Articles on 7 February 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 7 February 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily articles for 7 February 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Mormugao Port, Location, History, Significance

February 7, 2026
Mormugao Port

Mormugao Port is a major port on the western coast of India in the coastal state of Goa. Commissioned in 1885 on the site of a natural harbour, it is one of India's oldest ports.

Mormugao Port History

Mormugao Port was developed by the Portuguese in the late 19th century primarily to export minerals from Goa and the adjoining areas. After the liberation of Goa in 1961, the port came under the control of the Government of India. In 1964, Mormugao Port was officially declared a Major Port. Since then, the port has continuously contributed to the country’s economic development.

Currently, the Mormugao Port is managed and operated by Mormugao Port Authority.

Mormugao Port Significance 

  • Mormugao Port is a riverine port situated at the mouth of the Zuari river estuary, providing natural shelter for vessels.
  • Mormugao port is a deep water port because of which large ships can enter without extensive dredging.
    • In 1965, a Perspective Plan was established to develop Mormugao Port for deep-water access and high-capacity loading to compete with Brazil and Australia in the iron ore market. 

Also Read: Indian Ports Act 2025

  • Mormugao Port handles major cargoes such as coal, ammonia, phosphoric acid and fertilizer components, steel coils and slabs, limestone, petroleum oil lubricants, molasses, along with a small volume of container traffic.
  • In addition to cargo vessels, the port receives cruise ships, oilfield supply vessels, and vessels of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, National Institute of Oceanography, and Fisheries Survey of India. It also serves as a logistics hub for supplies meant for Indian Antarctic expeditions.
  • Mormugao Port is India’s first port to introduce Green Ship Incentives through the Environment Ship Index (ESI) portal, aligning with global efforts to reduce air emissions in shipping. The port's incentive program, ‘Harit Shrey,’ launched in October 2023, offers discounts on port charges based on ESI scores, rewarding ships with higher environmental performance.

Mormugao Port FAQs

Q1: Where is Mormugao Port located?

Ans: Mormugao Port is located on the western coast of India in the state of Goa, at the mouth of the Zuari River along the Arabian Sea.

Q2: When was Mormugao Port commissioned and who developed it?

Ans: Mormugao Port was commissioned in 1885 and was developed by the Portuguese during the late nineteenth century.

Q3: When was Mormugao Port declared a Major Port?

Ans: Mormugao Port was declared a Major Port in 1964 after Goa’s liberation.

Q4: Why is Mormugao Port considered a deep-water port?

Ans: Mormugao Port is considered a deep-water port because its natural harbour allows large vessels to enter without the need for extensive dredging.

Q5: What type of port is Mormugao Port?

Ans: Mormugao Port is a riverine port located in the Zuari River estuary with a protected natural harbour.

Pamir Mountains, Location, Geology, Peaks, Climate, Rivers

February 7, 2026
Pamir Mountains

The Pamir Mountains are a range of mountains between Central Asia and South Asia. They are often called the “Roof of the World” due to their very high average elevation, ranging between 4,000-5,000 metres.

Pamir Mountains Location

  • The Pamir Mountains are located in Central Asia, primarily in eastern Tajikistan (Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region).
  • They extend into northeastern Afghanistan, western China (Xinjiang), and southern Kyrgyzstan.
  • Geographically, the Pamirs lie at the junction of South Asia, Central Asia, and East Asia, making them a key trans-continental region.
  • Because of their strategic location, they became an important junction of the ancient Silk Road.

Pamir Mountains Geology

  • The region is part of the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic belt.
  • The Pamirs were formed due to the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate.
  • Continuous tectonic activity has resulted in uplift of high plateaus, frequent earthquakes, intense folding and faulting. 
  • Rich in minerals such as gold, silver, and rare metals.
  • Potential for hydropower generation due to steep gradients and river systems. However, exploitation is limited due to terrain, climate, and ecological concerns.
  • The Pamir Mountains form a mountain knot, a region where multiple major mountain ranges converge. Major ranges meeting here include Himalayas (south), Karakoram (south-east), Hindu Kush (south-west), Tien Shan (north-east), Kunlun Mountains (east).  This makes the Pamirs one of the most complex tectonic regions in the world.

Pamir Mountains Major Peaks and Ranges

Pamir Mountains peaks are characterized by permanent snow cover and steep glacial valleys.

  • Ismoil Somoni Peak (7,495 m) is the highest peak of the Pamirs and Tajikistan.
  • Peak Korzhenevskaya (7,105 m) is the second highest peak. 
  • Muztagh Ata (7,509 m), located in China, is famous for extensive glaciers.

Pamir Mountain Climate

  • The climate is predominantly cold desert or alpine.
  • Winters are long, extremely cold, with temperatures often below –30°C.
  • Summers are short and cool due to high altitude.
  • The region receives very little rainfall because it lies far from oceans and in the rain shadow part of surrounding mountains.
  • Pamirs contain thousands of glaciers, including Fedchenko Glacier, one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions. These glaciers act as a perennial freshwater source for Central Asian countries and therefore they are often called the “Water Tower of Central Asia.”

Also Read: Arakan Yoma Mountain

Pamir Mountains Drainage

The Pamir Mountains are one of the most important sources of rivers in Asia. Important rivers originating here include 

  • Amu Darya: it flows into the Aral Sea basin. The Panj River rises in the Pamirs and flows along the border of Tajikistan and Afghanistan. It joins the Vakhsh River, which also starts in the Pamir region. Together, they form the Amu Darya River
  • Yarkand River: it flows into the Tarim Basin in China.
  • Other rivers like Bartang, Gunt, and Murghab also flow from the Pamirs and add water to this system.
  • Contain several high-altitude lakes formed by glacial, tectonic, and landslide processes. Major lakes in the region include Karakul Lake, Sarez Lake, Yashilkul Lake in Tajikistan and Zorkul Lake on the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border. Zorkul lake is considered a source of the Amu Darya river system. 

Pamir Mountains Ecology

Pamir Mountains are one of the most sensitive mountain ecosystems in the world due to high altitude and extreme climatic conditions. 

  • Vegetation is sparse and primarily consists of alpine grasslands, cold desert shrubs, and hardy mosses and lichens.
  • Forest cover is almost absent, and biological productivity remains limited.
  • Despite harsh conditions, the Pamirs support unique fauna such as the snow leopard, Marco Polo sheep, Siberian ibex, yak, and high-altitude birds, many of which are specially adapted to low oxygen levels and extreme cold.
  • Tajik National Park, also known as the Mountains of the Pamirs, is a vast protected area located in eastern Tajikistan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its unique high-mountain landscapes, glaciers, and rich biodiversity.

Pamir Mountains FAQs

Q1: Where are the Pamir Mountains located?

Ans: They are located in Central Asia, mainly in eastern Tajikistan, and extend into Afghanistan, China (Xinjiang), and Kyrgyzstan.

Q2: Why are the Pamir Mountains called the “Roof of the World”?

Ans: They have a very high average elevation of about 4,000–5,000 metres, making them one of the highest mountain regions on Earth.

Q3: How were the Pamir Mountains formed?

Ans: They were formed due to the collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate as part of the Alpine–Himalayan orogenic belt.

Q4: Which major rivers originate from the Pamir region?

Ans: Important rivers include the Amu Darya, the Yarkand River, and several tributaries such as the Panj, Vakhsh, Bartang, Gunt, and Murghab.

Q5: Why are the Pamir Mountains called the “Water Tower of Central Asia”?

Ans: The region contains extensive glaciers that feed major rivers, supplying water to dry parts of Central Asia and supporting millions of people.

Women Empowerment, Need, Legal Framework, Challenges, Achievements

February 7, 2026
Women Empowerment

Women Empowerment is the process of reducing and eliminating Social Issues, Economic Challenges and Political Inequalities between men and women. The concept gained prominence in the 19th century, where empowerment meant enabling individuals with rights and authority. Historically, women have been regarded as the weaker gender worldwide and, even after India’s independence, they remained deprived of equal socio-economic status. To address this imbalance, the Government of India and various non-governmental organizations initiated multiple women development programmes. At the global level, the United Nations declared 1975-1985 as the "Decade for Women", and 2001 as the "International Year for Women’s Empowerment", a resolution adopted by India.

Women Empowerment in India

In India, Women constitute nearly 48% of the population which makes the Woman Empowerment central to inclusive national development. Over the past decade, improvements in female literacy, workforce participation, entrepreneurship, political representation and health indicators show steady progress. At the same time, persistent challenges such as patriarchy, violence, informal employment and moral policing continue to restrict women’s autonomy.

Women Empowerment Need

Women Empowerment is essential for equality, economic growth, democratic strength, social justice and sustainable development in a diverse and populous society.

  • Reduction of Violence Against Women: Empowerment strengthens legal awareness, economic independence and social support, enabling women to resist domestic violence, sexual abuse and exploitation while improving reporting and justice delivery.
  • Addressing Feminization of Poverty: Women form a disproportionate share of the poor due to low wages, informal work and unpaid care responsibilities; empowerment expands income access and financial security.
  • Economic Productivity: Greater female workforce participation increases national productivity, household incomes and economic resilience, directly supporting inclusive growth.
  • Social Justice: Empowerment corrects historical discrimination by ensuring equal rights, opportunities and dignity across social, economic and political spheres.
  • Democratic Strengthening: Women’s participation in governance improves policy inclusiveness, accountability and responsiveness, reflecting grassroots realities and social diversity.

Women Empowerment Legal Frameworks

In India, Women Empowerment is backed by Constitutional Provisions, Government Schemes and Initiatives and other Legal Aspects as highlighted below:

1. Constitutional Provisions

Article 14 guarantees equality before law, while Article 15 prohibits discrimination and allows special provisions for women. Article 16 ensures equal opportunity in public employment, forming the legal foundation for gender justice. Article 39(d) mandates equal pay for equal work and Article 42 directs the state to ensure humane working conditions and maternity relief.

2. Government Initiatives

Various Government Schemes and Initiatives help in the eradication of discrimination against woman at various levels of society and administrations. The major initiatives include:

  • The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005: provides legal remedies against abuse, the Nirbhaya Scheme improved legal deterrence, though enforcement gaps remain a concern.
  • Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017: extended paid maternity leave to 26 weeks and mandated crèche facilities, supporting women’s workforce continuity and child care responsibilities.
  • Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme: addresses declining child sex ratios and promotes girls’ education, contributing to rising female literacy and increased school enrollment across states.
  • Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana: expanded credit access, with 68% of loans in 2024 issued to women. Stand-Up India and Mahila E-Haat further support women-led enterprises and market access.
  • Mission Shakti: integrates safety, security and empowerment schemes, including One Stop Centres. Over 725 centres offer legal aid, medical support and counselling to women facing violence.
  • The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023: mandates 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, marking a historic step toward balanced political representation after delimitation.
  • Digital and Technology Initiatives: Programs like Drone Didis promote technology adoption and digital entrepreneurship among rural women, expanding income opportunities beyond traditional sectors.
  • Other Scheme: The Government of India has brought various other schemes for the upliftment and protection of the Females, such as: Swadhar Greh, Nari Shakti Puruskar, POSH Act, Ujjawala Scheme, POCSO Act, Sakhi Niwas, Vishaka Guidelines, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Mahtari Vandana Yojana  etc.

Women Empowerment Challenges

Women empowerment in India faces structural, social, economic and cultural barriers that limit women’s freedom, safety and participation despite visible progress in education and employment. Some of the major Women Empowerment Difficulties are:

  • Labour Force Exclusion: About 90% of working women remain in informal employment without social security, maternity benefits, or job stability. Although female labour force participation rose to 41.7% in 2023-24, it remains far below male participation and the global average of 48.7%, reinforcing economic vulnerability.
  • Feminisation of Agriculture: Women constitute over 42% of India’s agricultural workforce in 2025, marking a 135% rise in a decade. However, most lack land ownership, access to credit and decision making power, resulting in unpaid or underpaid labour despite increased responsibility in food production.
  • Political Underrepresentation: Women hold only about 13.6% of seats in the 18th Lok Sabha, with limited representation in state legislatures. Practices like the “sarpanch-pati” system undermine elected women leaders, while delays in implementing the 33% reservation law weaken meaningful political empowerment.
  • Health Inequality: NFHS-5 reports that 57% of women aged 15-49 are anaemic, affecting productivity and maternal health. Despite maternal mortality declining to 97 per 100,000 live births, malnutrition and inadequate preventive care continue to undermine women’s physical well-being.
  • Educational and Skill Gaps: Higher education enrollment stands at about 28.5%, with women underrepresented in STEM fields. Early marriage, care burdens and limited career guidance restrict skill development, preventing education from translating into quality employment opportunities.
  • Digital and Infrastructure Exclusion: Around 51.6% of rural women do not own a mobile phone, limiting access to digital education, banking and e-governance. This digital divide reduces participation in the modern economy and increases dependence on intermediaries for essential services.
  • Cyber Abuse and Online Harassment: Growing digital access has introduced cyberstalking, bullying, AI manipulation of Photos and Videos and doxing, discouraging women from using online platforms for education and work as seen in the recent Grok AI Case. Fear of online violence creates a chilling effect, reinforcing digital exclusion rather than empowerment.
  • Gender-Based Violence: More than 4,45,000 crimes against women were reported in 2022, including domestic violence and sexual assault. Weak enforcement and social stigma reduce reporting, affecting women’s mobility, confidence and participation in public life.

