UPSC Current Affairs — Saturday, 22 August 2026

What You Need to Know

The Supreme Court modified its 2020 ruling (which mandated 3 years of practice for judicial service entry) to allow fresh law graduates to apply directly. This is a significant change in the eligibility criteria for recruitment of judges at the subordinate judiciary level.

Why It Matters for UPSC

This decision addresses the chronic shortage of judges in India, which is a major cause of case pendency. By widening the candidate pool, it aims to expedite judicial appointments and improve access to justice, a key governance challenge.

Background

The 2020 ruling was based on the need for experienced practitioners. However, it created a bottleneck as many qualified law graduates were excluded. The court now clarified that no constitutional provision mandates such a practice requirement, aligning with the need for a more inclusive recruitment process.

Current Relevance

The modification is a recent development (2025) that reflects the judiciary's proactive approach to reform. It is expected to increase the number of eligible candidates, potentially reducing vacancies in district courts, which currently stand at around 20%.

Key Points for Revision

• •SC modified 2020 ruling; now fresh law graduates can apply for judicial services.
• •Three-year practice requirement was not mandated by any constitutional provision.
• •Aims to address shortage of judges and reduce case pendency.
• •India has over 5 crore pending cases; judge-to-population ratio is ~21 per million.
• •Change widens candidate pool, potentially improving diversity and merit in judiciary.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Mains Practice Questions

• Discuss the significance of the Supreme Court's decision to relax the practice requirement for judicial service entry in addressing the challenges of judicial vacancies and pendency in India. (150 words)

  Discuss

• Examine the constitutional provisions and the recent Supreme Court decision regarding the appointment of judges in the subordinate judiciary. How does this impact the independence and efficiency of the judiciary? (250 words)

  Examine

What You Need to Know

The revised FDI policy allows automatic approval for investments from BIMSTEC countries, Japan, Singapore, and the US, with a 60-day clearance deadline, after earlier restrictions on China. It has attracted Rs 5,000 crore in investments from border nations.

Why It Matters for UPSC

Diversifies FDI sources, reduces over-reliance on China, and boosts strategic sectors like electronics, pharma, and defense. For the exam, it links to economic sovereignty, 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', and geopolitical balancing.

Background

In April 2020, India imposed restrictions on FDI from land-border countries (primarily China) to prevent opportunistic takeovers during COVID-19. The new policy selectively relaxes these for trusted partners, balancing security and investment needs.

Current Relevance

The DPIIT announcement highlights a shift from blanket restrictions to calibrated openness, aligning with India's 'China+1' strategy. It encourages foreign capital in defense and electronics, supporting domestic manufacturing and export competitiveness.

Key Points for Revision

• •Revised FDI policy allows automatic approval for BIMSTEC, Japan, Singapore, and US – 60-day clearance deadline.
• •Rs 5,000 crore investment already spurred from border nations post-revision.
• •April 2020 PNG 3 imposed government approval for FDI from land-border countries, mainly China.
• •Policy aims to diversify FDI sources, reducing China dependence, boosting electronics, pharma, defense.
• •BIMSTEC includes India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand – strategic regional grouping.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Mains Practice Questions

• Discuss the rationale behind India's revised FDI policy for border nations and its implications for economic security. (150 words)

  Discuss

• Examine the role of regional groupings like BIMSTEC in enhancing India's economic and strategic interests. (150 words)

  Examine

What You Need to Know

Indigenous nuclear reactors, such as Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), are designed and built in India, offering cost advantages and technology transfer. India aims to increase nuclear capacity to 22,500 MW by 2032, with these reactors playing a key role.

Why It Matters for UPSC

This is crucial for India's energy security and climate commitments, as nuclear power is a clean energy source. For the exam, it highlights the balance between strategic autonomy and private sector participation in critical infrastructure.

Background

India's nuclear program began with the 1948 Atomic Energy Act and has evolved through the 1962 Atomic Energy Act and the 2008 Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal. The current push for expansion aligns with the 2017 'Nuclear Power Generation' policy and the 2023 framework for private sector involvement.

Current Relevance

The government is actively pursuing partnerships with private firms, with the framework finalized, to accelerate capacity addition. This is part of India's commitment to net-zero by 2070 and reducing coal dependence.

Key Points for Revision

• •India's nuclear capacity target: 22,500 MW by 2032, from current ~7,480 MW.
• •Indigenous PHWRs offer cost and technology transfer advantages over imported reactors.
• •Private sector participation framework finalized, enabling companies like NTPC and Reliance to enter nuclear power.
• •Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 is a key legal framework for private investment.
• •AERB ensures safety compliance, with reactors meeting international standards.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Mains Practice Questions

• Discuss the significance of indigenous nuclear reactors in India's energy security and the challenges in scaling up nuclear power capacity. (250 words)

  Discuss

• Examine the role of private sector participation in India's nuclear power sector, considering the legal and regulatory framework. (250 words)

  Examine