Polity & Constitution
GS2Polity & Constitution › Parliament & state legislaturesPrelims Why in news: The NDA Parliamentary Party met to strategize for the Monsoon Session while the Finance Minister introduced the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The NDA Parliamentary Party held a 'Mangal Milan' meeting at the Parliament Library Building. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha.
Prelims pointers (4)
- BodyNDA Parliamentary Party: A political grouping within the Lok Sabha representing the ruling alliance.
- Act / BillTaxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026: Introduced by the Union Finance Minister in the Lok Sabha.
- Act / BillIndian Statistical Institute Bill: Introduced by Union Minister Rao Indrajit Singh.
- FactAdjournment notice: A parliamentary tool used by MPs to demand a discussion on a specific issue, such as anti-defection laws.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of parliamentary procedures like adjournment notices and the legislative process in ensuring executive accountability.
- Role of parliamentary oversight
- Legislative scrutiny of tax laws
- Importance of anti-defection norms
Keywords: Parliamentary oversight · Legislative process · Executive accountability · Adjournment notice
GS2Polity & Constitution › Constitution, amendments & basic structurePrelims + Mains Why in news: The revocation of Article 370 and the subsequent loss of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood marks a significant constitutional shift in India's federal structure.
On August 5, the administration revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370. On August 9, the region lost its statehood, accompanied by a severe lockdown and troop deployment.
Prelims pointers (3)
- ConstitutionArticle 370 originally provided special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
- FactThe revocation of special status occurred on August 5, followed by the loss of statehood on August 9.
- PlaceJammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory following the reorganization of its statehood.
Mains angle
Q. Critically analyze the constitutional implications of the revocation of Article 370 on India's federal structure and the integration of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Constitutional validity
- Federalism vs. Unitary powers
- Security and economic integration
- Human rights and civil liberties
Keywords: Federalism · Constitutional Amendment · Integration · Internal Security · Special Status
Why in news: The Supreme Court directed State governments to decide on increasing the retirement age of judicial officers from 60 to 61 years to ensure judicial experience.
A Supreme Court Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana issued the directive. The court noted that states like Telangana and Madhya Pradesh had already increased the retirement age since 2002.
Prelims pointers (4)
- BodySupreme Court of India: The highest judicial body in the country.
- FactCurrent retirement age for judicial officers discussed: 60 years.
- FactProposed retirement age: 61 years.
- PlaceTelangana and Madhya Pradesh: States that have already increased the retirement age of judicial officers.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of judicial experience in maintaining the quality of the judiciary and the implications of varying retirement ages across different states.
- judicial expertise vs. vacancy management
- fiscal implications of judicial appointments
- uniformity of judicial standards across states
Keywords: judicial experience · vacancy management · fiscal burden · judicial independence · administrative efficiency
Why in news: The Supreme Court declared the right to safe footpaths as a fundamental right to address pedestrian safety and urban planning failures.
The Supreme Court ruling addresses the fact that pedestrians account for up to 40% of road deaths in India. Approximately 45 million Indians walk to work daily, yet infrastructure often prioritizes vehicular traffic over pedestrian safety.
Prelims pointers (3)
- ConstitutionFundamental Rights are enshrined in Part III of the Indian Constitution
- FactPedestrians account for up to 40% of road deaths in India
- FactApproximately 45 million Indians walk to work daily
Mains angle
Q. Examine how the judicial recognition of pedestrian rights can reshape urban planning and infrastructure development in rapidly urbanizing Indian cities.
- Right to life (Article 21)
- Urban planning priorities
- Infrastructure governance
- Way forward: Pedestrian-centric design
Keywords: Right to Life · Urban Governance · Judicial Activism · Pedestrian Safety · Infrastructure Development
Why in news: A Rajya Sabha MP moved the Supreme Court to halt Delhi Police's use of facial recognition technology and mass surveillance on protesters, alleging violations of privacy rights.
The petition was filed on July 28, 2026, by MP A.A. Rahim against the use of CCTV, drones, and apps like 'Ikshana' and 'AjnaLens'. It argues that biometric data collection lacks legal backing and privacy impact assessments.
