Edition: International Table of Contents
| Page 03
Syllabus : Prelims Fact |
India Skills Report ranks Kerala among top States for employability in India |
| Page 06
Syllabus : Syllabus : Prelims Fact |
Ecologist Madhav Gadgil gets Champions of the Earth award |
| Page 06
Syllabus : Prelims Fact |
Researchers develop AI-based platform to rapidly find age-defying molecules |
| Page 10
Syllabus : GS 2 : Indian Polity – Judiciary |
The code of conduct judges need to follow |
| Page 10
Syllabus : : GS 3 : Economy |
What is the extent of the global share of solar energy? |
| Page 08 : Editorial Analysis:
Syllabus : GS 2: Indian Polity – Judiciary |
Sambhal and the perils of judicial evasion |
Page 03: Prelims Fact
The overall employability rate in India stands at 55% – which implies 55% of the youth found to be employable with the required skills.
- The India Skills Report 2025 was published by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Wheebox, and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
Key Insights from the India Skills Report 2025
- Focus: The India Skills Report 2025 examines the employability of Indian graduates and the evolving talent landscape in the country.
- Methodology: It’s based on data from over 650,000 candidates who took the Wheebox Global Employability Test (GET) and insights from over 1,000 companies.
- Key Findings: The report reveals that 55% of Indian graduates are expected to be globally employable in 2025, highlighting India’s growing role in meeting global workforce demands.
- Domain-Specific Employability: Management graduates show the highest global employability (78%), followed by engineering (71.5%), MCA (71%), and science graduates (58%).
- Regional Trends: Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi are emerging as key talent hubs, with Pune, Bengaluru, and Mumbai leading in skilled workforce availability.
- Gender Dynamics: While the employability rate for men is projected to rise, the rate for women is expected to decline slightly – indicating a need for focused efforts to bridge this gap..
Page 06 : Prelims Fact
The United Nations has honored ecologist Madhav Gadgil with the Champions of the Earth award for his work in the Western Ghats.
- He led the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, recommending the region’s classification as an Ecologically Sensitive Area.
- Gadgil is the sole Indian recipient of this prestigious environmental award.
Champions of the Earth Award:
- Highest Environmental Honor: It is the United Nations’ top environmental accolade, recognizing outstanding contributions to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
- Established by UNEP: The award is presented annually by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
- Categories: Recipients are recognized under categories like Policy Leadership, Science and Innovation, Entrepreneurial Vision, Inspiration and Action, and Lifetime Achievement.
- Purpose: The award highlights efforts to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable practices globally.
- Recipients: Winners include individuals, organizations, and governments demonstrating extraordinary environmental leadership.
- Prestige: The award aims to inspire global action for a sustainable future by spotlighting exceptional environmental achievements.
Page 06 : Prelims Fact
Researchers at IIIT-Delhi have developed AgeXtend, an AI platform to identify anti-ageing molecules efficiently.
- It screened over 1.1 billion compounds, uncovering promising candidates validated through experiments.
- This groundbreaking tool supports further research and promotes advancements in healthy ageing studies.
Analysis of the news:
- Researchers at IIIT-Delhi have developed AgeXtend, an AI platform to identify molecules with anti-ageing properties.
- AgeXtend screened over 1.1 billion compounds, discovering less than 1% with validated geroprotective effects on yeast, worms (C. elegans), and human cell models.
- The platform uses AI to predict, assess safety, and understand the biological effects of potential anti-ageing compounds.
- AgeXtend can explain its selection process, providing insights into the mechanisms of action for further research.
- It successfully identified the benefits of known molecules like metformin and taurine without prior knowledge of them.
- This study, scanning commercial drugs, Chinese medicine, ayurveda, and FDA-approved molecules, is the largest on the subject.
- The research team has made its code and data freely available for researchers and students, with a charge for companies.
Page 10 : GS 2 : Indian Polity – Judiciary
A judge of the Allahabad High Court faced criticism for remarks perceived as communally biased, sparking debates on judicial ethics.
- The judiciary’s code of conduct emphasizes impartiality, equality, and public trust.
