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Deepening Inclusive Development in Rural India Government Policies & Interventions As India marks its 80th Independence Day, the Government has highlighted welfare, inclusion and empowerment initiatives aimed at strengthening rural and tribal communities through basic services, livelihoods, skills, infrastructure, education and financial security.

Key factual points

• Deepening Inclusive Development in Rural India
• Government Policies & Interventions
• As India marks its 80th Independence Day, the Government has highlighted welfare, inclusion and empowerment initiatives aimed at strengthening rural and tribal communities through basic services, livelihoods, skills, infrastructure, education and financial security.
• How is India Moving from Welfare Delivery towards Decentralised and Inclusive Development?
• From Welfare Delivery to Decentralised Partnerships
• Direct Fiscal Transfers: Direct fiscal transfers to panchayats increased from ₹2.36 lakh crore under the 15th Finance Commission for 2021–26 to ₹4.35 lakh crore under the 16th Finance Commission for 2026–31.
• Rural Development Budget: The Union Budget for rural development increased from ₹87,765 crore in 2016–17 to ₹2.73 lakh crore in 2026–27.
• Tribal Affairs Budget: The Union Budget for tribal affairs increased from ₹4,826 crore in 2016–17 to ₹15,421.97 crore in 2026–27.
• Foundations of Dignity: Universal Access to Basic Needs
• Jal Jeevan Mission: Household tap-water coverage increased from 3.23 crore in August 2019 to over 15.91 crore by 12th August 2026, significantly improving access to piped drinking water.
• Har Ghar Jal Coverage: As of 12th August 2026, around 2.89 lakh villages had reported 100% household tap-water coverage under the Har Ghar Jal campaign.
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan-Grameen: More than 12.19 crore individual household toilets had been constructed by 12th August 2026, while India was declared Open Defecation Free in 2019.

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• From Welfare Delivery to Decentralised Partnerships
• Direct Fiscal Transfers: Direct fiscal transfers to panchayats increased from ₹2.36 lakh crore under the 15th Finance Commission for 2021–26 to ₹4.35 lakh crore under the 16th Finance Commission for 2026–31.
• Rural Development Budget: The Union Budget for rural development increased from ₹87,765 crore in 2016–17 to ₹2.73 lakh crore in 2026–27.
• Tribal Affairs Budget: The Union Budget for tribal affairs increased from ₹4,826 crore in 2016–17 to ₹15,421.97 crore in 2026–27.
• Foundations of Dignity: Universal Access to Basic Needs
• Jal Jeevan Mission: Household tap-water coverage increased from 3.23 crore in August 2019 to over 15.91 crore by 12th August 2026, significantly improving access to piped drinking water.
• Har Ghar Jal Coverage: As of 12th August 2026, around 2.89 lakh villages had reported 100% household tap-water coverage under the Har Ghar Jal campaign.
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan-Grameen: More than 12.19 crore individual household toilets had been constructed by 12th August 2026, while India was declared Open Defecation Free in 2019.
• More than 1,288 GOBARdhan biogas plants were operational as of 11th August 2026, compared with only 14 plants in FY 2018–19, strengthening rural sanitation and circular-economy practices.
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: More than 10.57 crore LPG connections had been provided under PMUY to adult women from poor households by 12th August 2026.
• The total number of LPG connections in India increased from 14.52 crore in 2014 to 33.39 crore in 2026, widening access to clean cooking fuel.
• Universal Village Electrification: 100% willing household electrification at the pan-India level was achieved by March 2019 under the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA).

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.

Context

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) advanced the deadline for fresh Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) [FCNR(B)] deposits to qualify for its special USD–INR forex swap window to August 31, 2026. About The Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank)

• FCNR(B) Deposits: An FCNR(B) deposit is a term/fixed deposit account maintained in approved foreign currencies by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) with authorized banks in India.

