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UPSC Current Affairs 17 May 2026 – Daily Digest for Prelims & Mains 2026
This comprehensive daily digest covers 12 major news items from 16-17 May 2026, including the NEET-UG paper leak investigation and calls for NTA dissolution, the rejection of the Delimitation Bill in Lok Sabha, PM Modi’s Netherlands visit with strategic partnership signing, India’s rejection of the Indus Waters Treaty arbitration award, the first-ever Captagon drug seizure in India, and the repatriation of Chola-era copper plates from the Netherlands.
Table of Contents
- 1. NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak: CBI Arrests, NTA Under Fire
- 2. Delimitation Bill 2026: Lok Sabha Rejects 850-Seat Expansion
- 3. PM Modi in Netherlands: Strategic Partnership Signed
- 4. India Rejects Indus Waters Treaty Arbitration Award
- 5. NCERT seizes First-Ever Captagon Drug Consignment Worth ₹182 Crore
- 6. Netherlands Returns 11th-Century Chola Copper Plates to India
- 7. Centre Notifies Final Rules for All Four Labour Codes
- 8. IMD to Revise Heatwave Parameters Amid Climate Crisis
- 9. No-Confidence Motion Against Lok Sabha Speaker
- 10. CBSE Mandates Three-Language Formula from 2026-27
- 11. Gadchiroli: Major Success Against Maoist Insurgency
- 12. Manipur: 10 Still Missing After Ethnic Violence
- Prelims Quick Recap
- FAQs
1. NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak: CBI Arrests, NTA Under Fire
Why in News?
The NEET-UG 2026 examination was cancelled on May 12 following widespread paper leak allegations. The CBI has arrested 9 persons so far, and a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA) as a constitutional crisis unfolds around India’s medical entrance examination system.
– NEET-UG 2026 was cancelled on May 12 after 120+ questions from a circulated ‘guess paper’ matched the actual exam paper (PIB, May 2026)
– CBI has arrested 9 persons including Manisha Mandhare, a botany lecturer from Pune who allegedly leaked biology questions from her residence (The Hindu, May 16)
– Nearly 23 lakh candidates had registered for the exam conducted on May 3 by NTA (Business Standard, May 16)
– The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 has been invoked; CBI is probing an NTA-linked public servant (Economic Times, May 16)
– Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi demanded removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan (The Hindu, May 16)
– Centre appointed two Joint Secretaries and Joint Directors in NTA amid the controversy (PTI, May 16)
– Doctors’ body moved Supreme Court seeking dissolution of NTA and replacement with a statutory body created through Parliament legislation (Business Standard, May 16)
– NTA was established in 2017 as a Society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 — NOT a statutory body created by Parliament
– It conducts NEET-UG, JEE (Main), UGC-NET, and other major entrance exams
– This is the first complete cancellation of NEET-UG since NTA took over its conduct in 2019
– In 2024, the exam was partially re-conducted for 1,563 candidates following discrepancies in marks
– The paper was allegedly in circulation 45 hours before the exam via WhatsApp and Telegram (NDTV, May 13)
– The Rajasthan SOG had initially arrested 15 people before the CBI takeover
– The case involves offences under BNS (criminal conspiracy, cheating), Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Public Examinations Act, 2024
Teacher’s Analysis
Must note that the NTA’s status as a registered society rather than a statutory body is at the heart of this crisis. Unlike the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which is a constitutional body under Article 315-323, or the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), which was established through a Resolution of Government, the NTA operates without direct parliamentary accountability. Critically, the Public Examinations Act, 2024 was enacted precisely to address examination malpractices, yet the leak occurred despite its existence — raising questions about implementation rather than legislative intent. The demand for a statutory NTA would require a parliamentary act specifying its composition, powers, accountability mechanisms, and disciplinary procedures — similar to how the Medical Council of India was replaced by the National Medical Commission through the NMC Act, 2019. Students must note that this issue connects with: (a) the balance between Centre-State roles in education (Concurrent List, Entry 25), (b) the distinction between constitutional, statutory, and registered bodies, and (c) the evolving framework of examination governance in India.
Concept Flowchart
flowchart TD A[NTA Registered Society] --> B[NEET-UG 2026 Conducted May 3] B --> C[Guess Paper Circulated via WhatsApp/Telegram] C --> D[120+ Questions Matched: Exam Cancelled May 12] D --> E[CBI Probe: 9 Arrests So Far] E --> F[Demand for NTA Dissolution] F --> G[Replace with Statutory Body: Parliament Act Needed] G --> H[UPSC-Level Accountability]
GS Paper: 2 | Topic: Governance | Sub-topic: Constitutional vs Statutory vs Registered Bodies
Why it matters: The NTA crisis tests India’s examination governance framework, raises questions about accountability of non-statutory bodies, and highlights the need for institutional reform in public examination systems.
Q. The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak has highlighted the structural weaknesses in India’s examination governance framework. Discuss the limitations of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and suggest measures to ensure integrity in public examinations. (15 marks)
Framework: Constitutional status vs registered society → Accountability deficit → Public Examinations Act gaps → Suggestions: statutory body, IES, tech solutions
Q. The National Testing Agency (NTA) was established as a:
(a) Constitutional body under Article 315
(b) Statutory body created by an Act of Parliament
(c) Society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860
(d) Department under the Ministry of Education
Ans: (c)
Explanation: NTA was established in 2017 as a Society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, not as a constitutional or statutory body.
Source
The Hindu – NEET paper leak case: CBI arrests five | Economic Times – CBI nabs mastermind | Business Standard – Plea in SC for NTA dissolution
2. Delimitation Bill 2026: Lok Sabha Rejects 850-Seat Expansion
Why in News?
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposed expanding the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 seats and implementing 33% women’s reservation through delimitation, was defeated in the Lok Sabha on April 17, 2026 — falling short of the constitutionally mandated special majority by 54 votes.
