Preliminary Examination
Paper-I: Current Events of National and International Importance
Paper-II: Current Events of State Importance and Important Government Schemes and Programs
Main Examination
Paper-I: Essays
Essay – 1: Topic of International/National Importance
Essay-2: Topic of State importance/Local Importance
Paper-II: General Studies 1
Paper-III: General Studies 2
India–Norway Green Strategic Partnership: Modi meets Norwegian PM as they seek to raise ties to Green Strategic Partnership
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held bilateral talks in Oslo on May 18, 2026, where India and Norway upgraded their relationship to a Green Strategic Partnership. The focus is on clean energy, climate resilience, blue economy, green shipping, technology, space, health, and digital public infrastructure.
Background
India and Norway already cooperate in areas such as maritime trade, renewable energy, climate action, ocean economy, technology, and multilateral diplomacy. The new partnership comes at a time when the world is facing geopolitical tensions due to the Ukraine war, West Asia crisis, supply chain disruptions, and increasing use of trade and technology as strategic tools.
Norway is part of EFTA along with Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement aims to mobilise $100 billion investment into India over 15 years and create one million jobs.
What is the Green Strategic Partnership?
A Green Strategic Partnership means a deeper bilateral cooperation focused on sustainable development, green technology, climate-friendly growth and future-oriented economic sectors.
Major Areas of Cooperation
| Area | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Clean Energy | Renewable energy, hydrogen, offshore wind, carbon capture |
| Climate Resilience | Adaptation to climate change and disaster resilience |
| Blue Economy | Sustainable use of ocean resources |
| Green Shipping | Low-emission maritime transport |
| Space Cooperation | MoU between ISRO and Norway’s space agency |
| Digital Public Infrastructure | Use of India’s DPI model for development cooperation |
| Health and Technology | Digital health, high-tech health solutions |
| AI and Start-ups | Future-ready innovation partnership |
Multiple MoUs were signed in sectors such as high-tech health solutions, digital health, digital public infrastructure and space cooperation.
Strategic Significance for India
- Boost to Green Economy
Norway has expertise in carbon capture, offshore wind, hydrogen and maritime technology, while India has scale, engineering capability and a large renewable energy market. This creates scope for green industrial growth. - Strengthening India–Europe Relations
PM Modi described India and Europe as entering a new phase of cooperation. The partnership with Norway complements India’s broader engagement with Europe through trade, technology and sustainability. - Blue Economy and Maritime Security
Norway is a major maritime nation, while India is emerging as an important Indo-Pacific naval and maritime power. Cooperation in shipping, ocean resources and freedom of navigation is significant for trade and energy security. - Support for Global South
The triangular cooperation agreement shows that India and Norway can jointly support developing countries, especially through digital public infrastructure and human development solutions. - Technology and Innovation
Cooperation in AI, digital health, start-ups and space can support India’s innovation ecosystem and strengthen strategic technology partnerships.
Geopolitical Dimension
Norway’s Prime Minister said that India and Norway may have differences, but they must cooperate against countries that “weaponise” diplomacy, trade and technology. This reflects concerns over the use of economic sanctions, technology restrictions, supply chains and trade dependencies as geopolitical tools.
Both countries also emphasised that conflicts cannot be resolved through military action alone and supported dialogue and diplomacy in Ukraine and West Asia.
Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Different geopolitical positions | India and Norway may differ on some global issues, especially regarding Russia and Ukraine. |
| Implementation gap | Translating partnership announcements into actual investment and projects will be crucial. |
| Technology transfer barriers | Green technologies may involve high costs and intellectual property issues. |
| Maritime competition | Indo-Pacific tensions may complicate cooperation. |
| Climate finance | Ensuring affordable green finance for India’s transition remains a challenge. |
Question. India–Norway Green Strategic Partnership reflects the growing importance of climate diplomacy in India’s foreign policy. Discuss.
JPC Consultation on “One Nation, One Election”
Why in News?
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the proposal for “One Nation, One Election” held consultations in Bengaluru with various stakeholders, including 12 Padma awardees from Karnataka.
The consultation was related to:
The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024
The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
These Bills aim to create a legal framework for holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies and Union Territory Assemblies. The Bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2024 and referred to a JPC headed by P.P. Chaudhary.
What is “One Nation, One Election”?
One Nation, One Election means holding elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies together, instead of conducting elections in different States at different times.
It does not necessarily mean voting on one single day across India. The elections may still be held in phases, depending on the Election Commission’s convenience.
Background
India held simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies during the early years after Independence, especially from 1951–52 to 1967. This cycle was disturbed after premature dissolution of some State Assemblies and the Lok Sabha. Since then, elections have been held at different times.
The idea has now been revived to reduce election expenditure, reduce repeated imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, and ensure more time for governance.
