19 June 2026

• The Union Government temporarily blocked Telegram under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 till June 22, 2026.
• The move was linked to concerns over:
  • NEET-UG paper leak,
  • Cyber fraud,
  • Money laundering,
  • Malware distribution,
  • Criminal coordination through Telegram channels.
• The Centre informed the Delhi High Court that Telegram had become a major platform facilitating cybercrime and illegal activities.
• Telegram challenged the order, arguing that specific channels could be blocked instead of imposing a platform-wide ban.
• The case highlights the debate between national security and fundamental rights in digital governance.

Key Points

Section 69A, IT Act, 2000 Empowers the Central Government to block public
access to online information in the interests of:

• Sovereignty and Integrity of India
• Defence of India
• Security of the State
• Friendly Relations with Foreign States
• Public Order
• Preventing Incitement to Cognizable Offences

Blocking Rules, 2009

• Prescribe procedure and safeguards for blocking orders.
• Allow emergency blocking in urgent situations.
• Require recording of reasons and review mechanism.

Section 79 (Safe Harbour) Intermediaries are exempt from liability for third-party content if they:

• Exercise due diligence.
• Comply with IT Rules, 2021.
• Act upon lawful government directions. 

I4C

• Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre under MHA.
• Nodal agency for cybercrime coordination and investigation support.

Data

• Telegram-linked cybercrime complaints:
  • 75,688 (2023)
  • 2.75 lakh (2025)
• Reported fraud amount:
  • ₹3,000+ crore (2025)

Static Linkages

• Article 19(1)(a) – Freedom of Speech and Expression.
• Article 19(1)(g) – Freedom of Trade, Business and Profession.
• Article 19(2) – Reasonable Restrictions.
• Doctrine of Proportionality.
• Judicial Review.
• Rule of Law.
• Natural Justice.
• Delegated Legislation.
• Safe Harbour Principle.
• Cyber Security Architecture of India.

Important Supreme Court Judgment

Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020) Held that:

• Internet-based speech is protected under Article 19(1)(a).
• Internet-based trade/business is protected under Article 19(1)(g).
• Restrictions must satisfy the proportionality test.
• Orders are subject to judicial review.
• Indefinite restrictions are impermissible.

Critical Analysis

Arguments in Favour

• Helps prevent paper leaks.
• Curbs cyber fraud and financial crime.
• Disrupts criminal and extremist networks.
• Protects public order and national security.

Concerns

• Affects approximately 150 million legitimate users.
• Impacts educators, businesses and creators.
• Raises proportionality concerns.
• Less restrictive alternatives may exist.
• Limited transparency in blocking orders.

Core Constitutional IssueNational Security & Public Order vs Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g)

DRONES HIT MOSCOW REFINERY

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Context of the News

• Ukraine carried out one of its largest drone attacks on Russia since the beginning of the Russia–Ukraine War (2022).
• The attack targeted the Moscow Oil Refinery, one of Russia’s major fuel-producing facilities.
• The refinery reportedly supplies more than one-third of the fuel requirements of the Moscow region.
• The strike disrupted airport operations and damaged energy infrastructure.
• The attack came after the G7 Summit, where Ukraine received assurances of continued Western diplomatic and military support.
• The incident highlights the growing role of drone warfare, critical infrastructure targeting, and energy security in modern conflicts.
• Key Points
• Ukraine is increasingly using long-range drones to target strategic assets deep inside Russian territory.
• Oil refineries are critical to:
  • Military logistics.
  • Transportation networks.
  • National energy security.
• The conflict demonstrates the emergence of asymmetric warfare, where a relatively weaker actor uses technology to offset conventional disadvantages.
• Drone attacks on energy infrastructure can have:
  • Economic consequences.
  • Supply-chain disruptions.
  • Strategic military impacts.
• The Russia–Ukraine conflict continues to influence:
  • Global energy markets.
  • Food security.
  • Geopolitical alignments.
• Western countries continue military and financial support to Ukraine, while Russia seeks deeper engagement with non-Western partners.

