The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently ruled that environmental safeguards for the Great Nicobar Project are in place, emphasizing its strategic utility. However, the project remains controversial due to its potential impact on the region's pristine biodiversity and indigenous tribes like the Shompen and Nicobarese. The project envisages a trans-shipment port, an international airport, and a power plant. Critics argue that the felling of nearly nine lakh trees and the disturbance to leatherback turtle nesting grounds constitute an irreparable loss. The NGT has ordered a review of the environmental aspects, highlighting the classic conflict between development and conservation.
The Great Nicobar Island Project (GNIP) includes a trans-shipment port, airport, township, and a 450 MVA power plant.
Environmentalists warn about the loss of 130 sq. km of tropical forest and impact on leatherback turtle nesting.
The project affects the community rights of local Shompen and Nicobarese tribes under the Forest Rights Act.
Exam Points
The project involves felling nearly nine lakh trees across 130 sq. km.
Key indigenous groups involved: Shompen and Nicobarese tribes.
Legal framework: Forest Rights Act and National Green Tribunal (NGT) oversight.
Modern copyright law has expanded significantly from its 18th-century origins, moving toward copyright maximalism that can obstruct access to knowledge. The debate has intensified with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, which require vast datasets for training. While some jurisdictions like the EU and Japan have created text and data mining exceptions, India lacks a flexible fair use provision for AI. The article argues for a return to the original intent of copyright—promoting creativity and public benefit—rather than just protecting industry interests. It suggests that India should lead efforts to adopt flexible exceptions that serve both creators and the public.
The Statute of Anne (1710) was the first copyright law, granting limited monopolies to authors.
Current copyright laws often last for the author's lifetime plus 70 years, creating near-perpetual monopolies.
The Marrakesh Treaty enables the exchange of accessible-format books for visually impaired persons.
Exam Points
Statute of Anne (1710) is considered the first copyright law.
India's current Copyright Act dates from 1957.
The Marrakesh Treaty facilitates access to published works for persons who are blind or visually impaired.
As India hosts the AI Impact Summit, there is a call for a human-centred AI that drives inclusive social justice. AI is expected to transform the world of work by enhancing productivity rather than just replacing jobs. India's e-Shram platform, which supports over 315 million informal workers, is a prime example of using technology for social protection. The Union Budget 2026-27 announced a High-Powered Committee to assess AI's impact on employment. To ensure equitable outcomes, India must focus on skilling, digital infrastructure, and international collaboration to bridge the AI access gap between high and low-income economies.
AI could generate over three million new technology jobs in India by 2030 while reshaping ten million existing ones.
The e-Shram platform serves as a digital backbone for social protection for 315 million informal workers.
The Global Coalition for Social Justice, involving the ILO, aims to strengthen evidence-based AI policies.
Exam Points
World Day of Social Justice is observed on February 20.
The e-Shram platform covers over 315 million informal workers in India.
Union Budget 2026-27 proposed a High-Powered 'Education to Employment and Enterprise' Committee.
The governance of AI in the military domain (REAIM) is a critical global challenge due to national security implications. While some nations have signed the 'Pathways to Action' declaration, major powers like the US, India, and China have shown strategic reluctance. The primary concern is the development of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS). India maintains that a legally binding instrument on LAWS is premature given regional security concerns. The article suggests a non-binding framework rooted in accountability and transparency as a starting point, eventually leading to legally binding norms as AI deployment in combat becomes more frequent.
The REAIM summit focuses on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain.
Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) are a major point of contention in international disarmament talks.
Strategic reluctance stems from AI's dual-use nature and the difficulty of verifying compliance with military constraints.
Exam Points
REAIM stands for Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain.
The UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) is the forum for discussing LAWS.
Only 35 out of 85 countries signed the latest 'Pathways to Action' declaration.
The second phase of the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP-II) is set to cover 1,954 strategic villages along India's land borders with Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Launched originally in 2023 to develop villages along the China border, the scheme aims to improve the quality of life for border populations and prevent migration. By providing livelihood opportunities, infrastructure, and social cohesion, the government seeks to ensure these regions are not left behind. The Union Cabinet cleared VVP-II in April 2025, emphasizing national integration and security through local development.
VVP-II expands the scheme's reach to 15 States and two Union Territories along multiple international borders.
The programme focuses on institutional capacity building, tourism, and diverse livelihood opportunities.
A key objective is to ensure economic and cultural assimilation of border populations with the rest of the nation.
Exam Points
VVP-II covers 1,954 villages across 15 States and 2 Union Territories.
The programme was originally launched in 2023 for the China border.
A private member Bill has been introduced in the Rajya Sabha to amend the Constitution to bring diversity to judicial appointments and establish regional benches of the Supreme Court. Currently, the Collegium system, established through the Three Judges Cases, governs appointments but faces criticism for lack of transparency and social representation. Between 2018 and 2024, only about 20% of high court judges belonged to SC, ST, or OBC categories. The Bill proposes mandatory representation for minorities and women and suggests regional benches in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai to improve access to justice for common citizens.
Article 124 and Article 217 of the Constitution govern the appointment of Supreme Court and High Court judges.
The Collegium system consists of the CJI and senior-most judges, excluding the executive from the final selection.
The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015.
Exam Points
Article 130 allows the Supreme Court to sit in places other than Delhi with CJI and Presidential approval.
The Second Judges Case (1993) created the current Collegium system.
Only 20% of judges appointed between 2018-2024 were from SC, ST, and OBC categories.
Following the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, India is focusing on tourism as a means to counter the terrorist ecosystem in Kashmir. The Union Budget 2026-27 outlines a plan for institutional capacity building and the development of ecologically sustainable mountain trails. By involving locals in paid civic roles like trail maintenance and waste management, the state aims to build trust and provide a path into the formal economy. Tourism fosters business ties and reduces isolation, incentivizing families to oppose terrorism. Shared environmental governance and civilian ownership of social stability are seen as key to long-term peace.
Tourism policy in Kashmir is shifting toward predictable safety and tangible local benefits.
The Union Budget 2026-27 emphasizes sustainable mountain trails and heritage site development.
Local participation in forest protection and conflict mitigation can replace volunteerism with paid roles.
Exam Points
Union Budget 2026-27 includes specific plans for J&K mountain trails.
14 tourist sites were reopened on February 16 following security assessments.
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