NCERT Textbook Controversy and Contempt of Court

Why in News?

The recent controversy surrounding the Class 8 social science textbook published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has brought into sharp focus the delicate balance between judicial authority, academic freedom, and freedom of speech.

What is contempt of court?

• The power of contempt – It is an essential tool in the judiciary’s arsenal to ensure the proper administration of justice.
• Categories – It is broadly classified into two categories:
  • Civil contempt and
  • Criminal contempt.
• Civil contempt – It refers to the willful disobedience of court orders, and its application is relatively straightforward.
• Criminal contempt – It includes acts that obstruct the administration of justice, prejudice judicial proceedings, or scandalise the court by lowering its authority in the eyes of the public.
• The concept of “scandalising the court”- It is particularly contentious.
• It seeks to prevent the spread of false or malicious narratives that could erode public confidence in the judiciary.
• However, its application must be carefully calibrated to ensure that it does not suppress legitimate criticism.

What is the rationale behind contempt powers?

• Authority of judiciary – Unlike the executive or legislature, the judiciary does not wield the power of the purse or the sword.
• Its authority rests primarily on public confidence and institutional legitimacy.
• The role of people’s trust – The effectiveness of judicial decisions depends largely on the trust reposed by citizens.
• This trust has been built over decades through the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional values, protecting fundamental rights, and acting as a check on legislative and executive excesses.
• Therefore, any sustained or motivated attempt to undermine this trust through misinformation or reckless allegations can weaken the institution’s ability to function effectively.
• However, it is equally important to recognise that this power must not be used to shield the judiciary from scrutiny or accountability.

What are the judicial perspectives on criticism?

• Historical viewpoints – Many eminent judges have emphasised restraint in invoking contempt powers.
• They have acknowledged that the judiciary is not immune to criticism and that such criticism can, in fact, strengthen the institution.
• Chief Justice P.B. Gajendragadkar – He underscored that contempt powers must be exercised cautiously and sparingly.
• Frequent or impulsive use, especially in response to perceived personal affronts, could undermine rather than enhance the dignity of the courts.
• Chief Justice S.P. Bharucha – He demonstrated a “broad-shouldered” approach by choosing not to pursue contempt proceedings against critical remarks made by public figures, noting that the judiciary is strong enough to withstand such criticism.
• International perspectives – Many jurists like Lord Denning have strongly defended the importance of free speech, asserting that courts should not use contempt powers to uphold their own dignity or suppress dissent.
• Instead, judicial conduct itself should be the basis of public respect.

How to distinguish fair criticism vs contempt?

• Key challenge – It lies in distinguishing between fair criticism and contemptuous conduct.
• Importance of criticism – In a democratic society, criticism of public institutions is not only permissible but necessary for accountability.
• However, certain boundaries must be maintained:
  • Criticism must be based on facts and presented accurately.
  • It should not be reckless or driven by malice.
  • It must not aim to deliberately undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
• When these conditions are violated, the invocation of criminal contempt may be justified.
• Otherwise, excessive use of such powers risks creating a chilling effect on free speech and academic inquiry.

What is the NCERT textbook controversy?

• NCERT chapter – NCERT published a class 8 book with chapter discussing “corruption in the judiciary”.
• Decision of SC – The Supreme Court’s decision to ban the NCERT Class 8 textbook and direct the reconstitution of the textbook committee represents a significant exercise of judicial authority.
• The textbook’s discussion on “corruption in the judiciary” appears to have triggered concerns about its potential impact on public perception.
• Response from NCERT – In response, NCERT reconstituted the National Syllabus and Teaching Learning Material Committee (NSTC), removing certain members associated with the drafting of the controversial chapter and inducting new experts.
• The move reflects an attempt to align educational content with institutional sensitivities.
• However, this development also raises concerns about academic autonomy and due process.
• The authors of the textbook have argued that the chapter was part of a collaborative effort and that singling out individuals presents an incomplete picture.

What is the need for due process and dialogue?

• The manner in which the issue has been handled invites scrutiny.
• Dignified approach – A more measured approach—such as seeking clarification from the authors, allowing revisions, or issuing advisory guidelines—could have addressed concerns without resorting to a complete ban.
• Judiciary VS Academics – Judicial intervention in academic matters must be exercised with caution.
• Courts are traditionally the protectors of free speech and should be wary of actions that may inadvertently suppress intellectual debate.
• Constructive engagement – The positive interaction between the judiciary and academic institutions could help resolve such disputes more effectively.
• Dialogue, rather than punitive action, often leads to better outcomes in a democratic framework.