– The Bill received 298 votes in favour against the required 352 (two-thirds of members present and voting) — with 230 voting against (LiveLaw, April 17)
– Three bills were introduced: (i) Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill for seat expansion, (ii) Delimitation Bill, 2026 for Delimitation Commission, (iii) Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill
– The women’s reservation component was linked to the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023, which provided 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies but was contingent on delimitation
– PRS India analysis: Tamil Nadu’s seats would drop from 39 to 32, Kerala from 20 to 15, while UP would rise from 80 to 89, Bihar from 40 to 46 based on 2011 census
– The ratio of Lok Sabha to Rajya Sabha would change from 2.2:1 to 3.3:1
– Permissible size of the Council of Ministers would increase from 81 to 122
– Delimitation is the process of redrawing boundaries of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies based on population
– The Constitution originally froze delimitation based on the 1971 census until the first census after 2026 (42nd Amendment, 1976)
– The 84th Amendment (2001) and 87th Amendment (2003) extended this freeze
– The Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 (106th Amendment) provided for 33% reservation but implementation was contingent on fresh delimitation
– Article 82 of the Constitution provides for readjustment of constituencies after each census
– The Delimitation Commission is a high-powered body usually comprising a retired Supreme Court judge, CEC, and state election commissioners
Teacher’s Analysis
The defeat of the Delimitation Bill represents a significant political and constitutional moment. Critically, the opposition argued that linking women’s reservation to delimitation based on the 2011 census was a ‘backdoor’ to redraw constituencies before the next census. Southern states stand to lose proportional representation because of their successful population stabilization — Tamil Nadu’s total fertility rate (TFR) of 1.7 is well below the replacement level of 2.1, while several northern states have higher TFRs. This creates a fundamental federal dilemma: should states that successfully implemented family planning be penalized with reduced political representation? The answer under the ‘one person, one vote’ principle suggests delimitation is inevitable, but the mechanism and timing are deeply political. Students must note that the 42nd Amendment’s freeze was specifically designed to protect southern states from losing seats — a concern that has now become acute.
Concept Flowchart
flowchart TD A[Population Shift: North Grows, South Stabilizes] --> B[Delimitation Needed for Equitable Representation] B --> C[Govt Links Women's Reservation to Delimitation] C --> D[Constitution 131st Amendment Bill] D --> E[Lok Sabha Vote: 298 For vs 352 Required] E --> F[Bill Defeated: Political Impasse] F --> G[Southern States Fear Seat Loss] G --> H[Federal Balance Under Strain]
GS Paper: 2 | Topic: Polity | Sub-topic: Delimitation, Women’s Reservation, Federalism
Why it matters: The delimitation debate touches upon fundamental questions of federal balance, proportional representation, population control incentives, and women’s political empowerment.
Q. The defeat of the Delimitation Bill, 2026 has brought to the fore the tension between ‘one person, one vote’ and the federal principle of protecting states that achieved population stabilization. Critically examine. (15 marks)
Framework: Delimitation process → 1971 Census freeze → Southern states’ concerns → Men’s quota linkage → Way forward
Q. The Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023 provides for:
(a) 50% reservation for women in Lok Sabha
(b) 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies
(c) 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions only
(d) Expansion of Lok Sabha seats to 850
Ans: (b)
Explanation: The 106th Amendment Act, 2023 provides for 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, but its implementation was contingent on delimitation.
Source
PRS India – The Delimitation Bill, 2026 Summary | LiveLaw – Lok Sabha Rejects 131st Amendment | Times of India – Delimitation Decoded
3. PM Modi in Netherlands: Strategic Partnership Signed
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Netherlands on May 16-17, 2026 as part of his five-nation tour, resulting in the elevation of bilateral relations to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ covering semiconductors, green hydrogen, water management, defence, and innovation.
– PM Modi met King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at Huis ten Bosch Palace and held bilateral talks with Dutch PM Rob Jetten (MEA, May 2026)
– India-Netherlands ties elevated to a formal ‘Strategic Partnership’ with cooperation in semiconductors, green hydrogen, water management, defence, and innovation
– PM participated in a CEO Roundtable, inviting Dutch companies to design, innovate, and manufacture in India citing incentives in key sectors (Economic Times, May 16)
– Bilateral trade stands at USD 27.8 billion (2024-25); Netherlands is India’s 4th largest investor with cumulative FDI of USD 55.6 billion (MEA Brief, April 2026)
– The Netherlands is India’s 3rd largest export destination globally
– PM Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in The Hague, stating “India’s aspirations are no longer limited to its borders” (Business Standard, May 16)
– The Netherlands officially returned 11th-century Chola copper plates to India during the visit
– India and the Netherlands established diplomatic relations in 1947; 2022 marked 75 years
– PM Modi had previously visited the Netherlands in 2017; then PM Mark Rutte visited India thrice (2015, 2018, 2023)
– Current Dutch PM Rob Jetten (D66), 38, assumed office in February 2026 — youngest PM of the Netherlands
– WAH Framework (Water, Agriculture, Health) and Strategic Partnership on Water were launched earlier
– Key bilateral mechanisms: Joint Working Groups on Water, Agriculture, and Health; CEO Roundtables
– The Netherlands is a key partner in India’s semiconductor ambitions, particularly ASML for chipmaking equipment
Teacher’s Analysis
The elevation to Strategic Partnership is significant for three reasons. First, it reflects the rapid deepening of India-Europe ties amid global realignments — the Netherlands is India’s gateway to the European Union and a key advocate for the India-EU FTA negotiations. Second, semiconductor cooperation with the Netherlands is strategically vital — ASML is the world’s only manufacturer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines critical for advanced chip fabrication, and India’s semiconductor mission (USD 10 billion incentive scheme) requires such partnerships. Third, the visit’s timing — immediately after PM Modi’s UAE stopover — demonstrates India’s ‘Act West’ policy alongside ‘Act East’, leveraging Gulf connectivity and European technology simultaneously. Must note that the visit also included stops in Sweden, Norway, and Italy, indicating a comprehensive Nordic-European outreach strategy.
Concept Flowchart
flowchart TD A[PM Modi's 5-Nation Tour: UAE, NL, Sweden, Norway, Italy] --> B[Netherlands Visit: Strategic Partnership Signed] B --> C[Semiconductors + Green Hydrogen + Water Mgmt] C --> D[CEO Roundtable: Invest in India Call] D --> E[Bilateral Trade: USD 27.8 billion] E --> F[FDI: USD 55.6 billion] F --> G[Chola Plates Repatriated] G --> H[Diaspora Connect]
GS Paper: 2 | Topic: International Relations | Sub-topic: Bilateral Relations, Europe
Why it matters: The India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership is a key development in India’s European outreach and semiconductor diplomacy.
