Election Commission of India (ECI) Constitutional Basis • Article 324 establishes the Election Commission of India. Composition • Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)• Election Commissioners (ECs)• Currently a multi-member body; number decided by the President Appointment • Appointed by: President of India• Basis: Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023• Selection panel includes:• Prime Minister• Leader of Opposition• A Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister Removal Process Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) • Removed like a Supreme Court judge.• Article 324(5): Removal only by Parliament.• Requires a special majority in both Houses.• Grounds: Proved misbehaviour or incapacity. Election Commissioners (ECs) • Can be removed only on the recommendation of the CEC.
Revocation of President’s Rule in Manipur Explained
What happened • President’s Rule in Manipur has been revoked.• Khemchand has been sworn in as the new Chief Minister.• This follows political realignment after prolonged instability. Constitutional background • Article 356 – President’s Rule imposed when constitutional machinery of a State fails.• Article 356(2) – President’s Rule must be approved by Parliament within 2 months.• Revocation happens once a government claiming majority is formed. Why it matters • Restoration of elected government ends Central rule.• Tests Centre–State relations and federal stability.• Important for questions on misuse / revocation of Article 356.
Anganwadi Reforms in Kerala by IAS Officer
Anganwadi reforms in Thrissur by IAS Arjun Pandian Context IAS officer Arjun Pandian, District Collector of Thrissur (Kerala), revamped anganwadis, drawing inspiration from his mother, who has worked as an anganwadi worker for 26 years. Key Initiatives • Converted anganwadis into community centres with improved infrastructure.• Set up 15 sub-libraries; 15 more being added under the Va Vayikkam (Come, Let Us Read) programme.• Improved buildings for 20 anganwadis; formalities completed for 50 more.• Launched child-centric and community-oriented programmes under Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).• Mobilised CSR funds for books and infrastructure upgrades.• Regular review meetings held with stakeholders to monitor progress.• Monthly engagement with schoolchildren to track issues and provide support.
Long-Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile (LR-AShM)
What is LR-AShM? The Long-Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile (LR-AShM) is an indigenously developed hypersonic weapon system designed to strike high-value naval targets, including aircraft carrier battle groups, at very long ranges with extreme speed and manoeuvrability. It has been developed by for operational deployment by the , primarily to meet coastal defence and maritime strike requirements. Strategic Rationale The development of LR-AShM is driven by India’s need to: Key Technical Characteristics Operational and Strategic Significance Broader Defence Implications LR-AShM reflects: Conclusion The Long-Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile marks a qualitative transformation in India’s naval strike capability. By combining speed, range, manoeuvrability, and precision, it significantly enhances India’s maritime deterrence and A2/AD posture, reinforcing strategic stability in the Indian Ocean Region while signalling India’s arrival as a frontline hypersonic weapons power.
Antarctic Treaty System (ATS)
Antarctica is Earth’s southernmost continent, centred on the South Pole, and is the coldest, driest, and windiest landmass on the planet. It plays a decisive role in global climate regulation, ocean circulation, and sea-level stability. Geographical Features Climate Characteristics Ecology and Biodiversity Scientific Importance Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) Geopolitical and Environmental Relevance India in Antarctica Why Antarctica Matters
International Solar Alliance (ISA)
International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an intergovernmental organisation aimed at promoting solar energy deployment and supporting a global transition to clean and renewable energy. What is ISA? Vision and Mission Membership Core Objectives Priority Areas of Action Governance Structure Key Initiatives Importance of ISA For India For the World Challenges Conclusion The International Solar Alliance represents a major Global South–led initiative in climate governance. By combining technology, finance, and international cooperation, ISA plays a crucial role in advancing solar energy as a mainstream global solution to climate change and energy poverty.
Reserve Tranche Position (RTP) in IMF
What is Reserve Tranche Position? The Reserve Tranche Position (RTP) is the portion of a member country’s quota in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that can be accessed immediately and unconditionally, without any policy conditionality. It represents a country’s own reserve assets held with the IMF. How RTP Arises When a country joins the (IMF), it is assigned a quota, which determines: The quota is paid in two parts: The RTP equals the IMF’s holdings of the member’s currency that are below its quota. Key Features of RTP RTP vs IMF Credit Importance of RTP India and RTP Difference Between RTP and SDRs Aspect Reserve Tranche Position Special Drawing Rights Nature Own reserve contribution IMF-created international asset Access Automatic, unconditional Can be exchanged for currency Origin Arises from quota payment Allocated by IMF Interest Earns interest Earns interest
Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)
What are Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)? Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) are an international reserve asset created by the (IMF) to supplement the official foreign exchange reserves of its member countries. SDRs are not a currency and not a claim on the IMF. They represent a potential claim on freely usable currencies of IMF members. Why were SDRs created? SDRs were created in 1969 to address: How SDRs Work SDR Valuation (SDR Basket) The value of an SDR is based on a basket of five major currencies, reviewed every five years: Currency Included Since US Dollar (USD) Founding member Euro (EUR) 1999 Chinese Yuan (CNY) 2016 Japanese Yen (JPY) Long-standing British Pound (GBP) Long-standing This basket reflects the relative importance of currencies in global trade and finance. Interest on SDRs Key Features of SDRs SDRs vs IMF Loans Aspect SDRs IMF Loans Nature Reserve asset Credit/loan Conditionality None Yes Repayment Not required Mandatory Purpose Liquidity support Balance of payments support India and SDRs During global crises (e.g., COVID-19), SDR allocations helped countries boost reserves without increasing debt. SDRs in Global Crises
Foreign Currency Assets (FCA)
What are Foreign Currency Assets? Foreign Currency Assets refer to assets held in foreign currencies by a country’s central bank. These assets are highly liquid and internationally accepted, enabling smooth external transactions and financial stability. They typically include: Position in India’s Forex Reserves India’s foreign exchange reserves have four main components: Among these, FCA constitutes the dominant portion, often more than 80–85% of total forex reserves. Key Features of FCA Purpose and Importance Foreign Currency Assets are maintained to: Macroeconomic Significance Limitations Conclusion Foreign Currency Assets form the backbone of India’s foreign exchange reserves. By ensuring liquidity, stability, and confidence in the external sector, FCA plays a critical role in safeguarding India’s macroeconomic and financial stability in an uncertain global environment.
N P Ponnuswami v Returning Officer 1952
This is a foundational Supreme Court judgment on the nature of the right to vote and the bar on judicial interference in elections. Background Key Issues Judgment & Ratio The Supreme Court held that: Constitutional Basis Key Observations Significance Comparison with Later Cases Voting itself is statutory, but informed voting is constitutionally protected.