Women Empowerment International Measures

Global conventions and development goals provide normative guidance and accountability mechanisms supporting women’s rights and gender equality across nations.

  • CEDAW: India ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, committing to eliminate legal and social discrimination and ensure equal political, economic and social rights.
  • Beijing Platform for Action: The 1995 declaration emphasised women’s economic participation, education, health and freedom from violence, shaping national gender policies and monitoring frameworks worldwide.
  • Sustainable Development Goal 5: SDG 5 aims to achieve gender equality by 2030, linking women empowerment with education, health, decent work, leadership and access to resources, influencing national planning priorities.
  • International Labour Standards: ILO conventions on equal remuneration, maternity protection and workplace safety inform labour reforms and gender-sensitive employment policies in developing economies.
  • Global Advocacy and Reporting: UN Women and global indices on gender inequality highlight gaps and best practices, encouraging evidence based policymaking and cross-country learning for women empowerment.

Women Empowerment Achievements

India’s progress in women empowerment is reflected in measurable gains across education, economy, health, leadership and social visibility over the past decade.

  • Rising Female Literacy: Female literacy reached about 70.3% in 2025, while youth literacy stands at 96%. States like Kerala and Mizoram approach universal literacy, showing the impact of sustained educational investments.
  • Workforce Participation Growth: Female labour force participation rose to 41.7% in 2023-24, with increased presence in IT, healthcare, education and the gig economy, signalling gradual economic integration.
  • Entrepreneurship Expansion: Women-led MSMEs nearly doubled to 1.92 crore enterprises in 2023-24. Women-owned proprietary establishments increased from 17.4% to 26.2%, reflecting growing economic independence.
  • Self-Employment Rise: Self-employment among women increased from 51.9% in 2017 to 67.4% in 2024, supported by microcredit, SHGs and digital marketplaces.
  • Local Governance Leadership: Women constitute nearly 46% of representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions, supported by state-level reservations up to 50%, strengthening grassroots democracy.
  • Health Outcome Improvements: Maternal mortality declined and institutional deliveries exceeded 88%, reflecting expanded healthcare access and maternal support schemes.
  • Political Visibility: Women leaders like Nirmala Sitharaman and Mamata Banerjee influence national and state governance, while the reservation law signals future gains in legislative representation.
  • Cultural and Sports Achievements: Athletes like Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur led historic cricket victories in 2025, while Olympic performances by women enhanced national pride and challenged gender stereotypes.
Related Articles
National Annual Report and Index on Women's Safety (NARI) 2025 International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women
Women Entrepreneurship Program National Policy For Women
National Women's Day POSH Act
Women Freedom Fighters Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
Women in Space Leadership Programme Women Poineers of Indian Constitution
Female Genital Mutilation Me Too Movement
Womaniya Initiative Pankhudi Portal
Acid Attack Laws in India Devadasi System
Child Marriage in India Shilp Didi Programme

 

Women Empowerment FAQs

Q1: What is Women Empowerment?

Ans: Women Empowerment means enabling women to participate equally in decision-making, education, employment and social life with dignity and rights.

Q2: What is the need of Women Empowerment?

Ans: It reduces gender inequality, boosts economic growth, improves family health and strengthens democratic participation.

Q3: How does the Government support Women Empowerment in India?

Ans: The Government supports Women Empowerment through constitutional guarantees, education and skill schemes, economic support programs, safety laws, and integrated initiatives like Mission Shakti.

Q4: What are the Challenges to the Empowerment of Womens?

Ans: Patriarchy, gender-based violence, wage gap, limited access to education and underrepresentation in politics and leadership roles.

Q5: How does Women Empowerment help reduce Poverty?

Ans: When women earn and control income, family spending on food, health, and education increases, which directly reduces poverty and improves living standards.

Indoor Air Pollution, Sources, Risk, Prevention and Mitigation

February 7, 2026
Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor Air Pollution refers to contamination of air inside homes, offices, and other enclosed spaces by harmful particulate matter. While pollution outdoors poses a significant health risk for people, worsening indoor air quality has also become a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. 

Indoor Air Pollution Sources

Indoor air pollution can be in the form of particulate matter like soot and dust mites or gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulphur dioxide that are emitted from cooking, heating, or cleaning solutions. Benzene emerged as the most dangerous, followed by carbon monoxide, VOCs and radon.

Key Sources of Indoor Pollution are: 

  • Combustion: Cooking and heating using kerosene, wood, or coal releases fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other harmful gases. 
  • Household Products: Paints, varnishes, cleaning agents, and air fresheners release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde.
  • Tobacco Smoke: Major source of Carbon monoxide, Fine particulate matter, Carcinogenic compounds like benzene.
  • Building Materials & Furnishings: Asbestos, formaldehyde in pressed wood products.
  • Construction Dust: Dust from nearby construction sites or home renovation significantly increases indoor particulate matter.  The total volume of construction and demolition dust has gone up from 150 million tonnes in 2016 to 300 million tonnes today. By 2030, this is expected to go up to 430 million tonnes.
  • Biological Agents: Biological pollutants such as dust mites, mould, pollen, and infectious agents produced in stagnant water, mattresses, and carpets can all contribute to an increase in asthma symptoms
  • Other Sources: Radon gas (from the ground) and pesticides. 

Indoor Air Pollution Risk 

Annually almost four million deaths are attributed to indoor air pollution worldwide. According to WHO, household air pollution was responsible for an estimated 2.9 million deaths per year in 2021, including over 309000 deaths of children under the age of 5. In India approximately 4-6 per cent of the national burden of disease is attributed to indoor air pollution.

Poor indoor air quality causes immediate and long-term health problems.

  • Immediate Health Problems: Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is linked to sick building syndrome, which triggers headaches, fatigue and irritation
  • Long-term Effects: Increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, stroke, ischemic heart disease, and lung cancer.

This indoor pollution poses a significant risk, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, women, and domestic workers, who tend to spend more time indoors

Indoor Air Pollution Prevention and Mitigation

Indoor Air Pollution can be prevented and mitigated through following steps: 

  • Source Control: Identify and remove the source of pollution first. Avoid Indoor smoking, Incense sticks, candles, mosquito coils and Kerosene etc 
  • Improve Ventilation: Proper ventilation helps remove polluted indoor air and replace it with fresh, clean air from outside.
  • Cleaning: Regularly clean to reduce dust mites and mold. Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that cause indoor air pollution. To avoid this, choose green cleaners made with natural ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, borax, citrus fruit, and essential oils.
  • Maintenance: Ensure stoves and heaters are properly vented and serviced.
  • Indoor Plants: Indoor plants English ivy, pothos, bamboo palm and peace lily help to purify the air by absorbing contaminants and releasing oxygen. Additionally, indoor plants help to improve indoor air quality by increasing humidity and reducing dust levels.
  • Choose low-emitting building materials and furnishings: Materials and furnishings which emit lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like bamboo, wool carpets, and latex paint.

Governments and international bodies are increasingly focusing on indoor air pollution (IAP), recognizing it as a "silent killer".

Government and National-Level Initiatives

As one of the most affected nations, India has implemented comprehensive strategies to curb indoor pollution: 

  • Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): A major initiative to provide free LPG connections to women from below-poverty-line households, drastically reducing reliance on solid fuels for cooking.
  • National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched in 2019, this program sets targets for reducing particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations by 40% by 2026, including city-specific action plans that address domestic fuel usage.
  • Subsidies and Financial Support: Governments have introduced subsidies for clean fuels (LPG) and improved, low-emission cookstoves to make them affordable for low-income families.
  • Building Regulations and Codes: Incorporation of air quality management rules into building by-laws to improve ventilation, including requirements for proper kitchen exhaust systems.
  • "Pay-As-You-Go" (PAYG) Models: Initiatives in countries like Kenya and India allow users to pay for clean energy (such as LPG or solar) in smaller, manageable increments, overcoming high upfront costs.
  • Monitoring and Surveillance: Deployment of IoT-based, low-cost sensors and "Sameer" app for real-time monitoring of indoor and outdoor air quality

Global and Intergovernmental Efforts

International organizations, led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), are driving global action: 

  • WHO Indoor Air Quality Guidelines: These provide science-based guidance on tackling pollutants like radon, benzene, and carbon monoxide, recommending a maximum value of 100 Bq/m³ for radon in homes.
  • Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7): Aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all by 2030, directly addressing the need for clean cooking solutions.
  • The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC): The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is a global partnership of governments, organizations, businesses, and civil society, convened by UNEP, focused on reducing Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) like methane, black carbon, and HFCs. It promotes actions such as replacing traditional wood stoves with cleaner alternatives to reduce black carbon emissions.

UPSC CSE PYQs

In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements: (2019) 

  1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions. 
  2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions. 
  3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses. 
  4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 4 only 

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 

Ans: (b) 

Consider the following: (2019) 

  1. Carbon monoxide 
  2. Methane 
  3. Ozone 
  4. Sulphur dioxide 

Which of the above are released into the atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue? 

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only 

(c) 1 and 4 only 

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 

Ans: (d)

Indoor Air Pollution FAQs

Q1: What is indoor air pollution?

Ans: Indoor air pollution is the contamination of air inside homes, offices, or other enclosed spaces by harmful particles and gases from sources like cooking, smoking, chemicals, and dust.

Q2: What are the main sources of indoor air pollution?

Ans: Major sources include Biomass and kerosene cooking, Tobacco smoke, Household chemicals and paints, Building materials, Construction dust, Mould, dust mites, and pests, Radon and pesticides.

Q3: Why is indoor air pollution dangerous?

Ans: It causes both short-term and long-term health problems such as headaches, irritation, and fatigue, asthma and COPD, heart disease and stroke, and lung cancer. Globally, millions of deaths each year are linked to indoor air pollution.

Q4: Who is most affected by indoor air pollution?

Ans: Children, Women involved in cooking, Elderly people, Domestic workers are most affected by indoor air pollution as they spend more time indoors.

Q5: How can indoor air pollution be reduced?

Ans: Use clean fuels like LPG or electricity, Improve ventilation, Avoid indoor smoking and chemical-heavy products, clean regularly to reduce dust and mould, maintain stoves and heaters properly etc

Altai Mountains, Location, Geology, Significance, Relief & Peaks

February 7, 2026
Altai Mountains

The Altai Mountains are a major mountain system located in Central Asia, forming a natural junction between Russia, China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan. Located at the crossroads of four countries, the Altai region holds strategic significance in terms of border management, resource sharing, and regional cooperation in Central Asia.

Altai Mountains Location

  • The Altai mountains are located in Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and a small part in north-western China.
  • It lies between the Sayan Mountains to the north and the Gobi Desert to the south.

Altai Mountains Geology

  • The Altai Mountains are ancient fold mountains, formed primarily during the Paleozoic era. 
  • They are composed mainly of igneous and metamorphic rocks and are rich in minerals such as gold, copper, and other metals. 
  • Despite being geologically old, parts of the region still experience minor tectonic activity.

Altai Mountains Relief and Peaks

  • The mountains are rugged and high, with steep slopes and deep valleys.
  • The highest peak is Mount Belukha (about 4,506 metres). It is located in Russia and is covered with permanent snow and glaciers.
  • Glaciers at higher elevations, make Altai mountains an important source of freshwater.

Altai Mountains Climatic Significance

The Altai Mountains play a crucial role in shaping the climate of Central Asia and adjoining regions.

  • The Altai act as a natural barrier between the cold Siberian region in the north and the arid Central Asian plains in the south. They block the movement of cold air masses and influence regional temperature patterns.
  • Moist air masses from the west and northwest rise along the mountain slopes. This leads to orographic rainfall and snowfall on the windward sides.
  • The leeward slopes, especially toward Mongolia and Xinjiang, receive much less rainfall, leading to the formation of semi-arid and arid climates in parts of Central Asia.

Also Read: Arakan Yoma Mountain

Altai Mountains Drainage

The Altai Mountains act as an important water divide in Central Asia, giving rise to several major river systems that flow into the Arctic Ocean basin and the inland basins of Central Asia. Major rivers such as the Ob, Irtysh, Yenisei, and Katun originate from this region.

It also has numerous glacial and tectonic lakes. These lakes are important for regional ecology, freshwater supply, and tourism. Major lakes of Altai region are Lake Teletskoye in Russia, Lake Markakol in Kazakhstan, Kanas Lake in China, Tavan Bogd Glacial Lake in Mongolia

Altai Mountains Ecology and Biodiversity

  • The Altai region supports diverse ecosystems, ranging from alpine meadows and coniferous forests (taiga) to steppe grasslands.
  • It is home to rare species such as the snow leopard, Altai argali (wild sheep), brown bear, and lynx.
  • Parts of the Altai are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their ecological value.