Static Linkages

• NATO (1949): Collective defence alliance based on Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
  • International Humanitarian Law (IHL):Distinction between civilian and military targets.
  • Principle of proportionality in armed conflict. 
• Critical Infrastructure:
  • Energy facilities, transport systems, communication networks and financial systems essential for national security.
• Hybrid Warfare:
  • Combination of conventional, cyber, economic, information and technological warfare.
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs):
  • Used for surveillance, reconnaissance and precision strikes.

Critical Analysis

Significance

• Demonstrates the increasing strategic role of drones in warfare.
• Raises the cost of war for Russia by targeting energy infrastructure.
• Highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to emerging technologies.

Concerns

• Increased risk of escalation.
• Threat to civilian safety and infrastructure.
• Potential disruption of global energy supplies.
• Weakening prospects for negotiated peace. 

International Dimension

• Continued Western support strengthens Ukraine’s military capabilities. 
• Russia is attempting to diversify strategic partnerships beyond the West.
• The conflict remains a major factor shaping contemporary global geopolitics.

Way Forward

• Promote diplomatic negotiations and ceasefire efforts.
• Strengthen international norms governing drone warfare.
• Enhance protection of critical infrastructure.
• Ensure adherence to International Humanitarian Law.
• Develop global frameworks for regulating emerging military technologies.

NFHS-6 SHOWS MIXED PROGRESS

• NFHS-6 highlights mixed progress in India’s nutrition and health indicators.
• Stunting (Under-5 children) declined from 35.5% to 29.3%, indicating improvement in chronic undernutrition.
• Wasting remains largely unchanged, reflecting persistent acute undernutrition.
• Improvements are driven by better healthcare access, immunisation, maternal education,housing, water, and sanitation.
• Poor feeding practices and inadequate dietary diversity continue to constrain nutrition outcomes.
• The findings reinforce the need to strengthen POSHAN Abhiyaan and preventive nutrition strategies.

Key Points

Child Nutrition

• Stunting: 35.5% → 29.3%
  • Indicator of chronic undernutrition (Height for-Age).
• Wasting: No significant improvement
  • Indicator of acute undernutrition (Weight for-Height).
• Only 15% of children (6–23 months) receive an adequate diet.
• Around 60% of children (6–8 months) receive complementary feeding.
• Only 50% of newborns are breastfed within one hour of birth.

Maternal & Child Health

• Institutional deliveries: 90%
• Births in public facilities: 58%
• Skilled birth attendance: 91%
• Mothers receiving ANC: 95%

Immunisation

• 87% of children (12–23 months) are fully vaccinated.
• Major role of:
  • ASHA
  • Anganwadi Workers (AWWs)
  • Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs)

Emerging Concerns

• Maternal time poverty.
• Poor complementary feeding.
• Rising processed food consumption.
• Low dietary diversity.
• Weak local-level nutrition monitoring.

Static Linkages

• Article 21 – Right to Life includes health and nutrition.
• Article 39(f) – Healthy development of children.
• Article 47 – State shall improve nutrition and public health.
• First 1,000 Days (Conception to 2 years) are critical for physical and cognitive development.
• Childhood nutrition is a key determinant of human capital formation.
• Safe water, sanitation, healthcare, and women’s education are major determinants of nutritional outcomes.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Critical Analysis

Positives

• Significant decline in stunting.
• High institutional delivery coverage.
• Strong immunisation performance.
• Improved maternal healthcare access.
• Better sanitation and drinking water coverage.
• Effective grassroots health workforce.

Challenges

• Wasting remains high.
• Only 15% children receive adequate diet.
• Low early breastfeeding rates.
• Poor complementary feeding practices.
• Growing dependence on processed foods.
• Maternal workload affecting childcare.
• Regional disparities persist.
• Weak inter-departmental convergence.

