UPSC GS 2

Henley Passport Index 2026: India’s Rank Rises to 80

The Henley Passport Index 2026 shows a widening mobility divide. While Singapore leads, India’s rise to 80th with access to 55 destinations reflects diplomatic gains but persistent gaps. Strengthening passport power needs deeper visa diplomacy, economic leverage, and better security, learning from models like the UAE.

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Coaching Centre Guidelines 2024: Provisions, Challenges, Way Forward

The Union Ministry of Education's 'Guidelines for Regulation of Coaching Center 2024' aims to regulate India's 'shadow education' system by mandating registration, setting age limits for enrolment, ensuring tutor qualifications, and enforcing fair fee policies. These regulations are a response to rising student suicides, financial exploitation, and the undermining of formal education.

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TRUMP IS VIOLATING INTERNATIONAL LAW

The US strike on Venezuela, framed as counter–narco-terrorism, undermines the UN Charter and reflects weakening international law. Economic interests, not drugs, appear central. For India, the episode reinforces the need for strategic autonomy through indigenous defence strength and calibrated multialignment in a fragile global order.

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INDIA-GERMANY RELATIONS: BACKGROUND, SIGNIFICANCE, CHALLENGES, WAY FORWARD

India–Germany ties have matured into a strategic partnership vital for global stability. The 2026 Modi–Merz summit marks a shift toward defence and tech cooperation, spanning green hydrogen and P-75I submarines. Despite trade and geopolitical frictions, shared interests anchor a multipolar Indo-Pacific and Viksit Bharat 2047.

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Cashless Treatment Scheme for Accident Victims: Significance, Challenges, Way Forward

The Minister for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is launching a nationwide cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims under the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019. Offering up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days, it targets the golden hour, reduces deaths and financial distress, subject to effective implementation.

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Global Push for De-dollarisation and India's Strategy

De-dollarisation is accelerating as U.S. sanctions and a shifting global balance push countries to diversify reserves, adopt local-currency trade, and build alternatives to SWIFT. Despite the dollar’s dominance, a multipolar currency system is emerging, offering India a strategic chance to internationalise the rupee.

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IS THE 10-MINUTE DELIVERY MODEL NECESSARY?

Rapid expansion of the Q-commerce model, promising 10-minute deliveries, has created a socio-economic dilemma. While offering consumer convenience and generating gig employment, it imposes high costs on worker welfare, road safety, and traditional local retailers. This model, characterised by dark stores and algorithmic management, operates in a regulatory grey area.

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WATER CONTAMINATION IN INDIA: STATUS, CHALLENGES, AND WAY FORWARD

The public health crisis in Indore exposed deep urban governance failures, as sewage-contaminated water from ageing pipelines caused deaths despite prior warnings by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. The episode reveals neglect of core water infrastructure and highlights the need for audits, monitoring, accountability, and effective implementation of AMRUT 2.0.

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A MULTIPOLAR WORLD WITH BIPOLAR CHARACTERISTICS

The global order is shifting from US unipolarity to a fluid multipolar system shaped by US–China rivalry. The United States refocuses strategy, China expands influence, and Russia plays a revisionist swing role. For India, multi-alignment remains essential to preserve strategic autonomy.

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PRAGATI: TRANSFORMING GOVERNANCE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

The PRAGATI, launched in 2015 by the Prime Minister’s Office, uses data analytics, geospatial tools, and video conferencing to fast-track projects and resolve grievances. It strengthens cooperative federalism and accountability, though concerns over centralisation and data reliance persist.

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CHILD MARRIAGE IN INDIA : STATUS, CHALLENGES, WAY FORWARD

Despite child marriage declining from 47.4% to 23.3% in 15 years, India still risks missing the 2030 elimination target under United Nations SDG 5.3. Poverty, patriarchy, and weak enforcement of the PCMA sustain the gap. Ending it needs strict law enforcement, community mobilisation, and empowering girls through education and livelihoods.

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POLITICAL FUNDING IN INDIA: CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD

Political funding in India suffers from opacity and inequity, as corporate “big money” distorts competition and fuels quid pro quo politics. After the Supreme Court of India struck down Electoral Bonds, reforms like state funding, strict spending parity, internal party democracy, and bringing parties under RTI are vital to protect electoral integrity.

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