IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Analysis
Archives
(PRELIMS Focus)
Exercise ROTOR CLAP III: IAF’s Rotary-Wing Counter-Drone Capability
Defence & Security / Science & Technology
Why in News?
The Indian Air Force (IAF) concluded the third edition of Exercise ROTOR CLAP III at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The week-long specialised exercise focused on strengthening rotary-wing platforms against drone threats.
Core Theme: Counter-UAS
- ROTOR CLAP III is a specialised helicopter exercise conducted by the IAF.
- Theme: Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (Counter-UAS).
- It focuses on developing operational concepts for detecting, tracking and neutralising hostile drones.
- Helicopter units practised responses against emerging low-cost and asymmetric aerial threats.
- The exercise was conducted in the western desert sector, making the location relevant to operational preparedness.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
The exercise links defence technology with modern warfare, particularly the growing use of drones for surveillance, targeting and asymmetric attacks. UPSC may ask the force conducting the exercise, location, theme, meaning of UAS/C-UAS, or distinguish rotary-wing (helicopters) from fixed-wing aircraft. The topic can also be linked with India’s broader counter-drone architecture and indigenous defence technology.
Source/Reference:
Lohagad Fort: Maratha Heritage, Western Ghats & Responsible Tourism
History & Culture / Geography / Environment
Why in News?
Lohagad Fort was in the news after a video of a local resident confronting tourists allegedly smoking at the historic site went viral, sparking debate over responsible tourism and protection of heritage monuments.
Geographical & Historical Profile
- Location: Near Lonavala, Pune district, Maharashtra, in the Western Ghats (Sahyadri).
- Also called the “Iron Fort”, Lohagad stands at about 1,033 m above sea level.
- The fort overlooks the Pavana reservoir and lies near Visapur Fort.
- The mountain divides the Pavana and Indrayani river basins.
- Historically associated with several ruling powers, including the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Mughals and Marathas.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured Lohagad in 1648, reflecting its strategic importance.
Heritage Significance
Lohagad forms part of the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” UNESCO World Heritage property, highlighting the strategic adaptation of fortifications to the rugged Western Ghats.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
The topic offers a strong History–Geography–Environment linkage. UPSC may test Lohagad’s location, associated rivers/basins, Western Ghats setting, Maratha history, or its connection with UNESCO’s Maratha Military Landscapes. Heritage conservation and responsible tourism provide an additional contemporary linkage.
Source/Reference:
Nathu La Pass: Himalayan Gateway Linking India–China Trade & Strategic Connectivity
Geography / International Relations / Security
Why in News?
Border trade between India and China through Nathu La Pass resumed on 1 August 2026 after a six-year suspension, restoring a historic trade route between Sikkim and Tibet Autonomous Region. The suspension was associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent India–China border tensions.
Geographical & Strategic Profile
- Location: East Sikkim, in the Himalayas.
- Connects Sikkim with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, across the international border.
- Located at around 4,300 m above sea level and is among the world’s highest motorable passes.
- Nathu means “listening ears” and La means “pass” in Tibetan.
- Forms an offshoot of the ancient Silk Road.
- Historically connected the Indian subcontinent with Tibet and facilitated trade.
Trade & Strategic Significance
- Border trade through Nathu La was reopened in 2006 after being closed following the 1962 India–China War.
- It is one of the three designated India–China border trade posts, along with Shipki La (Himachal Pradesh) and Lipulekh (Uttarakhand).
- Its reopening can strengthen border economies, local livelihoods and regional connectivity.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
Nathu La is a high-value map-based topic. UPSC may test its location, neighbouring countries, associated trade routes and comparison with Shipki La and Lipulekh. The topic also links physical geography with India–China relations, border infrastructure and trans-Himalayan trade.
Source/Reference:
Clean Slate Doctrine under IBC: Finality of Resolution Plans and the Ujaas Energy Exception
Economy / Polity & Governance
Why in News?
The Supreme Court’s 2026 judgment in Ujaas Energy Ltd. v. West Bengal Power Development Corporation Ltd. has clarified the scope of the Clean Slate Doctrine under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016.
What is the Clean Slate Doctrine?
- It means that once an IBC resolution plan is approved, the successful resolution applicant should take over the corporate debtor without undisclosed or unresolved past liabilities/claims resurfacing.
