GS2 · Polity · Governance · IR · 12
GS2Social Justice › Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)Mains Why in news: The High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes (HLCDC) requested 15-year religion-wise data from states, sparking a conflict over constitutional prohibitions on such data collection.
The HLCDC was formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to analyze demographic trends. It requested data on birth/vehicle registrations, school enrolments, property transactions, and religious conversions among Scheduled Tribes.
Prelims pointers (3)
- BodyHLCDC: High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs
- FactHLCDC requested religion-wise data spanning a 15-year period
- FactHLCDC requested intelligence assessments and commission reports on religious conversions among Scheduled Tribes
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the constitutional and legal challenges associated with the collection of religion-based demographic data in India.
- Privacy vs Security: Balancing individual data privacy rights against state interests in monitoring demographic shifts
- Constitutional Friction: Conflict between state mandates for demographic monitoring and prohibitions on religious profiling
- Data Integrity: Challenges in reconciling disparate datasets like Aadhaar, voter IDs, and ration cards for demographic analysis
Keywords: Demographic Change · Constitutional Prohibitions · Data Privacy · Scheduled Tribes · Religious Conversion · Administrative Hurdles
GS2Social Justice › Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)Prelims + Mains Why in news: The Supreme Court questioned the legality of minors holding social media accounts, noting that minors are legally incompetent to enter contracts, and directed platforms to adopt an 18-year age threshold.
The court observed that contracts entered into by minors are void ab initio.
Prelims pointers (3)
- BodySupreme Court: Headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant as of September 2026
- FactThe Court directed social media platforms to adopt an 18-year age threshold for memberships
- FactNew regulations regarding digital safeguards for children are expected to take effect in 2027
Mains angle
Q. Examine the legal and ethical challenges in regulating social media access for minors in India, considering the current contractual incompetence of minors.
- Legal vacuum: Current contractual laws do not account for digital service agreements by minors
- Regulatory lag: Gap between existing laws and the 2027 regulatory framework for digital safeguards
Keywords: void ab initio · digital safeguards · contractual incompetence · minor rights · regulatory framework
Why in news: A WHO/UNICEF report released on September 23, 2026, highlighted that India had 50 million schoolchildren without sanitation services in 2025.
The report states that India had the highest number of schoolchildren without sanitation services globally in 2025, totaling 50 million out of 244 million globally. It noted a 14% reduction in schools lacking such facilities since the Swachh Bharat Mission launched in 2014.
Prelims pointers (5)
- FactIndia had 50 million schoolchildren without sanitation services in 2025.
- FactGlobally, 362 million children lacked hygiene services at school, including 20 million from India.
- FactOnly 12 million children in India lacked access to basic drinking water.
- SchemeSwachh Bharat Mission was launched in 2014.
- BodyWHO and UNICEF published the report on September 23, 2026.
Mains angle
Q. Examine the persistent rural-urban disparities in school sanitation and hygiene infrastructure in India despite the progress made under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
- Infrastructure gap: Disparity in sanitation facility availability between rural and urban school clusters
- Data-driven monitoring: Need for granular tracking of hygiene services beyond basic drinking water coverage
Keywords: Rural-urban disparity · Sanitation infrastructure · Public health · Swachh Bharat Mission · Educational equity
Why in news: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met a U.S. Congressional Delegation to discuss India's concerns regarding the Lindsey O.
The SRIA was passed on September 16, 2026, and mandates sanctions on countries buying Russian oil. A determination on whether sanctions will apply to India is expected in October 2026.
Prelims pointers (4)
- PostVikram Misri: Current Foreign Secretary of India
- FactSRIA: Passed on September 16, 2026, by the U.S. Congress
- PostMarco Rubio: U.S. Secretary of State
- PostAllison Hooker: U.S. Undersecretary
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the challenges India faces in balancing its strategic autonomy with international sanctions regimes regarding energy security.
