UPSC Current Affairs — Tuesday, 25 August 2026

What You Need to Know

India-Russia bilateral relations, characterized by strategic partnership in defence, energy, and technology, with recent emphasis on trade and high-tech cooperation despite Western sanctions.

Why It Matters for UPSC

It underscores India's strategic autonomy in foreign policy, balancing ties with Russia and the West. For the exam, it highlights India's multi-alignment approach and its implications for global geopolitics.

Background

India-Russia relations have been a cornerstone of India's foreign policy since the Cold War, with the 1971 Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation. Recent years have seen expanded trade and defence cooperation, despite Russia's isolation post-Ukraine invasion.

Current Relevance

The meeting occurs amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with India maintaining a neutral stance and expanding trade. India's imports of Russian oil have surged, and discussions on high-tech and fertilisers aim to diversify cooperation beyond defence.

Key Points for Revision

• •India-Russia trade grew significantly despite Western sanctions, with bilateral trade reaching $50 billion in FY 2023-24.
• •Russia remains a key defence partner, supplying systems like S-400, with India continuing purchases despite US sanctions threats.
• •India's strategic autonomy allows it to balance relations with Russia and the West, as seen in its abstention on UN resolutions on Ukraine.
• •Energy cooperation includes India's increased crude oil imports from Russia, making it a top buyer.
• •High-tech and fertiliser cooperation are emerging areas, with India seeking to diversify its imports and technology partnerships.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Mains Practice Questions

• Discuss the significance of India-Russia relations in the context of India's strategic autonomy, with reference to recent developments in trade, energy, and defence cooperation. (150 words)

  Discuss

• Examine the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on India's foreign policy, particularly its relations with Russia and the West. (150 words)

  Examine

What You Need to Know

Simultaneous elections (One Nation, One Election) propose holding Lok Sabha and state assembly elections together. The basic structure doctrine, established in Kesavananda Bharati (1973), limits Parliament's power to alter the Constitution's fundamental features.

Why It Matters for UPSC

It affects India's federal balance, governance efficiency, and democratic representation. For exams, it tests understanding of constitutional principles and contemporary political debates.

Background

India held simultaneous elections until 1967; disruptions due to premature dissolutions. The idea was revived by the NDA government, with a high-level committee (2019) and recent bills. The basic structure doctrine has been used to strike down amendments violating federalism.

Current Relevance

The government has introduced the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill in 2024, sparking political debate. The issue is pending in Parliament and courts, making it a hot topic for UPSC 2025.

Key Points for Revision

• •Simultaneous elections were held in India from 1951 to 1967; disrupted due to premature dissolutions.
• •Basic structure doctrine from Kesavananda Bharati (1973) protects federalism from amendment.
• •Chidambaram argues simultaneous elections violate federal structure and basic structure.
• •High-Level Committee on One Nation One Election (2019) recommended phased simultaneous elections.
• •Constitutional amendments for simultaneous elections require ratification by at least half of state legislatures.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Mains Practice Questions

• Discuss the constitutional and federal implications of simultaneous elections in India. (150 words)

  Discuss

• Examine the basic structure doctrine and its role in protecting federalism. (250 words)

  Examine

What You Need to Know

India and Japan have agreed to review their bilateral trade pact (likely the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, CEPA) to streamline investment procedures and boost trade. This involves removing trade barriers and facilitating business operations.

Why It Matters for UPSC

Japan is a key economic partner and major investor in India, especially in infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology. A review aims to enhance bilateral commerce, which can boost India's exports, attract investment, and support economic growth, aligning with India's 'Act East Policy'.

Background

The India-Japan CEPA, signed in 2011, reduced tariffs on goods and services. However, trade has not grown as expected, prompting a review. Recent developments include India's growing infrastructure needs and Japan's interest in diversifying supply chains, especially post-COVID.

Current Relevance

The review comes amid global supply chain shifts and India's push for self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat). It could lead to a more balanced trade relationship and increased Japanese investment in India's infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.

Key Points for Revision

• •India-Japan CEPA signed in 2011; review aims to enhance bilateral trade and investment.
• •Japan is a major investor in India, particularly in infrastructure and manufacturing.
• •Review focuses on removing trade barriers and streamlining investment procedures.
• •Strengthening ties supports India's Act East Policy and economic growth.
• •Potential to increase exports and attract more Japanese FDI to India.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Mains Practice Questions

• Discuss the significance of reviewing the India-Japan trade pact in the context of India's economic growth and strategic interests. (150 words)

  Discuss

• Examine the role of bilateral trade agreements in promoting economic development, with special reference to India-Japan relations. (250 words)

  Examine

What You Need to Know

The creamy layer concept excludes socially advanced members (higher income) from OBC reservation benefits. The Centre has sought SC directions on its uniform applicability to OBC candidates in civil services exams.

Why It Matters for UPSC

It affects social justice and equal opportunity in public employment. For UPSC, it tests understanding of constitutional provisions (Art. 16(4), 15(4)) and judicial doctrines.

Background

Introduced in 1993 based on Indra Sawhney (1992) case, which allowed reservation for OBCs but excluded creamy layer. The SC in 2023 (in a case related to civil services) upheld the creamy layer principle for OBCs.

Current Relevance

The Centre's move seeks clarity on the applicability of creamy layer to OBC candidates in the 2025 civil services exam, following earlier SC rulings. This could impact the number of eligible OBC candidates and reservation policy implementation.

Key Points for Revision

• •Creamy layer criteria was introduced in 1993 after the Indra Sawhney (1992) judgment.
• •Current income threshold for creamy layer is ₹8 lakh per annum (revised in 2023).
• •SC in 2023 held that creamy layer applies to OBCs in civil services exams.
• •Centre seeks uniform application of creamy layer to all OBC candidates in civil services.
• •Reservation for OBCs is under Article 16(4), subject to exclusion of creamy layer.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Mains Practice Questions

• Discuss the significance of the creamy layer principle in ensuring social justice in India. How does it balance reservation and equity? (250 words)

  Discuss

• Examine the legal and constitutional debates surrounding the applicability of the creamy layer criteria to OBC candidates in civil services examinations. (250 words)

  Examine