Key factual points

• Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) advanced the deadline for fresh Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) [FCNR(B)] deposits to qualify for its special USD–INR forex swap window to August 31, 2026.
• About The Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank)
• FCNR(B) Deposits:
• An FCNR(B) deposit is a term/fixed deposit account maintained in approved foreign currencies by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) with authorized banks in India.
• Unlike rupee-denominated NRI accounts (such as NRE or NRO accounts), the funds are held entirely in foreign currency, eliminating foreign exchange conversion risk for the depositor.
• Established In & Regulatory Framework:
• Genesis: The FCNR scheme was originally introduced in 1975 (where the exchange risk was borne by the RBI/Government).
• FCNR(B) Revision: To eliminate central fiscal liabilities, the revised FCNR(B) Scheme was launched in May 1993, under which commercial banks themselves maintain and manage foreign currency exchange exposure and liabilities.
• Governing Framework: Governed under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 and RBI Master Directions on Non-Resident Deposits.
• Aim: To attract stable, long-term foreign currency capital into the Indian banking system, reinforce India’s external Balance of Payments (BoP), bolster gross foreign exchange reserves, and provide non-resident Indians with a secure, tax-free, and exchange-risk-free investment avenue in India.
• Foreign Currency Inflow: The NRI deposits funds in designated freely convertible foreign currencies (e.g., USD, GBP, EUR, JPY, CAD, AUD) for a fixed maturity tenor (ranging from 1 to 5 years).
• Denomination & Risk Insulation: The principal and accrued interest remain in the designated foreign currency throughout the tenure, shielding the depositor from Indian Rupee (INR) depreciation.
• Special RBI Swap Window Operation (When Activated): The commercial bank sells the foreign currency principal to the RBI at the prevailing spot rate and receives equivalent rupees to fund domestic credit operations.

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• Established In & Regulatory Framework:
• Genesis: The FCNR scheme was originally introduced in 1975 (where the exchange risk was borne by the RBI/Government).
• FCNR(B) Revision: To eliminate central fiscal liabilities, the revised FCNR(B) Scheme was launched in May 1993, under which commercial banks themselves maintain and manage foreign currency exchange exposure and liabilities.
• Governing Framework: Governed under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 and RBI Master Directions on Non-Resident Deposits.
• Aim: To attract stable, long-term foreign currency capital into the Indian banking system, reinforce India’s external Balance of Payments (BoP), bolster gross foreign exchange reserves, and provide non-resident Indians with a secure, tax-free, and exchange-risk-free investment avenue in India.
• Foreign Currency Inflow: The NRI deposits funds in designated freely convertible foreign currencies (e.g., USD, GBP, EUR, JPY, CAD, AUD) for a fixed maturity tenor (ranging from 1 to 5 years).
• Denomination & Risk Insulation: The principal and accrued interest remain in the designated foreign currency throughout the tenure, shielding the depositor from Indian Rupee (INR) depreciation.
• Special RBI Swap Window Operation (When Activated): The commercial bank sells the foreign currency principal to the RBI at the prevailing spot rate and receives equivalent rupees to fund domestic credit operations.
• Concurrently, a forward contract is executed at par to buy back the exact dollar sum upon maturity, eliminating the commercial bank’s hedging costs.
• Maturity & Repatriation: At maturity, the principal and interest are returned in foreign currency and are freely repatriable overseas without restrictions or Indian tax deductions.
• Foreign Currency Denomination: Maintained strictly as foreign currency term deposits (not as savings or current accounts).
• Zero Exchange Risk for Depositors: Fluctuations in the USD–INR exchange rate do not affect the depositor’s principal or interest.

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.

On 1 April 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas mandated that all fuel stations across India dispense petrol blended with up to 20 % anhydrous ethanol (E20) having a minimum Research Octane Number of 95, after a February 17 2026 notification. The move, aimed at cutting fossil fuel imports and boosting renewable energy, instantly eliminated unblended (E0) fuel from retail pumps. However, about 77 % of the country's ~310 million petrol vehicles – chiefly pre‑2023 two‑wheelers – are not engineered for E20, leading to reported mileage drops, higher maintenance, and fuel‑system corrosion. Tests across 21 states uncovered chloride levels far above the 3 ppm safety ceiling and water content exceeding 13 000 ppm, intensifying public and industry concerns.