- Strategic autonomy: Balancing energy security needs with adherence to international sanctions regimes
- Diplomatic friction: Navigating U.S. legislative mandates (SRIA) while maintaining trade ties with Russia
- Economic impact: Potential disruption of oil import chains and inflationary pressure on domestic energy markets
Keywords: Strategic Autonomy · Energy Security · Sanctions Regime · Bilateral Diplomacy · Trade Policy
Why in news: The Indian Navy is convening a three-day Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi starting September 29, 2026, to review operational preparedness and priorities regarding West Asian conflicts.
The conference includes discussions on Operation Urja Suraksha, which was initiated on March 27, 2026. The operation aims to protect energy shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Prelims pointers (4)
- FactCommanders’ Conference duration: three days starting September 29, 2026
- PlaceStrait of Hormuz: Key maritime passage for energy shipments
- S&TOperation Urja Suraksha: Initiated March 27, 2026, to protect energy shipments
- PostRajnath Singh: Union Minister of Defence addressing the conference
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of securing maritime trade routes in the West Asian region for India's energy security and maritime interests.
- Energy security: Vulnerability of energy shipments to regional conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz
- Maritime doctrine: Balancing power projection with the protection of international trade corridors
- Technological parity: Requirement for advanced naval tech to counter asymmetric threats in contested waters
Keywords: Maritime Security · Energy Diplomacy · Strategic Autonomy · Operational Preparedness · Blue Economy
Why in news: Education Minister N. Samsudheen inaugurated the 'Special Enrichment' programme in Wayanad to support students facing geographical and mental stress issues.
The ₹5 crore initiative is part of the United Democratic Front government’s 100-day action plan. It expands the scope from 50 to 445 schools, specifically targeting Adivasi, coastal, and plantation areas.
Prelims pointers (4)
- SchemeSpecial Enrichment: A programme providing expert-led classes, skill development workshops, and educational trips for struggling students.
- FactThe Special Enrichment programme covers 445 schools in the current academic year.
- FactDigital Squares have been established in 6,000 schools.
- SchemeARISE: A planned programme for AI and robotics education.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how targeted educational interventions can bridge the learning gap for students in geographically isolated and marginalized communities in India.
- Geographical disparity: Addressing infrastructure and access gaps in Adivasi and plantation regions
- Holistic pedagogy: Integrating mental health support and skill development into mainstream rural schooling
- Digital divide: Scaling AI and robotics literacy through the ARISE programme and Digital Squares
Keywords: Educational Equity · Marginalized Communities · Skill Development · Digital Literacy · Holistic Education
GS2Polity & Constitution › Elections, ECI & electoral reformsPrelims Why in news: The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported a significant backlog in processing voter applications and notices ahead of the October 7 and November 5 deadlines.
The ECI received 8,38,558 applications for the Claims & Objections phase, with Hyderabad district recording the highest volume of 3,04,354. Out of the total, 8,14,160 applications remain pending, with 6,49,085 exceeding the 45-day processing threshold.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactForm-6: Used for fresh voter enrolment
- FactHyderabad district recorded the highest application count of 3,04,354
- Fact4,90,600 notices remained undelivered by the November 5 deadline
Mains angle
Q. Examine the administrative challenges faced by the Election Commission of India in maintaining the integrity of the electoral roll amidst high application volumes.
- Logistical bottleneck: Inefficient processing of Form-6 and Form-8 applications leading to significant backlogs
- Data integrity risk: Delayed processing of deletions (Form-7) and corrections potentially affecting voter list accuracy
- Administrative strain: High volume of applications in specific districts like Hyderabad testing local ECI infrastructure
Keywords: Electoral Roll · Claims & Objections · Administrative Efficiency · Voter Enrolment · Logistical Bottleneck
GS2Social Justice › Health policy & public healthPrelims Why in news: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the Thaimaaman Thanga MothiramThittam scheme to provide gold rings to newborns in government hospitals.