Altai Mountains FAQs

Q1: Where are the Altai Mountains located?

Ans: They are located in Central Asia, at the junction of Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and north-western China.

Q2: What is the highest peak of the Altai Mountains?

Ans: The highest peak is Mount Belukha, with an elevation of about 4,506 metres, located in Russia.

Q3: What is the geological nature of the Altai Mountains?

Ans: They are ancient fold mountains formed mainly during the Paleozoic era and composed largely of igneous and metamorphic rocks rich in minerals.

Q4: Why are the Altai Mountains climatically important?

Ans: They act as a barrier between cold Siberia and arid Central Asia, cause orographic precipitation, and create rain-shadow regions in Mongolia and Xinjiang.

Q5: Which major rivers originate from the Altai region?

Ans: Important rivers such as the Ob, Irtysh, Yenisei, and Katun originate from or are connected to the Altai mountain system.

Custodial Violence, Legal Safeguards, Causes, Way Forward

February 7, 2026
custodial violence

Custodial violence refers to physical, psychological, or sexual abuse inflicted on a person in police custody or judicial custody. It is done to extract some information or forcefully make a person confess an offence or simply to punish the person. 

Custodial Violence in India

The NHRC reported 2,739 custodial deaths in 2024, an increase from 2,400 in 2023, with over 155 attributed to police custody. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of custodial deaths, followed by Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Maharashtra. The Global Torture Index 2025 classified India as a "high-risk" country for systemic torture.

Custodial Violence Forms 

  • Physical violence: Beatings, torture, electric shocks, stress positions, denial of food or sleep
  • Psychological violence: Threats, humiliation, verbal abuse, prolonged interrogation
  • Sexual violence: Rape, molestation, forced nudity
  • Negligence leading to death: Denial of medical care, inhuman living conditions

Legal Safeguards Against Custodial Violence

India follows a multi-layered framework to prevent custodial abuse, consisting of constitutional guarantees, judicial interventions, statutory provisions, and international commitments.

Constitutional Provisions

  • Article 14: Equality Before Law. Under this article the accused shall be treated as equal as other persons before law. The State is constitutionally bound to treat detainees at par with any other citizen.
  • Article 19: Protection of right regarding speech and expression etc. 
  • Article 20: Protection in Respect of Conviction for Offences
    • Article 20(1): Protection against ex-post facto criminal laws.
    • Article 20(2): Protection against double jeopardy.
    • Article 20(3): Protection against self-incrimination - no person can be compelled to be a witness against himself. Custodial torture to extract confessions directly violates Article 20(3).
  • Article 21: Right to Life and Personal Liberty. The Supreme Court in the case of D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997) held that the expression “life or personal liberty” in Article 21 of the Constitution of India includes a guarantee against torture and assault even by the State and its functionaries to a person who is taken into custody.
  • Article 22: Protection against arbitrary arrest and detention. The person must be informed of the grounds of arrest as soon as possible and has the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of his choice.

Judicial Safeguards

  • In D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997): Supreme Court laid down mandatory guidelines to prevent custodial torture, including Preparation of arrest memos, Medical examination of the accused, Informing a friend or relative of the arrest, Production before a magistrate within 24 hours. 
  • In Joginder Singh v. State of U.P: The Court underscored the importance of reasonable justification for arrests, cautioning against arbitrary detention.
  • In Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (1979): Supreme Court recognised speedy trial as part of Article 21.
  • In Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh (2020): The Supreme Court directed the Centre to install CCTV cameras and recording systems in all police stations to deter custodial torture.  

Statutory Safeguards

  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 criminalizes intentional infliction of hurt or grievous hurt by public servants to extract confessions or information. Recognizes custodial violence as a punishable offence.
  • Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 mandates  arrests only for valid, recorded reasons, Proper documentation and procedural safeguards during detention.
  • Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 declares confessions obtained through coercion, inducement, threat, or promise as inadmissible in evidence. 

International Legal Safeguards

  • United Nations Charter (1945) emphasizes respect for human rights and dignity of all individuals, including prisoners.
  • Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) protects individuals from torture, cruel treatment, and enforced disappearances, ensuring the right to dignity and security.

Custodial violence remains a pervasive and deeply troubling issue in India’s criminal justice system. Despite constitutional guarantees and international human rights obligations, instances of torture, ill-treatment, and custodial deaths continue to occur with impunity.

Custodial Violence Causes

  • Absence of a Dedicated Law Against Torture: India has signed but not ratified the United Nations Convention Against Torture, and lacks a stand-alone domestic law criminalising torture.
  • Culture of Coercive Interrogation: India’s policing model is rooted in control, coercion, and suspicion. Third-degree torture is often disproportionately inflicted on petty offenders.
  • Low conviction rate: Convictions for custodial deaths are extremely low. Between 2018 and 2022, there were reportedly zero convictions for custodial deaths despite hundreds of cases registered. A "brotherhood" mentality often prevails, where police protect each other, making it difficult for witnesses to testify.
  • Poor Compliance with Guidelines: Supreme Court directives, such as the D.K. Basu guidelines on arrest and the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras in all police stations, are not fully implemented.
  • Inadequate Oversight: Internal inquiries are often biased. NHRC and SHRC recommendations are advisory and lack binding enforcement powers. 
  • Overburdened System: Indian prisons operate at over 130% capacity, with more than 75% of inmates being undertrials. This overcrowding, along with the pressure to solve cases quickly, often leads police to resort to violence.
  • Social Acceptance: For example in 2019 alleged encounter killing of four men accused of raping and murdering a veterinarian near Hyderabad was met with public celebration.

Way Forward

To address the systemic issues surrounding custodial torture and impunity in India, a multi-pronged approach is essential. The following recommendations are aimed at creating a more accountable, transparent, and rights-based law enforcement system

  • Enact a Comprehensive Anti-Torture Law in line with UNCAT. 
  • Enact Robust Anti-Torture Law which defines custodial violence and set out clear punishments, aligning with the UN Convention Against Torture.
  • Police Reforms and training: Modernize police training to shift focus from "third-degree" methods to scientific and evidence-based investigation. Sensitize police personnel on human rights.
  • Install CCTV and Digital Monitoring Systems in Lockups and Prisons. All lockups and custodial facilities should have real-time audio-visual surveillance, backed by a centralized monitoring unit. 
  • In Prakash Singh v. Union of India (2006), the Supreme Court mandated the creation of police complaints authorities, led by retired judges, at the State and district levels to address complaints against police misconduct.
  • Strengthen Independent Oversight Bodies: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs) must be given statutory authority to enforce their decisions. These institutions should have autonomous investigative wings with powers to summon witnesses, collect evidence, and initiate prosecution.
  • Fast-track trials for cases of custodial violence.
  • Public Awareness: Raising public awareness to hold the state accountable and protect the rights of detainees. 

Conclusion

Custodial violence violates the basic values of a democratic republic, especially the right to life, dignity, and rule of law. When institutions that are meant to protect citizens become perpetrators of harm, the credibility of the justice system is fundamentally undermined and it weakens public trust in the police and the justice system, and affects the poor and marginalized the most. Tackling this problem requires strong laws against torture, independent oversight, strict enforcement of guidelines, and police training based on human rights and constitutional values.

Custodial Violence FAQs

Q1: What is custodial violence?

Ans: Custodial violence refers to physical, psychological, or sexual abuse of a person while in police or judicial custody, often to extract confessions, information, or as punishment.

Q2: Which constitutional provisions protect against custodial violence?

Ans: Articles 20, 21, and 22 of the Constitution protect against self-incrimination, guarantee the right to life and personal liberty, and provide safeguards against arbitrary arrest and detention.

Q3: What were the key guidelines in the D.K. Basu case (1997)?

Ans: The Supreme Court mandated arrest memos, medical examinations, informing relatives, and production before a magistrate within 24 hours to prevent custodial torture.

Q4: Why does custodial violence continue in India?

Ans: Major reasons include lack of a specific anti-torture law, low conviction rates, poor implementation of safeguards, police culture of coercion, and weak oversight mechanisms.

Q5: What are the main reforms suggested to curb custodial violence?

Ans: Key measures include enacting a comprehensive anti-torture law, police reforms and training, CCTV monitoring in custody areas, stronger oversight bodies, and fast-track trials for such cases.

Jaintia Hills, Location, Physiography, Geology, Climate, Ecology

February 7, 2026
Jaintia Hills

The Jaintia Hills are a beautiful, mountainous region in eastern Meghalaya, known for being one of the wettest places on Earth. 

Jaintia Hills Location

  • The Jaintia Hills are located in the eastern part of Meghalaya, forming one of the three hill ranges of the state - Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills.
  • They lie east of the Khasi Hills and extend up to the India - Bangladesh international border.
  • The Jaintia Hills are an integral part of the Meghalaya Plateau, which is an extension of the Peninsular Plateau.

Jaintia Hills Physiography and Relief

  • The Jaintia Hills exhibit a plateau-like structure with dissected hills and valleys.
  • Average elevation ranges from 600 metres to about 1,500 metres.
  • The relief is highly uneven due to intense rainfall and river erosion.
  • The southern edge shows steep escarpments that descend sharply towards the Bangladesh plains.

Jaintia Hills Geology

  • The hills are composed mainly of ancient crystalline rocks such as gneiss and schist, overlain by thick sedimentary limestone deposits.
  • Rich mineral resources include Limestone (cement industry), Coal Sandstone and clay.
  • Jaintia Hills are famous for karst landscapes, formed by the dissolution of limestone. This process has created many caves, sinkholes, and underground rivers in the region. Inside the caves, there are natural formations called stalactites and stalagmites, which are formed by mineral deposits.
  • The region hosts some of the longest and deepest caves in India, such as Krem Liat Prah, Krem Umthloo

Jaintia Hills Drainage 

  • Since Jaintia Hills have a hilly and steep terrain rivers are generally short, swift-flowing, and rain-fed.
  • Most rivers flow southwards into Bangladesh, becoming part of the Surma - Meghna river system.
  • The Kopili River is the largest stream in the region, known for its rocky terrain and numerous waterfalls.
  • Other major rivers include the Myntdu River and the Lukha River which is known for its seasonal blue and acidic water

Jaintia Hills Climate 

  • The climate of the Jaintia Hills is directly controlled by the southwest monsoon originating from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
  • The climate shows a variation from the warm, humid tropical plains in the eastern and southern part and temperate climate is experienced in the western part.
  • They receive very heavy rainfall, particularly during the south-west monsoon. Proximity to Cherrapunji and Mawsynram places the region among the wettest areas of India.
  • High rainfall in the region leads to waterfalls and deep gorges. Krang Suri Waterfall is one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya

Jaintia Hills Soils

  • Soils are mainly red, lateritic and acidic in nature. 
  • Heavy rainfall results in leaching and soil erosion.
  • Valley areas have relatively more fertile alluvial patches suitable for agriculture.

Jaintia Hills Ecology

The region is part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, making it ecologically important.

  • The region supports tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. Forests are rich in Bamboo, Orchids, Medicinal plants. In the higher and cooler parts, pine forests are also found.
  • Jaintia Hills host diverse wildlife such as elephants, leopards, hoolock gibbons, hornbill
  • The region is often in news due to Rat-hole mining. Rat-hole mining is a method of extracting coal from narrow, horizontal seams, prevalent in Meghalaya. The term “rat hole” refers to the narrow pits dug into the ground, typically just large enough for one person to descend and extract coal.

Jaintia Hills FAQs

Q1: Where are the Jaintia Hills located?

Ans: They are in eastern Meghalaya, east of the Khasi Hills, and extend up to the India–Bangladesh border. They form part of the Meghalaya Plateau.

Q2: Why are the Jaintia Hills geologically important?

Ans: They contain limestone-rich formations that create karst landscapes with caves, sinkholes, underground rivers, stalactites, and stalagmites.

Q3: Jaintia Hills are part of which global biodiversity hotspot?

Ans: Jaintia hills are part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

Q4: What type of climate is found in the Jaintia Hills?

Ans: The region receives very heavy monsoon rainfall and is among the wettest areas of India, leading to dense forests, waterfalls, and deep gorges.

Q5: Why are the Jaintia Hills often in the news?

Ans: They are known for rat-hole coal mining, a controversial method of extracting coal from narrow tunnels, raising environmental and safety concerns.

Arakan Yoma Mountain, Key Features, Ecology, Significance

February 7, 2026
Arakan Yoma Mountain

Arakan Yoma Mountain, also known as the Rakhine Yoma, is a mountain range in Western Myanmar. It is a southern extension of the Eastern Himalayas. It stretches from the hills of Manipur in India down to Cape Negrais on the coast of Myanmar, forming a natural barrier between Myanmar and the Indian subcontinent.

Arakan Yoma Mountains Key Features

  • Geologically, Arakan Yoma is a young fold mountain system formed due to tectonic interaction between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. 
  • Because of the continuous tectonic interaction, it is a seismically active region.  
  • The highest point of Arakan Yoma Mountain is Nat Ma Taung (Mount Victoria) with an elevation of about 3,000 metres.
  • It forms a natural boundary between Coastal Rakhine (Arakan) region and Central Myanmar plains.