E20 fuel contains 20 % anhydrous ethanol and must meet a minimum RON 95.

Around 77 % of India’s petrol fleet (≈240 million vehicles) are legacy models not engineered for E20.

Consumer surveys show >10 % mileage loss for over 66 % of pre‑2023 vehicle owners.

Fuel quality tests revealed chloride concentrations up to 570 ppm, far exceeding the 3 ppm limit.

Water ingress in storage tanks reached 13 000 ppm, causing phase‑separation and corrosion.

Only vehicles built after April 2023 comply with BS 6 Phase 2 RDE norms with ethanol‑compatible components.

Trap 1: The mandate does not eliminate ethanol’s lower energy density; fuel economy still drops despite higher RON.

Trap 2: Dual‑dispensing options are not currently mandated, limiting consumer choice for legacy vehicles.

Background

India’s E20 mandate, effective 1 April 2026, aims to replace 20 % of petrol with domestically produced anhydrous ethanol, targeting energy security and decarbonisation. The policy accelerates the original 2030 timeline.

Significance

The shift cuts crude‑oil import dependence, creates a market for sugarcane‑ and grain‑based ethanol, and aligns with the Paris Agreement. A minimum RON 95 is intended to offset ethanol’s lower energy density.

India‑specific Implications

• Over 240 million legacy two‑wheelers face >10 % mileage loss and higher maintenance.
• Ethanol‑related fuel‑system corrosion threatens vehicle durability and public safety.
• Rural ethanol producers stand to gain, but quality‑control failures (chloride, water) jeopardise the supply chain.

Challenges and Criticisms

• Absence of an inter‑ministerial fleet‑compatibility assessment.
• No dual‑fuel dispensing; consumers lack an E0/E10 fallback.
• Technical issues: phase‑separation, NBR component degradation, filter clogging.
• Consumer‑equity concerns: older‑vehicle owners bear repair costs without cheaper alternatives.

Way Forward

• Mandate dual‑fuel pumps with clear blend‑percentage & RON labeling.
• Promote certified retrofit kits (ethanol‑proof hoses, water‑separating filters).
• Enforce batch‑level quality audits to keep chloride < 3 ppm and moisture low.
• Conduct multi‑year real‑world fleet trials, drawing lessons from Brazil’s flex‑fuel experience.

India’s governance has undergone a fundamental transformation through Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). The Digital Economy now contributes about 12–14% of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is projected to account for 20% over the next decade. As per the State of India’s Digital Economy Report 2026, India is now the world’s fifth-largest digitalised economy and the fourth-highest ranked G20 economy.

Key factual points

• India’s governance has undergone a fundamental transformation through Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
• The Digital Economy now contributes about 12–14% of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is projected to account for 20% over the next decade.
• As per the State of India’s Digital Economy Report 2026, India is now the world’s fifth-largest digitalised economy and the fourth-highest ranked G20 economy.
• Key Milestones in India’s Digital Self-Reliance Landscape
• Third-largest Export Sector: Electronic goods have now become India’s third-largest export category.
• Employment and Women Participation: Electronic manufacturing ecosystem supports nearly 25 lakh jobs, with women accounting for nearly 30% of the workforce.
• Global Mobile Manufacturing Hub: India is now the world’s 2nd largest mobile phone manufacturer.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
• The United Nations defines Digital Public Infrastructure as a set of foundational digital systems that form the backbone of modern societies.
• These systems enable secure and seamless interaction between people, businesses and governments.
• For digital infrastructure to deliver public value, it must be inclusive, interoperable and governed in the public interest.
• When linked with payments and data exchange frameworks, it creates a unified architecture that strengthens state capacity and widens opportunity.

