Subject: Art & Culture – Monument Conservation; ASI; UNESCO; AMASR Act, 1958; Adopt a Heritage.
Why in News?
Constitutional and Legislative Framework
Constitutional Provisions
Article 49 (DPSP)
Article 51A(f) (Fundamental Duty)
Seventh Schedule – Division of Responsibilities
Key Legislation
Institutional Framework
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA)
National Policy for Conservation (2014)
Key Principles
Emerging Frameworks and Initiatives
Adopt a Heritage 2.0 (revamped 2023)
Heritage-Linked Cultural Festivals
Museum Grant Scheme
Technology-Supported Conservation
Modern Tools Used
Kedarnath Temple Restoration (Case Study)
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Total: 44 (as of 2024)
Breakdown
Recent Addition (July 2024)
Notable Sites
Intangible Cultural Heritage (UNESCO 2003 Convention)
Definition
Examples from India
Safeguarding in India
Source/Reference:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2253199®=3&lang=1
Subject: Geography – Water Governance; Brahmaputra Board; ILR; RBM Scheme.
Why in News?
What is RBM Scheme?
3 Implementing Agencies
Priority Areas
Key Achievements (2021-26)
| Activity | Progress |
|---|---|
| ILR Projects | 30 links identified; FRs for 26; DPRs for 15 links |
| Majuli Island | Anti-erosion protection works completed |
| DPRs | Prepared for Brahmaputra, Barak, Teesta, Indus basins |
| Community work | Springshed management in hilly North East |
Modern Tools Used
Static (Geography / Economy Syllabus)
Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)
Source/Reference:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2252895®=3&lang=1
Subject: Economy – Tourism; NITI Aayog; Government Initiative; Cultural Heritage; Sustainable Development.
Why in News?
What is Divya Bharat?
Nature
Key Features
Philosophy
Objectives
Significance (Static Link)
Tourism as Economic Driver
Divya Bharat’s Role
Static-Dynamic Linkage
Static (Economy / Art & Culture Syllabus)
Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)
Source/Reference:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2253135®=3&lang=1
Subject: Polity – Labour Laws; Economy – Labour Codes 2026; Social Justice – Worker Welfare.
Why in News?
Overview of the Four Labour Codes
Static-Dynamic Linkage
Static (Polity / Economy Syllabus)
Legislations Repealed (29 total)
Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)
Source/Reference:
Subject: Economy – GDP Rankings; IMF Report; Base Year Revision; Rupee Depreciation.
Why in News?
GDP Rankings (2026)
Why Did India Slip? (Two Key Reasons)
Future Projections (IMF)
Static-Dynamic Linkage
Static (Economy Syllabus)
Dynamic (Current Affairs – April 2026)
Source/Reference:
Subject: Geography – El Niño; Economy – Monsoon Impact; Agriculture; Inflation; RBI Policy.
Why in News?
What is El Niño?
Definition
How it Affects Indian Monsoon
Historical Example (2009)
Why is Monsoon Important for India?
Rainfall Contribution
Agricultural Significance
Impact of Below-Normal Rainfall
Impact on Inflation and Central Bank Policy
Food Inflation Link
Recent Context (2024-2025)
2026 Risks
Static-Dynamic Linkage
Static (Geography / Economy Syllabus)
Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)
Source/Reference:
UPSC Mains Subject: GS Paper II – Polity & Governance (Parliament, Federalism, Constitutional Amendments)
Sub-topic: Delimitation; Women’s Reservation; Centre-State Relations; Article 368
Introduction
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 failed to secure the two-thirds majority under Article 368, leading to its defeat and the shelving of the Delimitation Bill.
This outcome highlights the constitutional safeguard against pushing major structural changes without broad consensus. The government’s approach—linking women’s reservation to delimitation based on the 2011 Census—raised federal concerns and overlooked key recommendations on Centre–State relations.
Main Body
The Constitutional Amendment Dimension: Article 368
The Two-Thirds Safeguard:
Basic Structure Dimension:
Centre-State Relations: The Federal Fault Line
Constitutional Framework of Delimitation:
The North-South Asymmetry:
The Bill’s Language:
Related Committees and Their Recommendations
Sarkaria Commission (1983-1988):
Punchhi Commission (2007-2010):
84th Amendment (2002):
Way Forward
Constitutionally Mandated Route:
Women’s Reservation:
Federal Principle:
Conclusion
The defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 is not a legislative failure but a constitutional safeguard in action. The two-thirds requirement under Article 368 prevented a rushed approach to delimitation based on the 2011 Census, without consensus or regard for federal concerns.
The way forward lies in completing the Census, building parliamentary consensus, and following constitutional processes.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
UPSC Mains Subject: GS Paper II – Social Justice (Health) | GS Paper III – Science & Technology | GS Paper IV – Ethics
Sub-topic: Pharmaceutical Patents; Drug Pricing; Access to Medicines; Biosimilars; Innovation
Introduction
Immunotherapy drugs like Keytruda have transformed cancer care, but an International Consortium of Investigative Journalists probe reveals stark inequities—₹1.5 lakh per vial, unsafe vial diversion, and patent thickets delaying affordable options.
India must fast-track biosimilars, tighten regulation, and shift from manufacturer to innovator to ensure access.
Main Body
The Keytruda Case: Price, Shadow Economy, and Systemic Gaps
The Price Barrier:
The Shadow Economy:
Systemic Gaps Exposed:
How Big Pharma Games the Patent System
Primary Patent & Patent Thicket:
Purpose of Patent Thickets:
Evergreening & India’s Shield:
Biosimilars: The Cheaper Alternative and Regulatory Hurdles
What Are Biosimilars:
Indian Firms’ Progress:
The Legal Hurdle:
India’s CAR-T Therapy Success: A Model for Homegrown Innovation
What is CAR-T Therapy:
India’s Achievement:
Why This Matters:
Way Forward: Short-Term and Long-Term
Short-Term (Immediate):
Medium-Term (2-5 Years):
Long-Term (5-10 Years):
Conclusion
The ICIJ probe reveals a troubling nexus of exorbitant pricing, diverted drug vials, and patent strategies delaying affordable alternatives. While Section 3(d) curbs evergreening and Indian firms are developing cheaper biosimilars, regulatory delays remain a bottleneck. The CAR-T breakthrough shows India’s innovation potential.
The priority is clear: fast-track biosimilars, scale indigenous innovation, and ensure timely patient access without being constrained by patent barriers.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