- It provides finality and certainty to the resolution process and encourages prospective investors to participate.
- The principle was judicially developed in Essar Steel and strengthened in Ghanashyam Mishra, before gaining statutory force through Section 31 of the IBC.
- Section 31 makes an approved resolution plan binding on the corporate debtor, creditors, governments, guarantors and other stakeholders.
Ujaas Energy Ruling
The Supreme Court held that an omitted counterclaim is extinguished after approval of the resolution plan. However, the underlying claim may still be used as an equitable set-off purely as a defence in arbitration. It cannot be used to obtain affirmative monetary recovery.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
The issue links insolvency law, judicial interpretation and ease of doing business. UPSC may test Section 31, the role of the NCLT, or the distinction between an extinguished claim/counterclaim and a defensive set-off. The key takeaway: “claim as a sword” is extinguished; “set-off as a shield” may survive.
Source/Reference:
https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/2154?locale=en&utm_source=chatgpt.com
VCF-SC: Venture Capital as a Tool for Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Economy / Social Justice
Why in News?
The Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC) was highlighted by the Government through a PIB feature showcasing how the scheme has enabled SC entrepreneurs to establish technology-oriented enterprises, including advanced electronics manufacturing.
About VCF-SC
- Launched in December 2015 to promote entrepreneurship among Scheduled Castes through concessional finance.
- It seeks to shift the focus from job-seeking to job creation by facilitating access to equity/venture capital for viable SC-owned enterprises.
- Supports businesses with potential for innovation, growth and employment generation.
- It complements other initiatives promoting SC entrepreneurship, including the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM).
- Under ASIIM, eligible SC innovators can receive equity support up to ₹30 lakh over three years, with mentoring and incubation support.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
VCF-SC provides a static–dynamic linkage between social justice and financial markets. UPSC may test the scheme’s target beneficiaries, purpose, nature of financing, and its distinction from credit-based schemes such as Stand-Up India. It can also be linked with Article 46, which directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections, particularly SCs and STs.
Source/Reference:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2293020&lang=1®=6&utm_source=chatgpt.com
Broad Peak: Karakoram’s 8,000-metre Giant & High-Altitude Disaster Risk
Geography / Environment & Disaster Management
Why in News?
Broad Peak was in the news after a major avalanche struck an international climbing expedition in July 2026, killing several climbers, including renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja. Rescue and recovery operations were conducted under extremely difficult high-altitude conditions.
Geographical Profile
- Elevation: about 8,047 m; world’s 12th-highest mountain.
- Located in the Karakoram Range, near K2, on the Pakistan–China border.
- Its official survey designation is K3.
- The mountain has a notably long summit ridge, which gives it its name.
- It is among the 14 eight-thousanders—mountains exceeding 8,000 m elevation.
Avalanche & High-Altitude Hazards
- Avalanche: rapid downslope movement of snow, ice and debris.
- Risk is influenced by heavy snowfall, unstable snowpack, steep slopes, temperature fluctuations and strong winds.
- Other hazards include crevasses, rockfall, altitude sickness and extreme cold.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
Broad Peak is a high-value map-based topic. UPSC may ask its mountain range, location, height, neighbouring K2, or distinguish the Karakoram from the Himalayas. The current event also links physical geography with disaster management and changing high-altitude environmental conditions.
Source/Reference:
Environmental Performance Index 2026: India’s Environmental Scorecard & Methodology Debate
Environment & Ecology / International Reports
Why in News?
The 2026 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranked India 176th out of 177 countries, making it the second-lowest ranked country. The poor performance has renewed concerns over air pollution, environmental health and biodiversity, while experts have also questioned aspects of the index methodology.
About EPI
- Published by: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy, in collaboration with Columbia University’s CIESIN.
- Frequency: Biennial.
- 2026 EPI: Covers 177 countries, 47 indicators and 12 issue categories.
- Three broad policy objectives:
- Environmental Health
- Ecosystem Vitality
- Climate Change
- Estonia ranked 1st, while Laos ranked last.
India’s Performance
- Overall Rank: 176; Score: 22.46.
- Environmental Health: 174th.
- Air Quality: 175th.