Q. India’s European outreach has gained strategic significance in the context of global supply chain realignments. Discuss with reference to PM Modi’s 2026 visit to the Netherlands. (10 marks)
Framework: Strategic Partnership significance → Semiconductor cooperation → FDI flows → EU-India FTA context → Technology transfer
Q. Which of the following correctly describes the Netherlands’ economic significance for India?
(a) India’s largest trading partner in Europe
(b) India’s 4th largest source of FDI
(c) India’s 2nd largest export destination
(d) India’s largest source of remittances
Ans: (b)
Explanation: The Netherlands is India’s 4th largest investor with cumulative FDI of USD 55.6 billion, and India’s 3rd largest export destination globally.
Source
MEA – Visit Briefing | Economic Times – Strategic Partnership Level | MEA – India-Netherlands Bilateral Brief
4. India Rejects Indus Waters Treaty Arbitration Award
Why in News?
India on May 16, 2026 categorically rejected the Court of Arbitration (CoA) award at The Hague concerning maximum pondage at Indian hydroelectric projects on the Indus river system, reiterating that the treaty remains in abeyance following the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
– The CoA issued a ‘supplemental award’ on May 15 regarding maximum pondage limits on Indian HEPs (The Hindu, May 16)
– MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated: “India categorically rejects the present so-called award” and labeled it “null and void” (Indian Express, May 16)
– India has never recognized the CoA as legitimately constituted, calling its creation a “serious breach” of the IWT
– The Indus Waters Treaty was placed in abeyance by India on April 23, 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack killed 26 people
– India’s position: water issues cannot be insulated from cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan
– India has stopped sharing hydrological data with Pakistan since the abeyance
– The dispute relates to the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir
– The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank
– Three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) are allocated to India; three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan
– The treaty created a Permanent Indus Commission for data exchange and dispute resolution
– Dispute resolution has a three-tier mechanism: (i) Permanent Commission, (ii) Neutral Expert, (iii) Court of Arbitration
– Pakistan invoked arbitration in 2016 over the design of Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects
– India objected to the constitution of the CoA, arguing that the Neutral Expert mechanism should take precedence under Article IX(6)
– Following the April 2025 Pahalgam attack (26 killed), India announced the treaty was in “abeyance” — a step short of full denunciation
Teacher’s Analysis
The Indus Waters Treaty is often cited as one of the world’s most resilient water-sharing agreements, having survived three wars. However, India’s decision to place it in abeyance marks an unprecedented shift. Critically, the term ‘abeyance’ is not found in the treaty text — it is a diplomatic construct meaning the treaty is temporarily suspended while remaining legally in force. This creates complex legal questions. Under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT), Article 62 allows for termination or suspension due to a fundamental change of circumstances (rebus sic stantibus). India appears to be building a case that Pakistan’s continued sponsorship of terrorism constitutes such a fundamental change. Must note that this has implications beyond India-Pakistan relations — it sets a precedent for water treaties globally. The World Bank, as treaty depositary, has remained largely silent, reflecting the diplomatic delicacy of the situation. For UPSC, this issue connects water security, international law, terrorism, and bilateral relations.
Concept Flowchart
flowchart TD A[Pakistan Terrorism Sponsor] --> B[Pahalgam Attack April 2025: 26 Killed] B --> C[India Places IWT in Abeyance] C --> D[Pakistan Invokes CoA at The Hague] D --> E[CoA Issues Pondage Award May 2026] E --> F[India Rejects: 'Null and Void'] F --> G[Treaty Stasis: No Data Sharing, No Commission Meetings]
GS Paper: 2 | Topic: International Relations | Sub-topic: India-Pakistan, Water Disputes, International Law
Why it matters: The IWT crisis encompasses treaty law, water security, terrorism, and the limits of international dispute resolution mechanisms.
Q. The Indus Waters Treaty, once hailed as a model of transboundary water cooperation, is now at a crossroads. Analyse the reasons for the current impasse and its implications for regional water security. (15 marks)
Framework: IWT provisions and mechanism → Pahalgam attack → Abeyance → CoA dispute → Vienna Convention principles → Way forward
Q. The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) allocates which of the following rivers to India?
(a) Indus, Jhelum, Chenab
(b) Ravi, Beas, Sutlej
(c) Indus, Ravi, Sutlej
(d) Jhelum, Chenab, Beas
Ans: (b)
Explanation: The IWT allocates the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan.
Source
The Hindu – India rejects CoA pondage award | Indian Express – IWT award null and void | India Today – India on IWT order
5. NCB seizes First-Ever Captagon Drug Consignment Worth ₹182 Crore
Why in News?
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) achieved India’s first-ever seizure of Captagon — the ‘jihadi drug’ — through ‘Operation Ragepill’, confiscating over 227 kg valued at ₹182 crore and intended for the Gulf region.
– Over 227 kg of Captagon seized with estimated value of ₹182 crore (Business Standard, May 16)
– This is India’s first-ever seizure of this drug
– A Syrian national was arrested in connection with the seizure
– Home Minister Amit Shah announced the breakthrough, crediting ‘Operation Ragepill’
– The consignment was intended for the Gulf region
– Captagon is an amphetamine-type stimulant historically used by ISIS fighters
– Captagon (fenethylline) is a synthetic amphetamine-type stimulant that produces alertness, euphoria, and reduced appetite and sleep requirement
– It gained notoriety during the Syrian civil war where it was widely used by combatants, giving it the name ‘jihadi drug’
– The drug is primarily manufactured in Syria and Lebanon and trafficked to Gulf states
– The NCB’s Operation Ragepill is part of a broader anti-narcotics strategy
– India’s narcotics control framework is governed by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985
– The NCB operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs
Teacher’s Analysis
The first-ever seizure of Captagon in India is significant for multiple reasons. First, it demonstrates the expanding geographic reach of narcotics trafficking networks into India, which has traditionally been a transit point for heroin from the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan-Pakistan-Iran) and Golden Triangle (Myanmar-Laos-Thailand). Second, the ‘jihadi drug’ linkage raises concerns about narco-terrorism — the nexus between drug trafficking and terrorist financing. Third, the Gulf destination indicates that India is being used as a transit route for Captagon destined for West Asia, reflecting changing trafficking patterns. For UPSC, this connects with India’s internal security challenges, the NDPS Act framework, India’s role in international drug control mechanisms (UNODC, INCB), and the broader narco-terrorism paradigm.