Prelims pointers (3)
- ConstitutionArticle 21: Right to life and personal liberty, which includes the right to privacy.
- S&TFacial Recognition Technology (FRT): Uses biometric data to identify individuals from images or videos.
- FactThe petition specifically mentions 'Ikshana' and 'AjnaLens' as mobile applications used for surveillance.
Mains angle
Q. Critically examine the tension between state surveillance for public order and the fundamental right to privacy under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
- Constitutional validity of biometric data collection
- Lack of a comprehensive Data Protection framework
- Balance between national security and individual liberties
- Need for mandatory Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA)
Keywords: Right to Privacy · Mass Surveillance · Biometric Data · Constitutional Validity · Proportionality · Data Protection
Why in news: The Karnataka High Court directed Google and other entities to mask a woman's name from online records to uphold her 'right to be forgotten' after her acquittal in a prostitution case.
The court ordered Google, Indian Kanoon, and state police to mask the name of an Iranian national acquitted in 2019 under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. The ruling highlights how digital footprints of obsolete accusations can cause 'grave prejudice' and civil consequences despite judicial vindication.
Prelims pointers (3)
- Act / BillImmoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956: Legislation aimed at preventing trafficking and prostitution.
- S&TRight to be Forgotten: A legal concept allowing individuals to request the removal of personal data from internet searches.
- FactThe petitioner was an Iranian national who received refugee status in Sweden.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the challenges and necessity of establishing a 'Right to be Forgotten' in the era of digital permanence and data privacy in India.
- Privacy vs. Public Interest
- Digital Stigma and Rehabilitation
- Regulatory Framework for Search Engines
Keywords: Right to be Forgotten · Digital Stigma · Data Privacy · Judicial Vindication · Digital Footprint
Governance
Why in news: The Lok Sabha passed the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, to replace the 1891 Act and modernize the legal admissibility of digital and cloud-based banking records.
The Bill was moved by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and passed by voice vote without debate. It replaces the Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 1891, to accommodate virtual, cloud-based, and electronic records as admissible evidence.
Prelims pointers (3)
- Act / BillBankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026: replaces the 1891 Act to include digital/cloud records.
- FactThe new framework is designed to be 'technology-neutral' for bank records.
- BodyThe Bill was moved by the Ministry of Finance in the Lok Sabha.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the necessity of modernizing colonial-era legislation to align with the rapid evolution of digital banking and electronic evidence in India.
- legal admissibility of digital records
- technological neutrality
- modernization of colonial laws
- cybersecurity and authentication
Keywords: technology-neutral · legal admissibility · digital banking · modernization · legislative reform
GS2Governance › Transparency, accountability & RTIPrelims + Mains Why in news: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed fines on nine digital platforms for employing 'dark patterns' to mislead consumers.
The CCPA penalized platforms like Zepto, BookMyShow, and IndiGo for practices including drip pricing, basket sneaking, and hidden charges. Total penalties collected amounted to approximately Rs 20 lakh.
Prelims pointers (4)
- BodyCCPA: Central Consumer Protection Authority is the regulatory body for consumer rights in India.
- FactZepto was fined Rs 7 lakh for drip pricing and automatic membership additions.
- FactBookMyShow was flagged for 'basket sneaking' involving a pre-ticked Rs 1 donation.
- FactTotal penalties collected from the nine platforms reached Rs 20 lakh.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the challenges posed by 'dark patterns' in the digital economy and evaluate the role of the CCPA in ensuring consumer protection.
- consumer rights violations
- regulatory hurdles in e-commerce
- technological manipulation
- way forward: stricter enforcement
Keywords: dark patterns · consumer protection · regulatory oversight · digital economy · transparency
GS2Governance › e-Governance & citizen servicesPrelims + Mains Why in news: The Indian government mandated a drastic reduction in the timeline for social media platforms to remove unlawful content and introduced mandatory AI-content labelling to combat deepfakes.
Platforms must now remove unlawful content within 3 hours of a government/court notice, and within 2 hours for sensitive cases (nudity/impersonation). Large platforms (over 50 lakh users) are required to use automated detection tools and appoint grievance officers.