Arakan Yoma Mountain Ecology

  • The Arakan Yoma Mountain range is an ecologically significant region of Southeast Asia and forms an important part of the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot, one of the world’s richest ecological zones.
  • The range is covered predominantly by tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests in areas receiving high rainfall, especially along the western slopes. In drier eastern parts, moist and dry deciduous forests are more common.
  • Flora: The Arakan Yoma supports high floral diversity, including valuable timber species such as teak, bamboo, and medicinal plants.
  • Fauna: The forests provide habitat to elephants, leopards, clouded leopards, barking deer, hoolock gibbons, and numerous bird species. The region also acts as an important wildlife corridor between South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Arakan Yoma Mountain Climatic Significance

The Arakan Yoma Mountain range plays a crucial role in shaping the climate of Myanmar and the adjoining Bay of Bengal region.

  • It acts as a natural barrier to the southwest monsoon winds originating from the Bay of Bengal. When these moisture-laden winds strike the western slopes of the Arakan Yoma, they are forced to rise, leading to orographic rainfall along the coastal Rakhine region. As a result, the western coastal belt of Myanmar receives very heavy rainfall, making it one of the wettest parts of the country during the monsoon season.
  • It creates a rain-shadow effect on its eastern side. The central Irrawaddy basin, lying leeward of the Arakan Yoma, receives comparatively low and irregular rainfall, leading to drier climatic conditions.

Arakan Yoma Mountain FAQs

Q1: Where are the Arakan Yoma Mountains located?

Ans: Arakan Yoma Mountains are located in western Myanmar, stretching from the hills of Manipur in India to Cape Negrais along the Myanmar coast.

Q2: Why are the Arakan Yoma Mountains geologically important?

Ans: Arakan Yoma Mountains are young fold mountains formed due to the collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, making the region seismically active.

Q3: What is the highest peak of the Arakan Yoma range?

Ans: The highest peak is Nat Ma Taung (Mount Victoria), with an elevation of about 3,000 metres.

Q4: How do the Arakan Yoma Mountains affect the climate of Myanmar?

Ans: They block the southwest monsoon winds, causing heavy rainfall on the coastal side and creating a rain-shadow region in the central Irrawaddy basin.

Q5: Why are the Arakan Yoma Mountains ecologically significant?

Ans: Arakan Yoma Mountains are a part of the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot and support rich forests with species like elephants, gibbons, leopards, and diverse plant life.

UPSC Daily Quiz 7 February 2026

February 7, 2026

[WpProQuiz 86]

UPSC Daily Quiz FAQs

Q1: What is the Daily UPSC Quiz?

Ans: The Daily UPSC Quiz is a set of practice questions based on current affairs, static subjects, and PYQs that help aspirants enhance retention and test conceptual clarity regularly.

Q2: How is the Daily Quiz useful for UPSC preparation?

Ans: Daily quizzes support learning, help in revision, improve time management, and boost accuracy for both UPSC Prelims and Mains through consistent practice.

Q3: Are the quiz questions based on the UPSC syllabus?

Ans: Yes, all questions are aligned with the UPSC Syllabus 2025, covering key areas like Polity, Economy, Environment, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.

Q4: Are solutions and explanations provided with the quiz?

Ans: Yes, each quiz includes detailed explanations and source references to enhance conceptual understanding and enable self-assessment.

Q5: Is the Daily UPSC Quiz suitable for both Prelims and Mains?

Ans: Primarily focused on Prelims (MCQ format), but it also indirectly helps in Mains by strengthening subject knowledge and factual clarity.

Bonded Labour Act, Status, Provisions, Frameworks, Reasons & Measures

February 7, 2026
Bonded Labour Act

The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 is a law made by the Indian government to stop bonded labour. Bonded labour is when a person has to work for someone because they owe money, often unfairly, and cannot leave until the debt is paid.

Bonded Labour Act

According to Bonded Labour (Abolition) Act, 1976, Bonded labour is a type of forced or partly forced work where a person (the bonded labourer) or their family member or any dependent person, has to work for a creditor because of a debt, social/customary obligation, inheritance, economic consideration, or their birth in a certain caste or community. The labourer may work without wages or for very little pay, lose freedom of employment, be restricted in movement, or lose rights over their property or earnings.

Bonded Labour Status in India

  • According to the Global Slavery Index 2023 by the Walk Free Foundation, an international human rights organisation, about 11 million people in India were living in modern slavery.
  • Modern slavery includes:
    • Forced labour (working against their will)
    • Debt bondage (working to pay off a loan)
    • Forced marriage
    • Other slavery-like practices, like forced sexual exploitation of adults and children
    • Human trafficking
  • India has the highest total number of people in modern slavery in the world and the sixth highest rate in the Asia Pacific region.
  • Globally, India is ranked 34th out of 160 countries for the prevalence of modern slavery according to Global Slavery Index 2023, with about 8 people in every 1,000 affected.
  • The population’s vulnerability to modern slavery is 56 out of 100, while the government’s response rating is 46%, which is above the regional average.

Key Constitutional, Legal, and International Frameworks Prohibiting Bonded Labour in India

India has a strong constitutional, legal framework and has ratified international framework to prohibit bonded labour and protect human dignity. These provisions ensure freedom from forced labour, safeguard children and vulnerable groups, and support rehabilitation of victims.

Constitutional Protections Against Bonded Labour in India are:

    • Article 21: Every person has the right to life and personal liberty, which includes living with dignity.
    • Article 23: Bans human trafficking, begar (forced labour without payment) and other similar forms of forced labour; such practices are illegal.
    • Article 24: Children below 14 years cannot work in factories, mines, or hazardous jobs.
  • Directive Principles:
    • Article 42: Ensures fair and humane working conditions.
    • Article 43: Calls for decent wages and working conditions.
    • Article 46: Protects Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and weaker sections from social injustice and exploitation, including bonded labour.

India’s Legal Framework

  • Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976:
    • Abolishes bonded labour.
    • Frees bonded labourers and makes forcing people to work as illegal.
    • Sets up vigilance committees at district, sub-division, and block levels to implement the law.
  • Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (amended 2016):
    • Bans children under 14 from working.
    • Protects adolescents (14-18 years) from hazardous work.
  • Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: Protects children, provides rehabilitation and care.
  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023: Punishes forced labour and makes compulsory labour as illegal.
  • Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers, 2016:
    • Provides financial help after rescue (Rs 30,000 initially; up to Rs 1-3 lakh depending on the case).
    • Gives non-cash support like housing, land, and livelihood opportunities.
  • Code on Wages, 2019: Ensures minimum wages and timely payment for all workers.
  • Vision and Action Plans by Ministry of Labour:
    • Aim to release and rehabilitate all bonded labourers.
    • Deal with modern forms of bondage like forced marriage, domestic servitude, organized begging, and forced recruitment.

International Legal Frameworks

    • United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), 1989: Protects children from economic exploitation and hazardous work.
  • ILO Conventions:
    • Convention 182 (Worst Forms of Child Labour, 1999): India has ratified it to eliminate hazardous child labour.
    • Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957: Seeks to end all forms of forced labour.

Other Initiatives

Reasons for Bonded Labour in India

  • Poverty and Debt

Many families are very poor and take loans they cannot repay. This forces them or their children to work for the lender, often in unfair conditions.

  • Low Wages

Workers earning less than minimum wages may have to borrow money to survive. This can trap them in debt and bonded labour.

  • Caste-Based Discrimination

Social hierarchies make marginalized communities, like Dalits and Adivasis, more likely to be exploited. The majority of bonded labourers come from these groups.

  • Lack of Education and Awareness

Many workers and children do not know their rights, so they can be easily exploited.

  • Migration and Informal Work

People moving from villages to cities often work in the unorganized sector, where there are no proper labour protections, making them vulnerable to forced labour.

  • Debt Traps

Families fall into cycles of debt, and even children are forced to work to repay loans with high interest rates.

  • Weak Law Enforcement

Police and courts often lack enough staff, training, or resources to catch offenders and enforce anti-bonded labour laws effectively.

  • Landlessness

People without land have fewer economic options and bargaining power, which increases the risk of exploitation.

  • Exploitation in Agriculture and Other Sectors

Large informal sectors, like farming or domestic work, exploit cheap labour, especially children.

  • Gender Discrimination

Girls are often more vulnerable and are forced into bonded labour because of inequality.

  • Cultural Acceptance

In some rural areas, child work is wrongly seen as normal or is disguised as “apprenticeship,” keeping children in labour instead of school.

Measures to End Bonded Labour in India

  • Strong Law Enforcement

The government should strictly enforce the Bonded Labour Abolition Act, 1976. Special committees should monitor cases, track complaints digitally and punish those who force others into bonded labour.

  • Identify and Rescue Workers

Regular surveys and inspections should be done in high-risk areas like brick kilns, farms, and mines. Children and adults trapped in bonded labour should be rescued quickly.

  • Rehabilitation and Support

Freed workers should get financial help, skill training, and legal support. They should also be helped to reintegrate into society and find proper jobs.

  • Education for Children

Every child has the right to go to school. Education prevents children from being forced into labour and helps them build a better future. Vocational training should also be provided to adults for better employment opportunities.

  • Social and Financial Support for Families

Poor families should get help through welfare schemes like the Public Distribution System (PDS) and MGNREGA. Direct cash transfers can reduce the family’s dependence on children’s income.

  • Awareness Campaigns

People should be taught about human rights and the laws that forbid bonded labour. Communities should understand that exploiting anyone is wrong and unacceptable.

  • Community and NGO Involvement

Local communities and NGOs should work together to support rescued workers. Programs should focus on social and economic rehabilitation and make bonded labour socially unacceptable.

  • Linking with Other Schemes

Rehabilitation programs should be connected with other government schemes to ensure freed workers get benefits like employment, education and healthcare.

  • Business Responsibility

Companies should include anti-bonded labour policies in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) work to help prevent exploitation in workplaces.

Bonded Labour FAQs

Q1: What is Bonded Labour?

Ans: Bonded labour is when a person has to work for someone because of a debt or social obligation, often unfairly and cannot leave until the debt is repaid.

Q2: Which law protects people from bonded labour in India?

Ans: The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 abolishes bonded labour, frees workers and makes forcing people to work illegal.

Q3: How many people in India are affected by modern slavery?

Ans: According to the Global Slavery Index 2021, around 11 million people in India live in modern slavery.

Q4: What are the main causes of bonded labour in India?

Ans: The main causes include poverty, debt, low wages, caste discrimination, lack of education, migration, weak law enforcement, landlessness and gender inequality.

Q5: What international laws help India fight bonded labour?

Ans: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), 1989, ILO Convention 182 (Worst Forms of Child Labour, 1999) and ILO Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957.

Shaheed Udham Singh, Biography, Early Life, Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

February 7, 2026
Shaheed Udham Singh

Shaheed Udham Singh was a revolutionary freedom fighter of India who avenged the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by assassinating Michael O’Dwyer, the then Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. 

Shaheed Udham Singh Early Life

  • Sardar Udham Singh was born on 26 December 1899 in Sunam, in present-day Sangrur district of Punjab.
  • At the time of his birth he was named Sher Singh.
  • His father, Tehal Singh, belonged to the Kamboj community and worked as a low-skilled, low-paid manual laborer, while his mother was named Narain Kaur.
  • He was orphaned at an early age and was brought up at the Central Khalsa Orphanage in Amritsar where he was named Udham Singh. 
  • At a very young age he started working for his survival. He worked as a labourer in Mesopotamia during World War I. He also went to Africa to work in the railways of Uganda. During his time in Uganda he became familiar with a lot of workers of the Ghadar Party.
  • He also went to America where he helped Punjabi Migrants from Mexico to reach America. He formed the Azad Party in Chicago as a part of Ghadar Party. 

Shaheed Udham Singh and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre 

  • Shaheed Udham Singh was about 20 years old when he witnessed the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, where General Dyer ordered firing on innocent, unarmed people. The incident became a turning point in his life and he decided to take revenge.
  • In 1924, he joined the Ghadar Party to overthrow colonial rule. He was also associated with Hindustan Socialist Republic Association (HSRA).
  • He was deeply influenced by Bhagat Singh. 
  • In 1927, he was arrested for illegal possession of firearms and sentenced to five years in prison.
  • On 14 March 1940 he shot Michael O’ Dwyer, the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab during the Jallianwala Bagh, in Caxton Hall, London.
  • During his trial, he used the name "Ram Muhammad Singh Azad" to symbolize religious unity in India.
  • He was hanged in Pentonville Prison, on 31st July 1940, in London.
  • His remains (ashes) were brought back to India in 1974 and are kept at the Jallianwala Bagh memorial.

He is revered as 'Shaheed-i-Azam' (Great Martyr) for his sacrifice and bravery in fighting against British imperialism.