Why there is a need for reform and accountability in judiciary?

• The Deeper issue – The controversy also highlights a broader issue: the challenge of addressing corruption within the judiciary.
• While instances of judicial misconduct are relatively rare, even isolated cases can damage public trust.
• Limitations of existing process – Existing mechanisms for accountability, such as impeachment and in-house procedures, have limitations.
• Impeachment is a lengthy and politically influenced process, while internal inquiries may lack transparency or enforcement strength.
• Addressing judicial misconduct – There is a pressing need to develop more effective and credible mechanisms to address judicial misconduct.
• Strengthening accountability will not only enhance public confidence but also protect the reputation of the vast majority of honest judges.

What is the role of education in shaping constitutional values?

• Role of textbooks – They play a crucial role in shaping young minds and fostering an understanding of constitutional institutions.
• It is essential that students are provided with a balanced perspective on the judiciary.
• This includes not only its role in dispute resolution but also its function as the guardian of fundamental rights and the Constitution.
• Measures to be taken – At the same time, students should be made aware of the challenges faced by the judiciary, including issues of delay, infrastructure, and accountability.
• A nuanced and fact-based approach to such topics can promote critical thinking without undermining institutional respect.

What lies ahead?

• The NCERT textbook controversy serves as a reminder of the need to strike a careful balance between protecting the authority of the judiciary and preserving the fundamental right to free speech.
• Contempt powers, while necessary, must be exercised with restraint and wisdom.
• A mature democratic society thrives on informed criticism and open dialogue.
• When the judiciary embraces fair criticism, it reinforces the rule of law and strengthens its own legitimacy.
• Conversely, overreach may risk eroding the very trust it seeks to protect.
• Ultimately, the way forward lies in fostering mutual respect between institutions, ensuring accountability, and upholding the constitutional values that form the foundation of India’s democracy.

Reference

The Hindu|NCERT Issue and Judicial Overreach

The Hindu| NCERT Constitutes Textbook Committee

New Chapter in India's Nuclear Journey

Why in News?

India has marked a major milestone in its nuclear energy programme marking the initiation of a sustained nuclear chain reaction with its Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu.

What about the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR)?

• Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) – It is a nuclear reactor that generates more fissile material (fuel) than it consumes by using fast neutrons to convert non-fissile materials like Uranium-238 into Plutonium-239.
• These reactors are designed for high fuel efficiency, enabling the utilization of over 60 times more energy from natural uranium, and are critical for India's 3-stage nuclear program.
• PFBR – It represents decades of indigenous research, design, and engineering.
• Technology development – Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), an R&D centre under the Department of Atomic Energy.
• Fuel & Design – Unlike conventional thermal reactors, the PFBR uses Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel.
• The fissile material used is recovered from the reprocessing of spent fuel from Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors, closing the loop on Stage 1.
• Breeds More Than It Burns – The core of the PFBR is surrounded by a blanket of Uranium-238.
• Fast neutrons convert this fertile material into fissile Plutonium-239, enabling the reactor to produce more fuel than it consumes.
• Bridge to Stage 3 – The reactor is designed to eventually use Thorium-232 in the blanket.
• Through transmutation, Thorium-232 will be converted into Uranium-233, the fuel that will power India's third stage of nuclear energy based on thorium.
• Closed Fuel Cycle – The spent fuel generated by the PFBR will be reprocessed and recycled back into the reactor.
• This closes the second-stage fuel cycle and paves the way for large-scale use of India's abundant thorium reserves in Stage 3.
• Recent Achievement
• Attained Criticality – The indigenously designed & built Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu successfully attained its first criticality.
• PFBR at Kalpakkam – It is a 500 MWe (MegaWatt electrical) reactor built by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) at the Kalpakkam Nuclear Complex.
• Significance – With this achievement, India has officially entered the second stage of its three-stage nuclear power programme, a vision first conceived by Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha, the architect of India's nuclear programme.
• Once fully operational, India will become only the second country in the world after Russia to operate a commercial fast breeder reactor.

What is Criticality?