The scheme provides one-gram gold rings to newborns born in government hospitals on or after June 22. It was launched at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai.
Prelims pointers (2)
- SchemeThaimaaman Thanga MothiramThittam: A Tamil Nadu government scheme providing gold rings to newborns in government hospitals.
- FactMadurai underground drainage project: Valued at ₹2,000 crore.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how state-led welfare schemes targeting maternal and child health can contribute to social equity and healthcare accessibility in India.
- Fiscal sustainability: Balancing high-cost symbolic welfare with essential healthcare infrastructure and primary care services.
- Social inclusion: Promoting communal harmony through inclusive distribution of benefits across diverse religious groups.
Keywords: social welfare · maternal health · public health infrastructure · inclusive growth · state-led initiatives
Why in news: The Telangana Legislative Assembly Secretariat notified the disqualification of Danam Nagender as Khairatabad MLA for contesting as a Congress candidate while holding a seat with Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
The disqualification followed a Telangana High Court order on September 18, 2026, and a subsequent rejection of a Supreme Court challenge. The Khairatabad constituency seat is now vacant, necessitating a by-election by the Election Commission.
Prelims pointers (3)
- BodyTelangana Legislative Assembly Secretariat: Body responsible for notifying the disqualification of the MLA.
- FactDanam Nagender: Disqualified MLA from the Khairatabad constituency.
- FactBharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS): The political party the MLA was affiliated with at the time of disqualification.
Mains angle
Q. Examine the role of anti-defection laws in maintaining political stability and the constitutional implications of legislative seat vacancies.
- Constitutional friction: Balancing individual freedom of association against the integrity of the mandate
- Institutional delay: Procedural timelines between High Court orders and Secretariat notifications
- Democratic deficit: Impact of frequent by-elections on constituency representation and governance continuity
Keywords: Anti-defection · Constitutional morality · Legislative integrity · By-election · Political stability
Why in news: A senior official from the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is not meeting initial expectations despite making steady progress.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project receives financial and technical support from Japan. A dialogue between Indian and Japanese Foreign and Defence Ministers is scheduled for year-end to discuss maritime law in disputed areas.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactThe Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is supported financially and technically by Japan
- PlaceThe project connects Mumbai and Ahmedabad
- PostThe dialogue involves Indian and Japanese Foreign and Defence Ministers
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of high-speed rail projects in strengthening India-Japan bilateral ties and the challenges of meeting international technical expectations.
- Technical alignment: Discrepancies between Japanese engineering standards and Indian infrastructure constraints
- Geopolitical linkage: Linking infrastructure cooperation with maritime security and maritime law dialogues
Keywords: Bilateral cooperation · Infrastructure development · Maritime law · Technical standards · Strategic partnership
GS2Social Justice › Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)Prelims + Mains Why in news: The Kerala High Court directed the State to ensure special courts established under the POCSO Act, 2012 comply with infrastructure and staffing guidelines.
Jayakumar observed a lack of adequate facilities in existing POCSO courts. The court noted that the Union government is responsible for funding presiding officers, public prosecutors, and staff for these special courts.
Prelims pointers (3)
- Act / BillPOCSO Act: Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012
- FactUnion government is responsible for funding presiding officers, public prosecutors, and staff for POCSO courts
- BodyJudicial Academies: Tasked with developing special training programs for POCSO court prosecutors covering law, child psychology, behavior, and health
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the institutional and infrastructural requirements necessary to ensure the effective implementation of the POCSO Act in India.
- Funding friction: Conflict between Union funding responsibilities and State-level infrastructure provision
- Specialized human capital: Need for prosecutors trained in child psychology and behavioral health
- Infrastructure deficit: Lack of dedicated space and facilities impacting the sensitivity of child-centric justice
Keywords: Institutional framework · Child-centric justice · Judicial infrastructure · Specialized training · Federal funding
Why in news: The Supreme Court dismissed a petition by Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan challenging the rejection of her Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh due to non-disclosure of a criminal complaint.
