Current Affairs, 25 July 2026

Implementing department

The Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, runs the scheme and is organising the Goa workshop.

Components named

The release names Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu, Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Programmes, and VIDHI-Sanjeevani as initiatives of the Department.

Delivery partners

Tele-Law reaches people through Common Service Centres, using Village Level Entrepreneurs, Panel Lawyers and Nyaya Sahayaks.

Nyaya Bandhu

Law schools take part in the Nyaya Bandhu Pro Bono Legal Services Programme, which promotes pro bono legal service by students and young lawyers.

Nyaya Prabodh campaign

The 'Know Your Rights in 90 Seconds' reels campaign aims to improve legal literacy; a slogan competition will be launched.

Outlay and type

DISHA 2.0 is a Central Sector Scheme with an outlay of Rs 255 crore for 2026-31, implemented pan India.

Four components

Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu, Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Programme, and VIDHI-Sanjeevani.

Tele-Law access

Pre-litigation advice from panel lawyers through a mobile app, toll-free number 14454 and video facilities at Common Service Centres run by Village Level Entrepreneurs.

VIDHI-Sanjeevani

A centralised integrated dashboard to monitor the scheme, to be linked with the Nyaya Setu AI chatbot. It targets 50 lakh beneficiaries over 2026-31 with no state-specific targets.

Don’t confuse with DISHA vs NALSA: DISHA is a Department of Justice scheme. NALSA is the statutory body under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which oversees legal aid.

Don’t confuse with Tele-Law vs Nyaya Bandhu: Tele-Law gives legal advice through CSCs. Nyaya Bandhu connects pro bono lawyers and law students with those needing help.

Don’t confuse with DISHA 2.0 vs NALSA legal aid: NALSA and the legal services authorities under the 1987 Act give free legal aid through statutory bodies. DISHA is a Department of Justice scheme using technology, Tele-Law and pro bono advocates.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

1. 2023Mains GS2 · Q2Entitlement to free legal aid and NALSA's role in providing it.
2. 2013Prelims Q71Statements on NALSA's objective and guidelines to State Legal Services Authorities.
3. 2020Prelims Q9Which citizen groups get free legal services from Legal Services Authorities?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Expansion

Courts rise from 779 to 850, with additional districts chosen on the basis of case pendency data.

Staffing per court

Each court gets one Judicial Officer, one exclusive Special Public Prosecutor and six support staff.

Monitoring

The Department of Justice monitors through the FTSC Dashboard, progress reports and expenditure statements, and consults High Courts and States.

Launch and purpose

Launched October 2019 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for quick trial of rape and POCSO Act cases.

Functional courts

775 FTSCs, including 398 exclusive POCSO courts, worked in 29 States/UTs on 30.04.2026.

Funding

Funds follow the Centrally Sponsored pattern (60:40, 90:10) and cover one Judicial Officer and 7 support staff per FTSC plus a flexi grant. Reimbursed after expenditure statements.

Recruitment of judicial officers

State Government frames recruitment rules in consultation with the High Court, under Article 309 proviso read with Articles 233 and 234.

Don’t confuse with Fast Track Special Courts vs Fast Track Courts: FTSCs are a Centrally Sponsored Scheme from 2019 only for rape and POCSO cases, unlike general fast track courts funded earlier under Finance Commission grants.

Don’t confuse with Nirbhaya Fund vs Nirbhaya Act: The Nirbhaya Fund is a corpus for women's safety projects; the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 is the law after the 2012 case.

Don’t confuse with FTSC vs e-POCSO courts: FTSCs try rape and POCSO cases; e-POCSO courts are a subset that try only POCSO Act cases.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

1. 2013Mains GS2 · Q12Critically evaluate restructuring of centrally sponsored schemes for vulnerable sections' flexibility.
2. 2014Mains GS4 · Q8Suggest innovative measures to tackle rising sexual violence against women despite existing laws.
3. 2023Mains GS2 · Q12Explain constitutional perspectives of gender justice with provisions and case laws.

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Parent scheme and launch

SVEP began in 2016 as a sub-scheme of DAY-NRLM. It targets SHG members and their families in the non-farm sector.

Who implements it

SRLMs implement it, with a provision of ₹6.50 crore per block and an average investment of ₹27,083 per enterprise.

Block-level structure

BRC-EPs coordinate implementation at block level. Trained CRP-EPs give them technical help on enterprise promotion.

Women's quota

At least 60% of beneficiaries must be women. Persons with disabilities and SC/ST/minority groups must also be represented.