• Criticality – It is the point at which a sustained and controlled nuclear fission chain reaction begins.
• At this stage, neutrons produced by fission equal those lost through absorption and leakage, resulting in a stable power output.
• It marks the transition from the construction phase to the operational phase and is the essential first step towards generating heat and, ultimately, electricity.

What about India's Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme?

• Goal – To progressively multiply domestic fissile resources and secure long-term energy independence.
• Reserve status – India holds limited uranium reserves but one of the largest thorium reserves in the world.
• 3 stage Nuclear Programme
• Stage 1: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)
  • Natural uranium is used as fuel in PHWRs to generate power.
  • The spent fuel from these reactors produces plutonium, which becomes the primary input for the next stage.
• Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs)
  • The plutonium obtained from Stage 1 is used as fuel in Fast Breeder Reactors, which generate more fuel than they consume.
  • The PFBR at Kalpakkam marks India's entry into this stage.
  • These reactors will be used to breed Uranium-233 from thorium, laying the groundwork for Stage 3.
• Stage 3: Thorium-Based Reactors
  • This stage will harness India's vast thorium reserves at scale, using the Uranium-233 bred in Stage 2 as fuel.
  • Thorium is considered a practically vast energy source and this stage holds the key to India's long-term energy security.
• Each stage feeds into the next, making India's nuclear programme one of the most forward-looking energy strategies in the world.

What about India’s Current Nuclear Power Landscape?

• Electricity mix – India's nuclear energy programme has maintained a steady presence in the country's electricity mix, now stands at a pivotal moment, with significant expansion planned over the coming years.
• Installed Capacity – India's current nuclear capacity is 8.78 Gigawatt (GW).
• In 2024–25, nuclear power plants generated 56,681 Million Units of electricity across the country.
• Stable Contribution – Nuclear power has consistently accounted for around 3% of India's total electricity generation, in 2024–25, its share stood at 3.1%.
• Planned Expansion – India's nuclear capacity is set to grow nearly 3x in the coming years.
• With indigenous 700-Megawatt (MW) reactors and 1,000 MW reactors being developed through international cooperation, the installed capacity is projected to reach 22.38 GW by 2031–32.
• International Cooperation – India has signed Inter-Governmental Agreements (IGAs) on Civil Nuclear Cooperation for peaceful purposes with 18 countries, reflecting the growing global confidence in India's nuclear programme.
• Taken together, Nuclear energy is no longer just a supplementary source of power in India, it is fast becoming a cornerstone of the country's clean energy future.

What is India’s Long-Term Mission?

• Nuclear Energy Mission – Announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, with the aim of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power generation capacity by 2047.
• It also supports India's broader goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070.
• India’s need for Nuclear Power 
  • Demand – India's energy demands are growing rapidly and its clean energy commitments are firm.
  • Base-load reliability – Nuclear power is a base load source of electricity available round the clock, with lifecycle emissions comparable to renewables such as hydro and wind.
  • Industrial backbone – It is uniquely placed to meet the always-on power needs of data centres, advanced industries, and emerging technologies.
  • Energy security – Scaling nuclear capacity is therefore not just a strategic choice but a practical necessity for India's long-term energy security and clean power transition.

What are the measures taken by the government to drive India’s nuclear vision forward?

• Financial Commitment – The Nuclear Energy Mission allocates Rs.20,000 crore towards the design, development, and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), signaling a serious long-term investment in indigenous nuclear technology.
• SMR Target – At least five indigenously designed SMRs are to be operational by 2033, strengthening India's clean and reliable energy roadmap.
• BARC Initiatives – The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is leading the development of next-generation reactor designs, including
  • The 200 mwe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200),
  • The 55 mwe SMR-55, and
  • A High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor of up to 5 mwth (Megawatt thermal) designed for hydrogen generation.
• SHANTI Act, 2025 – The Government has enacted the ‘The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025, which consolidates and modernises India's nuclear legal framework.
• It enables limited private participation in the nuclear sector under regulatory oversight, opening new avenues for collaboration and investment.
• India’s nuclear future – India's long-term nuclear vision is ambitious by design.
• With policy backing, dedicated funding, and indigenous research at its core, the country is building a nuclear future that is both self-reliant and globally significant.

What lies ahead?

• The attainment of criticality at the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor marks more than a technological milestone.
• It reflects the maturity of India’s long standing nuclear vision and the strength of its indigenous capabilities.
• From limited uranium resources to a future powered by thorium, India’s three stage programme is now moving steadily from design to delivery.
• This moment therefore stands as both an achievement and a turning point, strengthening the country’s pathway towards energy security, technological self-reliance, and its net zero commitment for 2070.