- The incident highlights concerns over judicial accountability and the process for addressing allegations against sitting judges.
Justice Yadav’s Remarks and Public Reaction
- Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, a judge of the Allahabad High Court, faced criticism for his remarks at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad event.
- He commented that the country should operate according to the majority population’s wishes and criticised practices like polygamy and triple talaq.
- His speech drew public backlash, with organizations like the All India Lawyers Union calling it undemocratic and leaning towards a “Hindutva Rashtra.”
- Legal advocacy groups have alleged that Justice Yadav’s participation in a politically inclined event and his comments violated judicial ethics.
Supreme Court’s Response
- The Supreme Court acknowledged the media reports on the remarks and sought details from the Allahabad High Court.
- The issue is under consideration by the judiciary, indicating potential future actions.
Judicial Ethics and Codes of Conduct
- The judiciary operates on public trust and its integrity, governed by the ‘Restatement of Values of Judicial Life’ (1997).
- Judges must ensure their behaviour reaffirms faith in judicial impartiality and avoid any action that undermines this perception.
- The Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct (2002) mandate that judges maintain public confidence in their impartiality while respecting diversity and equality.
- Judges are required to preserve the dignity of their office and avoid behaviour that compromises judicial independence.
Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct (2002)
- Origin: Formulated in Bangalore in 2002 at a roundtable meeting of Chief Justices.
- Purpose: Provides ethical guidelines for judges to ensure judicial integrity and independence.
- Core Values: Emphasizes six key values
- Independence: Free from external influence.
- Impartiality: Fair and unbiased decision-making.
- Integrity: Honesty and high moral character.
- Propriety: Avoiding impropriety in all actions.
- Equality: Treating all individuals equally before the law.
- Competence and Diligence: Possessing necessary skills and dedication.
- Global Influence: Adopted by the UN and serves as a model for judicial conduct worldwide.
- Significance: Upholds the rule of law and public trust in the judiciary.
Process of Judge Impeachment
- Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts can be removed for “proved misbehaviour or incapacity” by a Presidential order after impeachment.
- Impeachment requires a special majority in Parliament, with two-thirds of members present and voting in favour.
- The judiciary has an in-house procedure, adopted in 1999, allowing voluntary retirement to avoid public embarrassment.
- Complaints against judges can be addressed to the President, Chief Justice of India, or the relevant High Court Chief Justice.
- Serious allegations are investigated by a fact-finding committee, with recommendations for voluntary retirement or impeachment if necessary.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Ques : Discuss the significance of judicial impartiality in upholding the rule of law. Examine the challenges posed by personal biases in judicial conduct and the adequacy of mechanisms for addressing allegations against judges in India. (250 Words /15 marks)
Page 10 : GS 3 : Economy – Infrastructure – Energy
The World Solar Report 2024 highlights the global growth of solar energy, with a focus on technological advancements, cost reductions, and market trends.
- The World Solar Report 2024 was published by the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
Solar Capacity Growth
- The World Solar Report 2024 by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) reveals that global solar capacity has increased from 1.22 GW in 2000 to 1,419 GW in 2023, achieving a CAGR of 36%.
- Solar energy now accounts for three-quarters of all renewable capacity additions globally.
New Solar Technologies
- Quantum Dot Solar Cells have achieved an efficiency of 18.1%, enhancing energy capture and enabling atmospheric water harvesting.
- Self-healing solar panels are being developed to extend lifespan and reduce maintenance.
- Solar-powered phyto-mining uses solar energy to extract valuable metals from soil, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional mining.
- Solar paver blocks and Building Integrated PV (BIPV), including transparent solar panels, are integrated with infrastructure to allow light transmission and visibility.
- Innovations focus on reducing reliance on critical materials like lithium and rare earth elements while prioritizing panel recycling and circular economy practices.
Reducing Costs and Global Market Trends
- The cost of utility-scale solar PV has consistently fallen, with average auction prices reaching $40/MWh globally.
- India secured the lowest auction price of $34/MWh.