Concept Flowchart
flowchart TD A[Synthetic Drug Manufactured in Syria/Lebanon] --> B[Trafficked via India] B --> C[Operation Ragepill: NCB Seizes 227 kg] C --> D[Captagon: Jihadi Drug] D --> E[₹182 Crore Value: Intended for Gulf] E --> F[A Syrian National Arrested] F --> G[Narco-Terrorism Concerns Raised]
GS Paper: 3 | Topic: Internal Security | Sub-topic: Narcotics Trafficking, Narco-Terrorism
Why it matters: The first Captagon seizure in India highlights evolving narcotics trafficking patterns and the narco-terrorism nexus.
Q. The nexus between drug trafficking and terrorism poses a significant challenge to India’s internal security. Discuss with reference to recent developments. (10 marks)
Framework: Captagon seizure → Narco-terrorism concept → Golden Crescent/Golden Triangle → NDPS Act → International cooperation → Way forward
Q. ‘Captagon’, recently in the news, is:
(a) A new variant of COVID-19
(b) A synthetic amphetamine-type stimulant used by militants
(c) A type of guided missile system
(d) A cryptocurrency linked to terrorist financing
Ans: (b)
Explanation: Captagon (fenethylline) is a synthetic amphetamine-type stimulant that gained notoriety as the ‘jihadi drug’ used by ISIS fighters.
Source
Business Standard – NCB seizes Captagon | Economic Times – Jihadi drug bust | The Hindu – NCB makes first-ever seizure of captagon
6. Netherlands Returns 11th-Century Chola Copper Plates to India
Why in News?
The Netherlands formally returned the 11th-century Anaimangalam Chola Copper Plates to India during PM Modi’s visit, culminating a 14-year diplomatic effort to reclaim one of the most significant surviving records of the Chola dynasty.
– 21 copper plates dating back to Emperor Rajaraja Chola I (985-1014 CE) weighing approximately 30 kg (Indian Express, May 16)
– The plates are bound by a bronze ring bearing the Chola royal seal
– Known in the Netherlands as the ‘Leiden Plates’ — in possession of Leiden University since 1862
– India had been pursuing their return since 2012; formal request made to UNESCO’s ICPRCP in October 2023
– The plates contain inscriptions detailing land grants, administrative systems, and social conditions of the Chola period
– PM Modi described the return as “a joyous moment for every Indian”
– The Chola dynasty (c. 300 BCE – 1279 CE) was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in South Indian history
– Rajaraja Chola I (985-1014 CE) built the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
– Chola copper plates are crucial epigraphic sources for understanding medieval South Indian history
– The plates were taken to the Netherlands during the Dutch colonial presence in India (Dutch Coromandel, 17th-19th centuries)
– UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property (ICPRCP) facilitates such repatriations
– India has successfully repatriated several artefacts in recent years, including the Sultanganj Buddha (2018) and various idols
Teacher’s Analysis
The return of the Chola plates represents more than a diplomatic gesture — it’s part of a global movement for decolonizing museums and repatriating cultural property. Must note the legal framework: the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property provides the international legal basis for such returns. India ratified this convention in 1973. The ICPRCP, established in 1978, provides a mediation mechanism. However, critically, the UNESCO convention is not retroactive, meaning artefacts taken before 1970 (like these Chola plates, taken in the 19th century) fall outside its strict purview — their return depends on bilateral goodwill. For UPSC, this connects with: (a) India’s soft power diplomacy, (b) cultural heritage protection laws (Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958; Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972), and (c) the broader debate on restitution of colonial-era artefacts.
Concept Flowchart
flowchart TD A[Chola Empire: Rajaraja I 985-1014 CE] --> B[Anaimangalam Copper Plates Created] B --> C[Taken to Netherlands during Dutch Colonial Period] C --> D[Leiden University: 1862 to 2026] D --> E[India's 14-Year Diplomatic Effort for Return] E --> F[UNESCO ICPRCP: Claim Validated 2023] F --> G[Formally Returned May 16, 2026 during PM Visit] G --> H[Cultural Heritage Repatriated]
GS Paper: 1 | Topic: Art & Culture | Sub-topic: Chola Dynasty, Epigraphy, Heritage Repatriation
Why it matters: The Chola plates repatriation highlights India’s cultural heritage diplomacy and the global debate on restitution of colonial-era artefacts.
Q. The return of the Chola copper plates from the Netherlands underscores the growing importance of cultural diplomacy in India’s foreign policy. Discuss the legal and diplomatic frameworks governing the repatriation of cultural property. (10 marks)
Framework: UNESCO 1970 Convention → ICPRCP mechanism → India’s Antiquities Act → Case studies of repatriation → Significance
Q. The Chola copper plates recently returned from the Netherlands date back to the reign of:
(a) Rajendra Chola I
(b) Rajaraja Chola I
(c) Kulothunga Chola I
(d) Vijayalaya Chola
Ans: (b)
Explanation: The plates date back to Emperor Rajaraja Chola I (985-1014 CE), who also built the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur.
Source
Indian Express – Chola plates returned | Hindustan Times – What are Chola plates | The Hindu – Chola-era Anaimangalam Plates
7. Centre Notifies Final Rules for All Four Labour Codes
Why in News?
The Central Government has notified the final rules for all four labour codes — Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Social Security Code, and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code — consolidating 29 central labour laws into a simplified framework.
– Draft rules notified include: Code on Wages (Central) Rules, 2025; Social Security Code (Central) Rules, 2025; OSH Code (Central) Rules, 2025; Industrial Relations Code (Central) Rules, 2025 (PIB, 2025-26)
– The four codes subsume 29 central labour laws into a unified framework
– Key changes: universal social security coverage for gig and platform workers, fixed-term employment provisions, revised wage definitions, and updated thresholds for gratuity and bonuses
– PRS India had invited comments on the draft rules from stakeholders
– The four labour codes were passed by Parliament: Code on Wages (2019), Industrial Relations Code (2020), Social Security Code (2020), OSH Code (2020)
– They consolidate laws like the Minimum Wages Act, 1948; Payment of Wages Act, 1936; Industrial Disputes Act, 1947; Factories Act, 1948; etc.
