The Supreme Court of India has directed the Election Commission (EC) to include Aadhaar as the 12th 'indicative' document for identity proof during the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi clarified that while Aadhaar can be used to verify identity or residence, it cannot be treated as evidence of Indian citizenship. The court noted that despite previous directives, booth-level officers were refusing to accept Aadhaar. The EC is now tasked with publicizing this order to ensure voters can use Aadhaar for filing claims or objections during the revision process.
Aadhaar is now officially recognized as the 12th indicative document for identity proof in Bihar's electoral roll revision.
The Supreme Court emphasized that Aadhaar serves as proof of identity or residence but is not proof of Indian citizenship.
The Election Commission retains the authority to verify the authenticity and genuineness of any Aadhaar document submitted.
Exam Points
Bench: Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi.
Aadhaar is the 12th 'indicative' document for identity proof in this specific electoral context.
Relevant Statute: Representation of the People Act.
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 results show that older public institutions continue to dominate, but the ranking methodology faces significant criticism. Key issues include the subjective nature of 'peer perception' and the inadequate prioritization of the 'Outreach and Inclusivity' (OI) parameter. While OI is intended to account for regional, gender, and socio-economic diversity, current data often omits students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or those with disabilities. The article argues for a comprehensive review of NIRF to ensure it promotes genuine quality and equity rather than merely serving as a branding tool for private institutions.
NIRF evaluates institutions based on five parameters: Teaching, Research, Graduation Outcomes, Outreach & Inclusivity, and Perception.
The 'Peer Perception' parameter, carrying 10% weight, is criticized for being prone to influence and favoring established reputations.
The 'Outreach and Inclusivity' component lacks comprehensive data on economically disadvantaged students and persons with disabilities.
Exam Points
NIRF was launched by the Ministry of Education in 2016.
Number of participating institutions grew from 3,565 in 2016 to 14,163 in 2025.
Outreach and Inclusivity (OI) parameter weight: 10% of the total score.
Amidst a shifting global order, Iran and India are exploring new horizons for their ancient civilisational ties. The article highlights the potential of South-South cooperation and multilateral organizations like BRICS to challenge Western economic dominance. A central pillar of this relationship is the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which serves as a civilisational bridge linking Eurasia, the Caucasus, India, and Africa. Both nations advocate for a multipolar world order based on participation and equality. The partnership aims to bring stability to West Asia and promote an independent, democratic future for the Global South by resisting external interference.
Iran and India are leveraging historical ties to build a global order rooted in 'South-South cooperation' and mutual respect.
The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a strategic economic link connecting India to Eurasia and Africa.
Both nations emphasize the importance of BRICS in promoting de-dollarisation and challenging Western economic sanctions.
Exam Points
INSTC: International North-South Transport Corridor.
Multilateral platforms mentioned: BRICS, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Key geographic focus: Eurasia, Caucasus, and West Asia.
India's proposed 'GST 2.0' aims to simplify tax rates into two main slabs (5% and 18%), but health experts warn this could negatively impact public health. Lowering taxes on ultra-processed foods like confectionery and sugar-sweetened beverages from 12-18% to 5% could increase consumption of unhealthy products. This contradicts India's strategy to combat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The article suggests that tax treatments should be linked to Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL). High-sugar or high-fat products should face higher taxes (18% or more), while healthier alternatives should benefit from lower rates to encourage better dietary choices and improve national health outcomes.
The proposed GST 2.0 simplification might inadvertently reduce taxes on ultra-processed, 'unhealthy' foods.
Lowering costs for high-sugar products could exacerbate the crisis of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India.
Experts advocate for a 'health tax' model where GST rates are contingent on the nutritional profile and FOPL status of products.
Exam Points
Proposed GST slabs: 5%, 18%, and a 40% 'sin' tax bracket.
FSSAI: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
This article traces the history of India-China border negotiations, focusing on the role of Special Representatives (SRs) appointed since 2003. Despite the 2005 Political Parameters agreement, a final settlement remains elusive. Key friction points include the status of Tawang and the 'basis of alignment' for the Sikkim-Tibet border, particularly near the Teesta and Amo Chu rivers. The 2017 Doklam crisis highlighted the complexity of trijunctions involving Bhutan. While both sides have engaged in 24 rounds of talks, recent military standoffs since 2020 have stalled progress. A high-level political go-ahead is deemed essential to translate technical frameworks into a ground-level resolution.
The Special Representatives (SR) mechanism was established in 2003 to provide a political impetus to border negotiations.
The 2005 'Political Parameters and Guiding Principles' agreement remains the most significant milestone in the SR process.
Disagreements persist over the 'watershed principle' and the status of populated areas in Arunachal Pradesh.
Exam Points
First SRs: Brajesh Mishra (India) and Dai Bingguo (China).
Agreement Year: 2005 (Political Parameters and Guiding Principles).
Number of SR talk rounds conducted: 24.
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