Prelims pointers (4)
- FactTimeline for removing unlawful content reduced from 36 hours to 3 hours.
- FactTimeline for sensitive cases (nudity/impersonation) reduced to 2 hours.
- FactMandatory AI-content labelling and deepfake tagging for large platforms.
- FactThreshold for mandatory automated detection tools is platforms with over 50 lakh users.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the challenges and necessity of balancing freedom of speech with the regulation of digital platforms to curb the spread of unlawful content and deepfakes in India.
- Right to freedom of speech vs. public order
- Technological challenges in automated detection
- Accountability of Big Tech
- Way forward: robust regulatory framework
Keywords: Digital Sovereignty · Content Moderation · Deepfakes · Algorithmic Accountability · Regulatory Compliance
Social Justice
GS2Social Justice › Health policy & public healthPrelims + Mains Why in news: The World Bank and WHO highlighted a significant decline in per capita public health spending and development assistance in LMICs following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public health spending in LMICs is currently about half of minimum benchmarks despite narrowing GDP gaps. Major donors including the US, UK, France, and Germany have announced significant cuts to foreign assistance programs in early 2025.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactOECD predicts health funding could drop up to 60% from its 2022 peak.
- FactThe US announced a 67% cut to its foreign assistance programme in early 2025.
- BodyDAH (Development Assistance for Health) peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries in maintaining public health infrastructure amidst declining international development assistance.
- funding gap vs. minimum benchmarks
- impact of reduced DAH on global health security
- need for sustainable domestic health financing
Keywords: Development Assistance for Health (DAH) · LMICs · Public Health Spending · Global Health Governance · Fiscal Sustainability
GS2Social Justice › Health policy & public healthPrelims Why in news: The Ministry of Home Affairs reported significant heatstroke fatalities and cases, highlighting the increasing impact of heatwaves as a natural calamity.
Since March 1, 2024, India has recorded 20 deaths and 4,853 cases of heatstroke. Maharashtra reported the highest deaths (11), while Telangana recorded the highest number of cases (915).
Prelims pointers (4)
- Fact4,853 heatstroke cases and 20 deaths reported nationwide since March 1.
- FactMaharashtra recorded 11 deaths; Telangana recorded 915 cases.
- BodySDRF (State Disaster Response Fund) and NDRF (National Disaster Response Fund) provide coverage for heatwaves.
- FactHeatwaves and lightning are officially classified as natural calamities for disaster fund coverage.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the growing threat of heatwaves in India as a climate-induced disaster and evaluate the adequacy of current disaster management frameworks in addressing heat-related health crises.
- climate change impact
- public health infrastructure
- SDRF/NDRF funding adequacy
- mitigation strategies
Keywords: climate change · public health · disaster management · SDRF · heatwave
Why in news: The Education Ministry is considering transitioning the NEET-UG exam to Computer Based Testing (CBT) following a paper leak scandal and the formation of a task force led by Nandan Nilekani.
The Ministry submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court on August 4, 2026, regarding the shift to CBT. A high-powered task force chaired by Nandan Nilekani has been formed to review the transition for over 22 lakh registered candidates.
Prelims pointers (3)
- BodyNational Medical Commission (NMC) is the regulatory body for medical education in India
- FactOver 22 lakh candidates are registered for the NEET-UG exam
- PostNandan Nilekani is the chairperson of the task force formed to review NEET-UG testing methods
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the challenges and benefits of transitioning large-scale national entrance examinations to Computer Based Testing (CBT) to ensure integrity and transparency.
- technological infrastructure requirements
- digital divide and accessibility
- integrity and prevention of paper leaks
- institutional memory and standardization
Keywords: Transparency · Digital Divide · Integrity · Standardization · E-governance
Why in news: ASER 2024 report highlights a significant gap between smartphone usage for entertainment/social media versus educational purposes among Indian teens.
The ASER 2024 report reveals that 82.2% of Indian children aged 14-16 use smartphones. While 76% access social media, only 57% utilize these devices for educational purposes.