- China dominates the solar PV market, contributing 43% (609 GW) of the global cumulative capacity, with the U.S. at 10% (137.73 GW).
- Solar PV manufacturing saw nearly double the capacity for wafers, cells, and modules in 2023, with China maintaining a dominant market share.
Impact on Other Industries
- Employment in the solar PV sector grew to 7.1 million jobs in 2023, highlighting its economic significance.
- Solar-powered irrigation systems and agrivoltaics are transforming agriculture, with solar pumps expected to grow at 5.8% CAGR from 2021 to 2027.
- Pay-as-you-go business models are increasing solar adoption, especially in developing regions.
Conclusion
- Technological advancements and cost reductions are accelerating the adoption of solar energy, with further focus needed on technology and finance transfer to least developed and small island countries.
UPSC Mains PYQ : 2020
Ques : India has immense potential for solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate. (250 words/15m)
Page : 08 Editorial Analysis
Context :
- The Supreme Court’s handling of the Sambhal Masjid case highlights concerns about judicial inactivism and reluctance to enforce the Places of Worship Act, 1991.
- This Act, designed to uphold secularism and religious harmony, has faced challenges and delays.
- The case underscores the need for decisive judicial action to maintain constitutional values.
Judicial Inactivism and the Duty to Decide
- Scholar Chad M. Oldfather introduced the concept of “judicial inactivism,” emphasizing that judicial inaction can have significant consequences, comparable to those of judicial action.
- He highlighted that failures in judicial responsibility are harder to detect than overreach, making inactivism a more concerning issue.
Judicial Deferment in the Sambhal Masjid Case
- The Supreme Court’s handling of the Sambhal masjid case in Uttar Pradesh exemplifies judicial deferment, as it avoided providing a decisive resolution.
- The Court directed the civil court to freeze proceedings related to a mosque survey and referred the petitioner to the Allahabad High Court.
- The order aimed to provide temporary relief amidst heightened tensions, which had resulted in loss of lives.
- The Court urged all parties to maintain peace and harmony, earning support from certain minority groups.
Concerns Over Judicial Evasion
- Judicial evasion has broader implications, as demonstrated in India’s legal history, including the current situation regarding the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.
- The Act, designed to maintain the religious character of places of worship as of August 15, 1947, has faced challenges and delays in adjudication.
- Despite its constitutional values of fraternity and secularism, the Act has been breached by courts, including the Supreme Court, and remains under judicial review.
Key Provisions of the Places of Worship Act, 1991
- Section 3: Prohibits the conversion of places of worship from one religion to another.
- Section 4 (1): Declares that the religious character of a place as of August 15, 1947, shall remain unchanged.
- Section 4 (2): Bars legal proceedings regarding the religious character of places of worship post-promulgation of the Act.
- Section 6: Stipulates penalties for violations, including imprisonment for up to three years and fines.
Historical Context and Parliamentary Intent
- The Act was enacted to counteract communal efforts to exploit historical grievances for political gains.
- The judiciary’s reluctance to assert the Act’s validity perpetuates uncertainties in litigation, undermining its objectives.
Earlier Instances of Judicial Deferment
- Shaheen Bagh Protests (2020): The Court formed a committee to mediate without addressing the legality of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
- Farm Laws Protests (2021): Instead of deciding on the farm laws’ validity, the Court established a committee to negotiate between farmers and the government.
- Both instances reflect the Court’s avoidance of its primary duty to adjudicate.
The Sambhal Masjid Case and the Ayodhya Judgment
- The Court’s deferment in the Sambhal case echoes its failure to uphold the 1991 Act, despite its recognition of the Act’s constitutional significance in the Ayodhya judgment (2019).
- In the Gyanvapi Mosque Committee case (2023), the Court contradicted its own stance by allowing a mosque survey, further undermining the Act.
Judicial Will and Future Prospects
- The Sambhal case presented an opportunity for the Court to reaffirm the 1991 Act’s validity and address the issue definitively.
- The special Bench hearing on the Act’s validity offers another chance for the judiciary to rectify its past lapses and uphold constitutional values.