INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) 2025 Daily KEY
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Presidential reference and Air Quality Management, cryogenic engine , Tariffs, Small gene editing technology are important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for November 22, 2025 |
Courts cannot fetter President, Governor: SC
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance like Presidnetial reference
For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Polity
Context:
A five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court on Thursday answered the 16th Presidential Reference the country has witnessed by opining that the judiciary cannot fetter Governors and the President to “one-size-fits-all” time-tables to dispose of State Bills or usurp their functions by assuming “deemed consent” of the proposed laws at the expiry of a court-ordered time frame
Read about:
What is Presidential reference?
Basic structure of the Constitution
Key takeaways:
Presidential reference
- A Presidential Reference is a mechanism under Article 143 of the Indian Constitution that allows the President of India to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on questions of law or matters of public importance that may be unclear, complicated, or potentially controversial.
- In simple terms, imagine a situation where the government or the President faces a legal uncertainty—something that isn’t clearly explained by existing laws or past judgments.
- Instead of guessing or taking a risky decision that might later cause problems, the President can formally ask the Supreme Court for guidance. This request is known as a Presidential Reference.
- When such a reference is made, the Supreme Court examines the issue in detail, hears arguments from relevant parties if needed, and then gives its opinion.
- While this opinion is not technically binding in the way a normal court judgment is, it is treated with great respect and is almost always followed because it comes from the highest court in the country.
- In essence, a Presidential Reference acts like a constitutional consultation: the President asks, the Supreme Court clarifies, and the government gains a legally sound direction on important or sensitive matters
What is the basic structure of the Constitution?
- The basic structure of the Constitution refers to those fundamental principles and essential features of the Indian Constitution that cannot be altered, damaged, or destroyed by the Parliament through constitutional amendments.
- The idea emerged from judicial interpretation, especially in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), where the Supreme Court held that although Parliament has wide powers to amend the Constitution, it cannot change its core identity.
- To understand it simply, think of the Constitution as a building: Parliament can renovate, repair, or update rooms, but it cannot break the foundation pillars that hold the building together. These foundation pillars are what we call the basic structure.
- The courts have, over time, explained what elements form part of this basic structure.
- They include things like the supremacy of the Constitution, the democratic and republican form of government, the rule of law, the separation of powers, the independence of the judiciary, fundamental rights, federalism, and judicial review, among others.
- These principles ensure that India remains a democracy governed by constitutional limits and not by arbitrary power.
Follow Up Question
Mains
1.The Basic Structure Doctrine acts as a constitutional safeguard against the arbitrary use of amending power by Parliament.” Discuss the evolution, significance, and contemporary relevance of this doctrine
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Note: This is a refrence approach to the Question and Model Answer Only
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(a) The decisions taken by the Election Commission of India while discharging its duties cannot be challenged in any court of law.
(b) The Supreme Court of India is not constrained in the exercise of its powers by laws made by the Parliament.
(c) In the event of a grave financial crisis in the country, the President of India can declare a Financial Emergency without the counsel from the Cabinet.
(d) State Legislatures cannot make laws on certain matters without the concurrence of the Union Legislature.
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Answer (b)
Article 142 gives the Supreme Court the power to pass any order necessary to do "complete justice" in any matter before it. The statement in the question means that ordinary laws cannot limit or restrict the Supreme Court while exercising its extraordinary powers under Article 142. So, Parliament-made laws cannot curtail Article 142 powers — which directly matches Option (b) |
Is air pollution a South Asian crisis?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance like Air Pollution
For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment and Ecology
Context:
Delhi is in the spotlight once again for its consistently deteriorating AQI levels. And like every year there has only been a knee-jerk reaction to the problem, rather than a sustainable solution. The Commission for Air Quality Management has gradually switched from stage 1 and 2 to stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan, and advisories have been issued for citizens who battle serious health risks.
Read about:
Air Quality Management
World Health Organization (WHO)
Key takeaways:
- Delhi has once again drawn national attention due to its persistently worsening air quality index (AQI). As has happened in previous years, responses to the crisis have been largely reactive rather than rooted in long-term planning.
- The Commission for Air Quality Management has escalated measures under the Graded Response Action Plan from stages 1 and 2 to stage 3, and citizens are being issued repeated health advisories.
- Yet, the situation demands a deeper understanding of how both natural and human-made factors converge to create this pollution emergency, which is influenced not only by local issues but also by developments beyond India’s borders.
Air Pollution Across South Asia
- In November 2024, parts of eastern and northern Pakistan and north India experienced a major pollution episode labelled the “2024 India-Pakistan Smog.” Cities such as Lahore and Delhi were competing for the unenviable position of having the worst air quality in the world, with satellite images showing thick “brown clouds” spread across the region.
- While Lahore initially reported the most severe AQI levels, Delhi’s air also deteriorated sharply due to shifting winds that carried pollutants across national boundaries.
- In 2025, the trend continues, with Delhi followed closely by Lahore.
- Bangladesh has also become part of this regional problem, as Dhaka frequently records AQI levels from moderate to very poor during the winter, as noted by the Atlantic Council.