Shaheed Udham Singh FAQs

Q1: Who was Shaheed Udham Singh?

Ans: Shaheed Udham Singh was an Indian revolutionary who avenged the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by assassinating Michael O’Dwyer in 1940.

Q2: When and where was he born?

Ans: He was born on 26 December 1899 in Sunam, in present-day Sangrur district of Punjab.

Q3: What was the turning point in his life?

Ans: Witnessing the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 deeply affected him and inspired him to take revenge.

Q4: How did he avenge the massacre?

Ans: On 13 March 1940, he shot Michael O’Dwyer at Caxton Hall in London.

Q5: When was he executed?

Ans: Udham Singh was hanged on 31 July 1940 at Pentonville Prison in London.

New Marine Worm Species

February 7, 2026
New Marine Worm Species

New Marine Worm Species Latest News

Recently, researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have uncovered two new marine worm species (polychaetes) namely Namalycastis solenotognatha and Nereis dhritiae from the Nereidid family coasts of West Bengal.

About New Marine Worm Species

  • Namalycastis solenotognatha
    • It derives its name from the Greek words “solenotos” (channeled) and “gnatha” (jaw).
    • The “channeled jaw” refers to its unusual jaw structure with a large number of canals that emerge from the pulp cavity.
    • Habitat: Ideal conditions for its survival are extreme environments, sulfide-rich, foul-smelling mudflats, and they are mostly found on decomposing mangrove wood and hardened clay.

About Nereis Dhritiae

  • It is named after the first woman director of ZSI, Dhriti Banerjee.
  • Habitat: This species was found living inside wooden dock piles on sandy beaches, which are submerged during times of high tide.

Significance of Nereidid worms

  • They help maintain coastal health, and they play a major role in nutrient cycling and sediment aeration.
  • These species of marine worms were found in areas that were heavily impacted by human activities and subject to pollution.
  • These worms can serve as vital bioindicators and help in monitoring coastal health.

Source: IE

New Marine Worm Species FAQs

Q1: Where were the new marine worm species discovered?

Ans: Bay of Bengal

Q2: What are the names of the new marine worm species?

Ans: Namalycastis solenotognatha and Nereis dhritiae

Model Context Protocol

February 7, 2026
Model Context Protocol

Model Context Protocol Latest News

Recently, the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the beta version of its Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for eSankhyiki portal.

About Model Context Protocol

  • It is a technology that allows users to connect directly with datasets through their own AI tools and applications.
  • It is a standard way to make information available to large language models (LLMs).
  • Using MCP, AI applications can connect to data sources (e.g. local files, databases), tools (e.g. search engines, calculators) and workflows (e.g. specialized prompts)—enabling them to access key information and perform tasks.

Key Facts about eSankhyiki portal

  • It provides real-time inputs for planners, policy-makers, researchers and the public at large.
  • The objective of this portal is to establish a comprehensive data management and sharing system for ease of dissemination of official statistics in the country.
  • It has two modules namely:
    • Data Catalogue Module: This module catalogues the major data assets of the Ministry at one place for ease of access.
      • It allows users to search within datasets, including within tables, and download data of interest to increase its value and re-usability.
      • The module has seven data products, namely National Accounts Statistics, Consumer Price Index, Index of Industrial Production, Annual Survey of Industries, Periodic Labour Force Survey, Household Consumption Expenditure Survey and Multiple Indicator Survey.
    • Macro Indicators Module: This module offers time series data of key macro indicators with features for filtering and visualizing data enabling ease of access for the users.
      • It allows users to download custom datasets, visualizations and share them through APIs, thereby increasing the re-usability of data.

Source: PIB

Model Context Protocol FAQs

Q1: What is Model Context Protocol (MCP)?

Ans: An open standard for AI model interoperability

Q2: What is the goal of MCP?

Ans: To enable seamless switching between AI models

Key Facts about Malaysia

February 7, 2026
Key Facts about Malaysia

Malaysia Latest News

Recently, the Prime Minister of India began a two-day official visit to Malaysia.

About Malaysia

  • Location: It is a country in Southeast Asia, lying just north of the Equator.
    • The South China Sea separates Malaysia into two regions: Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia) and East Malaysia.
  • Bordering Countries: Land (Thailand, Brunei and Indonesia) Maritime (Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam)
  • Bordering Seas and straits: Strait of Malacca, South China Sea, Celebes Sea and the Sulu Sea border Sabah in East Malaysia.
  • Capital:  Kuala Lumpur

Geographical Features of Malaysia

  • Terrain and Climate: The country’s terrain is characterized by coastal plains and jungle-covered mountains in the interior, and its climate is tropical. 
  • Major Mountain: Main Range 
  • Highest Peak: Mount Kinabalu (4,095 metres)
  • Major Rivers: It is drained by Pahang, Rajang, and Kinabatangan rivers.
  • Natural Lakes: Bera Lake and Tasik Chini
  • Natural Resources: It has abundant natural resources including forests, minerals, oil, natural gas and agricultural commodities.

Source: PIB

Malaysia FAQs

Q1: What is the capital of Malaysia?

Ans: Kuala Lumpur

Q2: What is the official language of Malaysia?

Ans: Malay

Bharat GenAI

February 7, 2026
Bharat GenAI

Bharat GenAI Latest News

Recently, the Ministry of Science & Technology informed that Bharat GenAI Large Language Model will complete text models in all 22 scheduled languages this month.

About Bharat GenAI

  • BharatGen is the first government supported national initiative to develop a range of sovereign foundational AI models tailored to Indian languages and societal contexts.
  • Aim: BharatGen aims to revolutionize AI development across India’s linguistic and cultural spectrum.
  • It spans multiple modalities, including text (via Large Language Models), speech (Text-to-Speech and Automatic Speech Recognition), and vision-language systems.
    • Currently, it supports 15 Indian languages which include Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Maithili, Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil and Telugu.
  • It is developed under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) and implemented through TIH Foundation for IoT and IoE at IIT Bombay.
  • It is being executed through a network of 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs), four of which have been upgraded to Technology Translational Research Parks (TTRPs).
  • Pillars of Bharat GenAI: The Mission’s four pillars include technology development, entrepreneurship, human resource development, and international collaboration.
  • It has four key Features
    • Multilingual and multimodal models
    • Bhartiya dataset-based training
    • Open-source platform
    • Generative AI research ecosystem in India

Source: PIB

Bharat GenAI FAQs

Q1: What is BharatGen?

Ans: India's first sovereign AI initiative

Q2: What is the goal of BharatGen?

Ans: To create AI models tailored to India's languages and culture

Titanidiops Kolhapurensis

February 7, 2026
Titanidiops Kolhapurensis

Titanidiops Kolhapurensis Latest News

A new species of trapdoor spider named Titanidiops kolhapurensis has been recently discovered in the grasslands of Kolhapur district by a joint team of researchers from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation and Shivaji University, Kolhapur (SUK).

About Titanidiops Kolhapurensis

  • It is a new species of trapdoor spider.
  • It has been discovered in the grasslands of the Kolhapur district, Maharashtra.
  • This spider builds vertical or slanted burrows in flat or sloping grassy meadows.
  • These entrances are masterfully camouflaged to blend with the soil, making them nearly invisible to the naked eye.
  • While researchers found a healthy presence of the species in natural forests and native grasslands, they were notably absent in areas overtaken by exotic tree plantations, such as Gliricidia sepium (commonly known as Undirmari).
  • It is on the verge of local extinction due to rapid habitat degradation.

What are Trapdoor Spiders?

  • They are a unique group of large-bodied, burrowing spiders found across several taxonomic families. 
  • They construct burrows in the ground, the entrance of which features a silken-hinged door. 
  • They burrow up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) deep in the soil.
  • The reclusive spider feeds by quickly opening the trapdoor and grabbing an insect or other arthropod that is passing close by. 
  • They are generally timid and quickly retreat into the burrow if frightened.
  • Their bite is not considered medically significant to humans.
  • They are found in climates with tropical, subtropical, and warm temperatures.
  • These spiders typically grow to about one inch (2.5 centimeters) long, with some larger species reaching up to 1.5 inches (4 centimeters). 
  • Despite their protective burrows, trapdoor spiders are often threatened by spider-hunting wasps. 
  • They typically do not disperse far from their mother’s burrow, making populations vulnerable to human development or other land-use changes.

Source: TOI

Titanidiops Kolhapurensis FAQs

Q1: What is Titanidiops kolhapurensis?

Ans: It is a newly discovered species of trapdoor spider.

Q2: Where was Titanidiops kolhapurensis discovered?

Ans: In the grasslands of Kolhapur district, Maharashtra.

Q3: What are trapdoor spiders?

Ans: They are large-bodied, burrowing spiders belonging to several taxonomic families.

Q4: How do trapdoor spiders capture their prey?

Ans: By quickly opening the trapdoor and grabbing passing insects or arthropods.

INS Arnala

February 7, 2026
INS Arnala

INS Arnala Latest News

INS Arnala, the Indian Navy’s first indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), marks a significant milestone in India’s transition from a “Buyer’s Navy” to a “Builder’s Navy”.

About INS Arnala

  • It is the first of the eight ASW SWCs (Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft) built for the Indian Navy.
  • It is the Indian Navy’s first indigenously designed and built ASW SWC.
  • It was designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
  • It was commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy on 18 Jun 2025.
  • It is named after the historic fort ‘Arnala’ located off Vasai, Maharashtra.
  • This 77-meter-long warship, with a gross tonnage of over 1490 tonnes, is the largest Indian Naval warship to be propelled by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination.
  • The ship has been designed for underwater surveillance, search & rescue operations, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO). 
  • The ship is capable of undertaking Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) in coastal waters, along with advanced mine-laying capabilities. 
  • The vessel features homegrown systems, including stealth technology, electronic warfare capabilities, and advanced sensors, which improve combat readiness.

Source: TOI

INS Arnala FAQs

Q1: What is INS Arnala?

Ans: INS Arnala is an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) of the Indian Navy.

Q2: Why is INS Arnala significant for the Indian Navy?

Ans: It is the first indigenously designed and built ASW-SWC of the Indian Navy.

Q3: When was INS Arnala commissioned into the Indian Navy?

Ans: INS Arnala was commissioned on 18 June 2025.

Q4: What are the primary operational roles of INS Arnala?

Ans: Underwater surveillance, search and rescue, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO).

Bailey Bridge

February 7, 2026
Bailey Bridge

Bailey Bridge Latest News

Recently, India has sent Bailey bridge materials to Sri Lanka for post-Cyclone reconstruction.

About Bailey Bridge

  • It is a type of modular bridge whose parts are pre-built, so they can be put together quickly as needed. 
  • An English civil engineer named Donald Coleman Bailey is credited with inventing it in 1941.
  • The key characteristics include their modularity, portability, strength, and versatility. 
  • It is preferred because these bridges are designed for rapid construction in difficult conditions without the need for heavy equipment or sophisticated construction methods. 
  • Design and Constructions of Bailey bridge
    • The bridges are made of modular steel panels, which can be easily transported and assembled using manpower alone.
    • The construction of a Bailey bridge involves assembling prefabricated panels into sections, which are then connected to form the bridge’s span.
    • The panels are connected using pins and bolts, creating a truss structure that distributes the load evenly. 
  • Uses: The design supports heavy loads, including tanks and other military vehicles.
  • Advantages: Bailey bridge assembly covers a small area, which can avoid the situation that large hoisting equipment cannot enter the construction site. 
  • Ideal for: It is generally used in terrains that span rivers, valleys, and spans that are not very large.

Source: News On AIR

Bailey Bridge FAQs

Q1: Who invented the Bailey Bridge?

Ans: Donald Coleman Bailey

Q2: What is a key feature of Bailey Bridges?

Ans: Modular and portable design

Agni-3 Missile

February 7, 2026
Agni-3 Missile

Agni-3 Missile Latest News

Recently the Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile ‘Agni-3’ was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha.

About Agni-3 Missile

  • It is an indigenously developed intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM).
  • It is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
  • It is one of the sophisticated and accurate missiles of its class and has already been inducted into the armed forces.

Features of Agni-3 Missile

  • The missile is two-stage and solid-fuelled, capable of carrying a 1,500 kg payload.
  • Range: 3,000–3,500 km
  • It is designed primarily as a nuclear delivery system, with an estimated warhead yield of 200–300 kilotons.
  • The missile measures 16.7 metres in length, 2 metres in diameter and has a launch weight of 48,300 kg.
  • It uses a strapdown inertial navigation system (INS) supported by GPS, giving it an accuracy of around 40 metres circular error probable (CEP). 
  • Its first stage uses a maraging steel motor case, while the second stage employs a carbon-fibre motor case, both featuring thrust vector control systems for improved accuracy and stability.
  • Due to its high range of circular error probable (CEP), the Agni-3 missile is known as one of the world's most accurate strategic ballistic missiles of its range class.

Source: PIB

Agni-3 Missile FAQs

Q1: What is the range of Agni-3 Missile?

Ans: 3,000-3,500 km

Q2: What type of propulsion does Agni-3 Missile use?

