CURRENT-AFFAIRS

Context

In February 2026, the Supreme Court took a stern stand on WhatsApp's controversial 2021 privacy policy and the commercial exploitation of data by Meta. This case arises from appeals challenging the ₹213.14 crore penalty imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Meta, demanding that the 'Right to Privacy' be placed above commercial interests.

Key Points of the Supreme Court

The bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, made extremely sharp observations during the hearing:

• "A Decent Way of Committing Theft": The Court compared the sharing of private data to theft committed in a decent manner.
• "Leave the Country": The Court explicitly stated that if companies cannot protect privacy, they should wind up their business and leave India.
• Attack on Monopoly: The Court described WhatsApp's 'Take it or leave it' policy as an 'agreement between a lion and a lamb,' where the consumer has no real choice.
• "We are Products": The Court agreed with the Solicitor General's point that consumers are no longer customers but have become 'products' to be sold.

Significance of the Supreme Court's Decision/Observations

• Consumer Protection: It indicates that even "silent consumers" have constitutional protection in the digital age.
• Judicial Activism: The Court is no longer limited to just legal procedures; it is viewing the complexity of technical jargon (Opt-out) from the perspective of a 'common man.'
• Constitutional Supremacy: It is a clear message that no global tech company is above the Constitution of India and the fundamental rights of its citizens.

Meta/WhatsApp's Side and Impact on Them

• Companies' Argument: Senior Advocate Sibal argued that data sharing occurs only with the user's 'consent' and they have an 'opt-out' option. He claimed information was provided through advertisements.
• Impact: Financial Risk: If the penalty is upheld, Meta will have to bear a heavy financial burden.
• Crisis for Business Model: If a complete ban is imposed on data sharing, Meta's 'targeted advertising' model could fail in India.
• Loss of Reputation: Observations like "theft" have a negative impact on brand value.

Constitutional Provisions on Privacy and Data

• Article 21: Following the Puttaswamy vs. Union of India (2017) case, the Right to Privacy is a 'Fundamental Right' under Article 21.
• Articles 14 and 19: Mandatory conditions for data sharing are being seen as indirect violations of equality and freedom of expression.
• Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act, 2023): This law emphasizes the purposeful use of data and the explicit consent of the user.

Analysis

This dispute reflects the modern problem of "Data Colonialism." WhatsApp has used its market dominance to create a situation where the user is dependent on its services, and this dependency is being used to force them to compromise their privacy. The Court's 'lion and lamb' analogy underscores the "Unequal Bargaining Power."

Way Forward

• Terms in Simple Language: Companies should clarify their policies in simple regional languages instead of 'legal complexity.'
• Empowered Role of CCI: The Competition Commission must ensure that data sharing does not eliminate competition in the market.
• Technical Solutions: The 'opt-out' option should be made clear and accessible on the mobile screen, not limited to newspaper advertisements.
• Affidavit: As per the Court's direction, the management must give a reliable undertaking that data will be used only for messaging services and not for commercial trade.

Conclusion

In the digital age, data is the new currency, but its price cannot be the privacy of citizens. The Supreme Court's tough stance ensures that India is not merely a 'data market,' but a vibrant democracy where the protection of constitutional values is more important than technological advancement. It has now become mandatory for Meta and WhatsApp to make their policies 'India-centric' and 'privacy-friendly.

Context

The death penalty, also known as 'Capital Punishment', has been a subject of perennial debate between human dignity and the prevention of crime. In February 2026, the liberal stance of the Supreme Court of India and the increasing incidents of executions globally have brought this issue back to the center of discussion.

Current News

In February 2026, the report titled "Death Penalty in India: Annual Statistics Report 2025" published by NALSAR University revealed a startling trend:

• Zero Confirmation by the Supreme Court: For the third consecutive year (2023-2025), the Supreme Court of India did not confirm a single death sentence.
• Large Number of Acquittals: In the year 2025, the Supreme Court acquitted 10 death row prisoners, which is the highest number of such acquittals in a decade.
• Gap between Trial Courts and Higher Courts: While higher courts are becoming more lenient/strict in terms of standards, the Sessions Courts (Trial Courts) have awarded 1,310 death sentences in the last decade. High Courts confirmed only 8% of these, pointing towards "erroneous sentencing" at the trial level.
• Procedural Violations: The report stated that 95% of hearings in trial courts violated Supreme Court guidelines (such as not conducting a psychological evaluation before awarding the death penalty).