The Returning Officer rejected the nomination because the candidate failed to disclose a pending criminal complaint in Form 26. The Supreme Court dismissed the subsequent petition challenging this rejection.
Prelims pointers (3)
- BodyReturning Officer: The authority responsible for accepting/rejecting nominations and conducting elections.
- FactForm 26: The specific form used for disclosing criminal antecedents in nomination papers.
- PlaceMadhya Pradesh: The state from which the Rajya Sabha nomination was sought.
Mains angle
Q. Examine the significance of mandatory disclosure of criminal antecedents in electoral nominations for ensuring transparency and upholding the integrity of the democratic process.
- Transparency vs. Privacy: Balancing the candidate's right to privacy against the voter's right to information.
- Regulatory Oversight: The role of the Returning Officer in verifying the veracity of disclosures in Form 26.
- Judicial Review: The scope of judicial intervention in administrative decisions regarding electoral eligibility.
Keywords: Transparency · Electoral Integrity · Judicial Review · Constitutional Remedy · Disclosure Obligations
GS3 · Economy · S&T · Environment · Security · 9
GS3Internal Security › Terrorism & insurgency (J&K, North-East)Prelims + Mains Why in news: Home Minister Amit Shah announced the busting of 40 modules linked to the Shahzad Bhatti network and the unveiling of the PRAHAAR strategy for counter-terrorism.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 350 people and the registration of over 100 FIRs across 15 states. The government declared the Shahzad Bhatti network a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Prelims pointers (4)
- Fact350 people arrested and over 100 FIRs registered across 15 states in the Bhatti network crackdown.
- Act / BillThe Shahzad Bhatti network was declared a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
- BodyThe government launched an Extradition Portal to expedite the return of fugitives.
- PostAmit Shah serves as the Union Home Minister of India.
Mains angle
Q. Examine the effectiveness of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in dismantling terror networks and the role of inter-agency coordination in counter-terrorism.
- Legal framework: Balancing the use of UAPA with procedural safeguards for accused individuals
- Inter-agency synergy: Overcoming jurisdictional hurdles between state police and central intelligence agencies
- Extradition hurdles: Legal complexities in securing fugitives across different international jurisdictions
Keywords: Counter-terrorism · UAPA · Inter-agency coordination · Extradition · Internal Security
GS3Economy › Monetary policy, RBI & bankingPrelims + Mains Why in news: The Supreme Court rejected a plea by petitioner Anjan Datta seeking an interim stay on the government's decision to levy a 0.4% charge on UPI person-to-merchant transactions exceeding ₹2,000.
The government plans to implement a 0.4% charge on UPI person-to-merchant transactions over ₹2,000 starting October 15, 2026. The Supreme Court has directed the Union of India, RBI, and NPCI to file counter affidavits within four weeks regarding the legality of these charges.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactUPI charge of 0.4% applies to person-to-merchant transactions over ₹2,000
- FactImplementation date for the new UPI charge is October 15, 2026
- BodyRBI (Reserve Bank of India) is involved in the regulatory oversight of the UPI transaction charges
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the potential impact of transaction-based charges on UPI on the formalization of the economy and the risk of a return to cash-based transactions.
- Behavioral shift: Risk of users reverting to cash to avoid transaction costs on high-value payments
- Formalization hurdle: Potential friction in merchant adoption of digital payments due to variable cost structures
Keywords: Digital Public Infrastructure · Transaction costs · Formalization of economy · Monetary policy · Financial inclusion
GS3Agriculture › Cropping patterns & irrigationPrelims + Mains Why in news: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged states to prioritize water budgeting and irrigation assessment for the Rabi campaign to mitigate El Niño's impact on crop production.