Key Provisions of the Constitution 129th Amendment Bill, 2024
| Provision | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Simultaneous elections | Lok Sabha and all State Assemblies to go to polls together |
| President’s notification | President may notify the system after the first sitting of the Lok Sabha after a general election |
| State Assembly terms | Assemblies formed after the notification will end with the Lok Sabha’s term |
| Premature dissolution | If Lok Sabha or an Assembly is dissolved early, fresh election will be only for the remaining term |
| ECI recommendation | Election Commission may recommend deferment of a State Assembly election if needed |
| UT Assemblies | Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill extends the system to UT Assemblies |
Views of Padma Awardees from Karnataka
Most of the Padma awardees reportedly welcomed the proposal, citing:
political stability
reduction in public expenditure
more time for governance
lower environmental burden caused by repeated elections
reduced uncertainty over public representatives’ tenure
However, some awardees also gave cautionary views.
Important Caution
K.S. Jayalakshmi, editor of the Sanskrit daily Sudharma, said that the idea must be implemented carefully while protecting democracy and the rights of States.
Prahlada R. Rao, former DRDO director, said synchronising elections would be difficult but possible with a proper strategy.
Significance of the Issue
- Reduces Election Expenditure
Frequent elections require heavy spending by the government, political parties and candidates. Simultaneous elections may reduce repeated expenditure on polling staff, security, logistics and campaign management. - Improves Governance Time
Repeated elections lead to frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, which may slow down policy announcements and administrative decision-making. The JPC chairman also argued that frequent elections affect administration, education, banks, tourism and economic activity. - Political Stability
Supporters argue that simultaneous elections will give governments more time to focus on development instead of remaining in continuous election mode. - Environmental Benefit
Repeated elections involve rallies, posters, banners, travel, fuel use and waste generation. Fewer election cycles may reduce the environmental footprint of elections. - Economic Confidence
Supporters argue that continuous elections may create policy uncertainty, while a fixed election cycle may improve investor confidence.
Concerns and Challenges
| Concern | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Federalism | State elections may get overshadowed by national issues |
| State autonomy | States may face shortened or adjusted Assembly terms |
| Accountability | Fixed cycles may reduce the flexibility of parliamentary democracy |
| Implementation difficulty | Synchronising all States is administratively complex |
| Premature dissolution | If a government falls early, elections only for the remaining term may create short-term governments |
| ECI powers | The Bill gives ECI a role in recommending deferment of some Assembly elections |
| Voter behaviour | National and State issues may get mixed, affecting regional parties |
Constitutional Dimensions
The issue is important for Indian polity because it touches upon:
Article 83 – Duration of Houses of Parliament
Article 172 – Duration of State Legislatures
Article 327 – Power of Parliament to make laws regarding elections
Federal structure
Parliamentary democracy
Election Commission’s role
Basic structure doctrine
The Bill proposes to insert a new Article 82A to enable simultaneous elections.
Arguments in Favour
Reduces election-related expenditure.
Ensures policy continuity.
Reduces frequent Model Code of Conduct disruptions.
Allows governments to focus more on governance.
Reduces administrative and security burden.
May increase voter participation due to a single coordinated election cycle.
Reduces political instability and uncertainty.
Against
May weaken federalism by making State elections dependent on national election cycles.
Regional issues may be overshadowed by national campaigns.
Could affect the autonomy of State governments.
Difficult to manage if a government loses majority midway.
Shortened Assembly terms may go against the spirit of representative democracy.
It may benefit larger national parties over regional parties.
Logistical and constitutional amendments would be complex.
Way Forward
Protect the federal character of the Constitution.
Ensure that State governments’ autonomy is not weakened.
Build political consensus across parties and States.
Strengthen the Election Commission’s capacity.
Clarify what happens if governments fall before completing their term.
Consider phased implementation instead of sudden nationwide rollout.
Ensure that simultaneous elections do not dilute regional issues and local accountability.
Question. The Constitution 129th Amendment Bill, 2024 is related to:
A. Women’s reservation in Parliament
B. Simultaneous elections in India
C. Delimitation of constituencies
D. Appointment of Governors
Question. “One Nation, One Election” promises stability and efficiency, but raises concerns about federalism and democratic accountability. Discuss.
RTI Act Does Not Apply to BCCI, Says CIC
Why in News?
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has held that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not fall within the definition of a “public authority” under the Right to Information Act, 2005. Therefore, BCCI is not legally bound to provide information under RTI. The order was passed by Information Commissioner P.R. Ramesh while dismissing an RTI-related plea filed by Geeta Rani.
Background
BCCI is registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975. The CIC observed that it was:
not established by the Constitution,
not created by any law of Parliament or State Legislature,
not created by a government notification or order,
not substantially financed by the government.
Hence, CIC held that BCCI does not satisfy the conditions under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act.
What does Section 2(h) of the RTI Act say?
Under Section 2(h), a body can be treated as a public authority if it is established or constituted:
| Basis | Meaning |
|---|---|
| By the Constitution | Example: constitutional bodies |
| By law made by Parliament | Example: statutory authorities |
| By law made by State Legislature | Example: State statutory bodies |
| By government notification or order | Government-created bodies |
| Owned, controlled or substantially financed by government | Includes certain autonomous bodies |
| NGOs substantially financed by government | Directly or indirectly funded NGOs |
The CIC said BCCI does not meet these legal conditions.