Global Trend: "Alarming" Increase in the Number of Executions At the end of January 2026, the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) expressed concern over the "massive increase" in the number of executions carried out globally during 2025:

• Iran and Saudi Arabia: According to the report, Iran executed at least 1,500 people in 2025 (nearly half for drug-related offenses). Saudi Arabia executed more than 350 people, which is a record number.
• United States: The US carried out 47 executions in 2025, the highest in the last 16 years.

Israel: Controversial Death Penalty Bill

In February 2026, the proposed 'Mandatory Death Penalty Bill' in Israel's Knesset (Parliament) became a cause for international controversy:

• Proposal: Provision for a mandatory death penalty for terrorist acts.
• Point of Dispute: Critics argue that this bill primarily targets Palestinians and creates a 'dual legal system', which is against the universal principles of justice. The United Nations has termed it a 'retributive law'.

Recent Executions

Several significant cases emerged in the first two weeks of February:

• USA (Florida): Execution of the first sentence of the year on February 10 via lethal injection.
• Singapore: Execution of a foreign national on February 11 for drug trafficking, which sparked a debate on 'harsh drug laws' globally.
• Iran: International human rights movements gained momentum after the sentencing of teenage wrestler Saleh Mohammadi.

Summary Table for Quick Reference

Importance of the Report

The 'Annual Statistics Report 2025' is important for policymakers because:

• It emphasizes the need for 'data-driven justice'.
• It reveals that in 95% of cases, the trial court awarded the sentence without studying the mental state of the accused and 'mitigating circumstances'.
• It demands judicial reform by highlighting the sharp decline in the 'confirmation rate' of sentences.

Analysis

The current status of the death penalty reflects a 'judicial anomaly'. In India, despite the 'Rarest of Rare' doctrine, trial courts often award sentences under the pressure of retributive justice, which are subsequently overturned by higher courts due to procedural flaws. Globally, the death penalty is being used more as an instrument of political power display and social control rather than crime control.

Way Forward

• Procedural Purity: Ensure strict compliance with the guidelines of the Supreme Court's 'Manoj vs. Madhya Pradesh' (2022) case, in which a socio-economic and psychological study of the accused is mandatory before sentencing.

• Legal Aid: Providing quality legal assistance in death penalty cases, as most convicts come from poor backgrounds.
• Global Dialogue: Diplomatic pressure to amend laws like the mandatory death penalty in accordance with international treaties.

Conclusion

The objective of justice is not only to punish the criminal but also to maintain faith in justice within society. The trend of 'zero confirmation' by the Supreme Court in India makes it clear that extreme caution is mandatory given the irreversible nature of the death penalty. Until coordination is established between trial courts and the higher judiciary, and human rights are prioritized globally, the death penalty will remain a challenge for a just society.

Context

In February 2026, MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) has once again become the center of national debate. The recent controversy began when three Congress MPs from Rajasthan were accused of allocating a portion of their funds to the Kaithal district of Haryana. While critics are calling for the abolition of the scheme, labeling it a 'misuse of funds,' experts argue that it is not appropriate to scrap this vital developmental tool based on isolated incidents.

Nature of MPLADS

• Establishment: A Central Sector Scheme launched in December 1993.
• Funding: 100% funded by the Government of India.
• Methodology: Under this, MPs recommend the creation of 'durable community assets' (such as drinking water, primary education, sanitation, roads) in their constituencies.
• Budget: Each MP is allocated ₹5 crore per year. This fund is non-lapsable.

Current Controversy: Rajasthan vs. Haryana Case

In January-February 2026, the BJP leveled allegations against the following MPs:

• MPs: Sanjana Jatav (Bharatpur), Rahul Kaswan (Churu), and Brijendra Singh Ola (Jhunjhunu).
• Controversy: They allocated ₹45 lakh, ₹50 lakh, and ₹25 lakh respectively from their funds for developmental work in Kaithal, Haryana.
• Technical Aspect: The MPs defended their actions citing the revised guidelines of August 2024, which allow an MP to spend up to ₹50 lakh annually outside their constituency. However, this is being criticized as 'politically motivated.'