The National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign was inaugurated in New Delhi on September 28, 2026. Union Agriculture Secretary Atul Chandra noted deficient rainfall and droughts specifically in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Prelims pointers (3)
- PostShivraj Singh Chouhan: Union Agriculture Minister
- FactEl Niño: Climatic phenomenon impacting Kharif production and potential Rabi conditions
- PlaceMaharashtra and Karnataka: States experiencing deficient rainfall and droughts
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of water budgeting in ensuring agricultural sustainability amidst increasing climatic variability and erratic rainfall patterns in India.
- Data-driven planning: Integration of real-time irrigation data into state-level crop planning
- Inter-state coordination: Balancing water allocation between agrarian states during drought cycles
- Climate resilience: Mitigating El Niño impacts through proactive water resource management
Keywords: Water Budgeting · Climate Variability · Irrigation Management · Data-driven Planning · Agricultural Sustainability
GS3Science & Technology › IT, AI, semiconductors & computingPrelims Why in news: The Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Department discussed a proposal to classify industries into G1, G2, and G3 risk categories to streamline Fire NOC procedures.
The workshop was held in Secunderabad to discuss a risk-based classification system (G1-low, G2-medium, G3-high) for industrial fire hazards. The initiative aims to align safety measures with specific risk levels and explore real-time monitoring technologies for firefighting systems.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactG1, G2, and G3 categories represent low, medium, and high-risk fire hazards respectively.
- BodyThe Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Department is the nodal body for the proposal.
- S&TThe proposal includes the use of technology for real-time monitoring of firefighting systems.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how a risk-based regulatory framework and real-time monitoring technology can enhance industrial safety and streamline administrative procedures in disaster management.
- Regulatory efficiency: Reducing administrative burden for low-risk industries while intensifying oversight for high-risk zones
- Technological integration: Transitioning from periodic inspections to continuous real-time monitoring of safety infrastructure
Keywords: Risk-based regulation · Disaster management · Fire NOC · Real-time monitoring · Industrial safety
GS3Environment & Ecology › Pollution (air, water, plastic)Prelims Why in news: Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav chaired a meeting with Delhi officials to formalize a winter pollution action plan involving vehicle restrictions and construction bans.
Starting November 1, 2026, vehicles not meeting BS-VI standards and older end-of-life vehicles will be restricted from entering Delhi. Construction activities will face bans or restrictions from December 10, 2026, to January 31, 2027.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactBS-VI: The emission standard for vehicles restricted from entering Delhi starting November 1, 2026
- Fact50% staff requirement: The percentage of government office staff required to work from home during the pollution period
- FactConstruction ban period: December 10, 2026, to January 31, 2027
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the effectiveness of seasonal regulatory measures in managing air quality in the National Capital Region and suggest long-term structural alternatives.
- Regulatory friction: Balancing economic activity in construction with public health mandates
- Logistical bottleneck: Enforcement of BS-VI compliance across diverse vehicle fleets
- Workforce transition: Administrative challenges of mandated work-from-home for government services
Keywords: Air Quality Management · Regulatory Framework · Public Health Policy · Emission Standards · Urban Governance
GS3Economy › Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, railways)Prelims Why in news: Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced that India's combined fuel reserves, including refining capacity and import infrastructure, can last for over 80 days.
India is currently the third-largest consumer and fourth-largest refining centre globally. The Minister highlighted that energy security is maintained through a combination of Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR), expanded refining capacity, and import infrastructure.
Prelims pointers (5)
- FactIndia's fuel reserves are sufficient to meet requirements for over 80 days.
- FactIndia is the third-largest consumer of energy globally.
- FactIndia is the fourth-largest refining centre globally.
- PlaceIndia Energy Week 2027 is scheduled to be held in Kolkata from January 28 to 31, 2027.
- BodyIndia is a member of the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the multi-dimensional components of India's energy security framework beyond Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR).
