UPSC Current Affairs — Friday, 25 September 2026

3 UPSC-relevant topics from Indian Express · With MCQs, Mains questions & concept explanations

EconomyEthicsGovernancePolityScience & TechnologySocial Issues

Indian ExpressGovernanceEthicsSocial IssuesRelevance 7/10

What does the IIT Bombay suicide tell us?

Relevant to UPSC Mains GS-II (Governance) and GS-IV (Ethics) covering education policy, student welfare, institutional accountability, and mental health.

UPSC Relevance

This topic is relevant for UPSC GS Paper II (Governance, Health, Education) and GS Paper I (Social Issues). It highlights the need for mental health reforms in educational institutions.

What You Need to Know

Student suicides in premier institutions like IITs reflect systemic pressures, including academic stress, lack of mental health support, and societal expectations. In 2022, over 13,000 students died by suicide in India (NCRB).

Why It Matters for UPSC

It underscores the urgent need for mental health infrastructure and reforms in educational institutions to prevent such tragedies and ensure holistic student development.

Background

The National Mental Health Policy 2014 and Mental Healthcare Act 2017 provide a framework, but implementation in educational institutions remains weak. Recent incidents have sparked debates on institutional accountability.

Current Relevance

The recent IIT Bombay suicide has reignited discussions on student mental health, prompting calls for policy interventions and institutional reforms.

Key Points for Revision

•NCRB 2022: Over 13,000 student suicides in India, a 4% increase from 2021.
•Mental Healthcare Act 2017 decriminalizes suicide attempts and mandates government to provide care.
•IITs have reported multiple student suicides in recent years, highlighting systemic issues.
•National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes holistic education and student well-being.
•Lack of adequate mental health professionals in campuses: 1 psychiatrist per 100,000 people in India.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following statements about the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 is/are correct? 1. It decriminalizes attempted suicide. 2. It provides for free mental health care to all citizens. 3. It mandates insurance companies to cover mental illness. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

The Act decriminalizes suicide attempts and mandates insurance coverage for mental illness, but free care is only for certain groups.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding student suicides in India: 1. According to NCRB, student suicides increased by 4% in 2022 compared to 2021. 2. The National Education Policy 2020 does not address mental health. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

NCRB 2022 reported a 4% increase in student suicides; NEP 2020 does address mental health through holistic education.

Q3. Which of the following is/are key challenges in addressing student mental health in India? 1. Stigma associated with mental health. 2. Shortage of mental health professionals. 3. Lack of institutional support systems. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Stigma, shortage of professionals, and lack of support systems are all major challenges in student mental health.

Mains Practice Questions

Discuss the systemic issues in educational institutions that contribute to student mental health crises. Suggest measures to address them. (250 words)
Discuss
Critically analyse the effectiveness of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 in addressing the mental health needs of students in India. (250 words)
Critically analyse

Indian ExpressEconomyScience & TechnologyGovernanceRelevance 7/10

Domestic chip mandate for smart meters by mid-2028

Relevant to UPSC Mains GS-III (Economy and Science & Technology) covering Make in India, semiconductor policy, and critical infrastructure development.

UPSC Relevance

This topic is relevant for UPSC GS Paper III under 'Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications' and 'Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.' It also touches on GS Paper II 'Government Policies and Interventions'.

What You Need to Know

A government mandate requiring all smart meters deployed in India to use domestically manufactured semiconductor chips by mid-2028. This aims to boost local chip production and reduce import dependence, with India currently importing over 90% of its semiconductor requirements.

Why It Matters for UPSC

It enhances energy security by securing critical infrastructure supply chains, promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat, and creates jobs in the semiconductor sector. For the exam, it links technology, economy, and governance, and tests understanding of policy interventions for self-reliance.

Background

Launched under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and National Smart Grid Mission, smart meters are key to power sector reforms. India's semiconductor mission (ISM) 2021 provides incentives for domestic fabrication. The mandate follows previous phased manufacturing programs for electronics.

Current Relevance

The mandate is set for mid-2028, aligning with India's target to become a semiconductor hub. Recent approvals for semiconductor plants in Gujarat and Assam will support this. It implies higher initial costs but long-term resilience, and may face challenges in domestic chip availability and quality.