Community Enterprise Fund

Community institutions manage loans through the Community Enterprise Fund, and community bodies give final loan approval.

Don’t confuse with SVEP vs DAY-NRLM: DAY-NRLM is the parent mission that mobilises poor households into SHGs. SVEP is its sub-scheme for non-farm enterprises.

Don’t confuse with BRC-EP vs CRP-EP: BRC-EP is the block-level centre that coordinates the programme. CRP-EP is the trained community resource person who mentors enterprises.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

1. 2015Mains GS2 · Q9Elucidate how the SHG Bank Linkage Programme alleviates poverty and empowers women.
2. 2017Mains GS2 · Q16Examine SHGs' role in development and government measures to promote them.
3. 2020Mains GS2 · Q17Evaluate SHGs' role in microfinance for asset creation, income security, and women's empowerment.
4. 2020Prelims Q58Which statements on post-1991 rural workforce, productivity, and non-farm growth are correct?
5. 2023Prelims Q74Which SHG statements about origin, joint liability, and bank support are correct?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

The well

MN-DWN18-1-HD is the first of four planned deepwater wells to evaluate the Mahanadi Offshore Basin.

Licensing reform

OALP replaced the nomination-based approach under HELP, along with a revenue sharing framework.

OALP progress

172 blocks covering about 3.8 lakh sq km have been awarded under OALP, with committed investment above USD 4.3 billion.

Data initiatives

Geoscientific data efforts include Mission Anveshan, the National Seismic Programme, the Extended Continental Shelf Survey, the National Data Repository and the Hydrocarbon Resource Assessment Study.

Regulator

The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, under the Petroleum Ministry, regulates upstream exploration and runs the National Data Repository.

Don’t confuse with Appraisal well vs exploration well: An exploration well tests for a new hydrocarbon find. An appraisal well is drilled after a discovery to size it.

Don’t confuse with OALP vs NELP: NELP offered blocks the government chose in fixed bidding rounds. Under OALP, firms can ask for any block at any time and bidding follows.

Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

1. 2025Mains GS1 · Q14Geographical distribution of world's offshore oil reserves, versus onshore differences
2. 2013Mains GS1 · Q25Shale oil and gas availability and tapping issues in India
3. 1999Prelims Q16Location of Ravva offshore block with oil potential among basins

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Legal basis

The measures come under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act, 1974, and were announced by the USTR.

Scope of probe

The USTR investigated 60 economies, including India, over prohibitions on importing goods made with forced labour.

Exempt goods

Items already under Section 232 duties, such as steel, aluminium and auto parts, are not subject to the new 10% duty.

Textile mechanism

A textile-specific mechanism mentioned in the final measures is not yet set up. India is raising it in the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement talks.

Don’t confuse with Section 301 vs Section 232: Section 301 targets unfair foreign trade practices and is country-specific. Section 232 targets imports on national security grounds and applies broadly to all countries.

Don’t confuse with Ad valorem vs specific duty: An ad valorem duty is charged as a percentage of the value of goods. A specific duty is a fixed amount per unit.

International bodies and relations: the largest group of news questions in Prelims (61 since 2013), often about background, members and location. In Mains, 27 news-triggered questions, mostly on India's interests.

Request

Karnataka asked the Centre to include its 2022 SC/ST reservation Act in the Ninth Schedule.

Reservation level

The Act is part of a framework giving 56 per cent reservation to SCs, STs and OBCs.

Why deferred

The Act is challenged in the Karnataka High Court and is sub-judice, so inclusion was held not appropriate for now.

Constitutional basis

The Ninth Schedule was inserted by the First Amendment Act, 1951, and its protection flows from Article 31B.

I.R. Coelho (2007)

The Supreme Court held that laws placed in the Ninth Schedule after 24 April 1973 are open to judicial review on the basis of the basic structure test.

Who amends it

Parliament adds laws to the Ninth Schedule by a constitutional amendment.

Don’t confuse with Ninth Schedule vs Article 15(4)/16(4): Articles 15(4) and 16(4) enable reservation. The Ninth Schedule only shields a law from challenge, subject to basic structure review.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2016Mains GS2 · Q6What Coelho case held; judicial review as basic feature.
2. 2019Mains GS2 · Q12Whether Parliament can destroy basic structure via amending power.
3. 2013Mains GS2 · Q4Supreme Court's check on Parliament's arbitrary amending power.
4. 2018Prelims Q5Whether courts can examine laws placed in Ninth Schedule.
5. 2019Prelims Q47Which PM's tenure saw Ninth Schedule introduction.
6. 2003Prelims Q148Which amendment added the Ninth Schedule to Constitution.