- Similarly, Kathmandu in Nepal regularly experiences AQI levels ranging from moderate to unhealthy.
Underlying Causes
- According to Greenpeace’s 2023 World Air Quality Report, most of South Asia’s poor air quality stems from human activities such as emissions from industries and vehicles, as well as the burning of solid fuels and waste.
- Pollution across the Indo-Gangetic Plain and nearby regions also persists due to geographical factors. Despite political boundaries, the common topography of the region restricts natural air ventilation and traps pollutants, leading to widespread haze.
- Compounding this are political shortcomings, as governments across the region have struggled to address the crisis with adequate resolve or coordination.
- A 2023 World Bank report titled Air Pollution and Public Health in South Asia noted that nine of the ten most polluted cities in the world are located in this region, with the exceptions being countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bhutan, which are relatively shielded from cross-border pollution flows.
- The regional nature of the problem indicates that while immediate measures are important, long-term strategies—such as strong decarbonisation policies and deep reforms in agricultural and industrial systems—are essential for meaningful progress.
- Air pollution is closely tied to the broader model of development, which often harms the environment.
- A World Bank study estimates that India loses around 3% of its GDP due to the health costs and lost productivity associated with high AQI levels.
- Rapid growth in private vehicle ownership, weak public transport networks, limited support for walking and cycling infrastructure, and indiscriminate construction at the cost of urban green spaces have all contributed to deteriorating air quality.
- A 2023 UNEP report shows how unsustainable patterns of consumption and production fuel climate change, which in turn aggravates air pollution.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) therefore rightly notes that air pollution has far-reaching effects on life expectancy, public health, economic output, and environmental justice.
- These grim AQI numbers reflect poorly planned development, with experts warning that the problem is no longer limited to northern India—cities like Mumbai and others along the southeast coast are also likely to face worsening air quality in the near future
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Diagram or flowchart
┌───────────────────────────â”
│ South Asia Air Pollution │ │ A Transboundary Issue │ └─────────────┬─────────────┘ │ ┌─────────────────────┴─────────────────────┠│ │ ┌─────────────────────┠┌────────────────────────┠│ Natural Geography │ │ Human-Induced Causes │ └───────────┬─────────┘ └─────────────┬──────────┘ │ │ • Indo-Gangetic Plain bowl shape • Stubble burning (India–Pakistan) • Winter temperature inversion • Vehicular & industrial emissions • Low wind speeds & trapped air • Solid fuel burning & brick kilns • Pollutant movement across borders • Unplanned urbanisation • Weak political/environmental will │ │ └────────────────────┬───────────────────────┘ │ ┌──────────┴───────────┠│ Regional Impacts │ └──────────┬───────────┘ │ • Recurring smog (Delhi–Lahore–Dhaka–Kathmandu) • Severe health burden & reduced life expectancy • Economic losses (↓ labour productivity, ↑ healthcare) • Environmental injustice & climate feedback loops │ ↓ ┌──────────────────────────┠│ Need for Long-Term, │ │ Multi-Country Action │ └──────────┬──────────────┘ │ ┌─────────────────────┴───────────────────────┠│ │ • Regional emission standards • Coordinated crop-residue solutions • Shared monitoring & forecasting • Decarbonisation of transport & industry • Stronger SAARC/BBIN frameworks • Urban green planning & clean energy shift |
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Note: This is a refrence approach to the Question and Model Answer Only
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- Automobile exhaust
- Tobacco smoke
- Wood burning
- Using varnished wooden furniture
- Using products made of polyurethane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
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Answer (D)
Benzene exposure can occur from multiple everyday sources:
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India’s Russian oil cuts predate U.S. tariffs: data
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance like Tariffs
For Mains Examination: GS II - International Relations, GS III - Economy
Context:
India is implementing a larger strategy to reduce its dependence on oil imports from Russia, with the higher tariffs imposed by the U.S. coming at a time when India was already cutting its Russian oil imports, according to an analysis of official data. This has been confirmed by government officials.
Read about:
What are Tariffs?
What are reciprocal tariffs?
Key takeaways:
- Tariffs are taxes that a government places on goods imported from other countries. They are one of the oldest tools of trade policy and are used to regulate how much foreign products enter a domestic market.
- When a tariff is imposed, it increases the cost of the imported item, making it more expensive than it would normally be.
- Because of this higher price, consumers may be less likely to buy the imported product and more inclined to purchase domestically produced alternatives.
- Governments generally use tariffs for two main purposes. The first is protective, where the intention is to shield local industries from foreign competition.
- By making imported goods costlier, domestic producers get a price advantage and can grow without being overwhelmed by cheaper foreign products.
- The second purpose is revenue generation. In many developing countries, tariffs are a major source of government income, especially when other forms of taxation are harder to administer.
- However, tariffs can also have broader economic effects. They may lead to trade tensions or retaliatory tariffs from other countries.
- Consumers might have to pay higher prices due to reduced competition, and industries that rely on imported raw materials may face increased production costs.