Prelims pointers (3)
- Report / IndexASER: Annual Status of Education Report, a key indicator of learning outcomes in India.
- Fact82.2% of Indian teens (14-16 years) use smartphones according to ASER 2024.
- FactOnly 57% of Indian teens use smartphones for educational purposes.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the challenges of the digital divide and the necessity of digital literacy in ensuring equitable educational outcomes for Indian adolescents.
- digital literacy vs. outright bans
- mental health and cyber risks
- socio-economic disparity in tech access
- role of influencers and content moderation
Keywords: Digital Divide · Digital Literacy · Learning Outcomes · Cyberbullying · Educational Equity
GS2Social Justice › Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)Prelims + Mains Why in news: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved reforms granting permanent career opportunities and retirement benefits to women officers in the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
The decision was approved on July 29, 2026, to align ICG standards with the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. It follows Supreme Court interventions regarding the denial of Permanent Commission to women officers.
Prelims pointers (3)
- PostRajnath Singh: Current Minister of Defence of India
- FactIndian Coast Guard (ICG) is a maritime law enforcement agency under the Ministry of Defence
- FactPermanent Commission: A career status providing lifelong tenure and retirement benefits to commissioned officers
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of granting Permanent Commission to women in uniformed services in achieving gender parity and strengthening national security.
- Gender parity in security forces
- Institutional alignment across armed forces
- Impact on human resource optimization
Keywords: Gender Parity · Permanent Commission · Uniformed Services · Institutional Reform · Judicial Intervention
GS2Social Justice › Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)Prelims + Mains Why in news: The second phase of the Census in Ladakh starting August 17 includes a first-of-its-kind open-ended column for caste enumeration in India.
The census will cover 40 parameters and includes an open-ended column for caste. A pre-test was conducted from July 1 to 20 across 16 States and Union Territories to test the free recording of castes.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactThe census in Ladakh includes questions on 40 different parameters.
- FactThe pre-test for caste enumeration was conducted across 16 States and Union Territories.
- FactThis marks the first time since independence that India will enumerate caste in its census.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of caste enumeration in the census for inclusive policy formulation and social justice in India.
- Data-driven policy making
- Social stratification analysis
- Challenges in accurate enumeration
Keywords: Social Justice · Data-driven Governance · Demographic Mapping · Inclusive Development
International Relations
Why in news: A diplomatic standoff has emerged between Israel and Hamas regarding the sequence of disarmament and troop withdrawal, threatening the viability of the US-brokered Gaza peace plan.
The proposed peace plan involves the creation of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) and a new Palestinian police force. Israel demands complete Hamas disarmament prior to withdrawal, while Hamas demands withdrawal before disarmament.
Prelims pointers (3)
- Intl. orgISF: Proposed International Stabilization Force to oversee security in Gaza.
- FactThe peace plan is a US-brokered initiative aimed at ending the Gaza conflict.
- PlaceGaza: Territory currently under conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the challenges in establishing a multi-lateral security framework in conflict zones like Gaza. How can international mediation ensure sustainable peace?
- security dilemma
- role of international mediation
- sovereignty vs. security
- sustainable peace framework
Keywords: diplomatic standoff · security dilemma · multilateralism · peace mediation · stabilization force
GS2International Relations › Regional & global groupings (QUAD, BRICS, SCO, G20...)Prelims + Mains Why in news: PM Modi's visit to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to attend the SCO Summit and hold bilateral talks to strengthen India's strategic and economic footprint in Central Asia.
PM Modi is scheduled to visit Kyrgyzstan for the SCO Summit and Uzbekistan for bilateral meetings in late August. Discussions will focus on trade, defence cooperation, connectivity, and investment expansion.
Prelims pointers (3)
- Intl. orgSCO: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance.
- PlaceKyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are landlocked countries in Central Asia.
- FactThe visit focuses on four key pillars: trade, defence, connectivity, and investment.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in shaping India's strategic engagement with Central Asia.