Ans: Solid-fuel propulsion

Daily Editorial Analysis 7 February 2026

February 7, 2026
Daily-Editorial-Analysis

‘Hop-On, Hop-Off’- The State of Climate Governance

Context

  • Over three decades of international negotiations have produced agreements, conferences, and declarations promising collective action against global warming.
  • Yet global emissions continue to rise and the 1.5°C target grows increasingly unattainable. The paradox of global climate governance lies not in ignorance but in insufficiency.
  • The international architecture, centred on the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, provides a framework for dialogue without ensuring decisive action.
  • The failure emerges from structural politics, economic priorities, and social realities that privilege short-term interests over long-term planetary stability.

Institutional Structure and the Illusion of Progress

  • The United Nations process operates through recurring Conferences of the Parties under the UNFCCC.
  • Participation resembles voluntary engagement rather than obligation. Countries commit rhetorically while avoiding costly measures in practice. Because decisions require consensus, every nation effectively possesses a veto.
  • This design promotes agreement on language but discourages enforceable action.
  • Declarations frequently contain ambitious goals, yet operational provisions remain weak.
  • The system therefore produces diplomatic success without environmental change.
  • Instead of collapse, governance experiences drift, institutions function, negotiations continue, but effective action remains limited.
  • Agreements display aspiration without accountability, creating a cycle of negotiation rather than implementation.

The Dominant Role of Politics

  • National interest consistently outweighs global urgency. Political leaders operate within short electoral cycles, whereas mitigation requires long-term commitment.
  • Governments therefore attempt to minimise immediate economic costs while maintaining international legitimacy.
  • Climate policy becomes an exercise in managing expectations, postponing decisions, and distributing responsibility.
  • Every conference is celebrated as progress even when emission trajectories remain unchanged. Such behaviour is politically rational but environmentally insufficient.
  • The logic of governance prioritises stability of power over planetary stability. Consequently, ambition appears in principles while hesitation governs outcomes, reinforcing systemic inaction.

Economic Incentives and Market Behaviour

  • Economic systems reinforce political hesitation. Markets reward immediate profit, whereas climate protection requires sustained investment and restraint.
  • Corporations and financiers respond to present incentives rather than future consequences.
  • Future generations are not economic participants and therefore lack representation within market decision-making.
  • The pursuit of economic growth intensifies the conflict. Governments depend on expansion for employment and legitimacy, making restrictions on fossil-fuel use politically risky.
  • As a result, economic priorities override ecological considerations. Long-term sustainability competes with short-term returns, and market behaviour consistently favours the latter.
  • The system functions according to design, but the outcome undermines planetary security.

Society and Public Engagement

  • Public behaviour contributes to the problem. Citizens prioritise immediate needs, employment, food, housing, and health.
  • Climate change remains an abstraction until it manifests as disaster. Without sustained public pressure, policymakers face little incentive to adopt costly reforms.
  • Individuals become victims of climatic impacts rather than participants in prevention. The absence of societal urgency weakens political will and reinforces delayed response.

Science and the Politics of Uncertainty

  • Scientific research has already established climatic mechanisms, projected warming pathways, and identified risk.
  • The barrier is not knowledge but interpretation. Remaining scientific uncertainty is used to justify postponement, diffuse responsibility, and delay decisive policy.
  • The issue has shifted from scientific inquiry to strategic calculation. Evidence exists; implementation remains limited.
  • The gap between scientific clarity and political behaviour illustrates the transformation of science into an instrument within political debate.

COP30 and the Gap Between Words and Action

  • Recent negotiations illustrate structural limitations. Cooperation was emphasised, yet binding emission reductions were absent.
  • Finance commitments lacked timelines, and required adaptation resources remained insufficient.
  • Developing countries require trillions annually, while actual flows remain far lower. The loss-and-damage mechanism was operationalised but modest in scale, and technology transfer initiatives remained largely conceptual.
  • Capacity-building processes expanded without corresponding funding.
  • Across policy areas, the pattern persisted: new frameworks and platforms multiplied, but measurable implementation remained limited.
  • Meanwhile, global emissions reached record levels, and projected warming is expected to exceed the 1.5°C threshold in the early 2030s.
  • The disparity between negotiated ambition and real-world outcomes widened further.

The Paradox of Necessity

  • Despite structural weaknesses, the UNFCCC process remains indispensable. No alternative institution possesses comparable legitimacy, inclusivity, or legal framework.
  • Smaller coalitions cannot substitute for a universal negotiating platform.
  • Abandonment would reduce coordination rather than accelerate progress. The system is flawed yet necessary, slow yet irreplaceable.

Conclusion

  • Global climate governance reflects a fundamental contradiction. Nations recognise the need for mitigation, cooperation, and justice, yet resist bearing immediate cost.
  • Political systems seek power, markets seek profit, and societies seek livelihood, each operating according to its own logic.
  • The result is persistent inadequacy rather than outright failure. Negotiations continue, commitments expand, and promises multiply, yet decisive implementation remains selective.
  • Humanity may withdraw from agreements, but it cannot withdraw from planetary consequences.
  • The planet imposes outcomes regardless of negotiation, reminding all actors that participation in the climate system is not optional.

‘Hop-On, Hop-Off’ — The State of Climate Governance FAQs

 Q1. What is the main problem in global climate governance?
Ans. The main problem is that countries agree on goals but avoid binding responsibilities and real action.

Q2. Why does consensus decision-making slow climate action?
Ans. Consensus allows every country to effectively veto decisions, which prevents strict commitments from being adopted.

Q3. How do economic systems influence climate policy?
Ans. Economic systems prioritise short-term profits and growth over long-term environmental protection.

Q4. Why are ordinary citizens less involved in climate action?
Ans. Many people focus on immediate needs such as employment and housing, so climate change feels distant until disasters occur.

Q5. Why does the UNFCCC process remain important despite its weaknesses?
Ans. It remains important because it is the only universal and legitimate global forum for coordinated climate cooperation.

Source: The Hindu

The India-EU Trade Deal is also a Strategic Turning Point

Context

  • The contemporary global order is marked by geopolitical rivalry, economic nationalism, and institutional uncertainty.
  • Within this context, the recent breakthrough in trade negotiations between India and the European Union (EU) represents more than a commercial arrangement.
  • The agreement reflects a deeper strategic convergence between two influential actors seeking stability and autonomy in a rapidly changing world.
  • Rather than a narrow settlement of tariffs, the development signals the emergence of a partnership with the capacity to influence a multipolar international system and contribute to global stability.

Historical Background and Significance

  • Negotiations between India and the EU extended over nearly twenty-five years, repeatedly encountering deadlock and delay.
  • The prolonged process demonstrated the difficulty of aligning two complex economic systems with different regulatory traditions and development priorities.
  • The eventual breakthrough indicates a shift in policy orientation on both sides.
  • Economic incentives alone cannot explain the progress; broader political and geopolitical considerations now shape cooperation. The agreement therefore stands as a turning point in bilateral relations.

Role of Political Leadership and Trust

  • Sustained diplomatic engagement created the conditions necessary for compromise.
  • Frequent summits and high-level dialogue fostered trust and mutual understanding, allowing leaders to address domestic resistance.
  • In India, policymakers moderated protectionism by presenting Europe as a reliable and diversified economic partner.
  • In Europe, political guidance encouraged the bureaucracy to move beyond rigid negotiation frameworks.
  • The willingness of leadership to invest political capital transformed a stalled negotiation into a workable agreement and deepened cooperation.

Geopolitical Drivers of the Agreement

  • The global environment strongly influenced this development. Intensifying competition among major powers, economic pressures, and security challenges increased the need for diversified partnerships.
  • Concerns about economic dependence and coercion encouraged both sides to pursue resilience through collaboration.
  • The agreement therefore represents a pragmatic response to a changing international system and a collective attempt to safeguard security and long-term interests.

Key Featured of India-EU Free Trade Agreement

  • Expanding Beyond Trade: Defence and Security Cooperation

    • Durability requires moving beyond economic exchange. Defence and security collaboration offers a crucial foundation.
    • Shared interests in maritime routes and regional maritime order highlight the importance of the Indo-Pacific.
    • Joint exercises, information-sharing, and institutional arrangements can strengthen regional capacity-building and support a broader partnership.
    • Such measures elevate the relationship from economic cooperation to strategic alignment.

  • Energy Partnership and Climate Cooperation

    • Energy policy creates another strong link. Europe’s commitment to decarbonisation intersects with India’s need for affordable development.
    • Collaboration in renewable technologies, green hydrogen, and modern infrastructure can produce mutual benefits while addressing climate
    • Shared projects encourage long-term economic interdependence and reinforce environmental responsibility.

  • Technology and Innovation

    • Technological development represents the most transformative dimension of cooperation.
    • Global power increasingly depends on standards in technology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and data governance.
    • Joint initiatives in innovation and digital public infrastructure can reduce vulnerability and enhance sovereignty in emerging sectors.
    • By shaping common rules, both partners can encourage progress while safeguarding democratic principles.

  • Mobility and Societal Connections

    • The movement of people strengthens institutional ties.
    • Greater mobility for students, researchers, and skilled professionals expands educational exchange and supports shared mobility and knowledge networks.
    • Addressing visa barriers and professional recognition would deepen societal links and sustain interdependence beyond government-level engagement.

  • Contribution to a Multipolar World Order

    • Cooperation contributes to a broader realignment in international politics. Flexible partnerships among influential actors increasingly replace rigid alliance systems.
    • By coordinating policies and supporting development initiatives, India and the EU can promote balanced growth and reinforce democratic values across regions.
    • Their collaboration may help moderate global rivalries and support a cooperative order.

Conclusion

  • The trade agreement marks the beginning of a long-term transformation rather than the end of negotiations.
  • Political engagement and changing global conditions enabled the breakthrough, but lasting success depends on sustained commitment in security, energy, technology, and societal exchange.
  • With continued implementation, the partnership can strengthen economic growth and international cooperation.
  • The agreement therefore forms a foundation for a durable strategic relationship capable of contributing to a stable and cooperative global system.

The India-EU Trade Deal is also a Strategic Turning Point FAQs

Q1. Why is the India–EU agreement considered significant?
Ans. It is significant because it goes beyond trade and establishes a long-term strategic partnership between India and the European Union.

Q2. What major factor helped conclude the negotiations?
Ans. Sustained political engagement and trust built through repeated high-level meetings helped conclude the negotiations.

Q3. Why are geopolitical changes important for the partnership?
Ans. Geopolitical changes encouraged both sides to diversify partnerships and enhance security and economic resilience.

Q4. Which sectors are crucial for deepening cooperation?
Ans. Defence, energy, technology, and mobility are crucial sectors for strengthening the partnership.

Q5. How can the partnership influence the global order?
Ans. The partnership can support a multipolar world by promoting stability, development cooperation, and balanced international relations.

Source: The Hindu

Daily Editorial Analysis 7 February 2026 FAQs

Q1: What is editorial analysis?

Ans: Editorial analysis is the critical examination and interpretation of newspaper editorials to extract key insights, arguments, and perspectives relevant to UPSC preparation.

Q2: What is an editorial analyst?

Ans: An editorial analyst is someone who studies and breaks down editorials to highlight their relevance, structure, and usefulness for competitive exams like the UPSC.

Q3: What is an editorial for UPSC?

Ans: For UPSC, an editorial refers to opinion-based articles in reputed newspapers that provide analysis on current affairs, governance, policy, and socio-economic issues.

Q4: What are the sources of UPSC Editorial Analysis?

Ans: Key sources include editorials from The Hindu and Indian Express.

Q5: Can Editorial Analysis help in Mains Answer Writing?

Ans: Yes, editorial analysis enhances content quality, analytical depth, and structure in Mains answer writing.

Reticulated Python

February 7, 2026
Reticulated Python

Reticulated Python Latest News

A giant female reticulated python discovered deep in the forests of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi late last year is now believed to be the longest measured snake in the world at 7.22 metres (23 feet 8 inches), the Guinness Book of World Records has confirmed.

About Reticulated Python

  • It is a giant constricting snake belonging to the python family, Pythonidae. 
  • Scientific Name: Malayopython reticulatus
  • It is the longest snake in the world and the third heaviest after the green anaconda and the Burmese python. 
  • Like all pythons, it is a non-venomous constrictor. 
  • It is an ambush predator, usually waiting until prey comes within striking range before trapping it in its rings and killing it by constriction. 

Reticulated Python Distribution

    • It is native to South and Southeast Asia. 
    • It inhabits tropical forest regions in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other parts of Southeast Asia.

Reticulated Python Features

  • Specimens have been recorded reaching a length of more than 7 metres and weighing more than 160 kg.
  • They have grayish-tan bodies with X- or diamond-shaped blotches containing black, white, yellow, and red scales.
  • The name ‘reticulated’ comes from the intricate and beautiful pattern of its skin, which resembles a net (or ‘lattice’). 
  • The snake’s head has smooth brown scales. 
  • The head is elongated with a dark line down the middle, and the eyes are orange with vertical pupils.
  • Embedded in the lip scales are heat-sensing pits that can detect any object or prey whose temperature exceeds that of the surrounding environment.