- Despite these challenges, governments often use tariffs strategically to balance national interests, protect employment, and manage trade relationships.
What are reciprocal tariffs?
- Reciprocal tariffs refer to a system where two countries agree to impose similar or equivalent tariff rates on each other’s goods. In simple terms, if one country lowers or raises tariffs on a trading partner’s products, the partner responds with the same level of tariff change. It is based on the principle of give and take in trade negotiations.
- The idea behind reciprocal tariffs is to create fairness and balance in international trade. When countries follow reciprocity, neither side feels disadvantaged because both agree to equal treatment.
- For example, if Country A reduces tariffs on steel imported from Country B, then Country B also reduces tariffs on products imported from Country A. This mutual adjustment often forms the basis of trade agreements and helps build trust between trading partners.
- Reciprocal tariffs can encourage more open trade because each concession by one side is matched by the other.
- However, they can also escalate tensions if used in a negative way. If one country raises tariffs to protect its domestic industries, and the other retaliates with the same increase, it may lead to a tariff war, disrupting global supply chains and increasing prices for consumers
Additional Information
- India appears to be pursuing a broader plan to gradually lessen its reliance on Russian oil, and recent U.S. tariff hikes have coincided with an already ongoing decline in these imports, as indicated by an analysis of official figures and confirmed by government sources.
- The data suggests that the reduction is part of a long-term policy rather than a direct response to the American duties, half of which were introduced as a “penalty” for India’s purchase of Russian crude.
- The additional 25% U.S. tariff on Russian oil–linked imports from India took effect on August 27.
- Yet records show that, in eight out of the ten months leading up to September 2025, India had already reduced the value of its Russian oil imports compared to the same months of 2024, with five of those months — February, May, June, July, and September — witnessing drops of over 20%.
- Since imposing the 50% tariff, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that India would scale down its Russian oil purchases, though New Delhi has not officially endorsed or rejected this claim.
- Meanwhile, India and the United States have restarted formal trade negotiations after a short pause, with both sides indicating that the first segment of a Bilateral Trade Agreement may be finalized soon.
- Top Indian officials — including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman — have emphasized that the country’s energy procurement choices will be guided strictly by national priorities and economic interests, and not by external pressure
Follow Up Question
Mains
1. India’s recent reduction in Russian oil imports has coincided with higher U.S. tariffs and renewed bilateral trade negotiations between the two countries. Critically examine whether India’s energy and trade policies are driven by external pressure or by long-term strategic considerations
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Note: This is a refrence approach to the Question and Model Answer Only
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India began reducing its imports of Russian oil only after the United States imposed additional tariffs on Indian exports linked to Russian crude.
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India’s reduction in Russian oil imports in 2025 is part of a broader diversification strategy rather than a direct response to U.S. pressure.
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Trade data indicates that India had already decreased its Russian oil imports in most months before the new U.S. tariffs came into force.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Answer (b)
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- The CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing system, which earned the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, originates from the defence mechanisms of bacteria. These bacterial proteins act like molecular scissors that can slice through genetic material, and scientists can use them to remove faulty segments of DNA with precision.
- To address Sickle Cell Anaemia, India is working along two parallel paths. One aims at prevention by ensuring that new cases do not occur, and the other focuses on improving treatment and healthcare support for people already living with the disorder.
- A robust framework is being put in place to support both these objectives and to guarantee proper medical care for affected individuals.
- If two carriers of the Sickle Cell trait marry, there is a significant chance their child may be born with the disease. Hence, screening people before marriage can help curb its transmission.
- The Health Ministry, working with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and various State governments, plans to test nearly 70 million people aged 0–40 across about 200 districts in 17 states over the coming years, with the broader objective of eliminating Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2047. Those who are screened will receive smart cards in their local language to help prospective partners understand their genetic compatibility.
- An indigenous gene-editing tool, based on principles similar to CRISPR technology and fully patented by Indian scientists, has been used to craft a new therapy named Birsa-101, honouring tribal leader Birsa Munda because the disease is widespread among tribal populations.
- The IGIB has already set up a production facility for this therapy and will begin phase I clinical trials with AIIMS next year. Once safety is confirmed, the Serum Institute of India will lead phases II and III of the trials.
- Sickle Cell Anaemia is a hereditary disorder in which red blood cells become stiff, curved, and less effective in carrying oxygen. This abnormal shape can impede blood flow, causing severe pain, chronic health issues, organ damage, infections, and anaemia. Some individuals may only carry the gene without developing the disease.
- Birsa-101 works by directly fixing the genetic mutation responsible for the disorder. It is designed as a one-time infusion that enables the patient’s body to start producing normal red blood cells again.
- This mechanism differs from the globally approved Casgevy therapy, which stimulates the production of foetal haemoglobin—naturally present at birth and free of the mutation—to compensate for defective adult haemoglobin.
- The government has also launched a national mission to eradicate the disease by 2047, primarily through extensive genetic screening
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Note: This is a refrence approach to the Question and Model Answer Only
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Answer (D)
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