- Infrastructure synergy: Integration of refining capacity and import terminals as a buffer against supply shocks
- Global leadership: India's role in shaping global energy conversation via BRICS and Global Biofuels Alliance
Keywords: energy security · refining capacity · strategic petroleum reserves · energy infrastructure · global energy transition
Why in news: The Karnataka High Court mandated the creation of a digital public safety hazard detection and response mechanism using vehicle-mounted cameras to identify infrastructure risks.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj of the Karnataka High Court ordered a system to identify hazards like trees, damaged roads, and open manholes. The system requires unique ID numbers for each report and sets response times ranging from 4 hours for emergencies to 30 days for routine issues.
Prelims pointers (4)
- FactResponse time for emergency hazards: 4 hours
- FactResponse time for routine issues: 30 days
- FactImplementation target: Cover major cities within six months
- PlaceKarnataka High Court: Judicial body in Karnataka state
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how the integration of real-time IoT and computer vision can enhance urban disaster management and infrastructure maintenance in Indian cities.
- Data integrity: Ensuring unique ID accuracy and preventing false reporting in automated hazard detection
- Operational bottleneck: Balancing rapid emergency response with the logistical constraints of routine infrastructure repair
- Privacy-Security trade-off: Balancing public safety surveillance with individual privacy rights in urban spaces
Keywords: Smart Cities · Computer Vision · Public Safety · Infrastructure Maintenance · Real-time Monitoring
GS3Science & Technology › IT, AI, semiconductors & computingPrelims Why in news: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) announced plans to start a ₹725.18-crore project in October to provide 24x7 Godavari water supply to Madhurawada.
The project involves an interconnected pipeline transporting water from Yeleru to Mudasarlova reservoir via KBR and Meghadrigedda. It is funded through a Centre’s Urban Challenge Fund grant, GVMC contribution, and a term loan.
Prelims pointers (5)
- FactProject cost: ₹725.18 crore
- PlaceMadhurawada: Location targeted for 24x7 Godavari water supply
- PlaceYeleru, KBR, and Meghadrigedda: Key points in the water transport pipeline
- FactExpected completion: April 2029
- SchemeCentre’s Urban Challenge Fund: Source of funding for the water project
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of urban water management in supporting rapid industrial and residential development in coastal cities like Visakhapatnam.
- Infrastructure bottleneck: Addressing chronic water shortages in rapidly expanding urban corridors
- Fiscal federalism: Utilization of Central Urban Challenge Fund for municipal infrastructure
Keywords: Urban Infrastructure · Water Security · Municipal Governance · Sustainable Development
GS3Economy › Employment & inclusive growthPrelims Why in news: The Tamil Nadu government announced the ‘Vetri Magalir Thozhilmunaivor Membattu Thittam’ to provide financial assistance to women entrepreneurs.
The scheme offers loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹5 crore at an interest rate of 9.95%. Loans are disbursed through the Tamil Nadu Industrial Investment Corporation (TIIC).
Prelims pointers (4)
- SchemeVetri Magalir Thozhilmunaivor Membattu Thittam: Tamil Nadu government scheme for women's entrepreneurship
- BodyTamil Nadu Industrial Investment Corporation (TIIC): Body responsible for loan disbursement under this scheme
- FactLoan amount range: ₹10 lakh to ₹5 crore
- FactInterest rate: 9.95%
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how targeted credit schemes for women entrepreneurs can contribute to inclusive economic growth and gender parity in the Indian economy.
- Credit accessibility: Addressing collateral hurdles for women-led MSMEs
- Institutional synergy: Role of State Industrial Investment Corporations in grassroots entrepreneurship
- Constituency-led identification: Balancing political outreach with objective eligibility criteria
Keywords: Inclusive growth · Gender parity · MSME financing · Credit accessibility · Entrepreneurship
These are SatyaDheesh's own UPSC notes, written from reports published in The Hindu. SatyaDheesh is not affiliated with The Hindu. Every note links to the original report; read it in full on thehindu.com. How these notes are made