Reticulated Python Conservation Status

It is classified as 'Least Concern' under the IUCN Red List.

Source: DTE

Reticulated Python FAQs

Q1: What is a Reticulated Python?

Ans: It is a giant constricting snake belonging to the python family, Pythonidae.

Q2: What is the scientific name of the Reticulated Python?

Ans: Malayopython reticulatus.

Q3: What is the distinguishing global record of the Reticulated Python?

Ans: It is the longest snake in the world.

Q4: Is the Reticulated Python venomous?

Ans: No, it is a non-venomous constrictor.

Rat-Hole Mining Tragedy in Meghalaya – A Governance and Regulatory Failure

February 7, 2026
Rat-Hole Mining

Rat-Hole Mining Latest News

  • A deadly explosion in an illegally operating rat-hole coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya, has resulted in the death of 25 miners. 
  • The incident has once again highlighted the persistence of illegal mining in the state despite a ban by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court.
  • It raises serious concerns about regulatory enforcement, governance failure, labour safety, and disaster management preparedness.

Nature of the Incident

  • A dynamite explosion occurred in a rat-hole mine in the Thangkso area, a remote region with poor connectivity.
  • Rescue teams comprising the NDRF, SDRF, and Special Rescue Teams retrieved multiple bodies from narrow underground tunnels.
  • The mine structure included - 
    • Five vertical shafts (almost 100 feet deep)
    • Each shaft branching into 2–3 narrow horizontal tunnels
    • Tunnels measuring only 2 feet high and 3 feet wide, requiring miners to crawl
  • Three bodies were found 350 feet horizontally inside a rat-hole tunnel.
  • Rescue operations were hampered by -
  • Water accumulation
    • Mudslides due to dripping water
    • Rockfall hazards
    • Extremely confined working spaces

Rat-Hole Mining - Structural and Environmental Concerns

  • What is rat-hole mining?
    • A primitive and hazardous coal extraction method, which involves digging narrow pits and horizontal tunnels to manually extract coal.
    • It is widely prevalent in Meghalaya due to unique land ownership patterns (community/private ownership).
  • Why is it problematic?
    • Because it violates the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).
    • It was banned by the NGT (2014) and the ban was upheld by the Supreme Court.
    • These violations leads to -
      • Severe environmental degradation
      • Acid mine drainage
      • Water contamination
      • Land instability
      • Loss of biodiversity
    • There is a complete absence of worker safety mechanisms.

Legal and Administrative Dimensions

  • Criminal action: Following the incident, a case FIR registered under charges that include culpable homicide, violation of the MMDR Act and the Explosive Substances Act. Two mine owners were arrested.
  • Judicial oversight:
    • Justice (Retd) BP Katakey committee: Appointed by the Meghalaya High Court to monitor illegal coal-mining in the state since 2022 following a suo-motu PIL taken up by the court on the issue.
    • Findings: Flagged Widespread illegal mining in Meghalaya, particularly the East Jaintia Hills.
    • Meghalaya HC: “No one in the state, except the high court, is taking the issue very seriously”.

Scale of the Illegal Mining Problem

  • As per Justice Katakey Committee findings, over 22,000 illegal mine openings in East Jaintia Hills alone, and over 25,000 across Meghalaya.
  • East Jaintia Hills was identified as the worst-affected district.
  • Past tragedies: 2018 Ksan incident – 15 miners killed in flooding, Umpleng incident – 5 miners died.
  • This indicates a pattern of systemic regulatory collapse rather than isolated accidents.

Challenges Highlighted

  • Governance deficit: Weak enforcement of NGT and Supreme Court orders. Lack of political and administrative will. Local complicity and informal protection networks.
  • Terrain and accessibility: Remote location (25 km takes around 3 hours by road). Difficult terrain requiring 4WD vehicles. Slows both regulation and rescue.
  • Informal labour exploitation: Migrant and economically vulnerable workers. Absence of safety nets or formal contracts. Occupational hazards without social security.
  • Disaster management constraints: Hazardous confined spaces. Waterlogging and collapse risk. Inadequate early detection and monitoring systems.
  • Constitutional and federal complexity: Meghalaya’s Sixth Schedule status. Community land ownership under Autonomous District Councils. Regulatory ambiguity exploited for illegal mining.
  • Broader issues:
    • Sustainable Development vs livelihood concerns
    • Environmental governance and rule of law
    • Judicial activism vs executive inaction
    • Cooperative federalism in resource regulation
    • Disaster risk reduction in informal sectors
    • Internal security linkages (illegal mining networks and criminal economy)

Way Forward

  • Strict enforcement and monitoring: Real-time satellite surveillance of illegal mining. Independent regulatory authority for mining oversight. Strengthened coordination between State Government, Autonomous Councils, and Centre.
  • Institutional accountability: Fix responsibility of district officials. Time-bound compliance reporting to High Court. Strengthen implementation of MMDR Act provisions.
  • Formalisation of the mining sector: Introduce regulated, scientific, and environmentally compliant mining models. Alternative livelihood programs for affected communities. Skill development and employment diversification.
  • Environmental restoration: Mine closure plans. Rehabilitation of degraded land and water bodies. Polluter Pays Principle implementation.
  • Worker safety framework: Strict compliance with labour laws. Insurance and compensation mechanisms. Community awareness regarding occupational risks.

Conclusion

  • The Meghalaya rat-hole mining tragedy is not merely a mining accident—it is a stark reminder of the consequences of institutional apathy, regulatory failure, and socio-economic vulnerability. 
  • Despite judicial bans and repeated warnings, illegal mining continues unabated, turning preventable disasters into recurring tragedies.
  • Ensuring environmental sustainability, worker safety, and accountable administration is not just a policy necessity but a constitutional obligation under Articles 21 and 48A of the Indian Constitution.
  • Unless systemic reforms replace episodic reactions, such “incidents waiting to happen” will continue to claim lives.

Source: IE

Rat-Hole Mining FAQs

Q1: What are the structural and environmental challenges associated with rat-hole mining in Meghalaya?

Ans: It is a hazardous, unscientific method causing severe environmental degradation, land instability, and loss of life.

Q2: Despite the NGT and SC ban, why illegal mining continues in Meghalaya?

Ans: Due to weak enforcement, administrative complicity, regulatory ambiguity under the Sixth Schedule, and lack of political will.

Q3: How does the Meghalaya mining tragedy highlight gaps in India’s disaster management framework?

Ans: The incident exposes challenges in rescue operations in informal sectors, poor terrain accessibility, etc.

Q4: What is the role of judicial intervention in addressing illegal coal mining in Meghalaya?

Ans: Judicial oversight (NGT orders, SC rulings, and HC monitoring) reflects active judicial intervention amid executive inaction.

Q5: What measures are required to balance livelihood concerns with environmental sustainability?

Ans: Formalising mining practices, enforcing environmental compliance, promoting alternative livelihoods, etc.

India’s Russian Oil Imports Likely to Dip, Not Disappear: Energy Security Explained

February 7, 2026
India’s Russian Oil Imports

India’s Russian Oil Imports Latest News

  • US President Donald Trump announced a sharp reduction in tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, claiming that India has agreed to stop buying Russian crude oil and instead increase purchases from the US and Venezuela. 
  • While India welcomed the trade deal, it has not confirmed any commitment to halt Russian oil imports.

India’s Official Position: Energy Security First

  • India has not publicly endorsed Trump’s claim on Russian oil.
  • The MEA reiterated that energy security for 1.4 billion people remains India’s overriding priority. According to the government, India’s strategy is based on:
    • Diversification of energy sources
    • Market conditions
    • Evolving international dynamics
  • No formal directive has yet been issued to Indian refiners to stop importing Russian crude.

Why a Complete Halt Is Unlikely

  • Completely stopping Russian oil imports is not feasible in the current context due to:
    • Technical challenges in quickly switching crude grades
    • Commercial constraints, including pricing and long-term contracts
    • Logistical limitations in ramping up supplies from the US and Venezuela
    • Strategic autonomy concerns in energy trade decisions
  • Experts note that increasing imports from alternative suppliers is easier said than done, and cannot happen overnight.

Strategic Autonomy and Market Realities

  • India’s energy policy has consistently aimed to balance:
    • Geopolitical pressures
    • Cost competitiveness
    • Supply reliability
  • A sudden halt to Russian oil would undermine India’s strategic autonomy and expose it to price volatility and supply risks.
  • Industry analysts expect:
    • A gradual reduction in Russian oil imports.
    • A measured increase in crude purchases from the US and other suppliers.
    • Continued emphasis on flexibility and diversification, rather than rigid alignment.

Economic Logic: Discounts and Refining Compatibility

  • Analysts note that Russian crude remains economically critical:
    • Volumes are locked in for the next 8–10 weeks because the orders are already placed.
    • Deep discounts on Urals (Russia’s flagship crude grade)) crude relative to ICE Brent (benchmark) support margins.
    • India’s complex refining system is well-suited to Russian grades.

Russian Oil to Remain a Major Part of India’s Import Basket in the Near Term

  • Indian refiners have already booked Russian crude cargoes through March and parts of April, making any abrupt cancellation impractical. 
  • Even if the government advises a reduction, refiners will need several months to gradually scale down purchases, given existing contracts and supply-chain constraints.
  • A complete halt is especially unfeasible due to Nayara Energy, which processes about 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) and is almost entirely dependent on Russian oil.
    • Rosneft, Russia’s national oil company, is a major shareholder in Nayara Energy.
    • Nayara has been sanctioned by the European Union, while Rosneft faces US and EU sanctions.
    • These sanctions have severely limited access to alternative crude sources.

Likely Scale of Reduction: Gradual, Not Zero

  • Energy experts broadly agree that:
    • India is unlikely to reduce Russian oil imports to zero
    • Imports could fall from an average of ~1.6 million bpd in 2025 to around 500,000 bpd in the medium term
  • Even at 500,000 bpd, Russian crude would still account for ~10% of India’s total oil imports.

Recent Trends: Decline Already Underway

  • India’s Russian oil imports have steadily declined to a three-year low, following US sanctions on major Russian producers, including Rosneft and Lukoil.
  • According to a data:
    • Imports peaked at 2.09 million bpd in June 2025
    • Fell to 1.16 million bpd in January 2026
  • Despite the decline:
    • Russian oil accounted for 22% of India’s total imports in January 2026
    • This is lower than the 35–40%+ share seen earlier, but still significant
  • This dominance is expected to continue for several months.

Replacing Russian crude with US, Venezuelan oil is difficult

  • Replacing Russian crude is theoretically possible, since before the Ukraine war, Russia accounted for less than 2% of India’s oil imports. 
  • However, the real challenge lies in how much and how fast supplies from the United States and Venezuela can substitute Russian volumes.

US Oil: Cost and Compatibility Constraints

  • India has been increasing oil imports from the US, and this trend can continue if prices remain competitive. However, two key constraints exist:
    • Higher transportation costs: Shipping crude from the US to India costs more than double compared to supplies from West Asia.
    • Crude quality mismatch: Indian refineries are optimised for medium-sour crude from Russia and West Asia. US crude is lighter and sweeter, making it less suitable for some refinery configurations.
    • While Indian refineries can technically process most crude types, efficiency and output vary by grade

Venezuelan Oil: Opportunity with Limits

  • Venezuelan crude is closer in quality to Russian oil and could be a partial substitute. 
  • However, limitations remain:
    • Low production: Venezuela currently produces only about 1 million bpd
    • High competition: Much of this crude is also in demand in the US
    • Long-term constraints: Meaningfully increasing output would require years and billions of dollars in investment
  • As a result, Venezuelan oil can only partially and intermittently replace Russian volumes.

India’s Strategic and Trade Autonomy in Oil Imports

  • India maintained a strong stance on strategic autonomy through most of last year, despite sustained pressure from the United States under President Donald Trump to curb Russian oil purchases.
  • New Delhi was unwilling to be directed on trade partners, particularly Russia—an old and key strategic partner. 
  • Notably, reductions in recent months occurred only after US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, not due to bilateral pressure.
  • A recent statement by the MEA suggests India is unlikely to change its stance on trade autonomy. Maintaining some Russian oil volumes aligns with this position and preserves flexibility in energy sourcing.

Source: IE | WSJ

India’s Russian Oil Imports FAQs

Q1: Why are India’s Russian oil imports unlikely to stop completely?

Ans: India’s Russian oil imports cannot stop abruptly due to refinery dependence, existing contracts, discounted pricing, and energy security needs of a large, import-dependent economy.

Q2: How do sanctions affect India’s Russian oil imports?

Ans: Sanctions on Russian firms restrict payment and logistics but do not eliminate India’s Russian oil imports, as refiners adapt through alternative shipping, insurance, and pricing mechanisms.

Q3: What role does Nayara Energy play in India’s Russian oil imports?

Ans: Nayara Energy depends almost entirely on Russian crude due to sanctions, making India’s Russian oil imports essential to keep its 400,000 bpd refinery operational.