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Article 222

The President may transfer a judge from one High Court to another after consulting the CJI.

Who starts a transfer

The CJI initiates a transfer proposal in consultation with the four senior-most puisne judges of the Supreme Court.

Ground for transfer

Transfers are to be made in public interest, to promote better administration of justice. The MoP sets no timeline for them.

Who starts a High Court appointment

The Chief Justice of the concerned High Court initiates it, in consultation with two senior-most puisne judges of that court.

Timing of recommendations

High Courts must recommend at least six months before a vacancy arises.

Articles for appointment

Articles 124 and 217 cover appointment of Supreme Court and High Court judges; Article 224 covers additional and acting High Court judges.

Don’t confuse with Article 222 vs Article 217: Article 222 deals with transfer of a judge between High Courts. Article 217 deals with appointment and conditions of the office of a High Court judge.

Don’t confuse with Transfer vs appointment initiation: For transfers the CJI initiates with four senior-most puisne judges. For High Court appointments the High Court Chief Justice initiates with two senior-most puisne judges of that court.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2017Mains GS2 · Q2Critically examine the Supreme Court's NJAC judgment on higher judiciary appointments
2. 2025Mains GS2 · Q13Discuss evolution of the collegium system and critically examine its advantages and disadvantages
3. 2025Mains GS2 · Q11Explain constitutional morality and balancing judicial independence with judicial accountability
4. 2019Prelims Q45Whether the 99th Amendment striking down relates to judicial independence and election of PM
5. 2012Prelims Q60Which provision safeguards Supreme Court autonomy, including CJI consultation in appointments

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Phase I

SIR was first held in Bihar before the 2025 State Assembly elections.

Grounds for deletion

Deletion is for death, permanent shifting, duplicate entries, or electors untraceable despite repeated visits.

Claims and objections

Draft rolls are published and a statutory period allows claims and objections through Forms 6, 7 and 8 before finalisation.

Appeal route

Appeal lies to the District Magistrate or designated appellate authority, then recourse to the Chief Electoral Officer.

Supreme Court ruling

In ADR vs ECI (27.05.2026) the Court held SIR within ECI's statutory mandate under the RP Act, 1950 and consistent with Article 324.

Article 324

Article 324 vests superintendence, direction and control of elections and the preparation of electoral rolls in the Election Commission.

Don’t confuse with RP Act 1950 vs RP Act 1951: The 1950 Act deals with electoral rolls and seat allocation; the 1951 Act deals with the conduct of elections, disqualifications and disputes.

Don’t confuse with BLO vs BLA: A Booth Level Officer is an election official who does enumeration; a Booth Level Agent is nominated by a political party to check entries.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2026Mains GS2 · Q4Is voting a fundamental right; ECI roll revision and citizenship
2. 2004Prelims Q35Which tasks belong to ECI, including preparation of electoral rolls for elections?
3. 2017Prelims Q57Who may file Lok Sabha nomination; electoral roll entry relevance

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Count

The Constitution was amended eight times in the last twelve years, according to the reply.

101st Amendment, 2016

It relates to the Goods and Services Tax.

102nd Amendment, 2018

It gave constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes.

104th Amendment, 2019

It extended SC and ST seat reservation in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies until 25 January 2030.

106th Amendment, 2023

It provides reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

Don’t confuse with 102nd vs 105th Amendment: The 102nd gave constitutional status to the NCBC (Article 338B). The 105th amended Article 342A with consequential changes in 338B and 366.

Don’t confuse with 103rd vs 104th Amendment: The 103rd provides EWS reservation in jobs and education. The 104th extends SC/ST seat reservation in legislatures.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2019Mains GS2 · Q12Whether Article 368 lets Parliament destroy Basic Structure
2. 2025Mains GS2 · Q12Procedural and substantive limits on Parliament's amending power
3. 2023Mains GS2 · Q15Significance of 101st Amendment and its reflection of federal accommodation
4. 2019Prelims Q45Whether 44th amendment shielded PM election; whether 99th struck down
5. 2022Prelims Q13Correct statements on amendment bills: President's recommendation, assent, special majority
6. 2024Prelims Q74Which statements about Constitution's Parts IX-A, XVIII, XX are correct?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.