– The codes are designed to simplify compliance, enhance ease of doing business, and expand social security coverage
– The definition of ‘wages’ has been standardized across all codes
– Social Security Code explicitly recognizes gig workers and platform workers as beneficiaries
– The codes allow fixed-term employment with equal benefits as permanent workers
– Trade unions have raised concerns about the removal of certain worker protections and the threshold for strike notice
Teacher’s Analysis
The notification of rules brings the four labour codes closer to full operationalization, though state rules are also required since ‘labour’ falls under the Concurrent List (Entry 24-25). Must note that the definition of ‘wages’ — comprising 50% of total remuneration in some formulations — has been a major point of contention, as it affects how allowances, bonuses, and provident fund contributions are calculated. The inclusion of gig workers (platform workers like Swiggy, Zomato, Uber drivers) under the Social Security Code is a significant first in Indian labour law, though implementation mechanisms remain unclear. Critically, these codes represent the most comprehensive reform of India’s labour laws since independence, with implications for formalization, ease of doing business, and worker welfare.
Concept Flowchart
flowchart TD A[29 Central Labour Laws] --> B[4 Labour Codes: 2019-2020] B --> C[Code on Wages: Standardized Definition] B --> D[Industrial Relations: Fixed-Term Employment] B --> E[Social Security: Gig Workers Included] B --> F[OSH: Consolidated Safety Standards] C --> G[Rules Notified 2025-26] D --> G E --> G F --> G G --> H[Operationalization Pending State Rules]
GS Paper: 2 | Topic: Governance | Sub-topic: Labour Reforms, Social Security
Why it matters: The labour codes represent India’s most significant labour law reform; they impact formalization, ease of doing business, and social security for workers.
Q. The four labour codes represent a paradigm shift in India’s labour law architecture. Discuss the key features and the challenges in their implementation. (15 marks)
Framework: Need for reform → Key features of each code → Gig worker inclusion → Challenges: state rules, wage definition, trade union concerns
Q. Which of the following categories of workers is explicitly recognized for social security coverage under the Social Security Code, 2020?
(a) Migrant workers only
(b) Gig workers and platform workers
(c) Public sector employees only
(d) Agricultural workers only
Ans: (b)
Explanation: The Social Security Code, 2020 explicitly includes gig workers and platform workers (e.g., app-based delivery and transport workers) within its social security framework.
Source
Indian Express – Labour Codes Rules Notified | PRS India – Bill Track
8. IMD to Revise Heatwave Parameters Amid Climate Crisis
Why in News?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has decided to revise its criteria for declaring heatwaves in response to changing climatic patterns, including the unprecedented formation of an anti-cyclone system closer to southern India.
– IMD revising heatwave thresholds due to changing climate patterns (Business Standard, May 16)
– A senior IMD official stated: “We have never had an anti-cyclone system form closer to the South before”
– Current criteria require max temperature of 40°C for plains, 30°C for hills to declare heatwave
– Departure from normal of 4.5-6.4°C = heatwave; >6.4°C = severe heatwave
– Coastal stations have lower threshold of 37°C
– IMD predicted southwest monsoon onset over Kerala around May 26 (±4 days)
– Above-normal heatwave days expected in May 2026 across east coast, Gujarat, Maharashtra (IMD, May 1)
– Heatwave definition: prolonged period of abnormally high temperatures relative to expected climate norms
– Over 24,000 deaths attributed to heatwaves in India from 1992 to 2015
– Climate change made the 2022 India-Pakistan heatwave 30 times more likely (World Weather Attribution study)
– NDMA releases heatwave management guidelines; cities implement Heat Action Plans (HAPs)
– Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect exacerbates heatwave impacts in cities
– El Niño conditions in the Pacific influence Indian summer temperatures
– Current ENSO-neutral conditions evolving towards El Niño
Teacher’s Analysis
The IMD’s decision to revise heatwave parameters reflects a fundamental climate reality: thresholds based on historical baselines (1991-2020) may no longer capture what constitutes ‘extreme’ heat in a warming world. Must note that heatwaves are classified as a natural disaster under the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) 2019 — one of six new disasters added. The revision has practical implications: if thresholds are raised, fewer events would be officially classified as heatwaves, potentially affecting disaster response funding and public health warnings. However, keeping thresholds static while temperatures rise could normalize dangerous conditions. For UPSC, this connects with climate adaptation, disaster management, public health, and the debate on ‘normalizing’ extreme weather through statistical adjustments — a tension between scientific accuracy and public safety communication.
Concept Flowchart
flowchart TD A[Climate Change: Rising Global Temperatures] --> B[Changing Weather Patterns in India] B --> C[Unique Anti-Cyclone Formation Near South] C --> D[IMD Revises Heatwave Parameters] D --> E[Current: 40°C Plains / Revision Underway] E --> F[Need for Accurate Warnings vs Public Health] F --> G[Heat Action Plans: NDMA Guidelines]
GS Paper: 3 | Topic: Environment & Disaster Management | Sub-topic: Climate Change, Heatwaves
Why it matters: The revision of heatwave parameters demonstrates the real-world impact of climate change on disaster management frameworks.
Q. Climate change is forcing a re-evaluation of disaster management parameters in India. Discuss with reference to the recent decision of the IMD to revise heatwave criteria. (10 marks)
Framework: Climate change impacts → Heatwave definition → IMD criteria revision → Disaster management implications → Way forward
Q. As per IMD criteria, a ‘severe heatwave’ is declared when the departure from normal temperature exceeds:
(a) 4.5°C
(b) 5.5°C
(c) 6.4°C
(d) 7.5°C
Ans: (c)
Explanation: IMD classifies a severe heatwave when the departure from normal temperature exceeds 6.4°C. A heatwave is declared when departure is 4.5°C to 6.4°C.
Source
Business Standard – IMD to change heatwave parameters | IMD Heatwave Guidance | NDMA Heatwave Guidelines
9. No-Confidence Motion Against Lok Sabha Speaker
Why in News?
Opposition parties have submitted a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, raising complex constitutional questions about the Speaker’s role and the parliamentary mechanism for removal.
