Addressing the nation on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized India's role as a messenger of peace amidst global conflicts. She highlighted the success of 'Operation Sindoor' in national security and the rise of 'Nari Shakti' as central to becoming a developed nation by 2047. The President noted significant progress in poverty alleviation through the principle of 'Antyodaya' and the achievement of making the Constitution available in all 22 Eighth Schedule languages, fostering 'constitutional nationalism'. She also celebrated India's digital leadership and the 150th anniversary of the composition of 'Vande Mataram'.
India's defense preparedness was showcased through 'Operation Sindoor' which destroyed terror infrastructure.
Women's empowerment is seen as a reshaper of the country, with 46% representation in Panchayati Raj institutions.
The 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' is expected to take political empowerment to unprecedented heights.
The Centre announced 131 Padma awards for 2026, including 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri. The Padma Vibhushan recipients include actor Dharmendra, former judge K.T. Thomas, and violinist N. Rajam. The awards recognize exceptional service in fields like art, public affairs, literature, and education. Notable Padma Shri awardees include actor R. Madhavan, former UGC chief M. Jagadesh Kumar, and aerospace scientist Chandramouli Gaddamanugu. The list also features 'unsung heroes,' such as Ashok Khade, a Dalit entrepreneur, and Asok Kumar Haldar, a railway guard turned author, highlighting contributions from all corners of society.
The awards include 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri.
Recipients represent a wide range of fields including social work, public affairs, science, and engineering.
The 'unsung heroes' category highlights individuals who have made significant contributions from humble backgrounds.
On the eve of Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu approved gallantry and distinguished service awards for personnel of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force was honored with the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. This follows his mission to the International Space Station in June 2025. The President approved a total of 301 military decorations, including Kirti Chakras, Shaurya Chakras, and various Seva Medals, recognizing acts of exceptional courage in operations like Rakshak, Snow Leopard, and Meghdoot, as well as rescue and casualty evacuation tasks.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla received the Ashok Chakra for his mission to the ISS and distinguished service.
The awards include 1 Ashok Chakra, 3 Kirti Chakras, and 12 Shaurya Chakras.
Military decorations also covered operations such as Rakshak, Snow Leopard, and Hifazat.
This analysis explores the resurgence of neo-colonial posturing in global politics, specifically focusing on US interests in Greenland and Venezuela. Donald Trump's suggestion to 'purchase' Greenland reflects a desire for strategic mineral wealth (rare earths) and control over the Northern Sea Route (NSR), which is becoming viable due to Arctic ice melt. Similarly, the 'Donroe Doctrine' in Venezuela emphasizes securing resource extraction (oil) over traditional nation-building. These actions reflect a shift toward transactional foreign policy that prioritizes economic gain and strategic encroachment, potentially alienating allies and pushing them toward a resurgent China.
Melting Arctic ice has increased the strategic importance of the Northern Sea Route for global trade.
Greenland's rare earth minerals are a major point of interest for both the US and China.
The 'Donroe Doctrine' represents a transactional approach to foreign policy, focusing on resource extraction in Venezuela.
Relations between India and the UAE have reached a new level of strategic depth, highlighted by frequent high-level visits and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Bilateral trade has seen a 37% rise, with a target of $200 billion by 2032. UAE investments are significant in India's infrastructure, including the Dholera Investment Region and GIFT City. Cooperation has expanded into advanced sectors like nuclear energy (small modular reactors), food security (Bharat Mart), and connectivity (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor). The partnership is built on mutual trust, shared interests, and a commitment to regional stability.
The CEPA has significantly boosted bilateral trade, with UAE exports to India rising by 28%.
UAE's Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) has committed $1 billion to India's National Investment and Infrastructure Fund.
Strategic cooperation includes nuclear energy, semiconductors, and the development of the Dholera Investment Region.
India's school network remains fragmented, with many small schools lacking adequate resources and specialized teachers. Drawing lessons from China's large-scale school design, experts suggest consolidating small units into 'composite schools' (Class 1-12). States like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh have already begun this transition. Large schools allow for subject-specialist teachers, better infrastructure (ICT labs, libraries), and smoother student transitions between educational levels. By 2035, India needs a state-specific roadmap to create integrated school models in every Gram Panchayat to ensure high-quality, universal education and better future outcomes for students.
Fragmented school networks (5.6 lakh schools with <50 students) hinder the quality of education in India.
Composite schools (Class 1-12) provide better access to specialized teachers and vocational training.
Madhya Pradesh has consolidated 36,000 under-enrolled schools under the NITI Aayog's SATH-E programme.
As India prepares for Budget 2026-27, there is a critical need to address constraints on women’s time and productivity. Women contribute only 18% to India’s GDP, largely due to the burden of unpaid domestic work. The article suggests reimagining schemes like PMAY and Jal Jeevan Mission with a 'gender-savings' focus. Key recommendations include expanding the 'Care Infrastructure Convenience Window', increasing allocations for women-led MSMEs, and upskilling women for the AI-driven future. The goal is to move beyond just spending on women to ensuring outcomes in income, agency, and opportunity through targeted gender budgeting.
Women's unpaid labor remains a major barrier to their participation in the formal workforce.
Gender budgeting should focus on time-saving infrastructure like piped water and clean cooking energy.
The 'Care Infrastructure Convenience Window' is proposed to mandate reporting on time-use metrics.
Exam Points
Women contribute 18% to India's GDP
4% of Mudra loan amounts go to women
VB-GRAM G (MGNREGA rebranding) aims for 100-125 days of employment
Recent instances of Governors skipping or altering their addresses to State Legislatures have sparked constitutional debates. Articles 175 and 176 of the Constitution mandate the Governor to address the house, outlining the government's policies. Historically, this speech is prepared by the council of ministers and reflects the elected government's views, not the Governor's personal opinions. Conflicts often arise in Opposition-ruled states. Commissions like Sarkaria and Punchhi have recommended consulting Chief Ministers before appointing Governors to minimize friction. The underlying issue remains the perceived politicization of the Governor's office and its impact on federal structure.
Article 176 makes it mandatory for the Governor to address the first session of the year.
The Supreme Court in 'Shamsher Singh vs State of Punjab' held that the Governor is a constitutional head acting on ministerial advice.
The 'Motion of Thanks' allows legislators to debate the policies mentioned in the Governor's address.
The Supreme Court recently clarified the limits of High Court interference in ongoing police investigations. In the 'Neeharika Infrastructure' case, the Court emphasized that police have a statutory right to investigate cognizable offenses. High Courts should only intervene in exceptional cases where no offense is disclosed. The phrase 'no coercive steps' often used in interim orders is criticized for being vague. The Court ruled that High Courts must provide specific reasons when staying an investigation or granting protection from arrest, ensuring that judicial oversight does not thwart the legitimate investigative process or result in a miscarriage of justice.
Police have the statutory right and duty under the CrPC to investigate cognizable offenses.
High Courts should exercise the power of quashing an FIR sparingly and with circumspection.
The Supreme Court ruled that 'no coercive steps' orders must be specific and backed by reasoned application of mind.
Exam Points
Neeharika Infrastructure (P) Ltd. versus State of Maharashtra (2021)
Section 482 CrPC
Section 528 BNSS
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