Stakeholder Perspective

• Children: Vulnerable during first 1,000 days; risk of lifelong cognitive and physical deficits.
• Mothers: Face unpaid care burden and time poverty
• Frontline Workers: Need better training, digital support, and nutrition counselling tools.
• Government: Shift focus from treatment to prevention of growth faltering.
• Panchayats: Greater role in local nutrition planning and monitoring.

Way Forward

• Prioritise the first 1,000 days approach.
• Promote breastfeeding within one hour of birth.
• Ensure timely complementary feeding.
• Strengthen preventive focus of POSHAN Abhiyaan.
• Establish community crèches for working mothers
• Improve affordability of nutritious foods.
• Recruit nutritionists and data analysts at district level.
• Strengthen Anganwadi infrastructure and growth monitoring.
• Use local nutrition data for targeted interventions.
• Improve convergence among Health, WCD,
• Water & Sanitation departments.
• Promote behaviour change communication using local cultural practices.
• Encourage men’s participation in childcare.

• India and the U.S. are negotiating an interim trade agreement following the February 2026 trade framework.
• Discussions have highlighted tariff reductions, but the major challenge remains Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs).
• Globally, NTBs have emerged as the principal determinants of market access, competitiveness, and trade flows.
• India’s experience with FTAs shows that tariff reductions alone do not guarantee export growth if NTBs persist.

Key Points

• Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs)
• Measures other than customs duties that restrict or regulate trade.
• Include:
  • Technical regulations and standards
  • Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures
  • Quality certification requirements
  • Licensing procedures
  • Packaging and labelling norms
  • Environmental and climate regulations

WTO Framework

• Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)
• Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary
• Measures (SPS)

Important Data

• NTBs affect nearly 90% of global trade.
• WTO received over 7,700 NTB-related notifications in 2025.
• NTB coverage:
  • European Union: ~94% of imports
  • United States: ~77%
  • India: ~45%
• Major Examples
  • EUCarbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
  • EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
  • USAExport controls on semiconductors
  • Restrictions on AI chips and advanced technologies
  • IndiaIncreasing use of Quality Control Orders (QCOs)
  • BIS standards for electronics, machinery, chemicals, etc.

India’s FTA Experience

• ASEAN-India FTA (2010):
  • Preferential tariff utilization below 50%.
• India’s overall FTA utilization:
  • Around 25%.
  • Developed economies: 70–80%.
• Regulatory barriers remain a major obstacle despite tariff concessions.

Recent Developments

• • India-UAE CEPAMutual recognition of medicines and testing standards.
  • India-EFTA TEPA (2025)Mutual recognition of standards.
  • Dedicated mechanism to address NTBs.

Static Linkages

• WTO (1995)
• Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Principle
• National Treatment Principle
• TBT Agreement
• SPS Agreement
• Trade Creation and Trade Diversion
• Comparative Advantage Theory
• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
• Quality Control Orders (QCOs)
• Global Value Chains (GVCs)

Critical Analysis

Significance

• Actual market access depends more on NTBs than tariffs.
• Reduces hidden barriers to exports.
• Improves competitiveness of Indian products.
• Facilitates integration into Global Value Chains.

Challenges

• NTBs often act as disguised protectionism.
• High compliance costs for MSMEs.
• Multiple standards across countries.
• Climate-linked trade measures may affect developing countries disproportionately.
• Weak domestic testing and certification infrastructure.

Way Forward

• Prioritize NTB reduction in all future FTAs.
• Expand Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs).
• Strengthen BIS accreditation and testing infrastructure.
• Align Indian standards with international standards.
• Increase FTA awareness among exporters.
• Promote regulatory cooperation with major trading partners.
• Use WTO mechanisms to address discriminatory NTBs

LOPSIDED SOLUTION

Context

• The Union Health Ministry has removed “syrup” from Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, 1945, making prescription mandatory for purchase of cough syrups and other syrup based medicines.
• The decision follows deaths of 300+ children globally since 2022 due to contamination of India-manufactured cough syrups with Ethylene Glycol (EG) and Diethylene Glycol (DEG).
• WHO issued medical product alerts (2022–23), raising concerns over India’s pharmaceutical quality-control mechanisms.
• The measure aims to improve drug safety and restore confidence in India’s status as the “Pharmacy of the World.”

