The Supreme Court of India has ruled that access to menstrual health and hygiene management (MHM) in educational institutions is an integral part of the fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21. The court emphasized that the lack of these facilities subjects girls to stigma and humiliation, hindering their education. It directed States and Union Territories to ensure access to free sanitary napkins, functional gender-segregated toilets, and proper disposal mechanisms in all schools. The judgment also highlighted the need to sensitize male teachers and students to prevent harassment and invasive questioning.
The Supreme Court linked menstrual hygiene to the right to privacy and bodily autonomy of students.
States must provide free sanitary napkins and 'MHM corners' in both government and private schools.
Non-compliance with MHM standards can lead to de-recognition of private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
Exam Points
Article 21 of the Constitution (Right to Life and Dignity).
Article 21A (Right to free and compulsory education).
Section 19 of the Right to Education (RTE) Act (norms and standards for school infrastructure).
Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran presented the Economic Survey 2025-26, charting a framework for a medium-term 'entrepreneur state.' The Survey highlights India's economic stability despite global flux but warns of risks like a 10-20% probability of a global crisis in 2026. It addresses the falling rupee, attributing it to capital flight to AI-developed nations rather than weak fundamentals. Key focus areas include developing 'strategic indispensability' in global supply chains, maintaining fiscal flexibility at the Centre, and cautioning States against fiscal populism and rising revenue deficits.
The Survey proposes an 'entrepreneur state' model that is risk-taking and agile in policymaking.
India aims to move from import dependence to 'strategic indispensability' in merchandise supply chains.
While the Centre halved its fiscal deficit ratio in five years, many States face increasing revenue deficits.
Exam Points
Economic Survey 2025-26 presented by CEA V. Anantha Nageswaran.
10-20% probability assigned to a global economic crisis in 2026.
The Centre's fiscal deficit ratio has been more than halved over the last five years.
India's steel sector, accounting for 12% of the country's carbon emissions, is pivotal to meeting its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). To reach a production capacity of 400 million tonnes by 2030, the industry must transition from coal-based methods to green hydrogen and renewable energy. The article advocates for a 'Green Steel Taxonomy,' a carbon credit trading scheme, and government support for infrastructure like hydrogen pipelines. Early adoption of low-carbon technologies is essential to remain competitive globally, especially with the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) coming into play.
The steel sector is one of the hardest to decarbonize due to its heavy reliance on coal.
India's steel production needs to more than triple from 125 million tonnes to 400 million tonnes by 2030.
The Green Steel Taxonomy and National Green Hydrogen Mission are key policy drivers for the transition.
Exam Points
Steel sector accounts for approximately 12% of India's carbon emissions.
Target steel production: 400 million tonnes by 2030.
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a policy implemented by the European Union.
The Supreme Court recently stayed the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, calling them 'too sweeping.' However, the legal analysis underscores that these rules stem from Article 15 of the Constitution, which mandates the State to remedy historical injustices faced by marginalized communities. While the draft rules aimed to address rising caste-based discrimination on campuses, critics argue they might lead to 'reverse discrimination.' The Court is examining whether the definition of discrimination in the rules has a reasonable link to the objective of promoting full equity in HEIs.
Caste-based discrimination complaints in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have more than doubled in the last five years.
Article 15(1) and 15(2) provide the constitutional basis for prohibiting discrimination and ensuring access to public services.
The Sukanya Shantha case established the principle of substantive equality to correct historical injustices.
Exam Points
Article 15 of the Constitution (Prohibition of discrimination).
UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026.
Sukanya Shantha case (SC judgment on caste discrimination in prisons).
Sri Lanka is proceeding with its International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme despite the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Ditwah in late 2025. The cyclone, described as the worst climate shock since the 2004 tsunami, caused massive flooding, landslides, and over 600 deaths. While civil society groups called for renegotiating the IMF deal to prioritize humanitarian aid, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's government remains committed to fiscal responsibility. The IMF has approved an additional $200 million under its Rapid Financing Instrument to help the island nation manage the dual crisis of economic recovery and disaster relief.
Cyclone Ditwah caused significant loss of life (649+ deaths) and damage to public infrastructure and livelihoods.
The Sri Lankan government is balancing IMF-mandated austerity with the need for disaster recovery and climate adaptation.
The IMF's Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) provides emergency assistance for balance-of-payments problems.
Exam Points
Cyclone Ditwah (November 2025).
IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme.
$200 million approved under the IMF's Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI).
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