- Biodiversity & Habitat: 174th.
- India performed relatively better in Climate Change Mitigation, ranking 130th.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
EPI is important for report–institution matching and understanding environmental indicators. UPSC may ask its publisher, frequency, framework, indicators or India’s ranking. A key conceptual point is that EPI is a composite index, and rankings depend on indicator selection, weighting and methodology; therefore, it should not be treated as a direct measure of a country’s entire environmental performance.
Source/Reference:
Economy / Science & Technology
Why in News?
The Government has imposed a Minimum Import Price (MIP) on suspension-grade PVC resin for six months. The move has triggered concerns among MSME pipe manufacturers that higher input costs could increase the cost of irrigation, housing and infrastructure projects.
What is Suspension-Grade PVC?
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a synthetic polymer produced mainly from ethylene and chlorine.
- Suspension polymerisation is a major industrial process in which vinyl chloride monomer is dispersed as droplets in water and polymerised.
- Suspension-grade PVC resin (S-PVC) is widely used to manufacture pipes, fittings, cables, flooring and construction products.
- PVC is valued for its durability, chemical resistance, low cost and relatively low weight.
Recent Import Measure
- The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has classified imports of suspension-grade PVC resin with CIF value ≤ US$0.766/kg as “Restricted” for six months.
- Certain export-oriented units and export-linked schemes are exempted.
- The measure followed an anti-dumping investigation concerning imports from seven countries.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
The topic links polymer chemistry with trade policy. UPSC may ask the difference between MIP, customs duty and anti-dumping duty, the role of DGFT, or applications of PVC. The issue also highlights the policy trade-off between protecting domestic producers and keeping downstream industries’ input costs competitive.
Sources/References:
(MAINS Focus)
Falling Walls: India's Building Collapse Crisis
GS III – Disaster Management / GS II – Governance
Urban Infrastructure, Building Safety, and Regulatory Enforcement
Introduction
The recent collapse of the Kohinoor building in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra—which was on the municipal “danger” list and had residents evacuated hours earlier—has killed 10 people. This tragedy mirrors the Jilani building collapse in the same city in 2020, which killed 41. Both incidents expose a systemic failure: the Kohinoor case reflects failure of enforcement (it fell mid-repairs, with owners refusing to redevelop), while Jilani was a failure of anticipation (not on any danger list). With hundreds of buildings on danger lists and no transit camps, residents choose unsafe homes over homelessness. This pattern—collapses during monsoons, fragmented oversight, and reactive state responses—points to the urgent need for widespread rehabilitation and urban renewal.
The Crisis: Recurring Collapses and Systemic Failures
Recent Incidents
- Bhiwandi (2026): Kohinoor building collapse – 10 dead; was on “danger” list; residents evacuated hours earlier.
- Bhiwandi (2020): Jilani building collapse – 41 dead; not on any list.
- Other Collapses (2024-26): Airport roof collapses (Delhi, Jabalpur, Rajkot); bridge collapses in Bihar; road cave-ins; basement floods (including Rajinder Nagar tragedy); similar incidents in Kolkata and Pune.
Patterns and Causes
- Monsoon Trigger: Collapses often occur during rains, indicating poor drainage and structural weakening.
- Maintenance Neglect: Infrastructure treated as one-time investment; post-2000s construction boom outpaced maintenance.
- Urbanisation Outrunning Capacity: Municipalities lack capacity for continuous monitoring and enforcement.
- Known Hazards: Most failures involve known dangers, not unpredictable events.
- Legal Liability Discharge: Evacuation orders allow corporations to claim compliance on paper, without actual enforcement.
Societal and Administrative Dimensions
- Housing Crisis: In Bhiwandi, a powerloom hub with low-income migrants, no transit camps exist; residents choose unsafe homes over homelessness.
- Owner Resistance: Owners refuse to vacate or redevelop, instead undertaking unauthorised repairs; continue collecting rent.
- Enforcement Gaps: Evacuation orders hard to enforce without police support; demolitions politically fraught.
State Response: Reactive, Not Preventive
Pattern of Response
- Legal/Disciplinary Action: Officials suspended; criminal cases filed against contractors.
- Inquiries: Promises of audits and investigations.
- Compensation: Payments to victims’ families.
