Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Malaysia marks a significant shift in bilateral relations, moving past recent strains. Both nations issued a joint statement unequivocally condemning terrorism and cross-border terrorism. Key agreements include an MoU on semiconductors involving IIT Madras Global and the Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia. Discussions covered trade, defense, energy, and digital technologies. Importantly, both sides chose to avoid public discussion on contentious issues like the stay of preacher Zakir Naik and focused on reviewing the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).
The visit aimed to repair ties after strains in 2024 and 2025 regarding remarks on regional security.
A major MoU was signed for semiconductor cooperation between IIT Madras Global and Malaysia's Advanced Semiconductor Academy.
Both nations committed to strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation and intelligence sharing.
Exam Points
MoU between IIT Madras Global and Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia.
Review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).
Malaysia is designated as a BRICS partner country.
The article critiques the use of criminal law, specifically FIRs, to suppress artistic expression that may offend certain groups. Using the example of the film 'Ghooskhor Pandat', it highlights how executive actions often bypass judicial scrutiny to flatten public debate. It emphasizes that Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution protects speech even when it is unwelcome to powerful groups. The piece argues that the state bears the burden of specificity when imposing restrictions under Article 19(2) and should prioritize judicial relief over coercive executive measures to maintain democratic values.
Article 19(1)(a) protects speech precisely because it can be unwelcome to powerful groups.
Restrictions imposed by the state under Article 19(2) must be proportionate and specific.
Courts distinguish between speech that merely offends and speech that leads to violence or disorder.
Exam Points
Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution.
Article 19(2) regarding reasonable restrictions.
Case references: The Kerala Story (2023) and India: The Modi Question (BBC documentary).
As India prepares to chair the Kimberley Process (KP) in 2026, there is a significant opportunity to reform the mechanism governing 'conflict diamonds.' The current system, established in 2003, faces criticism for its narrow definition of conflict and susceptibility to political vetoes. India can leverage its position as a major diamond processing hub to introduce technological reforms like blockchain-based certification. Proposed improvements include independent third-party audits, technical support for African producer nations, and aligning KP goals with Sustainable Development Goals to ensure diamond revenues support community development.
India will assume the chair of the Kimberley Process (KP) for the year 2026.
The KP is a tripartite setup of governments, industry organizations, and civil society to prevent 'conflict diamond' trade.
India proposes using blockchain-based certification to reduce fraud and enhance transparency in diamond shipments.
Exam Points
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was established in 2003.
India processes roughly 40% of the total global diamond imports by value.
Opposition parties in India are considering a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging partiality in parliamentary proceedings. The move is triggered by the suspension of MPs and the denial of speaking opportunities to opposition leaders. Under Article 94(c) of the Constitution, a member may give a written notice of intention to move a resolution for the removal of the Speaker. This requires at least 14 days' notice. While the opposition may lack the numbers to carry the motion, the move highlights significant friction within the legislative branch.
Article 94(c) of the Constitution allows for the removal of the Speaker by a resolution of the Lok Sabha.
A mandatory 14-day notice period is required before moving such a resolution.
The opposition alleges the Speaker has acted in a partisan manner during debates and MP suspensions.
Exam Points
Article 94(c) of the Indian Constitution.
Requirement of at least 14 days' notice for the removal resolution.
The motion is being considered by the INDIA alliance parties.
Following a fatal blast in an illegal rat-hole coal mine in East Jaintia Hills, the Meghalaya government has constituted a judicial inquiry commission. A panel headed by Justice B.P. Katakey flagged a massive discrepancy in surveyed coal stocks, with over 1.92 lakh tonnes missing. Despite a 2014 ban by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), illegal mining persists through thousands of rat-holes. Activists are calling for an Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe, arguing that illegal mining has transitioned from a law-and-order issue to a serious economic offense involving complex financial networks.
A judicial inquiry commission has been formed to investigate the February 5 mine blast that killed 27 miners.
The Justice B.P. Katakey panel found nearly 2 lakh tonnes of coal missing from surveyed dumps.
Rat-hole mining was banned by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in April 2014 due to safety and environmental risks.
Exam Points
National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban on rat-hole mining: April 2014.
Justice B.P. Katakey (retired) heads the oversight panel.
Over 22,000 illegal rat-hole mine openings identified in East Jaintia Hills.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed banks to increase the limit for collateral-free loans to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh. This directive applies to all units financed under the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), administered by KVIC. The move aims to facilitate improved access to formal credit and support entrepreneurial activity. Banks are also encouraged to utilize credit guarantee scheme covers. This policy change is part of the RBI's broader effort to strengthen last-mile credit delivery for the MSME sector.
The RBI increased the collateral-free loan limit for MSEs from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh.
The directive specifically covers units under the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).
Banks can still increase limits further based on the good track record and financial position of the unit.
Exam Points
Collateral-free loan limit increased to ₹20 lakh.
PMEGP is administered by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).
A controversy has emerged regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, specifically the use of Form 7. Form 7 is intended for objecting to the inclusion of names or seeking deletions due to death or shifting residence. The Congress party has alleged that the form is being misused through coordinated efforts to delete eligible voters' names. The Election Commission (EC) maintains that verification procedures, including physical visits by Booth Level Officers (BLOs), are in place. Under the Representation of the People Act 1950, filing a false declaration is a punishable offense.
Form 7 is the official document used to object to the inclusion of a name in the electoral roll.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has seen the distribution of over 50 crore enumeration forms.
Section 32 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, makes filing false declarations a punishable offense.
Exam Points
Form 7: Used for objecting to inclusion or seeking deletion from electoral rolls.
Section 32 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
50.94 crore enumeration forms distributed since Phase II of SIR.
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