UPSC Current Affairs — Tuesday, 28 July 2026

What You Need to Know

The Supreme Court affirmed that the right to peaceful protest is part of fundamental rights under Article 19(1)(a) and (b), and that police excesses during protests are subject to judicial scrutiny. The court emphasized equal concern for injuries to all individuals.

Why It Matters for UPSC

For UPSC, this judgment clarifies the balance between fundamental rights and state power, a recurring theme in governance and ethics. It reinforces police accountability and the rule of law, crucial for India's democratic fabric.

Background

Article 19(1)(a) guarantees freedom of speech and expression, and Article 19(1)(b) guarantees assembly peacefully without arms. Reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) and (3) allow the state to regulate protests for public order. Past judgments like Ramlila Maidan case (2012) have upheld the right to protest.

Current Relevance

This judgment comes amid debates over protest handling (e.g., farmers' protests 2020-21, anti-CAA protests). It sets a precedent for future demonstrations and police conduct, impacting governance and civil liberties.

Key Points for Revision

• •Right to peaceful protest is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) and (b).
• •Police excesses during protests are subject to judicial review for accountability.
• •Injuries to protesters and police officers are of equal legal concern per SC.
• •Reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) and (3) must be proportionate.
• •Judgment reinforces rule of law and limits on state power in democratic India.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Mains Practice Questions

• Discuss the constitutional framework governing the right to peaceful protest in India. How does the recent Supreme Court judgment reinforce police accountability? (250 words)

  Discuss

• Critically analyse the balance between the right to protest and the need for public order in India. What mechanisms exist to prevent police excesses? (250 words)

  Critically analyse

What You Need to Know

A high-powered committee report on examination reforms after the 2024 paper leak, recommending encrypted digital delivery and secure testing protocols to eliminate physical transport of question papers.

Why It Matters for UPSC

Paper leaks undermine meritocracy and public trust in competitive exams like UPSC. Reforms are critical for ensuring fairness, transparency, and national security against organized leak syndicates.

Background

India has seen multiple high-profile exam leaks (e.g., NEET 2024, UGC NET 2023). The 2024 leak prompted the government to form a steering committee under a former Supreme Court judge or senior bureaucrat to overhaul the system.

Current Relevance

The report is under government consideration. Implementation could set a precedent for all central recruitment exams. Challenges include cost, digital divide in rural centers, and cybersecurity threats.

Key Points for Revision

• •2024 paper leak led to formation of high-powered steering committee for exam reforms.
• •Key recommendation: eliminate physical transport of question papers via encrypted digital delivery.
• •Proposes secure testing protocols including biometric authentication and CCTV surveillance.
• •Aims to restore public trust in merit-based selection processes like UPSC, NEET, etc.
• •Challenges: high implementation cost, rural digital infrastructure gaps, and cyber attack risks.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Mains Practice Questions

• Discuss the challenges in implementing encrypted digital delivery of question papers for large-scale competitive examinations in India. Suggest measures to overcome them. (150 words)

  Discuss

• Examine the role of technology in enhancing transparency and integrity of public examinations in India. What ethical concerns arise from such technological interventions? (250 words)

  Examine

What You Need to Know

The Ganga Waters Treaty (1996) is a bilateral agreement between India and Bangladesh for sharing the waters of the Ganga River at Farakka, aiming to ensure equitable distribution during the dry season. It was signed for 30 years and is due for renewal.

Why It Matters for UPSC

Water security is critical for both nations, especially for agriculture and livelihoods in Bangladesh. Reimagining the treaty is vital for addressing climate change impacts, environmental flows, and sustainable development, making it a key UPSC topic for India's foreign policy and resource management.

Background

The treaty originated from disputes over the Farakka Barrage (commissioned in 1975), which India built to divert Ganga water to the Hooghly River. After decades of tension, the 1996 treaty established a formula for sharing dry-season flows. It expires in 2026, necessitating renewal.

Current Relevance

With climate change altering river flows and increasing water stress, both countries face new challenges. The treaty renewal offers an opportunity to include provisions for environmental flows, joint monitoring, and adaptive management, reflecting India's role as a responsible upstream riparian.

Key Points for Revision

• •Ganga Waters Treaty (1996) shares dry-season flows at Farakka; expires in 2026.
• •Treaty renewal must address climate change, environmental flows, and equitable distribution.
• •Farakka Barrage diverts Ganga water to Hooghly River; impacts Bangladesh's agriculture.
• •UN Watercourses Convention (1997) provides framework for transboundary water sharing.
• •India-Bangladesh water cooperation is key to bilateral relations and regional stability.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Mains Practice Questions

• Discuss the challenges in reimagining the 1996 Ganga Waters Treaty between India and Bangladesh in the context of climate change and sustainable development. (250 words)

  Discuss

• Examine the role of transboundary water treaties in promoting regional cooperation in South Asia, with special reference to the India-Bangladesh Ganga Waters Treaty. (150 words)

  Examine