- strategic footprint in Central Asia
- countering regional hegemony
- connectivity and trade corridors
- defence cooperation
Keywords: strategic footprint · geopolitical competition · bilateral ties · connectivity · multilateralism
Why in news: Bangladesh is marking the second anniversary of the student-led protests that ousted Sheikh Hasina, leading to a diplomatic reset between India and the new government under PM Tarique Rahman.
Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 05, 2024, following student-led protests. Tarique Rahman assumed the role of Prime Minister in February 2025, and the new government is currently working to mend bilateral ties with India while treating Hasina's status as a legal matter.
Prelims pointers (4)
- PlaceSheikh Hasina fled to India on August 05, 2024, following the ousting of her government.
- PostTarique Rahman is the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
- FactThe new Bangladesh government has invited PM Modi to BRICS.
- PlaceGana Bhavan is the official residence of the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the impact of internal political shifts in Bangladesh on India's 'Neighborhood First' policy and the security dynamics of the Northeast region.
- security concerns in Northeast India
- diplomatic reset and bilateral cooperation
- legal vs diplomatic resolution of political refugees
Keywords: bilateral relations · geopolitical shift · neighborhood first · sovereignty · diplomatic reset
Why in news: Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement on shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure safe navigation for global oil supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is a critical chokepoint for global energy trade. While Iran and Oman are negotiating shipping routes, the US has expressed opposition to any arrangement that grants Iran unilateral control over the waterway.
Prelims pointers (3)
- PlaceStrait of Hormuz: Connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
- FactThe Strait of Hormuz is a primary maritime corridor for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
- S&TMaritime security in the strait involves monitoring of shipping lanes and coastal state rights.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of the Strait of Hormuz in global energy security and the implications of maritime navigation rights for regional stability.
- Global energy supply chain
- Maritime law and coastal state rights
- Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East
Keywords: Chokepoint · Energy Security · Maritime Navigation · Geopolitics
Why in news: Myanmar and Thailand reaffirmed commitment to the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and maritime links during a high-level visit by Myanmar's President.
The Trilateral Highway project was conceptualized in 2002 under India's Act East Policy. It aims to link Moreh (India) to Mae Sot (Thailand) via Myanmar. Agreements include developing maritime links between Ranong Port and Myanmar ports and upgrading the Phu Nam Rong-Htei-Tawei transport corridor.
Prelims pointers (4)
- PlaceMoreh is a key border town in Manipur, India, serving as a starting point for the Trilateral Highway.
- PlaceMae Sot is a major border town in Thailand, serving as the terminus for the Trilateral Highway.
- FactThe Trilateral Highway was first conceptualized in 2002.
- S&TThe project aims to link India, Myanmar, and Thailand to enhance regional trade and connectivity.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway in achieving the objectives of India's Act East Policy.
- regional connectivity
- economic integration
- geopolitical stability
- infrastructure challenges
Keywords: Act East Policy · regional integration · multimodal connectivity · strategic infrastructure
Why in news: India formally identified 27 locations in Arunachal Pradesh on the Survey of India map to counter China's renaming efforts and assert territorial sovereignty.
The Survey of India officially mapped 27 places including Long Ju, Thag La, and Jairampur. These locations are strategically significant along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the eastern border region.
Prelims pointers (4)
- PlaceLong Ju: A strategic location along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and a flashpoint since 1959.
- PlaceThag La: A high-altitude mountain pass where opening battles between Indian and Chinese forces occurred in 1962.
- PlaceJairampur: A logistics hub in Changlang district serving as a gateway to the eastern border and Myanmar frontier.
- BodySurvey of India: The national survey agency of India responsible for mapping and geographical data.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of cartographic sovereignty and official mapping in asserting territorial integrity and countering revisionist claims in border disputes.
- sovereignty assertion
- strategic logistics
- cartographic diplomacy
- public awareness
Keywords: territorial integrity · cartographic sovereignty · strategic depth · border management · revisionism
Why in news: India's Defence Minister is exploring joining the France-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS) to acquire 6th-generation fighter aircraft.
The FCAS is a 6th-generation fighter aircraft program led by France. Two major consortia are currently developing these aircraft: one involving the UK, Italy, and Japan, and another involving France and Germany.