Key Points for Revision

•Government mandates domestic chips in smart meters by mid-2028 to boost self-reliance in semiconductors.
•India imports over 90% of its semiconductor needs, making indigenization critical for energy infrastructure.
•The mandate supports the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) with incentives worth ₹76,000 crore.
•Smart meters are part of RDSS, aiming to install 250 million meters to reduce power losses.
•Challenges include domestic chip production capacity, cost implications, and technology upgradation.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Q1. With reference to the government's mandate for smart meters, consider the following statements: 1. Smart meters must use domestically manufactured chips by mid-2028. 2. This mandate is part of the National Smart Grid Mission. 3. India currently imports more than 90% of its semiconductor requirements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

The government has mandated domestic chips in smart meters by mid-2028 under the National Smart Grid Mission, and India imports over 90% of its semiconductors, making all statements correct.

Q2. The 'India Semiconductor Mission' aims to: 1. Provide incentives for semiconductor fabrication plants. 2. Promote domestic manufacturing of chips for critical infrastructure. 3. Reduce dependence on imported chips for smart meters. Which of the above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

The India Semiconductor Mission aims to provide incentives for fabrication, promote domestic manufacturing, and reduce import dependence, including for smart meters, thus all statements are correct.

Q3. Which of the following is the primary objective of the government's mandate for domestic chips in smart meters?

(a) To reduce the cost of smart meters

(b) To promote self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing

(d) To enhance digital connectivity

The mandate is part of the push for self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat, making option (b) correct.

Mains Practice Questions

Discuss the significance of the government's mandate for domestically manufactured chips in smart meters by mid-2028. How does it align with India's broader goals of self-reliance and energy security? (250 words)
Discuss
Critically analyse the potential challenges in implementing the mandate for domestic chips in smart meters by mid-2028. Suggest measures to overcome them. (250 words)
Critically analyse

Indian ExpressPolityGovernanceRelevance 6/10

Tata Sons row: Former SC judges back Chandra's reappointment

Relevant to UPSC Mains GS-II (Governance and Polity) as it deals with corporate governance, judicial pronouncements on institutional decisions, and constitutional validity of administrative processes.

UPSC Relevance

This topic relates to corporate governance and the role of independent directors, which falls under GS Paper II (Governance) and GS Paper III (Economy).

What You Need to Know

The Tata Sons row involves a dispute over the reappointment of N Chandrasekaran as chairman, with former Supreme Court judges backing the decision. Tata Sons is a holding company of the Tata Group, one of India's largest conglomerates with revenue over $100 billion.

Why It Matters for UPSC

It highlights issues of corporate governance, board independence, and legal validity in top corporate decisions. For UPSC, it exemplifies the intersection of law, business, and governance, relevant for ethics and accountability.

Background

Tata Sons has faced governance challenges since the Cyrus Mistry episode in 2016. The current dispute arose after some board members questioned the reappointment process, leading to legal scrutiny and involvement of former judges.

Current Relevance

The backing by former SC judges adds legal weight to Chandrasekaran's reappointment, but board disagreements persist. This may impact investor confidence and set a precedent for corporate dispute resolution in India.

Key Points for Revision

•Tata Sons is the holding company of Tata Group, with a revenue of over $100 billion in 2023.
•Former Supreme Court judges, including Justice Lalit, have backed N Chandrasekaran's reappointment as chairman.
•The reappointment process was questioned by some board members, leading to a dispute over its validity.
•The board will hold another meeting to discuss the matter, indicating ongoing governance concerns.
•This episode highlights the role of independent directors and legal experts in corporate decision-making.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Q1. With reference to corporate governance in India, consider the following statements: 1. Independent directors are defined under the Companies Act, 2013. 2. The SEBI (LODR) Regulations mandate a minimum number of independent directors on the board of listed companies. Which of the statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Both statements are correct. The Companies Act, 2013 defines independent directors, and SEBI LODR requires listed companies to have at least one-third independent directors.

Q2. The Tata Sons dispute primarily relates to which of the following?

(a) Merger and acquisition

(b) Corporate governance

(d) Environmental compliance

The dispute is about the reappointment process and board decisions, which are aspects of corporate governance.

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the role of former Supreme Court judges in corporate disputes: 1. They can act as arbitrators in corporate disputes. 2. Their opinions are binding on company boards. Which of the statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Former judges can serve as arbitrators, but their opinions are not automatically binding on boards; they may carry persuasive value.

Mains Practice Questions

Discuss the significance of corporate governance in India with reference to the recent Tata Sons dispute. (150 words)
Discuss
Analyze the role of independent directors in corporate governance in India. How can their effectiveness be improved? (250 words)
Analyze

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