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• Third-largest Export Sector: Electronic goods have now become India’s third-largest export category.
• Employment and Women Participation: Electronic manufacturing ecosystem supports nearly 25 lakh jobs, with women accounting for nearly 30% of the workforce.
• Global Mobile Manufacturing Hub: India is now the world’s 2nd largest mobile phone manufacturer.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
• The United Nations defines Digital Public Infrastructure as a set of foundational digital systems that form the backbone of modern societies.
• These systems enable secure and seamless interaction between people, businesses and governments.
• For digital infrastructure to deliver public value, it must be inclusive, interoperable and governed in the public interest.
• When linked with payments and data exchange frameworks, it creates a unified architecture that strengthens state capacity and widens opportunity.
• Foundations of India’s DPI: The JAM Trinity
• Jan Dhan bank accounts, Aadhaar enrolment and widespread mobile phone penetration created the base layer for India’s digital transformation.
• Jan Dhan Yojana (2014): It was launched as the National Mission for Financial Inclusion, set out to give every unbanked adult in India a bank account.
• It led to a widened financial participation where savings entered the formal system strengthening economic agency.

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance, GS3/ Infrastructure A recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit of railway passenger amenities for 2019-20 to 2023-24 found major deficiencies in basic facilities, drinking-water quality, implementation of passenger-amenity works and monitoring mechanisms. The Railway Board introduced Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA) in 2003, with the norms revised in 2018.

Key factual points

• Syllabus: GS2/ Governance, GS3/ Infrastructure
• A recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit of railway passenger amenities for 2019-20 to 2023-24 found major deficiencies in basic facilities, drinking-water quality, implementation of passenger-amenity works and monitoring mechanisms.
• The Railway Board introduced Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA) in 2003, with the norms revised in 2018.
• Out of 512 non-suburban stations audited, only 54 stations—less than 11%—had all prescribed MEAs.
• Drinking-Water Safety: Water samples from water coolers at several stations tested positive for E. coli, indicating faecal contamination and inadequate water-quality management.
• Accessibility for Divyangjan: The audit highlighted significant gaps in facilities intended to ensure universal accessibility including standard ramps with railings (44%), earmarked parking lots (55%), non-slippery walkways (32%).
• Underutilisation of Funds: Around 59% of passenger-amenity works were found to be delayed.
• Funds allocated for customer amenities were underutilised by 36–44% during the audited period.
• Maintenance Concerns: The CAG found lapses in the maintenance of water coolers, rag picking, pest and rodent control measures, the discharge of sewage from drains or toilets at stations, and the upkeep of toilets, urinals and bathrooms.
• Poor monitoring: Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Councils (ZRUCCs) and Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Councils (DRUCCs), intended to provide passenger feedback and monitor amenities, did not meet with the prescribed frequency.
• Passenger Complaints: Passenger complaints registered through RailMadad showed an increase in complaints relating to medical assistance, cleanliness, malfunctioning electrical equipment and water availability.
• The proportion of passengers who expressed dissatisfaction with the resolution of their complaints increased from 37% in 2022-23 to 42% in 2023-24.

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• Drinking-Water Safety: Water samples from water coolers at several stations tested positive for E. coli, indicating faecal contamination and inadequate water-quality management.
• Accessibility for Divyangjan: The audit highlighted significant gaps in facilities intended to ensure universal accessibility including standard ramps with railings (44%), earmarked parking lots (55%), non-slippery walkways (32%).
• Underutilisation of Funds: Around 59% of passenger-amenity works were found to be delayed.
• Funds allocated for customer amenities were underutilised by 36–44% during the audited period.
• Maintenance Concerns: The CAG found lapses in the maintenance of water coolers, rag picking, pest and rodent control measures, the discharge of sewage from drains or toilets at stations, and the upkeep of toilets, urinals and bathrooms.
• Poor monitoring: Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Councils (ZRUCCs) and Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Councils (DRUCCs), intended to provide passenger feedback and monitor amenities, did not meet with the prescribed frequency.
• Passenger Complaints: Passenger complaints registered through RailMadad showed an increase in complaints relating to medical assistance, cleanliness, malfunctioning electrical equipment and water availability.
• The proportion of passengers who expressed dissatisfaction with the resolution of their complaints increased from 37% in 2022-23 to 42% in 2023-24.
• Government Initiatives to Improve Passenger Amenities
• The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Railways to redevelop and modernize 1,340 railway stations across India.
• The Swachh Rail, Swachh Bharat program was launched in 2014, to improve sanitation standards, eliminate open waste discharge on tracks, and foster clean travel habits among passengers.
• RailMadad provides passengers with a digital mechanism to register complaints and seek assistance regarding railway services.

