebrated on 26 November?

Ans: It is celebrated to mark the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949.

Q2: Who announced Constitution Day in India?

Ans: The Government of India declared it in 2015, during Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 125th birth anniversary year.

Q3: What is the difference between Law Day and Constitution Day?

Ans: Earlier, 26 November was observed informally as Law Day by legal institutions; after 2015, it became Constitution Day to promote broader constitutional awareness.

Q4: Is Constitution Day a public holiday?

Ans: No, Constitution Day is not a public holiday but is widely observed in government institutions and educational establishments.

Q5: What activities are conducted on Constitution Day?

Ans: Activities include Preamble reading, essay competitions, seminars, judicial workshops, pledge ceremonies, and awareness campaigns on rights and duties.

List of National Symbols of India with Names, Significance

February 1, 2026

National Symbols of India are an essential part of any nation's identity, reflecting its cultural values and historical significance. For Indians, these 17 national symbols are not only a source of pride but also a representation of India's diverse heritage. These symbols are integral to the country's identity and are significant in the context of national importance, making it essential for every citizen to be familiar with them. In competitive exams such as UPSC, questions related to these 17 National Symbols of India are frequently asked. This article will include each of these symbols and explore their cultural and national relevance.

National Symbols of India

National Symbols of India serve as an important representation of our country’s values, history, and identity. India, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions, has a set of national symbols that evoke pride, patriotism, and a deep sense of unity among its citizens. These symbols go beyond representations; they embody the collective spirit and heritage of the nation.

List of National Symbols of India

Check out the List of National Symbols of India below, which includes key symbols like the National Flag, Emblem, Anthem, along with the Bengal Tiger, Lotus, and the Ganges River. These symbols embody India's cultural heritage, evoking patriotism, pride, and unity, while reflecting the country's rich diversity and identity.

List of National Symbols of India
1	National Flag	Tiranga
2	National Emblem	National Emblem of India
3	National Currency	Indian Rupees
4	National Calendar	Saka Calendar
5	Oath of Allegiance	National Pledge
6	National River	Ganga
7	National Heritage Animal	Indian Elephant
8	National Animal	Royal Bengal Tiger
9	National Bird	Indian Peacock
10	National Tree	Indian Banyan
11	National Song	Vande Mataram
12	National Anthem	Jana Gana Mana
13	National Reptile	King Cobra
14	National Aquatic Animal	Ganges River Dolphin
15	National Vegetable	Pumpkin
16	National Fruit	Mango
17	National Flower	Lotus

National Symbols of India with Names List

Check below the Name List of National Symbols of India with a brief description.

Indian National Flag

The National Flag of India, known as the Tiranga, was designed by Pingali Venkayya and was officially adopted on 22nd July 1947. Its three colors, saffron, white, and green which symbolize the sacrifice of freedom fighters, peace, and prosperity respectively. The flag is a symbol of India's unity, diversity, and pride.

National Flower of India

The National Flower of India is the Lotus, symbolizing purity, beauty, and spiritual enlightenment. It holds great cultural and religious significance in Indian traditions, often associated with gods and goddesses like Lakshmi and Saraswati. The lotus represents the idea of rising above challenges, just as it blooms beautifully even in muddy waters.

National Emblem

India's National Emblem, derived from the Ashoka Chakra at Sarnath, reflects the nation's history and cultural significance. The emblem carries the motto ‘Satyameva Jayate’, which means “Truth Alone Triumphs”, symbolizing India's commitment to justice and righteousness.

National Currency

The currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India. Designed by Udayakumar Dharmalingam, the rupee symbol reflects India’s economic strength and heritage.

National Calendar

The Saka Calendar serves as India’s national calendar. With deep historical roots, it represents the golden period of Indian civilization and has been in use for official purposes since 1957.

Oath of Allegiance

The National Pledge of India is a declaration of allegiance to the nation, emphasizing unity, peace, and national integrity. This pledge is recited across schools and institutions to promote patriotism and a sense of belonging.

National Fruit of India

The mango holds the title of the National Fruit of India. Loved across the nation, it is a symbol of summer and prosperity. Known for its sweetness, the mango is a cultural icon in India.

National Animal of India

The Royal Bengal Tiger is India’s National Animal. Recognized for its strength and grace, the tiger is also a symbol of the nation’s commitment to conservation, as it faces the threat of extinction.

National Bird of India

The peacock is India’s National Bird, chosen for its beauty and significance in Indian culture. The bird was adopted in 1963, representing vibrancy, national pride, and cultural heritage.

