The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) PSLV-C62 mission, carrying the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites, failed to reach its intended trajectory on January 12, 2026. An anomaly was detected during the end of the third stage (PS3), resulting in the loss of all satellites. This marks the second consecutive failure for the PSLV, following the PSLV-C61 failure in May 2025. The EOS-N1 satellite, developed by DRDO for strategic purposes, represents a significant financial loss. Experts call for greater transparency and the release of Failure Analysis Committee (FAC) reports to restore confidence in the PSLV as a reliable commercial launch vehicle.
The PSLV-C62 mission failed due to a 'roll rate disturbance' in the third stage, similar to the PSLV-C61 failure in May 2025.
The primary payload was the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite, built by DRDO for strategic applications, which was not insured as per government policy.
This is the fourth failure of the PSLV since its first mission in 1993 and the second within a single year, impacting its reputation as a 'workhorse'.
Exam Points
Date of PSLV-C62 failure: January 12, 2026.
Primary payload: EOS-N1 (Earth Observation Satellite) developed by DRDO.
India's retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to a three-month high of 1.33% in December 2025. Despite the slight uptick, it remains significantly below the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) lower comfort level of 2%. The low figure is attributed to a broad-based decline in price levels across various sectors. However, core inflation, which excludes volatile components like food and fuel, jumped to a 28-month high of 4.8%. While food and beverage prices saw a contraction, meat, oils, and fruits remained high, potentially exerting upward pressure in the coming months.
Retail inflation reached 1.33% in December 2025, up from previous months but still below the RBI's 2% lower threshold.
The RBI targets an inflation rate of 4%, with a comfort band of 2% above and below that target (2% to 6%).
Core inflation, which excludes food, beverages, fuel, light, and transport fuels, rose significantly to 4.8%.
To achieve the goal of a 'Viksit Bharat' and a $30 trillion economy by 2047, India must prioritize sustained investment in human capital, specifically early childhood development (ECCD). The first 1,000 days of life are critical for brain architecture and future productivity. Current initiatives like Mission Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 provide a foundation, but a more integrated, universal approach is needed. The article advocates for a citizen-led movement and functional coordination between ministries to ensure every child receives adequate health, nutrition, and emotional care, which yields high long-term returns in national competitiveness and social mobility.
The first 1,000 days of a child's life are the most critical 'window of opportunity' for brain development and future potential.
Investment in ECCD is not just welfare but a strategic economic investment that reduces future spending on healthcare and social protection.
India needs to move beyond fragmented approaches to an integrated ECCD framework covering health, nutrition, and early stimulation.
Exam Points
Target year for Viksit Bharat: 2047.
Key government schemes: Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Mission Saksham Anganwadi, and POSHAN 2.0.
Critical period for brain development: First 1,000 days (conception to second birthday).
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025, introduced in the Lok Sabha, aims to transform India's higher education by replacing fragmented oversight with a coordinated, transparent system. Aligned with NEP 2020, the Bill proposes a 'light but tight' framework, granting autonomy to well-performing institutions while maintaining high standards. It creates an apex body with three separate councils for regulation, accreditation, and standards to reduce conflicts of interest. By repealing the UGC, AICTE, and NCTE Acts, the Bill seeks to unify the regulatory architecture, promote international credibility, and foster a culture of public accountability through technology-enabled disclosures.
The Bill aims to replace the University Grants Commission (UGC), AICTE, and NCTE with a single regulatory framework.
It establishes the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan as an apex body with distinct councils for regulation, accreditation, and standards.
The 'light but tight' approach focuses on transparency and standards while minimizing procedural burdens on institutions.
Exam Points
Bill Name: Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025.
Acts to be repealed: UGC Act 1956, AICTE Act 1987, and NCTE Act 1993.
Constitutional basis: Entry 66 (Union List) of the Seventh Schedule.
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, made fully operational at COP29, provides a framework for international cooperation through carbon markets. It allows countries to transfer emissions reductions (ITMOs) to meet their climate goals. For India, this presents an opportunity to attract climate-aligned finance and advanced technologies. India has already entered a new era by operationalizing the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) with Japan under Article 6.2. To maximize benefits, India must strengthen its domestic framework, streamline project clearances, and position itself as a supplier of high-quality carbon removals, such as Biochar and Enhanced Rock Weathering.
Article 6 (A6) enables international cooperation through market mechanisms (6.2 and 6.4) to achieve Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
The Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (Article 6.4) replaces the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) from the Kyoto Protocol.
India's partnership with Japan under the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) is an early example of Article 6.2 cooperation.
Exam Points
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement: Governs international carbon markets.
COP29: The conference where Article 6 rules were fully operationalized.
Recent US military action in Venezuela, aimed at capturing President Nicolas Maduro on 'narco-terrorism' charges and seizing oil assets, is criticized as a flagrant violation of international law. The article argues that this action violates Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. The breakdown of the balance-of-power concept, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, has led to unchecked exercise of power by the US. The author suggests that India needs a strategic military-industrial complex to counter such insensitive geopolitical shifts.
The US action in Venezuela is seen as a violation of the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force against sovereign states.
The declaration to use Venezuela's oil wealth to compensate US companies is viewed as a breach of international norms.
The article highlights the shift from a bipolar world to a unipolar one where the US exercises 'unchecked power' in pre-emptive strikes.
Exam Points
UN Charter Article 2(4): Prohibits the threat or use of force against any state.
UN Charter Article 51: Pertains to the right of self-defence.
Country involved: Venezuela (possesses the largest proven oil reserves in the world).
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