1. SC Ban on NCERT Textbook (Feb 2026)
Context and Overview
The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, has taken suo motu (on its own motion) cognisance of a controversial section in the newly released Class 8 Social Science textbook titled "Exploring Society: India and Beyond". The court has imposed a blanket ban on the book and ordered the immediate seizure of all physical and digital copies.
Key Legal & Constitutional Issues
- Contempt of Court: The Bench observed that portraying the judiciary as a "venal institution" (corrupt) could amount to criminal contempt. Under Article 129, the SC has the power to punish for contempt to maintain its dignity and authority.
- Institutional Integrity: The Court emphasized that "selective reference" to corruption, without mentioning reforms or the role of the judiciary in upholding the Constitution, creates a biased narrative for "impressionable minds."
- Executive Accountability: The Court issued show-cause notices to the Director of NCERT and the Secretary of School Education, questioning the lack of oversight in the curriculum-drafting process.
- Freedom of Expression vs. Judicial Dignity: While Article 19(1)(a) protects free speech, it is subject to "reasonable restrictions," including "contempt of court." The SC is balancing the right to critique with the need to prevent the "erosion of public faith" in the justice system.
Potential Prelims Questions (MCQs)
With reference to the 'Contempt of Court' in India, consider the following statements:
- The Constitution of India defines both Civil and Criminal Contempt.
- The Supreme Court and High Courts derive the power to punish for contempt directly from the Constitution.
- A "suo motu" action by the Supreme Court requires a formal petition from the Attorney General.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Correct Answer: B
2. India-Israel ‘Special Strategic Partnership’
Context and Significance
The visit of Prime Minister Modi to Israel
in February 2026 marks a historic shift by elevating the relationship to a
“Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation, and Prosperity.” This
move signifies that the relationship has moved beyond just “buyer-seller”
dynamics in defense to a deeply integrated technological and strategic
alliance.
Key Pillars of the 2026 Visit
- Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET-like model): A new partnership led by National Security Advisors (NSAs) to collaborate on AI, Quantum Computing, and Semiconductors.
- Critical Minerals: Signing an MoU for cooperation in mineral exploration, crucial for India’s green energy transition and electronics manufacturing.
- Defense “Atmanirbharta”: Transitioning from imports to joint development, joint production, and transfer of technology (ToT) for advanced defense platforms.
- Labour Mobility: An agreement to send up to 50,000 Indian workers to Israel over five years, particularly in the construction and service sectors.
- Economic Integration: Progress toward finalizing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and linking India’s UPI with Israel’s payment systems for seamless cross-border remittances.
Strategic Dimension: India and West Asia
- I2U2 & IMEC: India and Israel are key partners in the I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, USA) grouping and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), aimed at regional connectivity and food security.
- De-hyphenation: India successfully maintains a “de-hyphenated” policy—strengthening ties with Israel while supporting a Two-State Solution for Palestine and maintaining vital energy ties with Arab nations.
Potential Prelims Question
With reference to the ‘Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity’ recently announced between India and Israel, consider the following statements:
- It includes the establishment of a Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership led by the respective National Security Advisors.
- An agreement was signed to enable cross-border remittances using
India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Israel.
- India and Israel have agreed to increase the number of ‘Centres of
Excellence’ in agriculture to 100 across India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Correct Answer: D
