Prelims Mantra – (25/02/2026)

Indian Polity & Governance

India’s Digital Competition Law Discussion:

Context: Government reviewing digital competition regulation for Big Tech firms.

• • Competition Act, 2002 regulates anti-competitive practices.
  • Competition Commission of India (CCI) is statutory body.
  • Abuse of dominant position prohibited.
  • Cartelisation punishable under Act.
  • Digital markets show network effects.
  • Data advantage creates entry barriers.
  • Proposed Digital Competition framework may regulate Systemically Important Digital Intermediaries (SIDIs).
  • Ex-ante regulation proposed for digital platforms.
  • CCI can impose penalties up to 10% of turnover.
  • Competition law distinct from Consumer Protection Act.
  • Merger control threshold under Competition Act.
  • Competition law ensures market efficiency & consumer welfare.

 

(IE)

Union Cabinet Approves Renaming of “Kerala” to “Keralam”:

Context: The Union Cabinet approved a proposal to rename the State of Kerala as “Keralam”, initiating the constitutional process for altering the state’s name under Article 3 of the Constitution.

• • Kerala was established as a state during the States Reorganisation on linguistic lines in 1956.
  • The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 will be introduced in Parliament after the President refers it to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its views as required under Article 3 of the Constitution.
  • Article 3 empowers Parliament to create new states and alter names/boundaries.
  • The renaming reflects a push toward recognising linguistic and cultural identity in official nomenclature.
  • The Kerala Assembly passed a resolution in June 2024 unanimously requesting the renaming.
  • Constitutional process: Cabinet → President → State Assembly → Parliament (procedure under Article 3).
  • The decision comes ahead of Assembly elections in Kerala (expected April–May 2026).
  • Debate on renaming often includes historical, cultural and political considerations.
  • Similar renamings have occurred in India, such as Bombay → Mumbai, Madras → Chennai, etc.

 

(TH+ET)

International Relations

PM Modi Visits Israel Amid Middle East Tensions:

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on 25 February 2026 on a two-day bilateral visit aimed at strengthening strategic, technological and defence cooperation, at a time of rising US-Iran tensions in the Middle East.

• • India-Israel relations have expanded significantly since 1992 diplomatic recognition.
  • Defence and technology cooperation are key pillars, including joint R&D.
  • Israel is a major partner in defence equipment and homeland security tech.
  • India often balances its West Asia policy between Israel and Arab states.
  • Regional instability (e.g., Iran tensions) impacts Indian diaspora in Gulf countries.
  • India emphasises strategic autonomy and non-alignment in foreign policy.
  • India is one of Israel’s top trade partners in Asia.
  • Diplomatic visits often include parliament addresses and memorial visits (e.g., Yad Vashem).
  • Broader context: Middle East geopolitics influences energy security and diaspora welfare.

 

(ET)

Economy

India’s GDP Growth Outlook – SBI Report:

Context: An SBI Research report indicated that India’s GDP growth for Q3 FY26 is likely to exceed 8% despite global headwinds, reflecting resilient domestic demand.

• • Q3 FY26 refers to October–December 2025 quarter.
  • Growth driven by rural and urban consumption.
  • High-frequency indicators reflect economic momentum.
  • India’s strong macro performance persists amid uncertainties.
  • Global headwinds include trade tariff pressures and slowing investment.
  • Growth outlook impacts monetary and fiscal policy decisions.

 

(ET)

RBI Liquidity Operations Continue:

Context: RBI conducted liquidity absorption through Variable Rate Reverse Repo auctions.

• • RBI regulates money supply.
  • Repo Rate = Lending rate to banks.
  • Reverse Repo = Borrowing from banks.
  • VRRR absorbs surplus liquidity.
  • CRR = Mandatory reserve, no interest.
  • SLR = Liquid asset maintenance.
  • Inflation targeting: 4% ± 2%.
  • MPC has 6 members.
  • Governor has casting vote.
  • Monetary policy decided bi-monthly.

 

(ET)

Geography, Mapping, Ecology & Environment and DM

India’s Carbon Market Framework:

Context: Progress on operationalising Indian Carbon Market (ICM).

• • Carbon market incentivises emission reductions.
  • Based on “cap-and-trade” principle.
  • Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022 enables carbon trading.
  • Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) nodal agency.
  • Carbon credit = 1 tonne CO₂ equivalent reduction.
  • Voluntary carbon markets operate globally.
  • EU ETS is largest carbon market.
  • India earlier had Perform Achieve Trade (PAT) scheme.
  • Carbon pricing internalises environmental cost.
  • Helps meet NDC targets.
  • Greenwashing risk if not monitored.

• • Carbon offset different from carbon tax.

 

(TH+PIB)

Supreme Court on Environmental Compensation:

Context: Supreme Court reiterated principles related to environmental compensation and polluter pays doctrine.

• • “Polluter Pays Principle” part of environmental jurisprudence.
  • Derived from Principle 16 of Rio Declaration (1992).
  • Recognised in India under Article 21 (Right to Life).
  • National Green Tribunal (NGT) can impose environmental compensation.
  • Absolute liability principle evolved in Oleum Gas Leak Case (1986).
  • Sustainable development is balancing growth & ecology.
  • Precautionary principle shifts burden of proof.
  • Environment Protection Act, 1986 provides broad powers.
  • Water Act, 1974 & Air Act, 1981 regulate pollution.
  • Compensation may include restoration cost + deterrent penalty.
  • Environmental compensation different from criminal punishment.
  • CPCB issues pollution norms at central level.

 

(TH)

Government Schemes

Government Push for PM-Surya Ghar: Rooftop Solar Expansion:

Context: Government reviewed progress under PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, aiming to increase rooftop solar installations.

• • Launched in 2024 to promote rooftop solar in households.
  • Target: 1 crore households.
  • Subsidy provided directly to beneficiaries.
  • Implemented through Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
  • Rooftop solar reduces transmission losses.
  • Supports India’s 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030.

• • Linked to India’s NDC commitments under Paris Agreement.
  • Net-metering mechanism allows selling excess electricity.
  • Solar photovoltaic cells primarily made of silicon.
  • India is part of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
  • Solar energy is intermittent – requires storage integration.
  • Rooftop solar reduces DISCOM financial stress if properly managed.

 

(PIB+TH)

Spread the Word