National Anthem

India’s National Anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’, was composed by Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali and later translated into Hindi. It was officially adopted as the anthem in 1950, and its stirring lyrics reflect India’s diversity and unity.

National Song of India

‘Vande Mataram’, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, is India’s National Song. Adopted in 1950, it celebrates the country’s freedom struggle and pays homage to India as a motherland.

National Tree of India

The banyan tree is India’s National Tree. Known for its vast canopy, the banyan is a symbol of immortality and spiritual significance in Hinduism, representing resilience and longevity.

National Vegetable of India

Pumpkin is the National Vegetable of India, chosen for its widespread cultivation and the vital role it plays in Indian diets. This versatile vegetable is grown across the country with minimal resources.

National Heritage Animal

The Indian Elephant is declared the National Heritage Animal of India. Revered in Indian culture, the elephant symbolizes strength and wisdom. Efforts are underway to protect this majestic animal as its population dwindles.

National Aquatic Animal of India

The Ganges River Dolphin is India’s National Aquatic Animal. This species, found in the Ganges River, is endangered, and its declaration as a national symbol aims to raise awareness for its conservation.

National River of India

In 2008, the Ganges was declared India’s National River, underscoring its deep cultural and spiritual significance. The Ganga Action Plan was initiated to protect and preserve this sacred river.

Significance of National Symbols of India

National symbols are essential to a country’s identity, values, and history, and they foster unity and pride. In India, symbols like the national flag, emblem, flower, bird, animal, and tree represent the country’s rich cultural heritage. These symbols not only evoke patriotism but also serve practical purposes—such as the national flag identifying Indian ships and aircraft, and the emblem appearing on official government documents.

The lotus, India’s national flower, symbolizes purity and spirituality, while the Bengal tiger, the national animal, represents strength and bravery. The peacock, recognized as the national bird, reflects grace and beauty, and the banyan tree, India’s national tree, signifies immortality.

Together, these symbols help unite the Indian people, promote cultural pride, and reinforce the country’s values both within India and internationally. They are more than just emblems—they inspire respect and celebrate the country’s unique identity.

National Symbols of India 2026 FAQs

Q1: What are the 17 National Symbols of India?

Ans: There are 17 national symbols of India namely Tiranga, Jana Gana Mana, Saka Calendar, Vande Mataram, National Emblem of India, Mango, Ganga, Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Banyan, Ganges River Dolphin, Indian Peacock, Indian Rupee, King Cobra, Indian Elephant, Lotus, Pumpkin and National Pledge.

Q2: What is the name of the National Symbol?

Ans: India's National Symbols, such as the lotus (spirituality and purity), the tiger (strength and courage), the peacock (grace and beauty), the banyan tree (immortality), and the mango (tropical climate), were chosen to reflect the nation's rich heritage, cultural values, and natural beauty.

Q3: What do the National Symbols of India represent?

Ans: The national animal, Tiger symbolizes power; the national flower, Lotus symbolizes purity; the national tree, Banyan symbolizes immortality, the national bird, the Peacock symbolizes elegance and the national fruit, Mango symbolizes the tropical climate of India.

Q4: What are the names of 5 of the National Symbols?

Ans: The five symbols include King Protea, Real Yellowwoods, Springbok, Galjoen Fish, and Blue Crane. In addition, is the meaning of each symbol.

Q5: Which is the National Tree?

Ans: Ficus bengalensis, an Indian fig tree, spreads its branches out like young trees across a wide region. The roots then give rise to more trunks and branches. Because of this characteristic and its longevity, this tree is considered immortal and is an integral part of the myths and legends of India.

Nobel Prize 2025 Winners List, All Category-wise Winners List

February 1, 2026

The Nobel Prize 2025 stands as one of the most prestigious honors in the world, awarded annually to individuals and organizations who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of humanity. These prizes are presented in six major fields: Medicine (Physiology), Physics, Chemistry, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences, and represent the highest recognition of excellence, innovation, and service to society.

The Nobel Prize Winners 2025 announcements were made between 6th October and 13th October 2025, honoring extraordinary work that has transformed scientific understanding, promoted global peace, and enriched human culture.

What are the Nobel Prizes?

The Nobel Prizes are a set of international awards given every year to people or organizations that have made remarkable contributions to humanity. These prizes were established as per the will of Alfred Nobel, a Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor who wanted his fortune to be used to reward those who bring the “greatest benefit to mankind.”