Historical Utility Data

Statistics show that the utilization of MPLADS has been effective over time:

Analysis

• Separation of Powers: Critics argue that the function of the legislature is to make laws, not developmental work. However, the Supreme Court (2010, Bhim Singh case) upheld its validity because the final implementation is done by the district administration.
• Federalism: Some states argue that this is an interference by the Center in subjects under the State List.
• Positive Examples: Former Union Minister Satyapal Singh utilized 63% of his funds to resolve water crises, while MPs like Shashi Tharoor ensured full transparency through geo-tagging.

Way Forward

• Guidance Workshops: Providing technical training to MPs for effective planning.
• Transparency: Real-time online monitoring of projects and mandatory publication of 'geo-tagged' images.
• Social Audit: Ensuring physical verification of works by local residents.
• Accountability: Reducing delays by district authorities in releasing funds.

Conclusion

There is no solid ground for scrapping MPLADS. This scheme makes MPs directly accountable to their voters for small but important needs (such as community buildings or handpumps). The need is not to abolish it but to strengthen accountability, transparency, and better monitoring mechanisms in its implementation. In a large and diverse democracy like India, it is an indispensable link for local development.

Context

In the first week of February 2026, a new debate has ignited among energy experts and the industrial world, based on the analysis of Shrikant Madhav Vaidya (former Chairman, IOCL). Historically, the Industrial Revolution has been based on the combustion of "molecules," i.e., fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas). However, due to increasing pressure from global climate goals and economic competitiveness, the world is now shifting toward an "electron economy" (electricity-based industry). For India, this transition is not just about protecting the environment but is a necessity to secure its place in the global supply chain.

‘Molecules’ vs. ‘Electrons’: Fundamental Difference

To understand this shift, an analysis of two forms of energy is essential:

• Molecule-based Model: Here, heat is generated by burning substances (coal or diesel) to run factories, kilns, and vehicles. This model is highly polluting and wasteful of energy.
• Electron-based Model: In this, industries are powered directly by electricity (electrons) obtained from the grid or solar/wind energy.
  • Efficiency Benefit: An electric motor converts more than 90% of its energy into work, while a combustion engine can only manage 30-35%.

Current Global Situation and China's Dominance

China has taken a decisive lead in this 'electron revolution':

• Chinese Industrial Energy: By 2024, nearly 50% of China's industrial energy comes from electricity. They have made their infrastructure compatible with grid-based power.
• Indian Perspective: In India, this figure is currently around 25%. Most of India's heavy industries (such as steel and cement) still rely on the direct combustion of coal or oil for heat.

Importance and Impact:

Analysis

This transition is not just a change in technology but a "new grammar of competitiveness."

• Automated Decarbonization: If a factory runs on electricity, then as India's power grid becomes 'green' (solar/wind), that factory will automatically become 'clean' without any additional investment.
• Challenge: Industrial electricity tariffs in India are among the highest in the world because a burden of 'cross-subsidy' is placed on industries to subsidize domestic consumers. This is the biggest hurdle in the transition toward 'electrons.'

Way Forward

• Reform in Industrial Electricity Tariffs: Making electricity prices competitive for industries so that they choose electricity over coal.
• Modernization of the Grid: Increasing investment in 'battery storage' and 'smart grids' to ensure 24/7 power supply.
• Sector-Specific Electrification: Providing incentives (subsidies) for the use of 'Electric Arc Furnaces' in steel and electric boilers in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• Open Access Policy: Giving industries the freedom to purchase electricity directly from renewable energy producers of their choice.

Conclusion

Industrial superiority in the 21st century will not be decided by who has more fuel, but by who can provide 'electrons' most efficiently to their industries. For India, moving away from import dependence on 'molecules' toward self-reliance in 'electrons' is the actual economic path to a "Developed India."

Context

Over the past five years (2020-2025), unprecedented investment was made globally in the infrastructure of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This was dominated by chips like Nvidia, massive data centers, and foundational models (such as GPT-4, Claude). By 2025, approximately $320 billion was spent on infrastructure alone. However, at the beginning of 2026, a new turn has emerged in the global market and policy corridors—the discussion is no longer just about 'AI technology working,' but is now focused on its 'profitability' and 'practical utility.'