Q4: Can US or Venezuelan oil replace India’s Russian oil imports quickly?

Ans: Replacing India’s Russian oil imports with US or Venezuelan crude is difficult due to higher freight costs, crude quality mismatch, limited production, and long-term investment requirements.

Q5: How does strategic autonomy shape India’s Russian oil imports?

Ans: India’s Russian oil imports reflect strategic autonomy, balancing geopolitical pressure with economic interests, ensuring diversification without surrendering energy policy decisions to external actors.

RBI Policy Rate Pause Explained: Why the RBI Kept Interest Rates Unchanged

February 7, 2026
RBI Policy Rate Pause

RBI Policy Rate Pause Latest News

  • The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, maintaining the status quo on interest rates. 
  • As a result, bank lending and deposit rates — and EMIs on home and personal loans — are expected to remain stable.
  • The MPC revised India’s GDP growth projection upward to 7.4% for FY 2026 (from 7.3%) and retail inflation to 2.1% (from 2%), reflecting confidence in growth momentum alongside benign price pressures.
  • The committee also retained a neutral policy stance, signalling flexibility to respond to evolving domestic and global conditions. 
  • This comes shortly after India announced trade agreements with the US and the European Union, and follows the Union Budget, which shaped the broader macroeconomic context.
  • The pause follows a 25 basis point rate cut in December, which reduced the repo rate to its current level. 
  • With cumulative rate cuts of 125 basis points in 2025, the decision marks a breather after a phase of sustained monetary easing, as the RBI balances growth support with future policy optionality.

Why the RBI Chose to Hold Interest Rates Steady

  • The decision by the Reserve Bank of India to pause on rates reflects a benign inflation outlook alongside strong growth momentum. 
  • Domestic economic conditions remain broadly resilient, giving the MPC space to wait and watch rather than act immediately.

Budget Measures Supporting Growth

  • RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra noted that several measures announced in the FY26 Union Budget are expected to boost economic activity. 
  • These include:
    • Income tax cuts, improving household disposable income
    • GST rate rationalisation, easing cost pressures
    • Benefits of earlier RBI rate cuts, supporting credit and consumption
  • Together, these factors have strengthened the near-term growth outlook.

External Sector: Cushion from Trade Agreements

  • Since the December policy review, India has signed four trade agreements with:
    • The United States
    • The European Union
    • Oman
    • New Zealand
  • These agreements are expected to:
    • Boost exports and investments
    • Reduce vulnerability to global uncertainties
    • Support medium- to long-term growth
  • However, the RBI flagged that global geopolitical developments and external headwinds continue to warrant close monitoring, even as the US trade deal augurs well for the economy.

Consumption as the Main Growth Driver

  • Economic growth is being underpinned by robust consumption, projected to grow at around 7% in FY26. 
  • The consumption outlook has been reinforced by:
    • Subdued inflation
    • Fiscal support measures
    • Monetary easing already delivered
  • Additionally, statistical factors, such as a low GDP deflator due to low inflation, contributed to stronger growth in the first half of the fiscal year.

Inflation Outlook: Benign but Watched Closely

  • Headline inflation in November and December remained below the tolerance band.
  • CPI inflation projections for:
    • Q1 FY27: 4.0%
    • Q2 FY27: 4.2% (slightly revised upwards)
  • The RBI clarified that the upward revision is mainly due to higher prices of precious metals, contributing 60–70 basis points, while underlying inflation pressures remain low.

Impact of RBI’s Rate Pause on Lending and Deposit Rates

  • With the repo rate unchanged, lending rates linked to external benchmarks, particularly the repo rate, are expected to remain stable in the near term.
  • As a result:
    • No immediate change in EMIs for home and personal loans linked to the repo rate
    • Borrowers gain certainty over repayment obligations

Possible Movement in MCLR-Linked Loans

  • Loans linked to the Marginal Cost of Funds-Based Lending Rate (MCLR) may still see adjustments.
  • This is because banks can revise MCLR-based rates based on:
    • Changes in funding costs
    • Liquidity conditions
    • Deposit mobilisation trends
  • Thus, MCLR-linked borrowers may experience rate changes even without a repo rate move.

Deposit Rates to Remain Broadly Steady

  • On the deposit side:
    • Interest rates are expected to stay stable in the near term.
    • Any change would depend on sustained liquidity pressures or shifts in banks’ funding requirements.

The Road Ahead: RBI’s Cautious Pause Amid Global Uncertainty

  • The Reserve Bank of India appears comfortable with a cautious, wait-and-watch stance. 
  • With economic growth holding firm, inflation under control, and fiscal spending providing support, there is no immediate need to alter policy rates. 
  • The February decision thus represents a deliberate pause rather than a shift in policy direction.

Growth Boost from Trade Agreements

  • RBI Governor highlighted that recent and forthcoming trade agreements with the European Union and the United States are likely to sustain growth momentum over the medium term.
  • He also noted that global growth could be marginally stronger than earlier projections, supported by:
    • Rising technology investments
    • Accommodative financial conditions
    • Large-scale fiscal stimulus across major economies

Persistent External Risks

  • Despite the positive outlook, risks remain significant:
    • Geopolitical tensions and rising trade frictions
    • Volatile crude oil prices
    • Diverging global monetary policies, as inflation remains above target in many advanced economies and central banks approach the end of easing cycles

Fiscal–Monetary Alignment

  • With the government committed to fiscal consolidation, monetary policy is unlikely to face additional pressure. 

Source: IE | IE

RBI Policy Rate Pause FAQs

Q1: Why did the RBI announce a policy rate pause?

Ans: The rbi policy rate pause reflects confidence in strong growth and benign inflation, allowing the RBI to wait after cumulative 125 bps cuts while retaining flexibility amid global uncertainty.

Q2: What does the RBI policy rate pause mean for borrowers?

Ans: The rbi policy rate pause means repo-linked loan EMIs will remain stable, offering repayment certainty, though MCLR-linked loans may still change depending on banks’ funding costs.

Q3: How does inflation influence the RBI policy rate pause?

Ans: Low and stable inflation enabled the rbi policy rate pause, as price pressures remain within tolerance, with recent CPI revisions driven mainly by precious metals, not core inflation.

Q4: How is economic growth linked to the RBI policy rate pause?

Ans: Strong consumption-led growth and supportive Budget measures justified the rbi policy rate pause, as the RBI sees no immediate need for further easing to stimulate demand.

Q5: What does the RBI policy rate pause signal for future monetary policy?

Ans: The rbi policy rate pause signals a cautious, data-dependent approach, balancing growth support with risks from geopolitics, global interest rates, and volatile commodity prices.

RBI’s Proposed Framework for Compensation in Digital Fraud Cases

February 7, 2026
Digital Fraud

Digital Fraud Latest News

  • In February 2026, the Reserve Bank of India announced a draft framework to compensate customers up to Rs. 25,000 for losses arising from small-value digital frauds, even in certain cases of user error. 

Background: Growth of Digital Payments and Fraud Risks in India

  • India has witnessed an unprecedented expansion in digital payments over the past decade, driven by initiatives such as UPI, Aadhaar-based authentication, and financial inclusion programmes. 
  • While this shift has enhanced convenience and transparency, it has also led to a rise in digital fraud cases, including phishing, OTP-based scams, unauthorised electronic transactions, and social engineering attacks.
  • According to regulatory assessments, fraudsters increasingly exploit gaps in user awareness, delayed reporting, and weak authentication mechanisms. 
  • Senior citizens and first-time digital users are particularly vulnerable. 
  • This evolving risk landscape has necessitated stronger regulatory safeguards to protect customers while maintaining trust in digital payment systems.

Existing RBI Framework on Customer Liability

  • The RBI first issued detailed instructions in 2017 to limit customer liability in unauthorised electronic banking transactions. These guidelines classified liability based on factors such as:
    • Delay in reporting unauthorised transactions
    • Negligence on the part of banks or customers
    • Nature of the fraud (system failure vs. customer compromise)
  • Under this regime, customers could enjoy zero or limited liability if they reported fraud promptly. However, the framework did not mandate direct compensation for small-value losses, especially in cases involving partial customer fault, such as OTP sharing under deception.
  • With rapid technological changes and growing fraud sophistication, RBI reviewed the adequacy of these rules, leading to the proposed revisions. 

Key Features of the Proposed RBI Compensation Framework

  • The newly proposed framework seeks to introduce a structured compensation mechanism for victims of small-value digital fraud. Its major features include:
    • Compensation Cap: Customers may be compensated for losses up to Rs. 25,000 per fraudulent transaction.
    • Scope: The framework applies primarily to small-value digital frauds, where recovery through existing mechanisms is difficult.
    • User Error Consideration: Compensation may be available even in cases where customers shared OTPs or credentials under coercion or deception, subject to conditions.
    • Public Consultation: Draft instructions will be placed in the public domain to invite stakeholder feedback before finalisation.
  • This approach marks a shift from a purely liability-based framework to a consumer-protection-oriented compensation model. 

Additional Safety Measures for Digital Payments

  • Alongside compensation, the RBI has proposed several preventive measures to reduce fraud incidence:
    • Lagged Credits: Introducing time delays before crediting funds in high-risk transactions.
    • Enhanced Authentication: Additional verification layers for vulnerable groups, such as senior citizens.
    • Targeted Risk Profiling: Differentiated safeguards based on user behaviour and transaction patterns.
  • These measures aim to balance user convenience with systemic security, especially in high-volume digital ecosystems.

Related Consumer Protection Reforms by RBI

  • The compensation proposal is part of a broader regulatory push to strengthen consumer rights in financial services. The RBI has announced draft guidelines in three key areas:
    • Mis-selling of Financial Products: Ensuring the suitability of third-party products sold by banks.
    • Loan Recovery Practices: Harmonising rules governing recovery agents and borrower treatment.
    • Customer Liability Norms: Updating rules on unauthorised electronic transactions to reflect current risks.
  • Together, these reforms indicate a shift towards outcome-based consumer protection rather than procedural compliance. 

Significance for India’s Digital Economy

  • The proposed compensation framework is significant for several reasons:
    • Trust Building: Reassures users that financial losses from fraud will not always be borne individually.
    • Financial Inclusion: Encourages continued digital adoption among vulnerable populations.
    • Regulatory Accountability: Places greater responsibility on banks and payment service providers to strengthen security systems.
    • Global Alignment: Reflects international best practices in consumer protection for digital finance.
  • For India, which aims to become a global leader in digital public infrastructure, safeguarding user confidence is critical.

Challenges and Implementation Concerns

  • Despite its benefits, the framework raises certain challenges:
    • Moral Hazard: Risk of reduced user caution if compensation is perceived as guaranteed.
    • Operational Burden: Banks must establish clear, fast, and fair grievance redressal mechanisms.
    • Fraud Classification: Differentiating genuine victims from negligent behaviour will require robust assessment protocols.
  • Effective implementation will depend on clear guidelines, technological support, and coordination between banks, regulators, and law enforcement agencies.

Source: TH | IE

Digital Fraud FAQs

Q1: What is the RBI’s proposed digital fraud compensation limit?

Ans: The RBI has proposed compensation up to ₹25,000 for losses from small-value digital frauds.

Q2: Does the framework apply even if customers share OTPs?

Ans: Yes, in certain cases involving deception or coercion, compensation may still be provided.

Q3: When were the earlier customer liability rules issued?

Ans: The existing RBI instructions on unauthorised electronic transactions were issued in 2017.

Q4: Who will finalise the compensation rules?

Ans: The RBI will finalise the framework after public consultation on the draft guidelines.

Q5: Why is the new framework important for digital payments?

Ans: It enhances consumer confidence, financial inclusion, and systemic trust in India’s digital payment systems.

Peregrine Falcon

February 7, 2026
Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine Falcon Latest News

Recently, a wildlife researcher has made a historic sighting of a Siberian peregrine falcon in central Australia, where this subspecies has never been recorded before.

About Peregrine Falcon

  • It is a large cosmopolitan raptor in the family Falconidae.
  • Distribution: It is found on all continents except Antarctica, and on many oceanic islands.
  • Habitat:
    • They prefer open habitats, such as grasslands, tundra, and meadows.
    • They are most common in tundra and coastal areas and rare in sub-tropical and tropical habitats. They nest on cliff faces and crevices.

Characteristics of Peregrine Falcon

  • It is renowned for its speed during its characteristic hunting stoop (high-speed dive), making it the fastest bird in the world, as well as the fastest member of the animal kingdom.
  • They are active during the day. When not breeding they are primarily solitary and establish and defend territories.
  • Ecological role: They are high level predators, peregrine falcons play an important role in regulating populations of their prey, particularly pigeons and doves.
  • Conservation status: IUCN Red List: Least Concern.

Source: Live Science

Peregrine Falcon FAQs

Q1: What is the IUCN conservation status of Peregrine Falcon?

Ans: Least Concern

Q2: Where do we find Peregrine Falcon?

Ans: In all continent except Antarctica.

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