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.

Polity and Governance Black_Money_in_Electoral_Process The Supreme Court emphasized the Election Commission of India's duty to eliminate black money in elections, noting its threat to democracy. It urged swift investigations and trials of related cases and required compliance reports from the Election Commission and state governments. Syllabus: GS2/Polity and Governance

Key factual points

• Polity and Governance Black_Money_in_Electoral_Process The Supreme Court emphasized the Election Commission of India's duty to eliminate black money in elections, noting its threat to democracy.
• It urged swift investigations and trials of related cases and required compliance reports from the Election Commission and state governments.
• Syllabus: GS2/Polity and Governance
• The Supreme Court has recently passed directives to check unexplained cash and electoral offences, stating that voter choices influenced by illicit money are detrimental to free and fair elections and the ‘very essence of democracy’.
• The black money in elections is used to influence voters, support the campaign, distribute cash or gifts and fulfil election related expenses through unaccounted or undeclared money outside the legal framework.
• It creates an uneven electoral playing field and can develop a link between money, crime and politics.
• The issue came before the Supreme Court in Prathik Parasrampuria v.
• State of Karnataka, arising from a Karnataka High Court decision (2015) quashing an FIR concerning alleged hoarding of cash for voter bribery.
• The Court expanded the proceedings to examine the broader systemic problem of black money in elections.
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) placed before the Court data showing 3,87,430 FIRs registered during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, of which only about 42.9% (1,66,044) had resulted in convictions, with the remainder pending investigation or trial.
• The Court noted that the withdrawal of election-related prosecutions, following changes in administration, could give rise to an impression of impunity.
• Why Black Money Threaten Democracy?

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• The black money in elections is used to influence voters, support the campaign, distribute cash or gifts and fulfil election related expenses through unaccounted or undeclared money outside the legal framework.
• It creates an uneven electoral playing field and can develop a link between money, crime and politics.
• The issue came before the Supreme Court in Prathik Parasrampuria v.
• State of Karnataka, arising from a Karnataka High Court decision (2015) quashing an FIR concerning alleged hoarding of cash for voter bribery.
• The Court expanded the proceedings to examine the broader systemic problem of black money in elections.
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) placed before the Court data showing 3,87,430 FIRs registered during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, of which only about 42.9% (1,66,044) had resulted in convictions, with the remainder pending investigation or trial.
• The Court noted that the withdrawal of election-related prosecutions, following changes in administration, could give rise to an impression of impunity.
• Why Black Money Threaten Democracy?
• Distorting Voter Choice: Financial incentives turn an informed election choice into a transaction.
• Creates an Unequal Playing Field: Candidates with more access to illicit financing have an unfair advantage.
• Promotes Criminalisation: Unaccounted money can help to increase the link between crime, business and politics.
• Destroys Public Confidence: The perception of electoral manipulation undermines confidence in democratic institutions.

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.

Friedreich ataxia (FA) has gained attention as a rare inherited neurological disorder for which newer disease-modifying treatment options are emerging. The disease remains an important example of how understanding genetic mutations can guide targeted therapies. Nature: Rare, inherited neurodegenerative disorder affecting coordination and movement.

Key factual points

• Friedreich ataxia (FA) has gained attention as a rare inherited neurological disorder for which newer disease-modifying treatment options are emerging.
• The disease remains an important example of how understanding genetic mutations can guide targeted therapies.
• Nature: Rare, inherited neurodegenerative disorder affecting coordination and movement.
• Inheritance: Autosomal recessive—a person generally inherits defective copies of the relevant gene from both parents.
• Gene involved: FXN (frataxin) gene.
• Mutation: Usually expansion of GAA trinucleotide repeats in the FXN gene.
• This reduces production of frataxin, an important protein involved in mitochondrial iron-sulfur cluster formation.
• Consequence: Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, leading to progressive damage to nervous and muscular systems.
• Common manifestations include ataxia, impaired coordination, muscle weakness, speech difficulties and cardiac complications.
• Omaveloxolone is a disease-modifying therapy developed for Friedreich ataxia.
• It acts on cellular antioxidant and stress-response pathways and has shown potential to slow functional deterioration.
• Genetic mutation → defective protein → mitochondrial dysfunction → neurodegeneration → targeted therapy.

