Why in the News? Theme of BRICS 2026 “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability” Theme focus: BRICS Member Countries (2026) BRICS now comprises 11 members: Significance of expansion: India’s Role in BRICS 2026 As host and chair, India will: Challenges & Criticisms of BRICS Way Forward
CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency)
Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is the digital form of sovereign currency issued and backed by a country’s central bank. In India, the CBDC is called the e-₹ (e-Rupee) and is issued by the . What exactly is a CBDC? Types of CBDC Objectives of CBDC India’s CBDC: e-Rupee CBDC vs Cryptocurrency Advantages Concerns & Challenges
Attack Submarines (SSK & SSN)
Meaning Attack submarines are naval platforms designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), intelligence gathering, and sea-denial operations. Unlike SSBNs, they are tactical and operational assets, not strategic nuclear deterrents. Types of Attack Submarines A. Diesel-Electric Attack Submarines (SSK) Key Features Indian Examples B. Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarines (SSN) Key Features Indian Status Strategic Importance of Attack Submarines Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN) Meaning Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs) are strategic nuclear platforms capable of launching Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) armed with nuclear warheads. They form the most survivable leg of a nuclear triad. Key Characteristics SSBNs in India Strategic Significance
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
Background Key Additions in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Mob Lynching Organised Crime and Terrorism Deceitful Promise to Marry Attempt to Suicide Snatching Community Service Major Deletions from IPC Unnatural Sexual Offences Adultery Thug Provision Key Changes Introduced Gender Neutrality Fake News and Hate Speech Sedition Recast Significance of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Decolonisation of Criminal Law Revamp of Criminal Justice System Incorporation of Supreme Court Judgments Gender Justice Reformative Justice Recognition of Hate Crimes Concerns and Criticism Limited Break from Colonial Legacy Ambiguity in Definitions Cosmetic Change in Sedition Community Service Undefined Lack of Transformational Reform Inadequate Legislative Scrutiny Fear of State Misuse Terrorism under General Law Marital Rape Exception Retained Way Forward Legal Clarity and Precision Victim Centric Justice Focus on Rehabilitation Technology Integration Stakeholder Consultation
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), 2012
What is the POCSO Act? About Key Features of the POCSO Act Gender Neutral Nature Ease in Reporting Cases Explicit Definition of Offences POCSO Rules, 2020 Interim Compensation and Special Relief Immediate Payment of Special Relief Support Person for the Child Fast Track Special Courts Issues and Challenges with POCSO Act Issues in Investigation Low Representation of Women in Police Lapses in Investigation No Effective Role of Judicial Magistrates Issue of Age Determination Delay in Filing Charges Issues Related to Presumption of Guilt Government Initiatives to Curb Child Abuse Way Forward
Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA)
Background Objective Key Definitions Major Offences and Provisions Powers of Authorities Significance Limitations and Issues
Palermo Protocol 2000
What is the Palermo Protocol? The Palermo Protocol (2000) is an international legal instrument aimed at preventing, suppressing, and punishing trafficking in persons, especially women and children. It is formally known as the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Core Objectives The Protocol rests on three pillars (3 Ps): Definition of Human Trafficking The Protocol provides the first internationally accepted legal definition of trafficking in persons, based on three elements: Consent of the victim is irrelevant if any of the coercive means are used.For children, the “means” element is not required. Key Provisions Significance India and the Palermo Protocol Limitations / Criticism
One Child Policy
Introduction Key Features Outcomes Negative Consequences Two Child Policy Introduction Key Features Impact Three Child Policy Introduction Key Features Current Reality Comparative Overview Policy Evolution Shift in State Approach Key Lessons from China’s Experience Demographic Policy Lessons Relevance for India and Other Countries Conclusion China’s transition from one child to three child policy highlights the limits of state controlled fertility regulation and underscores that demographic balance is best achieved through social development rather than coercive population policies.
Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Major Types of Non Communicable Diseases Global Burden of NCDs Causes of Non Communicable Diseases Risk Factors for NCDs Major Non Communicable Diseases Hypertension Risk factors Complications Indian scenario Diabetes Mellitus Types Symptoms Complications Prevention Cardiovascular Diseases Heart attack Stroke Types of stroke Global burden Chronic Respiratory Diseases Risk factors Management Cancer Types of tumours Common cancers in India Cervical cancer Risk factors Future projection NCDs in India Government Initiatives to Address NCDs National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs Indian Hypertension Control Initiative National Tobacco Control Programme Importance of Addressing NCDs Conclusion Non communicable diseases pose a major public health challenge in India and globally. Addressing them requires a comprehensive approach combining prevention, early detection, lifestyle modification, and strengthened healthcare systems rather than treatment alone.
What is Phytoplasma?
Key Characteristics Transmission Symptoms in Plants Important Phytoplasma Diseases Diagnosis Control and Management Significance in Agriculture