Key Reasoning of the CIC
- BCCI is an autonomous body
BCCI functions as a private autonomous cricket body and is registered as a society. - No substantial government funding
The CIC held that BCCI is neither materially dependent on nor sustained by government funds. - Public function alone is not enough
Even though BCCI selects the Indian cricket team and regulates cricket at the national level, the CIC observed that performing a public function is not by itself a criterion under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act. - No deep government control
The order also noted that the government does not exercise deep administrative control over BCCI’s internal functioning.
Earlier Position and Reversal
This order is significant because it marks a reversal from the CIC’s 2018 position, when it had taken the view that BCCI should come under the RTI framework. The latest order says BCCI is not a public authority under the RTI Act.
Significance of the Issue
- Transparency vs Autonomy Debate
The case raises a major question: should a body performing important national-level public functions be brought under transparency laws, even if it is not government-funded? - Importance of Cricket in India
BCCI controls selection of the Indian cricket team, domestic cricket, IPL, player contracts and major cricket administration. Hence, many argue that greater transparency is needed. - Limits of RTI Act
The order shows that RTI coverage depends on the legal definition of public authority, not merely on public importance or popularity. - Impact on Sports Governance
The ruling may affect debates over transparency in other sports bodies and national sports federations.
Arguments Supporting CIC’s View
| Argument | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Legal definition is clear | BCCI is not created by law or Constitution |
| No government funding | It is not substantially financed by government |
| Autonomy of sports body | Excessive government control may affect independent sports administration |
| Commercial confidentiality | BCCI handles large commercial contracts and broadcasting rights |
| RTI cannot be expanded judicially | Public function alone is not mentioned in Section 2(h) |
Arguments Against CIC’s View
| Argument | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Performs public function | BCCI selects the national cricket team |
| Uses national identity | Team selected by BCCI represents India internationally |
| Monopoly over cricket | It effectively controls organised cricket in India |
| Public interest involved | Selection, finance, conflict of interest and governance affect millions of fans |
| Law Commission view | The Law Commission had earlier recommended bringing BCCI within RTI due to its public functions and national importance. (S3WaaS) |
Challenges in Bringing BCCI under RTI
BCCI is not a statutory body.
It does not receive substantial government funding.
Bringing it under RTI may require legislative clarity.
Commercial and contractual confidentiality may become contentious.
Government control over sports bodies may raise concerns of political interference.
Way Forward
Parliament may clarify whether bodies performing major public functions should come under RTI.
BCCI can voluntarily adopt stronger transparency norms.
Sports governance reforms should ensure disclosure of selection rules, conflict of interest, finances and disciplinary processes.
A separate sports governance law can balance transparency with institutional autonomy.
Commercially sensitive information may be protected while matters of public interest are disclosed.
Question. According to the latest CIC order, BCCI does not come under RTI because:
A. It is a constitutional body
B. It is directly controlled by Parliament
C. It is not substantially financed or controlled by government
D. It is part of the Election Commission
Question. Section 2(h) of the RTI Act, 2005 deals with:
A. Appointment of Information Commissioners
B. Definition of public authority
C. Penalties for non-disclosure
D. Exemptions from disclosure
Question. The debate over bringing BCCI under the RTI Act reflects the tension between institutional autonomy and public accountability. Discuss.
Paper-IV: General Studies 3
Namma Metro Blue Line Can Run Fully on Solar Power
Why in News?
A study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has found that Bengaluru’s upcoming Namma Metro Blue Line can potentially operate entirely on solar energy on a net annual basis.
The study says that BMRCL can use its own existing land and infrastructure, such as station rooftops, viaducts, canopies and depot rooftops, to install solar panels.
Key Findings of the IISc Study
- Full Solar Operation Possible
The study found that the Blue Line can achieve annual energy self-sufficiency through large-scale solar photovoltaic integration.
This means that over a year, the corridor can generate enough solar power to match its annual electricity requirement. - Energy Requirement
Under full-scale operations, with 21 trains running at two-minute intervals, the Blue Line is expected to require around 152 GWh of electricity per year.
To meet this demand, the study estimates that an installed solar capacity of 83.3 MWp would be sufficient.
Solar Installation Potential
Phase 1: Immediate Rooftop Solar Plan
The study says that BMRCL can immediately install up to 30 MWp rooftop solar capacity without modifying the existing traction infrastructure.
Phase 2: Expanded Solar Infrastructure
The second phase proposes extending solar panels to viaduct parapets and station side canopies.
Role of Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking is a system in which trains recover energy while braking.
According to the study, regenerative braking can recover around 29% of traction energy. When combined with rooftop solar generation, nearly 61% of the Blue Line’s traction energy demand can be offset.
Question. The study on using solar power for Namma Metro Blue Line was conducted by:
A. IIT Madras
B. IISc Bengaluru
C. TERI
D. NITI Aayog
Question. Solar-powered metro systems can become a model for sustainable urban mobility in India. Discuss with reference to Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Blue Line.
Paper-V: General Studies 4