Prelims pointers (3)
- S&T6th-generation fighter aircraft: Advanced aircraft featuring AI, autonomous systems, and advanced sensors.
- PostMinister of Defence: The cabinet minister responsible for the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
- FactFCAS: A collaborative aerospace project led by France and Germany.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of joining international aerospace consortia for India's defence capabilities and the implications for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in the aerospace sector.
- technological leap in air combat
- strategic autonomy vs. joint development
- impact on indigenous manufacturing
Keywords: Strategic Autonomy · Defence Cooperation · Technological Sovereignty · Joint Development
Why in news: Russia's strikes on Kyiv and the US Senate's new sanctions on Russian energy exports highlight the escalating geopolitical and economic pressure in the Ukraine conflict.
Russian strikes hit the Boryspil district near Kyiv, resulting in three fatalities. The US Senate passed new sanctions specifically targeting Russian energy exports to weaken Russia's war capabilities.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactBoryspil is a district near Kyiv, Ukraine, known for its international airport.
- FactThe US Senate is the upper house of the United States Congress responsible for approving international sanctions.
- FactEnergy exports are a primary source of revenue for the Russian economy.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the impact of economic sanctions on global energy markets and their effectiveness in altering the geopolitical dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- impact on global energy prices
- effectiveness of economic warfare
- humanitarian consequences in Ukraine
Keywords: geopolitical tension · economic sanctions · energy security · sovereignty
Why in news: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed a defense pact featuring a NATO-style collective defense clause to counter Iranian influence and address regional security gaps.
The pact was signed in Mecca and includes a clause where an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. It aims to combine Saudi Arabian wealth with the military capabilities of Turkey and Pakistan to counter Iranian threats and US perceived unreliability.
Prelims pointers (4)
- PlaceMecca: The city where the defense pact was signed.
- FactStrait of Hormuz: A key maritime chokepoint frequently impacted by Iranian activities.
- FactNATO-style clause: A collective defense provision where an attack on one member is an attack on all.
- FactHouthi rebels: Proxies involved in disrupting shipping in the Red Sea.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze how the shift towards regional security alliances in the Middle East reflects the changing dynamics of US hegemony and the rise of regional power blocs.
- erosion of US deterrence
- regional security architecture
- Sunni-led collective defense
- maritime security in Red Sea/Strait of Hormuz
Keywords: collective defense · regional security · deterrence · geopolitical realignment · maritime security
GS2International Relations › Regional & global groupings (QUAD, BRICS, SCO, G20...)Prelims + Mains Why in news: India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, marking a significant multilateral engagement before passing the chairmanship to China in 2026.
The 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled for September 12-13 in New Delhi. India currently chairs the 11-member bloc of developing nations and previously held the chairmanship in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
Prelims pointers (4)
- Intl. orgBRICS: A multilateral grouping of 11 member nations (as of 2026) including India, China, and Russia.
- PlaceNew Delhi: Host city for the 18th BRICS Summit.
- FactIndia's previous BRICS chairmanships occurred in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
- FactChina is scheduled to take over the BRICS chairmanship from India in late 2026.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of BRICS as a platform for the Global South and evaluate India's role in shaping the bloc's agenda during its chairmanship.
- Global South leadership
- Multilateral cooperation
- Economic integration
- Geopolitical balancing
Keywords: Multilateralism · Global South · Strategic Autonomy · Economic Cooperation · Geopolitics
Why in news: U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance contacted PM Modi to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, and energy security.
The call occurred on August 8, 2026, focusing on emerging technologies and critical minerals. Discussions were framed against the backdrop of West Asia tensions and a mutual defense pact involving Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.
Prelims pointers (3)
- PostJ.D. Vance: Vice-President of the United States
- FactKey areas of cooperation: Trade, defense, energy security, emerging technologies, and critical minerals
- FactContextual factor: Mutual defense pact between Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of India-U.S. cooperation in critical minerals and emerging technologies in the context of shifting global geopolitical dynamics.
- Strategic autonomy
- Supply chain resilience
- Geopolitical balancing in West Asia
Keywords: Strategic Partnership · Critical Minerals · Energy Security · Geopolitical Alignment