– Opposition parties moved a no-confidence motion against LS Speaker Om Birla
– This follows similar motions against the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar in the last six years
– Historical precedent: First LS Speaker G.V. Mavalankar faced and survived a removal motion in December 1954
– The Speaker’s role in defection cases was tested in 1993 when the Supreme Court ordered Manipur Speaker H. Borobabu Singh to appear before it
– PRS India’s Chakshu Roy analyzed the constitutional and political dimensions of the issue
– The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected by the House from among its members (Article 93 of the Constitution)
– The Speaker can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all members (Article 94)
– The Speaker is the guardian of parliamentary privileges and the final interpreter of procedural rules
– The Speaker presides over joint sittings of both Houses
– The Speaker’s position is expected to be impartial, though the Speaker is usually from the ruling party
– The Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law) gives the Speaker powers to decide on defection cases
Teacher’s Analysis
The no-confidence motion against the Speaker raises a fundamental constitutional paradox: the Speaker is expected to be impartial while being a party member. Must note that Article 94 provides for removal by a majority of all members, not a special majority — meaning a simple majority can remove the Speaker. However, critically, convention and precedent suggest that the Speaker’s removal should not be treated as a routine confidence motion. The 1954 Mavalankar precedent is instructive — the motion was defended by then PM Jawaharlal Nehru on principle, establishing that the Chair must be protected from partisan attack. For UPSC, this connects with: (a) the role of the Speaker in India’s parliamentary system, (b) the distinction between the Speaker and other office-holders, and (c) the balance between majority rule and institutional independence.
Concept Flowchart
flowchart TD A[Opposition No-Confidence Motion against Speaker] --> B[Constitutional Basis: Article 94] B --> C[Simple Majority Needed for Removal] C --> D[Paradox: Partisan Speaker vs Impartial Chair] D --> E[Historical Precedent: Mavalankar 1954] E --> F[Nehru Defended Chair's Independence] F --> G[Question: Institutional Independence vs Partisan Politics]
GS Paper: 2 | Topic: Polity | Sub-topic: Parliamentary Procedures, Speaker’s Powers
Why it matters: The motion raises fundamental questions about the Speaker’s role, parliamentary independence, and constitutional conventions.
Q. The office of the Speaker is at the heart of parliamentary democracy. Discuss the constitutional position of the Speaker and the implications of a no-confidence motion against the Speaker. (10 marks)
Framework: Article 93-94 → Speaker’s powers → Removal mechanism → Mavalankar precedent → Current significance
Q. Under Article 94 of the Constitution, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha can be removed by:
(a) A resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting
(b) A resolution passed by a majority of all members of the House
(c) The President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister
(d) The Chief Justice of India following a judicial inquiry
Ans: (b)
Explanation: Article 94 provides that the Speaker may be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all members of the House, after 14 days’ notice.
Source
PRS India – Empty Chair Crisis | Indian Express – PRS Article on Speaker
10. CBSE Mandates Three-Language Formula from 2026-27
Why in News?
CBSE has mandated that students in Class 9 will study three languages from the 2026-27 academic session, with two being Indian languages, aligning with NEP 2020’s three-language formula.
– CBSE mandates three languages for Class 9 from 2026-27; two must be Indian (Economic Times, May 16)
– The third language will NOT be a Board exam in Class 10 — it will be tested internally by schools
– Performance in the third language will appear on the Class 10 certificate but won’t affect board scores
– This implements the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s three-language formula
– The aim: promote Indian languages while reducing student pressure
– NEP 2020 recommends a three-language formula with preference for Indian languages
– The policy does not mandate any specific language — states/students can choose
– The earlier three-language formula (1968 NPE) was controversial in Tamil Nadu, which follows a two-language policy
– CBSE is a national-level board; state boards may adopt different policies
– Article 343-351 of the Constitution deal with official language; Eighth Schedule lists 22 scheduled languages
Teacher’s Analysis
The three-language formula has been one of India’s most contentious education policies since 1968. Must note that Tamil Nadu has steadfastly refused to implement it, adhering to a two-language policy (Tamil and English) since 1968. The NEP 2020’s version attempts to be more flexible by allowing choice, but the CBSE mandate for two Indian languages may still face resistance. Critically, this move must be seen alongside the delimitation debate — language and demographic representation are deeply intertwined federal issues. For UPSC, this connects with: (a) NEP 2020 implementation, (b) the language policy debate, (c) Centre-State relations in education (Concurrent List), and (d) the broader question of national integration vs regional linguistic identity.
Concept Flowchart
flowchart TD A[NEP 2020: Three-Language Formula] --> B[CBSE Mandates for Class 9 from 2026-27] B --> C[Two Languages Must Be Indian] C --> D[Third Language: Internal Assessment Only] D --> E[No Board Exam for Third Language] E --> F[Aimed at Promoting Indian Languages] F --> G[Challenge: State Autonomy on Language Policy]
GS Paper: 2 | Topic: Education | Sub-topic: NEP 2020, Language Policy
Why it matters: The CBSE three-language mandate is a concrete step in NEP 2020 implementation with implications for federalism and India’s language policy.
Q. The National Education Policy 2020’s three-language formula seeks to balance linguistic promotion with academic flexibility. Discuss the challenges in its implementation. (10 marks)
Framework: NEP 2020 provisions → Tamil Nadu precedent → CBSE mandate → Eighth Schedule → Federal challenges
Q. The three-language formula in NEP 2020 recommends the study of how many languages at the school level?
(a) Two languages
(b) Three languages
(c) Four languages
(d) One language
Ans: (b)
Explanation: NEP 2020 recommends a three-language formula where at least two of the three languages should be native to India.
Source
Economic Times – CBSE 3 languages
11. Gadchiroli: Major Success Against Maoist Insurgency
Why in News?
Gadchiroli Police and CRPF arrested 8 Maoists and secured the surrender of 5 senior cadres in a major operation against left-wing extremism in Maharashtra, dealing a significant blow to the insurgency.
– 8 Maoists arrested including senior leaders; 5 senior cadres surrendered (Economic Times, May 16)
– Security forces seized numerous weapons and cash
– Maoist activity in Gadchiroli now largely confined to border areas
– The operation reflects the combined strategy of security force operations and development initiatives
– Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra has been a stronghold of CPI (Maoist) for decades
– The ‘Red Corridor’ spans multiple states including Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Maharashtra
– The government’s counter-insurgency strategy combines: (i) security operations, (ii) development schemes, (iii) surrender and rehabilitation policies
– The Security-Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme provides funds for LWE-affected areas
– The SAMADHAN doctrine (Smart leadership, Aggressive strategy, Motivation, Advanced technology, Data-driven, Hidden agenda, Action plan, Newer approach) guides counter-LWE efforts
– The LWE situation has improved significantly with geographical spread reducing from 200+ districts (2010) to about 90 districts (2025)
Teacher’s Analysis
The Gadchiroli success story is significant proof of the ‘whole-of-government’ approach to counter-insurgency. Must note that while security operations eliminate tactical threats, the long-term solution lies in addressing root causes: land rights, forest rights (FRA 2006), tribal welfare, and development deficit. The surrender of senior cadres is particularly significant as it indicates ideological disillusionment and the effectiveness of rehabilitation packages. For UPSC, this connects with: (a) internal security challenges, (b) tribal welfare and development, (c) Centre-State coordination, and (d) the distinction between tactical successes and strategic resolution.
