UPSC Current Affairs — Wednesday, 29 July 2026

What You Need to Know

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has declared 56,825 sq km of the Western Ghats as an Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA), restricting certain activities and mandating environmental impact assessments for projects. The Western Ghats is one of the world's eight biodiversity hotspots, hosting over 7,000 species of flowering plants and 500 species of birds.

Why It Matters for UPSC

This declaration balances ecological conservation with development, crucial for India's biodiversity and climate resilience. For UPSC, it tests understanding of ESA provisions, the Gadgil-Kasturirangan committee recommendations, and the conflict between conservation and local livelihoods.

Background

The Western Ghats were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. The Gadgil Committee (2011) recommended declaring the entire region as an ESA, while the Kasturirangan Committee (2013) proposed 37% of the area. The current declaration covers 56,825 sq km, approximately 37% of the Western Ghats, following the Kasturirangan report.

Current Relevance

The notification aims to curb illegal mining, deforestation, and unregulated tourism in the Western Ghats. It impacts states like Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Maharashtra, requiring environmental impact assessments for projects. This aligns with India's commitment to the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land).

Key Points for Revision

• •56,825 sq km of Western Ghats declared as Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA), covering 37% of the region.
• •ESA status prohibits mining, thermal power plants, and large-scale construction; requires EIA for projects.
• •Based on Kasturirangan Committee recommendations (2013), balancing conservation with development.
• •Western Ghats is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of 8 global biodiversity hotspots.
• •Affects 6 states: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Mains Practice Questions

• Discuss the significance of declaring the Western Ghats as an Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) in the context of balancing environmental conservation and developmental needs.

  Discuss

• Examine the recommendations of the Gadgil and Kasturirangan committees on the Western Ghats and analyze why the latter was preferred by the government.

  Examine

What You Need to Know

The Supreme Court is considering an independent probe into alleged police excesses during the NEET-UG paper leak investigation, highlighting concerns over police conduct and the need for accountability.

Why It Matters for UPSC

This issue underscores the balance between law enforcement powers and civil liberties, crucial for governance and public trust. For UPSC, it tests understanding of judicial oversight, police accountability, and ethical administration.

Background

The NEET-UG paper leak in 2024 led to widespread protests and police actions against accused individuals. Petitions alleged police excesses, prompting the CJI to flag concerns. The Supreme Court's potential intervention reflects its role in ensuring fair investigations.

Current Relevance

The SC's consideration of an independent probe signals a push for transparency amid student protests. It may set a precedent for handling similar cases, reinforcing the need for ethical policing.

Key Points for Revision

• •SC flagged police excesses in NEET-UG paper leak case, may order independent probe.
• •CJI's remarks emphasize judicial oversight to ensure fair investigation.
• •Petitions allege police misconduct, highlighting need for accountability mechanisms.
• •Student protests demand transparency, linking to broader governance issues.
• •Case tests balance between law enforcement powers and civil liberties.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Mains Practice Questions

• Examine the role of the Supreme Court in ensuring police accountability in India, with reference to the recent NEET-UG paper leak case.

  Examine

• Discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in balancing law enforcement powers with citizens' rights during investigations, using the NEET-UG paper leak case as an example.

  Discuss

What You Need to Know

The article analyzes India's trajectory as an emerging global power, focusing on its economic growth, military strength, and diplomatic influence. It highlights the gap between India's potential and actual global standing, often described as 'rising but not yet risen'.

Why It Matters for UPSC

For UPSC, understanding India's power trajectory is crucial for questions on foreign policy, national security, and economic development. It directly links to India's aspirations for a UNSC permanent seat, its role in Quad, BRICS, and its response to China's assertiveness.

Background

India's rise as a power began post-1991 economic reforms, accelerating after 2000 with high GDP growth. Key milestones include nuclear tests (1998), civil nuclear deal (2008), and recent initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Act East Policy'. However, structural challenges like infrastructure deficits and bureaucratic hurdles persist.

Current Relevance

Recent developments include India's G20 presidency (2023), growing defense exports, and its role in countering China's Belt and Road Initiative. However, issues like slow manufacturing growth and regional instability (e.g., Myanmar, Pakistan) temper its rise. The article's title reflects the paradox of India's sustained growth without achieving decisive global leadership.

Key Points for Revision

• •India's GDP is $3.7 trillion (5th largest), but per capita income remains low at ~$2,500, limiting global influence.
• •India ranks 4th in military spending ($81 billion in 2023), but defense modernization faces technology gaps.
• •India is a member of Quad, SCO, BRICS, and G20, but its UNSC permanent seat bid remains unresolved.
• •Key challenges: infrastructure deficit, bureaucratic red tape, and regional security threats (China, Pakistan).
• •India's soft power (diaspora, yoga, democracy) is growing, but economic reforms are needed to sustain 7%+ growth.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Mains Practice Questions

• Discuss the factors that have contributed to India's emergence as a global power and the challenges it faces in consolidating this position. (250 words)

  Discuss

• Critically analyse the role of India's foreign policy in enhancing its global influence. (150 words)

  Critically analyse