- Shortcomings: Responses are instinctive rather than strategic; fail to address root causes or prevent future incidents.
Regulatory and Institutional Gaps
- Fragmented Oversight: Responsibilities divided across multiple agencies with poor coordination.
- Lack of Continuous Monitoring: Technologies exist for real-time structural health monitoring but are not deployed.
- Inadequate Enforcement: Danger lists exist but lack effective follow-up and compliance mechanisms.
Political and Social Constraints
- Demolitions: Politically sensitive; could displace voters and cause social unrest.
- Owner-tenant Dynamics: Owners resist redevelopment; tenants have no alternative housing.
- Limited Municipal Capacity: Under-resourced and under-trained local bodies.
Way Forward: Toward Urban Renewal
Strengthening Enforcement
- Danger List Implementation: Mandate time-bound action (repair/redevelopment/demolition) with police support.
- Penalties: Strict fines and legal action against owners/contractors for non-compliance.
- Transparency: Publicly accessible databases of unsafe buildings with clear timelines.
Creating Alternative Housing
- Transit Camps: Temporary housing for evacuated residents to prevent homelessness.
- Rehabilitation Schemes: Financial assistance and relocation support for low-income families.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Incentivise redevelopment of unsafe buildings.
Technology and Monitoring
- Structural Health Monitoring: Deploy sensors and AI-based early warning systems in high-risk buildings.
- GIS Mapping: Integrate building data with geospatial systems for risk assessment.
- Regular Audits: Annual safety audits by independent agencies.
Institutional Reforms
- Unified Building Safety Authority: Consolidate oversight under a single agency.
- Capacity Building: Train municipal staff, engineers, and inspectors.
- Urban Renewal Mission: Nationwide programme to identify, repair, or replace unsafe buildings.
Policy and Legal Measures
- Building Codes: Enforce strict compliance with National Building Code.
- Post-Approval Monitoring: Regular inspections during construction and occupancy.
- Owner Accountability: Make owners liable for unauthorised repairs and neglect.
Conclusion
The recurring building collapses in India—from Bhiwandi to Delhi, Bihar to Pune—expose a systemic failure of enforcement, maintenance, and urban governance. The Kohinoor building, on a “danger” list and evacuated hours before its collapse, symbolises the gap between paper compliance and actual safety. With hundreds of buildings on danger lists, no transit camps, and fragmented oversight, the state’s reactive responses (suspensions, inquiries, compensation) are insufficient. India needs widespread rehabilitation work and an urban renewal mission that prioritises building safety, enforcement, technology, and alternative housing. Nothing short of a comprehensive, preventive approach will prevent the next collapse.
Practice Question
- Recurring building collapses in India expose a systemic failure of enforcement, maintenance, and urban governance, not just isolated incidents. Critically examine the causes, patterns, and state response to building collapses, and suggest measures for urban renewal. (250 words, 15 marks)
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/falling-walls-on-building-collapses/article71297906.ece
India's Solar Growth Enters a New Era
GS III – Environment / GS III – Economy
Renewable Energy, Solar Power, and Energy Transition
Introduction
India’s solar capacity has expanded more than fiftyfold, from approximately 3 GW in 2014 to 162.15 GW (30 June 2026). In FY 2025-26, India added a record 44.61 GW of solar capacity—nearly double the previous year—surpassing the United States in annual additions to become the world’s second-largest solar growth market. The newly approved Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) aims to add 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity with 10,000 MWh energy storage, utilising India’s estimated 102 GW floating solar potential. With solar module manufacturing capacity rising from 2.3 GW (2014) to ~172 GW (March 2026), India is positioning itself as a global renewable energy leader.