Next Investment Cycle of AI

According to news and economic analyses, the AI investment cycle signifies a transition from 'infrastructure' to the 'application layer.'

• First Phase: Here, the objective was to build powerful models and gather computing capacity (GPUs).
• New Phase: Here, the primary focus is on software and tools that solve problems for specific industries (e.g., healthcare, law, education). Investors are now looking at whether AI is actually reducing costs or increasing revenue. This is also called "AI-Verticalization."

Reason for Current Discussion

In February 2026, the 'India-AI Impact Summit-2026' and reports from major global economic forums (such as WEF) highlighted this shift:

• OpenAI's Financial Paradox: An annual loss of $5 billion despite $13 billion in revenue indicates that selling just a 'model' is not sustainable.
• Success of Niche Startups: Significant funding of $460 million raised by startups like 'Harvey' (Legal AI) demonstrates that the market is prioritizing AI solutions built for specific sectors.
• Role of India: The deployment of more than 10,000 GPUs under the 'India AI Mission' by the Government of India and the emphasis on applications like 'Bhashini' have made this a subject of national discussion.

Importance and Impact:

Analysis

This change is like the next stage of 'Digital Public Infrastructure' (DPI). If the infrastructure (Chips/Models) is the "road," then the applications are the "buses" running on it. Without buses, the road has no economic value.

• Challenge: The expenditure on infrastructure has become so high that if 'applications' do not yield profit, it could burst like a 'dot-com bubble.'
• Opportunity: This is a boon for countries like India, as we have the world's largest developer base that can build apps for specific local problems (such as agriculture, linguistic diversity).

Way Forward

• Skill Development: Merely using AI is not enough; human resources capable of understanding the 'AI-Workflow' must be prepared.
• Ethical Rules: Stringent laws are necessary to prevent data privacy issues and algorithmic bias at the application layer.
• Pro-Innovation Regulation: Governments should not burden startups with excessive taxes or regulations so that innovation remains intact in the 'application layer.'

Conclusion

In short, the investment cycle of 2026 is the year of the 'democratization' of AI. Power will no longer rest with companies or countries that have the largest servers, but with those who have the most useful solutions. For India, this is a golden opportunity to transform its 'software power' into 'AI power'.

Context

By successfully test-firing the nuclear-capable 'Agni-3' missile, India has made its defense borders impenetrable and proved its military supremacy on the world stage. This confluence of indigenous technology and unerring strike capability provides new heights to India's resolve of 'Minimum Credible Deterrence.'

Agni-3 Missile: Technology and Features

Agni-3 is the mainstay of India's defense arsenal, which creates fear in the enemy camps with its strike capability. Its key features are as follows:

• Construction and Development: The entire construction and development of this state-of-the-art missile has been done by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) using entirely indigenous technology.
• Strike Range: This missile is capable of hitting targets at a distance of 3000 to 3500 kilometers.
• System: It is a two-stage ballistic missile, powered by solid fuel.
• Payload Capacity: It is capable of carrying up to 1.5 tonnes of conventional and nuclear weapons.
• Accuracy: Due to the state-of-the-art navigation and guidance system, it strikes the target with high precision.
• Mobility: It can be launched from rail or road-based mobile launchers, which increases its survivability in a war situation.

Strategic Importance: National and International Impact

The successful test of Agni-3 is not just a military exercise, but a deep diplomatic message:

• National Security: It strengthens India's 'Nuclear Triad.' It acts as a solid deterrent against neighbors like China and Pakistan, as almost all major cities of neighboring countries come within its range.
• Self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat): This technology developed by DRDO demonstrates India's indigenous power in the defense sector, thereby reducing foreign dependence.
• Global Impact: This successful test has tilted the balance of power in South Asia in India's favor. Internationally, India has made it clear that it will not compromise on its regional integrity.

Conclusion

This successful test of Agni-3 is a milestone in India's defense history. It not only reflects our technical progress but also reinforces the principle of "Non-violence is the supreme duty" along with "So too is righteous violence for the protection of Dharma," where power is essential to maintain peace. Today's India no longer just protects its borders, but also possesses the capability to ensure fear in the minds of enemies regarding its security.