Key Points

• Schedule K (Drugs Rules, 1945): Lists drugs exempted from certain sale and distribution provisions.
• Removal of syrup medicines from Schedule K:
  • Prescription mandatory.
  • Sale restricted through licensed pharmacies.
  • Ethylene Glycol (EG) and Diethylene Glycol(DEG):Toxic industrial chemicals.
  • Can cause acute kidney failure, organ damage, and death.
• WHO alerts exposed weaknesses in:
  • Raw-material testing.
  • Manufacturing quality control.
  • Regulatory oversight.
• Indian Pharmacopoeia updated testing protocols to detect EG/DEG contamination.
• India has around three dozen State Drug Controllers, but regulatory enforcement remains weak due to staff shortages.

Static Linkages

• Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 – Regulation of manufacture, sale and distribution of drugs.
• Drugs Rules, 1945 – Operational framework under the Act.
• Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) National drug regulator.
• Drugs and pharmaceuticals fall under the Concurrent List(List III, Seventh Schedule).
• Article 21 – Right to Life includes access to safe medicines and public health protection.
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) ensure quality, safety and efficacy of medicines.
• Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) monitors adverse drug reactions.

Critical Analysis

Significance

• Promotes rational use of medicines.
• Reduces self-medication and OTC misuse.
• Improves accountability in drug dispensing.
• Enhances global credibility of Indian pharmaceutical exports.

Limitations

• Addresses consumer access rather than manufacturing defects.
• Cannot prevent contaminated medicines from entering markets.
• Weak enforcement capacity at State level.
• Rural areas may continue informal OTC sales.
• Inspector shortages undermine compliance monitoring.

Core Issue

• The primary problem is not access to cough syrups but failures in:
• Raw-material testing.
• Batch testing.
• Manufacturing standards.
• Regulatory enforcement.

Way Forward

• Strengthen implementation of revised GMP standards.
• Increase number of drug inspectors and testing laboratories.
• Mandatory testing of all high-risk raw materials.
• Strengthen CDSCO–State regulator coordination.
• Introduce end-to-end digital drug traceability.
• Strict penalties for quality-control violations.
• Enhance pharmacovigilance and post-market surveillance.
• Align quality standards with global regulatory benchmarks. 

ESSENTIAL UPGRADES

• Government undertook major statistical reforms to improve the accuracy and credibility of India’s economic data.
• MoSPI released:
  • New GDP series (Base Year: 2022-23)
  • New CPI series (Base Year: 2024)
  • New IIP series (Base Year: 2022-23)
• Ministry of Commerce & Industry released:
  • New WPI series
  • New Producer Price Index (PPI), proposedto replace WPI in the coming years.
• Reforms align India’s statistical system with international standards such as UN System of National Accounts (SNA 2008) and IMF recommendations.

Key Points

GDP Series (Base Year: 2022-23)

• Replaces old base year 2011-12.
• Incorporates new data sources and improved methodology.
• Introduces Double Deflation Method for better estimation of real Gross Value Added (GVA).
• Improves measurement of economic growth.

CPI Series (Base Year: 2024)

• Updated consumption basket.
• Revised expenditure weights reflecting present consumption patterns.
• Provides more realistic measurement of retail inflation.
• Used by RBI for inflation targeting.

IIP Series (Base Year: 2022-23)

• Better representation of current industrial structure.
• Improved coverage of manufacturing and emerging industries.
• Important indicator for industrial growth.

WPI Series

• Updated commodity basket and weights.
• Better measurement of wholesale inflation.