The awards were first presented in 1901, and since then, they have become a global symbol of excellence and humanitarian achievement.

Each Nobel Prize laureate receives:

A gold medal symbolizes their honor and achievement.
A diploma, personally signed by the awarding institution.
A cash award, which varies each year depending on the funds of the Nobel Foundation (in 2023, it was approximately 11 million Swedish kronor, equal to over 1 million USD).

Nobel Prize 2025 Categories

The Nobel Prizes originally began with five categories, as outlined in Nobel’s will. In 1968, a sixth category as Economic Sciences, was added by Sweden’s central bank, bringing the total to six.

Categories of the Nobel Prize 2025
Category	Purpose	Awarded By
Physics	For groundbreaking discoveries explaining the laws of nature and the universe.	The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Chemistry	For advancements in chemical science and discoveries that improve human life.	The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Physiology or Medicine	For discoveries that advance medical knowledge and improve human health.	The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet
Literature	For exceptional works of fiction, poetry, or writing that enrich global literature.	The Swedish Academy
Peace	For efforts in promoting peace, resolving conflicts, and improving global relations.	The Norwegian Nobel Committee
Economic Sciences	Added in 1968; honors contributions to economics and financial science.	The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

Nobel Prize Winners List 2025

The Nobel Prize 2025 awards were announced from 6th to 13th October 2025. Each day corresponds to a specific field, with announcements made by the respective awarding committees in Stockholm and Oslo. The Nobel Prize Winners 2025 list has been shared below based on the category.

Nobel Prize 2025 Winners List
Category	Date of Announcement	Awarded By	Nobel Prize Winners 2025	Contribution
Physiology or Medicine	6th October 2025	The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet, Wallenbergsalen, Solna	Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi	Discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance.
Physics	7th October 2025	The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm	John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis	Discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit
Chemistry	8th October 2025	The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm	Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar Yaghi	For the development of metal-organic frameworks
Literature	9th October 2025	The Swedish Academy, Börssalen, Stockholm	László Krasznahorkai	for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art
Peace	10th October 2025	The Norwegian Nobel Committee, Oslo	Maria Corina Machado	for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy
Economic Sciences	13th October 2025	The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm	Joel Mokyr; Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt	for having explained innovation-driven economic growth One half to Joel Mokyr “for having identified the prerequisites for sustained growth through technological progress” Other half jointly to Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt “for the theory of sustained growth through creative destruction.”

Also Read: Nobel Prize 2024 Winners

Nobel Peace Prize 2025

The Nobel Peace Prize 2025 has been announced on 10th October 2025 by The Norwegian Nobel Committee at the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo. The Nobel Peace Prize Winner 2025 is Maria Corina Machado for her tireless efforts in promoting democratic rights in Venezuela. Recognized as a courageous leader, she has united a divided political opposition to peacefully strive for free elections and a just transition from dictatorship to democracy. Her work highlights the power of ballots over bullets and sets an inspiring example of civilian courage and commitment to democracy.

Nobel Prize Winners 2025 Physiology or Medicine

The Nobel Prize Winners 2025 in Medicine have been awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi for their groundbreaking discoveries in the field of immunology. Their research revealed the crucial role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in maintaining immune system balance and preventing autoimmune diseases. This discovery has paved the way for new treatments for conditions such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, making a lasting impact on medical science and human health.

Nobel Prize Winners 2025 Physics

The Nobel Prize Winners 2025 in Physics has been announced on 7th October 2025 by The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm. The Nobel Prize has been awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for their discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit. Their groundbreaking experiments proved that quantum effects can occur in large, hand-held systems, showing how superconducting circuits can tunnel between states and absorb or emit energy in specific, measurable quantities.

Nobel Prize Winners 2025 Chemistry

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 has been awarded to Scientists Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi for the development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced in Stockholm on 8th October 2025. Their pioneering work on MOFs porous materials with vast surface areas has revolutionized applications in gas storage, catalysis, and environmental sustainability. The discovery represents a transformative advancement in chemical sciences, with potential benefits for medicine, clean energy, and climate solutions.

Nobel Prize Winners 2025 Literature

The Nobel Prize in Literature 2025 has been awarded to László Krasznahorkai, the Hungarian novelist and screenwriter renowned for his dense, apocalyptic prose and profound philosophical insight. Often called the “writer of the apocalypse,” Krasznahorkai’s work explores humanity on the edge of collapse, transcendence, and revelation.