Policy Framework and Market Growth
Key Policy Drivers
- National Solar Mission (2010): Established long-term capacity targets
- Solar Parks Scheme: 54 parks (39,188 MW sanctioned); enables land and infrastructure
- Green Energy Corridor: Transmission infrastructure; 24,567.8 MW evacuation capacity
- Competitive Bidding: Tariffs declined from ~₹18/unit (2010) to record-low ₹2.44/unit (Bhadla, 2017)
- Renewable Purchase Obligations: RPO trajectory through 2029-30 (26.3% target for 2026-27)
Record Growth in FY 2025-26
- Solar Addition: 44.61 GW (vs. 23.83 GW in FY 2024-25) – 87% growth
- Total Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity: 283.46 GW (274.68 GW renewable)
- Highest Ever Annual Addition: 55.29 GW (non-fossil)
- Solar Manufacturing Capacity: 2.3 GW (2014) → ~172 GW (March 2026)
Major Initiatives
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (Rooftop Solar)
- Outlay: ₹75,021 crore; launched 13 Feb 2024
- Households Solarised: 43+ lakh (June 2026)
- Subsidy Disbursed: ₹14,771.82 crore (till Dec 2025)
- Zero-Bill Households: 7.7 lakh+ (as of 9 Dec 2025)
- World Bank Support: Financing for scaling up residential rooftop solar
PM-KUSUM (Agriculture Solar)
- Focus: Solar pumps, feeder solarisation, decentralised power plants
- Off-Grid Pumps: 11.49 lakh installed
- Feeder Solarisation: 15.89 lakh pumps covered
- Decentralised Capacity: 1,726 MW commissioned
- Farmers Benefited: 21.77 lakh+
- Target: 34,800 MW by 2026-27 (₹34,422 crore central support)
Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (Floating Solar)
- Approved: 31 July 2026; outlay ₹5,070 crore (FY 2026-27 to 2030-31)
- Capacity: 5,000 MW floating solar + 10,000 MWh energy storage (2-hour storage)
- Potential: ~102 GW floating solar potential (NISE estimate)
- Impact: Reduce 10 million tonnes CO₂ annually; generate 16,000-17,000 jobs; promote domestic manufacturing
- Current Base: ~700 MW floating solar
Manufacturing and Quality Assurance
- PLI Scheme: ₹4,500 crore (2021) → expanded by ₹19,500 crore; attracted ~₹35,000 crore investment; 10,000 direct jobs
- ALMM (Approved List of Models & Manufacturers): Quality assurance; promotes domestic manufacturing
Global Leadership and Cooperation
International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- Co-founded: India and France at COP21 (2015)
- Members: Maldives, Greece, Germany, Italy, Bhutan, Luxembourg, Argentina, etc.
- Role: Global platform for solar cooperation, knowledge sharing, technology transfer
One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG)
- Proposed: India (2018); launched as GGI-OSOWOG at COP26 (2021)
- Support: Australia, France, US, ISA
- Vision: Interconnected global renewable energy grid; cross-border RE trade
G20 Presidency
- Consensus: Tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030
Challenges
- Grid Integration: Balancing variable RE with storage; need for pumped hydro/battery
- Land Availability: Utility-scale projects require large land parcels
- Financing: Long-term capital requirements; cost of capital
- Domestic Manufacturing: Dependency on imported cells; quality consistency
- Distribution Companies (DISCOMs): Financial health; RPO compliance
Way Forward
- Storage: Scale up battery storage and pumped hydro (PM-SSY step in right direction)
- Grid Modernisation: Smart grids; green corridors; forecasting
- Rooftop Expansion: Accelerate PM Surya Ghar; address DISCOM concerns
- Manufacturing: Complete value chain (polysilicon, wafers, cells, modules)
- Innovation: Floating solar, agrivoltaics, building-integrated PV
- Financing: Green bonds; climate finance; long-term low-cost capital
Conclusion
India’s solar transformation is a global success story, with capacity growing from 3 GW (2014) to 162.15 GW (2026)—a fiftyfold increase. Record additions of 44.61 GW in FY 2025-26, manufacturing capacity reaching ~172 GW, and world-leading tariffs (₹2.44/unit) demonstrate the power of coordinated policy, competitive markets, and innovation. The PM-SSY floating solar scheme, PM Surya Ghar rooftop programme, and PM-KUSUM agriculture initiative are expanding solar across all segments. As India advances towards its 500 GW non-fossil target (2030) and net-zero by 2070, solar will remain the cornerstone of its clean energy transition—driving energy security, economic growth, and climate action.
Practice Question
- India’s solar sector has achieved remarkable growth, but challenges of grid integration, financing, and domestic manufacturing remain. Critically examine India’s solar expansion and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive growth. (250 words, 15 marks)
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2293256®=3&lang=1