Reference

PIB | A New Chapter in India's Nuclear Journey

Geography of Vietnam

Why in News?

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartiest congratulations to Mr. To Lam on his election as the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

• Location – Located on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia.
• Borders – China (North), Laos & Cambodia (West), South China Sea/Eastern Sea (East), Gulf of Thailand (South & Southwest).
• Capital – Hanoi.
• Topography – Terrain slopes extend from Northwest to Southeast, where 75% territory comprised of Low mountains & hilly regions.
• Highest Peak – Fansipan (3,143 m), tallest in Indochina.
• Truong Son Range – Granite mountains along western frontier; Central Highlands plateau lies east of the range, forming Vietnam’s coffee‑producing hub and strategic watershed.
• Hai Van Pass – Important divide between North and South Vietnam.
• Deltas
  • Red River Delta (Northern Delta).
  • Mekong River Delta (Southern Delta).
  • Central coastal deltas.
• Rivers
  • Red River (Song Hong) – Flows through Northern Delta, vital for agriculture.
  • Mekong River – Forms Southern Delta, highly fertile, supports rice cultivation.
  • Other rivers – Ma, Ca, Dong Nai.
• Lakes
  • Ba Be Lake – Largest natural freshwater lake.
  • Hoan Kiem Lake – Iconic Lake in Hanoi.
• Seas & Gulfs –
  • South China Sea (Eastern Sea) – Major maritime zone, strategic disputes over islands.
  • Gulf of Tonkin – Includes Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay.

Ha Long Bay is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, karst topography.

• • Gulf of Thailand – To South & Southwest.
• Islands & Archipelagos –
  • Tonkin Gulf – 3,000 islets (Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba, Bach Long Vi).
  • Eastern Sea – Hoang Sa (Paracel Islands), Truong Sa (Spratly Islands).
  • Southwest – Con Son, Phu Quoc, Tho Chu islands.
• Important Ports
  • Hai Phong Port – Major northern seaport.
  • Da Nang Port – Central Vietnam, strategic location.
  • Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon Port) – Largest southern port, economic hub.
  • Cam Ranh Bay – Deep‑water port, strategic military significance.
• Climate & Vegetation
  • Climate – Tropical monsoon, humid; distinct wet and dry seasons.
  • Vegetation – Dense forests in mountains, mangroves along coasts, fertile alluvial soils in deltas.
  • Agriculture – Mekong Delta is one of the world’s largest rices‑producing regions; Central Highlands – coffee cultivation hub.
• Natural Resources
  • Rich in coal, bauxite, oil, and natural gas.
  • Offshore oil reserves in the South China Sea.
• Fisheries – Long coastline supports one of Asia’s largest fishing industries.

References

1. PIB | Geography of Vietnam
2. Vietnam Embassy | Geography of Vietnam

World Health Day, 2026

Why in News?

World Health Day 2026, Prime Minister extended greetings and reaffirmed India’s commitment to building a healthier society.

• Aim – To raise awareness about global health challenges and promote collective action for universal well‑being through science‑based collaboration.
• Celebrated on – 7^th April (marking the founding day of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948).
• Coordinating Body – World Health Organization (WHO).
• Associated SDG – Sustainable Development Goal 3 to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Highlights, 2026

• Theme, 2026 – Together for health. Stand with science.
• Slogan - Under the campaign slogan "Evidence-led action for a healthier world".
• Focus - It addresses the critical role of scientific evidence and global collaboration in protecting the health of people, animals, and the planet.
• The campaign prioritizes rebuilding trust in medical science to combat the rising spread of health misinformation and unproven medical fads.
• It highlights the "One Health" approach, acknowledging that human well-being is inseparable from the health of the surrounding ecosystem and animal populations.

Major Initiatives in India related to health

References

1. PIB | World Health Day
2. WHO | World Health Day

INS Sunayna, PASSEX Exercise and SAGAR Initiative

Why in News?

INS Sunayna, deployed under the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative, arrived at Male, Maldives marking the first port call of her operational deployment.

• It is the 2^nd Saryu-class offshore patrol vessel of the Indian Navy.

The Saryu class of Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPVs) represents the Indian Navy's advanced indigenously designed and built patrol ships and the first commissioned Vessel is INS Saryu.