Concept Flowchart
flowchart TD A[Security Forces Operation in Gadchiroli] --> B[8 Maoists Arrested] A --> C[5 Senior Cadres Surrendered] B --> D[Weapons and Cash Seized] C --> D D --> E[Maoist Activity Now Confined to Border Areas] E --> F[Success of Combined Security + Development Strategy] F --> G[Need to Address Root Causes: Land, Forest Rights, Tribal Welfare]
GS Paper: 3 | Topic: Internal Security | Sub-topic: Left-Wing Extremism
Why it matters: The Gadchiroli operation demonstrates the effectiveness of the comprehensive counter-LWE strategy.
Q. Left-wing extremism in India has been on the decline in recent years. Analyse the factors contributing to this trend and the challenges that remain. (10 marks)
Framework: SAMADHAN doctrine → Security operations → Development schemes → Rehabilitation → Remaining challenges: urban Maoism, tribal grievances
Q. The SAMADHAN doctrine is associated with:
(a) India’s cyber security strategy
(b) Counter-insurgency operations against left-wing extremism
(c) India’s nuclear doctrine
(d) Maritime security framework
Ans: (b)
Explanation: SAMADHAN is the comprehensive strategy for countering left-wing extremism, encompassing Smart leadership, Aggressive strategy, Motivation, and other components.
Source
Economic Times – Gadchiroli Maoists arrested
12. Manipur: 10 Still Missing After Ethnic Violence
Why in News?
Ten of the 38 people abducted in Manipur’s ongoing ethnic violence remain untraceable, with Kuki groups calling a shutdown after an ambush on May 13 killed three civilians and injured four.
– 10 of 38 abducted persons still untraceable in Manipur (Economic Times, May 16)
– An ambush on May 13 killed three civilians and injured four
– Security forces and civil society groups working to find the missing persons
– 28 of the 38 abducted individuals have been safely released
– Kuki groups have called a shutdown in protest
– Ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023 between the Meitei majority (valley) and Kuki-Zo tribes (hills)
– The immediate trigger was the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by the Meitei community
– Over 200 people have been killed and 60,000+ displaced since May 2023
– The conflict has an ethnic, territorial, and economic dimension
– The government has attempted peace talks, buffer zones, and central forces deployment
– The violence has persisted sporadically despite peace efforts
Teacher’s Analysis
The Manipur crisis represents one of India’s most complex internal security challenges. Must note that the conflict is not merely ethnic but also rooted in: (a) historical migrations and land rights, (b) the constitutional framework of tribal protection (Fifth Schedule areas), (c) competition over resources and political representation, and (d) the breakdown of the earlier ‘peace compact’ between communities. The ST demand by Meiteis threatens the existing demographic and political balance that favored tribal communities in the hills. Critically, the prolonged nature of the violence (now in its fourth year) indicates a failure of conflict resolution mechanisms — neither military force nor peace talks have produced a durable solution. For UPSC, this connects with internal security, federalism, tribal rights, and the limits of India’s conflict management framework.
Concept Flowchart
flowchart TD A[Manipur Ethnic Violence: Meitei vs Kuki-Zo] --> B[May 2023 Trigger: Meitei ST Demand] B --> C[200+ Deaths, 60,000+ Displaced] C --> D[May 13, 2026: Ambush Kills 3] D --> E[38 Abducted: 28 Released, 10 Untraceable] E --> F[Kuki Groups Call Shutdown] F --> G[Peace Efforts Remain Inconclusive]
GS Paper: 3 | Topic: Internal Security | Sub-topic: Ethnic Conflict, North-East
Why it matters: The Manipur crisis represents the intersection of ethnic identity, tribal rights, and federal governance challenges in India’s Northeast.
Q. The ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur highlights the challenges of managing diversity in India’s federal framework. Discuss the causes of the conflict and the way forward. (15 marks)
Framework: Meitei ST demand → Kuki-Zo resistance → Ethnic and territorial dimensions → Constitutional mechanisms → Peace-building approach
Q. The Manipur ethnic violence (2023-26) was triggered by the demand for Scheduled Tribe status by which community?
(a) Kuki-Zo
(b) Naga
(c) Meitei
(d) Paite
Ans: (c)
Explanation: The violence was triggered by the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which the Kuki-Zo tribes saw as threatening their existing rights and demographic position.
Source
Economic Times – Manipur 10 still missing
| # | Topic | Key Fact | GS Paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NEET-UG Paper Leak | 23L candidates; CBI arrested 9; SC petition for NTA dissolution | GS-2 |
| 2 | Delimitation Bill | 131st Amendment defeated (298 vs 352 needed); LS seats proposed from 543 to 850 | GS-2 |
| 3 | India-Netherlands | Bilateral trade: USD 27.8 billion; FDI: USD 55.6 billion; Strategic Partnership signed | GS-2 |
| 4 | Indus Waters Treaty | IWT in abeyance since April 2025 after Pahalgam attack; India rejected CoA pondage award | GS-2 |
| 5 | Captagon Seizure | 227 kg seized, ₹182 crore value; First-ever ‘jihadi drug’ bust in India; Syria national arrested | GS-3 |
| 6 | Chola Copper Plates | Rajaraja Chola I (985-1014 CE); 21 plates, 30 kg; Returned after 14-year diplomatic effort | GS-1 |
| 7 | Labour Codes | 29 central laws → 4 codes; Rules notified; Gig workers included in Social Security Code | GS-2 |
| 8 | IMD Heatwave Parameters | Current: 40°C plains/30°C hills threshold; Severe HW: >6.4°C departure; Revision underway | GS-3 |
| 9 | No-Confidence Motion | Against LS Speaker Om Birla; Article 94: removal by majority of all members | GS-2 |
| 10 | CBSE Three-Language | From 2026-27; 2 of 3 languages must be Indian; NEP 2020 implementation | GS-2 |
| 11 | Gadchiroli Maoists | 8 arrested, 5 surrendered; SAMADHAN doctrine; Maoists confined to border areas | GS-3 |
| 12 | Manipur Violence | 10 of 38 abducted untraceable; Ethnic conflict since May 2023; 200+ dead | GS-3 |
FAQs
Q1. Why was the NEET-UG 2026 exam cancelled and what is the NTA dissolution demand?
