Context: Public Interest Litigation A growing concern that Public Interest Litigation (PIL)—once a tool for social justice—is increasingly misused, raising the need to redefine its scope and safeguards. Public Interest Litigation (PIL) – Basics Constitutional basis Origin Late 1970s–80s (post-Emergency judicial activism) Key Cases Problems with PIL Suggested Reforms
Sacred groves restoration launched in Kerala for biodiversity conservation
Context: Sacred groves Kerala has initiated a pilot restoration of sacred groves (kavus) to revive degraded ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, and remove invasive species through community participation. Sacred Groves and Their Significance Significance Threats Sacred Groves in India – State-wise Names
Green methanol project using Prosopis juliflora for clean fuel
Context: Green methanol India plans to convert Prosopis juliflora, among the world’s top 100 invasive species, into green methanol for marine fuel, linking ecological control with clean energy. Species in News – Prosopis juliflora Issues Utility Dense hardwood, high calorific value → suitable biomass feedstock Green Methanol and Environmental Significance Environmental benefits CO₂ ↓ up to 95% | NOx ↓ up to 80% | eliminates SOx and particulate matter | supports IMO norms Process Gasification → biomass to syngas (H₂ + CO)Conversion → syngas to methanol Banni Grassland Community Maldharis pastoralists depend on it Implications
Revenue deficit States rise as fiscal stress increases in India
Context: Revenue deficit States Finance Ministry’s Monthly Economic Review (Department of Economic Affairs) flags 9 of 18 large States in revenue deficit, indicating fiscal stress due to high debt and weak revenues. Deficit Concepts States and Data Revenue deficit States % of GSDP 2026–27 Himachal Pradesh –2.4 | Punjab –2.2 | Kerala –2.1 | Andhra Pradesh –1.1 | Rajasthan –1.1 | Haryana –0.9 | Karnataka –0.7 | Maharashtra –0.7 | Chhattisgarh –0.3 Stress indicators Reasons Implications
Mizoram insurgency ends after HPC(D) peace agreement
Context: Mizoram insurgency Mizoram has become one of the first States in Northeast India to be insurgency-free after the final peace settlement with Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic) and surrender of its cadres. From Insurgency to Peace Residual Conflict and Demand Final Settlement Why It Matters Mizoram – Geography
Ganga Expressway 594 km project – Infrastructure and economic impact for UPSC
Context: Ganga Expressway India’s push for large-scale infrastructure continues with the inauguration of the Ganga Expressway to boost connectivity, logistics, and economic development in Uttar Pradesh. Ganga Expressway Travel Impact Significance of Ganga Expressway
Health insurance in India – NSS 2025 findings on coverage and financial burden for UPSC
Context: Health insurance in India Findings from the 80th Round of the National Sample Survey (NSS) – “Household Social Consumption: Health” (2025) show that higher health insurance coverage has not improved access to care or reduced financial burden. About National Sample Survey (NSS) Data-backed Summary 1. Coverage increased, utilisation stagnant 2. Shift towards private healthcare 3. Rising Out-of-Pocket (OOP) expenditure Public hospitals: Private hospitals: Total OOP: 4. Inequitable access 5. Fiscal stress and structural issues
India Sri Lanka naval exercise IN–SLN DIVEX 2026 – Maritime security cooperation for UPSC
Context: India Sri Lanka naval exercise India and Sri Lanka deepened naval cooperation through a specialised diving exercise focused on underwater operations and maritime security. Exercise Details Key Points Operational focus: Platforms involved: Capability building: Strategic significance: Additional dimension:
Mali conflict and demand for Russian withdrawal – Key developments for UPSC
Context: Mali conflict Tuareg rebels in Mali demand the withdrawal of Russian-backed forces amid escalating conflict in the country. Key Points
Mekong River pollution from rare earth mining – Impact on ecology and agriculture for UPSC
Context: Mekong River pollution Unregulated rare earth mining in Southeast Asia is contaminating Mekong tributaries, threatening ecosystems, agriculture, and livelihoods across multiple countries. Mekong River — Geography & Importance Significance Mekong–Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Rare Earth Metals Rare Earth Mining — Location & Impact Impact