The announcement was made on 9th October 2025 by The Swedish Academy at Börssalen, Stockholm. This prestigious award honors an author whose writings demonstrate exceptional creativity, depth, and a profound understanding of the human experience, continuing the Nobel tradition of celebrating literary excellence that inspires readers across generations.

Nobel Prize Winners 2025 Economic Sciences

The Nobel Prize 2025 in Economic Sciences has been announced on 13th October 2025 by The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm. The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences 2025 has been awarded to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt for their groundbreaking work on innovation-driven economic growth. Mokyr explored historical conditions necessary for sustained technological progress, while Aghion and Howitt developed the theory of creative destruction, showing how new innovations replace old products to drive long-term growth. Their combined research provides deep insight into the forces shaping modern economic development.

Nobel Prize Winners from India

India has produced several Nobel laureates who have made outstanding contributions to science, literature, peace, and economics. Their achievements have brought international recognition and have inspired generations across the country. Here is the list of all the Nobel Prize Winners from India along with the category and their contribution in various fields.

Nobel Prize Winners from India
Year	Laureate	Category	Contribution / Work
1913	Rabindranath Tagore	Literature	Recognized for his profoundly sensitive, poetic, and humanistic writings
1930	C.V. Raman	Physics	Discovery of the Raman Effect, explaining the scattering of light
1968	Har Gobind Khorana	Medicine	Research on genetic code and protein synthesis
1979	Mother Teresa	Peace	Selfless work with the poor and sick in Kolkata, founded Missionaries of Charity
1983	Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar	Physics	Theoretical studies on the structure and evolution of stars, especially white dwarfs
1998	Amartya Sen	Economic Sciences	Contributions to welfare economics, social choice theory, and development
2009	Venkatraman Ramakrishnan	Chemistry	Studies on the structure and function of the ribosome
2014	Kailash Satyarthi	Peace	Advocacy for children’s rights and fight against child labor
2019	Abhijit Banerjee	Economic Sciences	Experimental approaches to reducing global poverty

How the Nobel Laureates Are Chosen

The selection process for the Nobel Prizes is one of the most rigorous in the world. It involves months of confidential research, nominations, and evaluation by committees of leading experts.

Step-by-Step Selection Process:

Nominations: Qualified individuals, including previous laureates, university professors, and selected institutions, nominate candidates.
Evaluation: The Nobel Committees study the nominations, review research, and consult with experts.
Decision: The respective academies or committees vote to determine the winner(s).
Announcement: The results are made public in early October.
Award Ceremony: The prizes are formally presented on 10th December, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.

Significance of the Nobel Prize

The Nobel Prize is not merely an award; it is a symbol of human progress, compassion, and creativity. Its significance lies in its power to:

Encourage innovation: It motivates scientists, thinkers, and peacebuilders to continue pushing boundaries.
Recognize global impact: It honors efforts that have made lasting positive changes in the world.
Inspire future generations: Young researchers and writers often see laureates as role models.

Promote peace and cooperation: The Peace Prize especially plays a crucial role in acknowledging movements and individuals striving for global harmony.

Nobel Prize 2025 Winners List FAQs

Q1: Who founded the Nobel Prize?

Ans: The Nobel Prize was founded by Alfred Nobel, a Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor, through his will in 1895.

Q2: When will the Nobel Prize 2025 winners be announced?

Ans: The Nobel Prize 2025 winners were announced between 6th and 13th October 2025.

Q3: How many Nobel Prizes are awarded each year?

Ans: Six Nobel Prizes are awarded annually, in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences.

Q4: Who won the first Nobel Prize?

Ans: The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901. For example, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen won the first Physics Nobel for discovering X-rays.

Q5: What is the prize money for Nobel Prize winners?

Ans: In recent years, the Nobel Prize amount has been around 11 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to over $1 million USD.

Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025, Registration, Eligibility, Theme

February 1, 2026

The Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 is India’s largest student innovation movement, launched by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and AICTE. It aims to inspire school students of Classes 6-12 to ideate, innovate, and solve real-life challenges through creativity and teamwork. The initiative aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, promoting a culture of innovation and self-reliance from the grassroots level.

Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025

Launched on 23 September 2025 by Union Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Buildathon will engage over 1 crore students from 1.5 lakh+ schools across India. The initiative encourages innovation in four core areas- Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swadeshi, Vocal for Local, and Samriddhi. It is not just a contest but a nationwide innovation platform that nurtures critical thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills in students.

Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 Overview

The Buildathon embodies India’s vision to transform its education system into a creator-driven model.

Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 Overview
Aspect	Desccription
Launched By	Ministry of Education, AIM (NITI Aayog), AICTE
Launch Date	23 September 2025
Target Group	Students of Classes VI to XII
Schools Involved	1.5 lakh+
Students Engaged	1 crore+
Core Themes	Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swadeshi, Vocal for Local, Samriddhi
Culmination	January 2026 (Results & Felicitation)
Mode	Hybrid (School & Online Activities)
Participation Focus	Aspirational Districts, Tribal & Remote Regions

Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 Theme

The four key themes reflect India’s long-term development goals and provide a broad framework for students’ ideas and innovations.

Atmanirbhar Bharat: Building indigenous and self-reliant technological solutions.
Swadeshi: Reviving and modernizing traditional knowledge systems.
Vocal for Local: Promoting local crafts, products, and industries.
Samriddhi: Ensuring sustainable prosperity and inclusive development.

Apply Online for Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025

Students from Classes VI to XII can apply online through their schools. The registration process is entirely digital and free of cost. Last Date to Apply is 6 October 2025. All participating teams will receive digital Participation Certificates from the Ministry of Education. Schools are required to register the team of students.

Click Here to Register for Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 [Active]

Steps to Apply Online for Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025

Visit the official website vbb.mic.gov.in.
Schools must register themselves and create student teams of 5-7 members.
Upload project ideas, concepts, or prototype plans.
Submit entries in the form of photos and videos before the last date.
Save confirmation for participation and certificates.

Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 Important Dates

The Buildathon follows a structured timeline, ensuring synchronized participation across India. The Live Innovation Event on 13 October 2025 will witness simultaneous participation of 1 crore students, making it one of the world’s largest synchronized innovation activities.

Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 Timeline
Phase	Activity	Dates
Phase 1	Launch by Union Education Minister	23 September 2025
Phase 2	Registration Window	23 September - 6 October 2025
Phase 3	Preparation & Mentoring Period	6 - 12 October 2025
Phase 4	Nationwide Live Buildathon	13 October 2025
Phase 5	Entry Submission	14 - 31 October 2025
Phase 6	Evaluation of Entries	November 2025
Phase 7	Results & Felicitation Ceremony	January 2026

Viksit Bharat Buildathon Eligibility Criteria 2025

To ensure fairness and inclusivity, the Ministry has laid down uniform participation rules.

Teams must consist of 5-7 students from the same school.
Each school can register multiple teams.
Entries can be in prototype, concept, or working model format.
Mentors (teachers) will guide teams during the preparation period.
Entries will be evaluated by a national panel of experts based on innovation, feasibility, and social impact.

Viksit Bharat Buildathon Objectives

The Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 is more than an educational activity- it is a nation-building exercise. It seeks to ignite innovation among young minds and prepare them to lead India’s technological and developmental journey.

Foster innovation culture in schools through experiential learning.
Strengthen India’s position as a global innovation hub.
Align school-level education with the goals of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Encourage local problem-solving and sustainable entrepreneurship.
Empower students from marginalized and rural communities.

Viksit Bharat Buildathon Challenges

The Buildathon has created an unprecedented wave of creativity and innovation. However, challenges such as digital divide, lack of resources, and mentor availability remain. India must now ensure sustainability and scalability of this movement.

Way Forward

These steps can turn the Buildathon into a continuous innovation ecosystem shaping India’s young innovators:

Expand Innovation Infrastructure: Establish Atal Tinkering Labs in every district.
Teacher Training: Conduct regular capacity-building programs for school mentors.
Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage industry mentoring and CSR participation.
Digital Access: Strengthen ICT infrastructure in rural and tribal schools.
Continuous Engagement: Integrate Buildathon outcomes into long-term innovation programs.
Recognition and Patenting: Support winning ideas with incubation and patent filing assistance.

Also Check Related Links
PM Vishwakarma Scheme	Poshan Abhiyan
SAMARTH Scheme	Atal Innovation Mission

Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 FAQs

Q1: Who launched the Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025?

Ans: It was launched by Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan on 23 September 2025.

Q2: What is the eligibility for participation for Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025?

Ans: Students from Classes VI to XII can participate in teams of 5-7 members through their schools.

Q3: What are the four main themes of the Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025?

Ans: Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swadeshi, Vocal for Local, and Samriddhi.

Q4: What is the official registration link for Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025?

Ans: Schools can apply online at https://vbb.mic.gov.in.

Q5: When will the results of the Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 be declared?

Ans: Results will be announced in January 2026, followed by a national felicitation event.