The NEET-UG 2026 exam was cancelled on May 12 after a circulated ‘guess paper’ was found to contain 120+ questions matching the actual exam. The CBI has arrested 9 persons, including a botany lecturer who allegedly leaked questions. A doctors’ body has moved the Supreme Court seeking dissolution of the NTA, arguing that as a registered society (not a statutory body), it lacks parliamentary accountability. The government has appointed two Joint Secretaries and Joint Directors in the NTA amid the crisis.
Q2. What was the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 and why was it defeated?
The Bill proposed expanding Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 seats and implementing 33% women’s reservation through delimitation based on the 2011 Census. It was defeated in Lok Sabha on April 17, securing only 298 votes against the required 352 (special majority). The opposition argued it linked women’s reservation to a delimitation exercise that would reduce southern states’ representation due to their successful population stabilization.
Q3. What is the significance of PM Modi’s Netherlands visit?
PM Modi’s Netherlands visit (May 16-17) resulted in the elevation of bilateral ties to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ covering semiconductors, green hydrogen, water management, and defence. The Netherlands is India’s 4th largest investor (USD 55.6 billion FDI) and 3rd largest export destination. The visit also saw the return of 11th-century Chola copper plates to India.
Q4. What is India’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty?
India placed the IWT in abeyance in April 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack. On May 16, 2026, India rejected the Court of Arbitration’s supplemental award on pondage limits, calling it ‘null and void’. India does not recognize the CoA as legitimately constituted and has stopped sharing hydrological data with Pakistan.
Q5. What is Captagon and why is its seizure in India significant?
Captagon (fenethylline) is a synthetic amphetamine-type stimulant known as the ‘jihadi drug’ for its widespread use by ISIS fighters. The NCB’s Operation Ragepill resulted in India’s first-ever seizure — 227 kg worth ₹182 crore. A Syrian national was arrested. The seizure signals evolving narcotics trafficking patterns and raises narco-terrorism concerns.
Q6. What are the Chola copper plates returned by the Netherlands?
The Anaimangalam Chola Copper Plates date back to Emperor Rajaraja Chola I (985-1014 CE) — 21 plates weighing 30 kg, bound by a bronze ring with the Chola royal seal. They were in Leiden University’s possession since 1862. Their return after a 14-year diplomatic effort represents a significant cultural heritage repatriation.
Q7. What are the new labour codes and what changes do they bring?
The four labour codes (Code on Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security, OSH) consolidate 29 central labour laws. Key changes include: standardized wage definition, universal social security for gig/platform workers, fixed-term employment provisions, and updated thresholds. Rules have been notified but implementation awaits state rules.
Q8. Why is IMD changing heatwave parameters?
IMD is revising heatwave declaration criteria due to changing climate patterns, including unprecedented anti-cyclone formation near southern India. Current criteria: 40°C plains, 30°C hills for heatwave; >6.4°C departure for severe. The revision balances scientific accuracy with public safety communication in a warming climate.
Q9. What is the constitutional process for removing the Lok Sabha Speaker?
Under Article 94, the Speaker can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all members of the House, with 14 days’ notice. The current no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla raises questions about the Speaker’s impartiality as a party member and the institutional independence of the Chair.
Q10. What is the CBSE’s new three-language mandate?
From 2026-27, CBSE Class 9 students must study three languages, with at least two being Indian. The third language will be assessed internally (not a Board exam) and will appear on the Class 10 certificate without affecting scores. This implements NEP 2020’s three-language formula.
Q11. What happened in the Gadchiroli anti-Maoist operation?
Gadchiroli Police and CRPF arrested 8 Maoists (including senior leaders) and secured the surrender of 5 senior cadres. Weapons and cash were seized. Maoist activity is now confined to border areas, reflecting the success of the government’s comprehensive SAMADHAN counter-insurgency strategy.
Q12. What is the current situation in Manipur?
Ten of 38 people abducted in Manipur’s ongoing ethnic violence remain untraceable. A May 13 ambush killed three civilians. The conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, triggered by the Meitei ST demand, has caused 200+ deaths and 60,000+ displacements since May 2023.
Previous Year Links
- UPSC 2024: Question on the role of the Speaker under the Tenth Schedule
- UPSC 2023: Question on Indus Waters Treaty dispute resolution mechanism
- UPSC 2022: Question on delimitation and its impact on federal representation
- UPSC 2021: Question on India-Netherlands bilateral relations
- UPSC 2020: Question on the Chola dynasty and its cultural contributions
- UPSC 2019: Question on left-wing extremism in India (SAMADHAN doctrine)
- UPSC 2018: Question on labour law reforms in India
SEO Tags: NEET-UG 2026, NTA, Delimitation Bill, Constitution 131st Amendment, India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership, Indus Waters Treaty, Court of Arbitration, Captagon, Operation Ragepill, Chola Copper Plates, Rajaraja Chola I, Labour Codes, Gig Workers, Social Security Code, IMD, Heatwave Parameters, Climate Change, Speaker No-Confidence, Article 94, CBSE Three-Language Formula, NEP 2020, Gadchiroli, Maoists, SAMADHAN, Manipur Ethnic Violence, Meitei ST Demand, PM Modi Europe Tour, Cultural Repatriation, UNESCO ICPRCP, NDPS Act, Public Examinations Act 2024, Vienna Convention on Law of Treaties, UPSC Current Affairs May 2026
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Devendra Upadhyay
Devendra Upadhyay is a UPSC mentor and the founder of Soham IAS. With years of experience guiding civil services aspirants, he specialises in helping working professionals and first-generation learners build structured, self-directed preparation strategies. His PACE Method framework — Plan, Absorb, Consolidate, Execute — has helped hundreds of aspirants bring clarity and consistency to their UPSC journey. He offers limited 1-on-1 mentorship sessions through Soham IAS.