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• Gene involved: FXN (frataxin) gene.
• Mutation: Usually expansion of GAA trinucleotide repeats in the FXN gene.
• This reduces production of frataxin, an important protein involved in mitochondrial iron-sulfur cluster formation.
• Consequence: Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, leading to progressive damage to nervous and muscular systems.
• Common manifestations include ataxia, impaired coordination, muscle weakness, speech difficulties and cardiac complications.
• Omaveloxolone is a disease-modifying therapy developed for Friedreich ataxia.
• It acts on cellular antioxidant and stress-response pathways and has shown potential to slow functional deterioration.
• Genetic mutation → defective protein → mitochondrial dysfunction → neurodegeneration → targeted therapy.
• Prelims Trap: Friedreich ataxia is primarily a genetic/mitochondrial disorder, not an infectious disease.
• Hara Mangrove Forest: Persian Gulf’s Critical Coastal Ecosystem
• NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is scheduled for launch on 30 August 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
• After launch, it will travel towards the Sun–Earth Lagrange Point 2 (L2), about 1.5 million km from Earth.

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.

Syllabus: GS2/Polity and Governance As per the report submitted before the Supreme Court, a total of 4,192 cases against sitting and former MPs and MLAs are pending trial across the country. Chief Ministers of 14 of 28 states have criminal cases against them pending trials.

Key factual points

• Syllabus: GS2/Polity and Governance
• As per the report submitted before the Supreme Court, a total of 4,192 cases against sitting and former MPs and MLAs are pending trial across the country.
• Chief Ministers of 14 of 28 states have criminal cases against them pending trials.
• Reasons of Criminalisation of Politics
• Weak Disqualification Laws: As per the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA) disqualification of the candidates occurs only after conviction.
• Since trials take years, candidates contest multiple elections before any judgment.
• Money and Muscle Power: Candidates with financial resources and local influence are seen as “winnable” candidates.
• Low Voter Awareness: Affidavits disclose candidate details, but many voters remain unaware or vote on caste/religious lines.
• Party Complicity: Parties at times justify the candidature on the basis of popularity and electoral chances.
• Judicial Delays: Due to the frequent adjournments and long duration of judicial processes criminals escape conviction.
• Impact of Criminalisation of Politics
• Erosion of Democratic Values: It undermines the principle of free and fair elections and voters are left with restricted choices, weakening the spirit of representative democracy.

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• Weak Disqualification Laws: As per the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA) disqualification of the candidates occurs only after conviction.
• Since trials take years, candidates contest multiple elections before any judgment.
• Money and Muscle Power: Candidates with financial resources and local influence are seen as “winnable” candidates.
• Low Voter Awareness: Affidavits disclose candidate details, but many voters remain unaware or vote on caste/religious lines.
• Party Complicity: Parties at times justify the candidature on the basis of popularity and electoral chances.
• Judicial Delays: Due to the frequent adjournments and long duration of judicial processes criminals escape conviction.
• Impact of Criminalisation of Politics
• Erosion of Democratic Values: It undermines the principle of free and fair elections and voters are left with restricted choices, weakening the spirit of representative democracy.
• Corruption: The presence of criminal elements escalates electoral malpractices such as voter intimidation, booth capturing, and the use of black money in campaigns.
• Decline of Public Trust: Repeated election of tainted representatives, lead to declining voter turnout and weakening people’s faith in democratic institutions.
• Distortion of Policy-Making: Elected representatives use political power to protect personal and criminal networks and divert policy-making away from public interest.
• Indrajit Gupta Committee (1998) & 2nd ARC (2007) recommended partial state funding of elections to curb the use of black money and reduce corruption.

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.