Producer Price Index (PPI)

• Measures price changes at the producer level.
• Covers both goods and services.
• Internationally preferred over WPI.
• Planned replacement of WPI in future.

Significance

• More accurate GDP Deflator.
• Better estimation of Real GDP Growth.
• Improved monetary and fiscal policy decisions.
• Enhances global credibility of Indian statistics.

Static Linkages

• GDP = Value of all final goods and services produced within domestic territory during a given period.
• Nominal GDP → Current Prices.
• Real GDP → Constant Prices.
• GDP Deflator = (Nominal GDP ÷ Real GDP) × 100 Base Year: Year against which economic indicators are compared.
• NSO (National Statistical Office) functions under MoSPI.
• CPI measures consumer-level inflation.
• WPI measures wholesale-level price changes.
• PPI measures producer-level price changes.
• RBI inflation target:
  • 4% ± 2%
  • Under Monetary Policy Framework Agreement.

Critical Analysis

Positives

• Reflects current economic structure.
• Better measurement of inflation and growth.
• Improves policy formulation.
• Enhances investor confidence.
• Aligns India with global statistical standards.

Challenges

• Historical data comparability issues.
• Informal sector measurement remains difficult.
• Data quality depends on surveys and Census.
• Delays in Census affect economic estimates.

Way Forward

• Conduct Census without further delay.
• Regular revision of base years.
• Improve coverage of informal and digital economy.
• Strengthen state-level statistical systems.
• Expand use of administrative and GST-based data.
• Transition gradually from WPI to PPI.

RELIEF DEAL, RISKS REMAIN

• The United States and Iran signed a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to revive nuclear negotiations and de-escalate regional tensions.
• A final agreement is to be negotiated within 60 days (extendable by mutual consent).
• The MoU aims to restore maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, ease sanctions, and address Iran’s nuclear programme.
• The final agreement is proposed to be endorsed through a UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution.

Key Points

Nuclear Dimension

• Iran committed that it will never develop nuclear weapons.
• Future negotiations will determine the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
• Possibility of:
  • Down-blending enriched uranium to below 5%.
  • Temporary suspension of uranium enrichment.

Economic Provisions

• US to facilitate Iranian oil exports.
• Potential sanctions relief and access to frozen Iranian assets.

Maritime Security

• Restoration of normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
• Free movement of commercial vessels.

Regional Security

• Commitment to cease hostile actions.
• Reduction of tensions in West Asia, including Lebanon.

Important Omission

• No explicit provision regarding:
  • Iran’s ballistic missile programme.
  • Support to regional proxy groups.

Static Linkages

• • NPT (1968)Entered into force in 1970.
  • Three pillars:
    • Non-Proliferation
    • Peaceful use of nuclear energy
    • Disarmament
• IAEA
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.
  • Monitors civilian nuclear programmes through safeguards. 
• Strait of Hormuz
  • Connects Persian Gulf with Gulf of Oman.
  • One of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints.
• UN Security Council
  • Can pass legally binding resolutions under
  • Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

Critical Analysis

Significance

• Reduces risk of wider conflict in West Asia.
• Stabilizes global oil markets.
• Supports uninterrupted maritime trade.
• Revives diplomatic engagement on nuclear issues.

Challenges

• No clarity on ballistic missile restrictions.
• Verification and compliance concerns.
• Opposition from regional stakeholders.
• Trust deficit between Iran and the US.

Implications for India

• Greater energy security due to stable oil supplies.
• Reduced volatility in crude oil prices.
• Safer sea routes for India’s trade through the Persian Gulf region.
• Stability in a region hosting a large Indian diaspora.

Way Forward

• Strengthen IAEA-led verification mechanisms.
• Link sanctions relief with measurable compliance.
• Address missile and regional security concerns in future talks.
• Promote multilateral diplomacy under the UN framework.
• Ensure freedom of navigation in strategic waterways