• It is designed and constructed indigenously by the Goa Shipyard Limited.
• Commissioned in - 2013.
• Displacement - 2,200 tonnes.
• Speed - 25 knots (≈46 km/h).
• Range - 6,000 nautical miles at 16 knots.
• Role – Maritime security, surveillance, humanitarian assistance, and regional cooperation under the SAGAR.
• Objectives
  • Strengthen maritime partnerships and interoperability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • Enhance capacity building and collective readiness among friendly foreign navies.
  • Promote India’s Neighbourhood First and One Ocean, One Mission vision.
• Key Features – Multifaceted Mission Capability – Equipped for long-range patrols, surveillance, and maritime security to effectively safeguard critical sea lanes.
• Integrated Crisis Response – Supports anti-piracy, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance during disaster relief and medical outreach missions.
• Operational Capacity Building – Designed for multinational deployments and joint naval exercises to enhance training and capacity building with partner nations.

IOS SAGAR Initiative

• Full Form – Indian Ocean Ship – Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
• IOS SAGAR – It is a maritime engagement program aimed at fostering cooperation with 16 Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations.
• It involves training and sailing maritime personnel onboard INS Sunayna to enhance maritime security, interoperability, and strengthen ties under the MAHASAGAR framework.
• Participants – Naval personnel from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) join Indian crew.
• Highlights –Strengthen maritime partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Support humanitarian assistance, disaster relief (HADR), and anti‑piracy operations.
• Port calls in Maldives, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore.
• Engagements with partner navies to build trust and professional links.
• Reinforces India’s Neighbourhood First policy.
• Builds the largest multinational crew deployment under an Indian Navy initiative.

MAHASAGAR

• MAHASAGAR - Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
• Introduced in– March 2025, linked to the IOS SAGAR initiative.
• Focus – Expands India’s SAGAR doctrine (2015) from bilateral to multilateral maritime cooperation.
• Objectives – Collective security, blue economy, disaster relief, and regional connectivity in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Significance – Positions India as a net security provider, complements forums like Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and supports the vision of “One Ocean, One Mission.”

References

1. PIB | INS Sunayna
2. Indian Navy | INS Sunayna

Ceramics

Why in News?

As of early April 2026, many ceramic factories in Morbi, India’s ceramic hub, have suspended operations for over 3 weeks due to severe gas supply shortages caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict.

• Ceramic – They are inorganic, non-metallic, solid materials.
• Raw materials – Clay, silica, feldspar, kaolin, alumina.
• Process – Shaping to drying to firing at high temperatures.
• Structure – Primarily crystalline, glassy, or a mixture of both.
• Properties – Extremely hard and strong in compression, but brittle (prone to fracturing).
• Durability – Chemically non‑reactive and heat‑resistant.
• Electrical – Generally good insulators, although some can be conductive or superconducting.
• Historical Significance – Ceramics date back to Neolithic Age, earliest pottery for storage and cooking.
• Used in Indus Valley Civilization for art, utility, and trade.
• Ancient civilizations (China, Mesopotamia, Egypt) perfected ceramic techniques for tiles, pottery, and ornaments.
• Symbol of cultural heritage and technological advancement.
• Critical Minerals and Ceramics - Ceramics rely on critical minerals like alumina, silica, zirconium, rare earths.
• Critical minerals policy directly impacts ceramic industry supply chains.
• Advanced ceramics essential for semiconductors, renewable energy, defense applications.
• India’s push for critical mineral exploration aligns with strengthening ceramic technology for strategic sectors.
• Morbi, The Ceramic Hub of India
  • Located in – Saurashtra region of Gujarat
  • Accounts for - 90% of India’s ceramic tile production.
  • Crisis – Dependent on propane‑LPG imports from Persian Gulf; disrupted by Strait of Hormuz blockade.
  • Exports to USA, Europe, Middle East.

India is world’s 2nd largest ceramic tile producer.

• Modern Applications of Ceramic
  • Construction – Tiles, sanitaryware, flooring.
  • Electronics – Capacitors, insulators, superconductors.
  • Medicine – Bio‑ceramics for dental implants, bone grafts.
  • Defence – Ceramic armour, heat‑resistant coatings.
  • Energy – Ceramic membranes, fuel cells.
  • Space – Thermal protection systems in spacecraft.

Reference

Indian express | Ceramic