1.The Quiet Crisis of Adolescent Mental Health 2.Independence of the Election Commission of India 3.Prahaar Anti-Terror Policy 4.2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 5.The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 1977

1.The Quiet Crisis of Adolescent Mental Health

Why in News?

• Recent adolescent deaths in Ghaziabad have reignited national concern about a growing but largely invisible crisis: the deterioration of mental health among children and adolescents in India.
• What makes this crisis “quiet” is not its scale but its invisibility. Symptoms such as anxiety, depression, emotional withdrawal and digital addiction often begin early in childhood, yet they are dismissed as behavioural phases, academic stress or teenage mood swings.
• The cumulative neglect of these warning signs is gradually translating into public health and social emergencies

Nature of the Crisis

• The adolescent mental health crisis refers to the rising incidence of diagnosable mental health disorders and sub-clinical distress among young people. These include anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), behavioural dysregulation, self-harm tendencies and digital addiction.
• The National Mental Health Survey estimates that nearly 7–10% of Indian adolescents suffer from diagnosable mental health conditions. Around 5–7% of school-aged children show symptoms of ADHD.
• Simultaneously, India’s digital revolution has transformed childhood experiences. With over 800 million internet users, children and teenagers now spend six to seven hours daily on screens in many urban settings.
• Excessive screen exposure is increasingly linked with sleep disruption, attention deficits, social isolation and emotional instability.
• Compounding the problem is a severe treatment gap. India has fewer than 10,000 psychiatrists for a population of 1.4 billion, and child and adolescent specialists are even fewer. As a result, most families lack timely access to professional care.

Structural Drivers of the Crisis

• The crisis is rooted in structural and cultural shifts rather than isolated incidents.
• Unregulated digital environments have fundamentally altered childhood. Continuous exposure to short-form content, gaming ecosystems and algorithm-driven platforms affects attention span, impulse control and self-esteem. The Economic Survey 2025–26 flagged digital addiction as a long-term threat to productivity and cognitive development.
• Academic pressure further intensifies stress. The examination-centric education system prioritises rankings and performance over emotional resilience.
• Reports such as ASER 2024 highlight widespread phone use among teenagers while academic anxiety remains a leading cause of distress.
• The displacement effect is equally concerning. Time spent on screens replaces outdoor play, sensory exploration and face-to-face social interaction—activities critical for healthy brain development. Psychologists increasingly warn that digital devices are functioning as “electronic babysitters,” delaying emotional maturity.
• Social media comparison compounds psychological vulnerability.
• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), body image dissatisfaction and online bullying disproportionately affect adolescent girls. Studies show a significant proportion of teenage girls experience distress linked to digital social comparison.
• Finally, stigma delays early recognition. Emotional disorders can manifest as early as age four or five, but families often avoid seeking help due to fear of labelling and social judgement. By the time intervention occurs, the condition may have escalated into crisis.

Government Initiatives

The government has taken several steps to address the emerging crisis.Tele-MANAS provides a 24×7 national tele-mental health helpline offering crisis counselling and psychological support. It attempts to bridge the accessibility gap through digital platforms.The Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2025 seeks to curb addictive and financially exploitative gaming practices, acknowledging the behavioural health dimension of digital ecosystems.Under Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, mental health screening is gradually being integrated into primary healthcare services, including school-linked initiatives.The government is also examining age-based restrictions for social media access, inspired by international models, to shield minors from harmful digital exposure.

Persistent Challenges

• Despite these measures, significant structural obstacles remain.
• India faces an 85% mental health treatment gap, largely due to workforce shortages. The number of trained child psychiatrists, psychologists and psychiatric social workers is grossly inadequate.
• Technological circumvention undermines regulation. Tech-savvy adolescents frequently bypass age restrictions using VPNs or false credentials, limiting the effectiveness of policy controls.
• Social stigma remains pervasive. Mental health concerns are often viewed as moral weakness or poor upbringing rather than medical conditions. Families frequently conceal self-harm behaviours to avoid social ostracisation.
• Institutional coordination is weak. Even when schools identify at-risk students, referral pathways to specialists are fragmented and inconsistent. Follow-up care mechanisms are often absent.
• Additionally, technology companies may resist strict regulatory measures in India, given its importance as a major user base, complicating enforcement efforts.

Way Forward

Addressing adolescent mental health requires a systemic and preventive approach. Schools must integrate digital wellness and emotional literacy into curricula, moving beyond basic IT training to include responsible screen use, cyber-safety and coping strategies. Mandatory physical activity and structured playtime can counter sedentary habits and promote neuroplasticity and emotional regulation.Community-based parental support groups can equip caregivers with trauma-informed parenting skills and reduce stigma through shared dialogue.

Conclusion

Adolescent mental health is not a marginal issue but a foundational determinant of India’s demographic dividend. If untreated psychological distress undermines resilience, productivity and social cohesion, the long-term economic and social consequences will be profound.

The quiet crisis demands a shift from reactive crisis management to preventive, community-centred mental health ecosystems. Only by breaking stigma, strengthening institutional capacity and rebalancing digital culture can India ensure that its children grow into emotionally secure and socially connected adults.

Prelims Question

Q.With reference to adolescent mental health in India, consider the following statements:

1. The National Mental Health Survey estimates that around 7–10% of Indian adolescents have diagnosable mental health conditions.
2. Tele-MANAS is a national tele-mental health helpline initiative.
3. Excessive screen time has no scientifically established link with sleep disruption among adolescents.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one(b) Only two(c) All three(d) None

Answer: (b)

Mains Question

Q.Adolescent mental health in India is emerging as a silent public health crisis shaped by digital transformation, academic pressure and social stigma. Discuss the structural causes of this crisis and evaluate the effectiveness of existing policy responses.

2.Independence of the Election Commission of India

Why in News?

• The independence of the Election Commission of India (ECI) has once again become a subject of constitutional debate amid controversies relating to voter roll revisions and political attempts to seek the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
• In a parliamentary democracy where elections are the primary source of political legitimacy, the autonomy of the constitutional body entrusted with conducting them is central to the survival of democratic governance.

Meaning and Scope of Independence

• Independence of the Election Commission refers to its ability to discharge its constitutional mandate—superintendence, direction and control of elections—without interference from the executive, legislature or political actors.
• It implies functional autonomy, security of tenure, protection from arbitrary removal, financial independence and institutional capacity to enforce electoral laws impartially.
• The credibility of free and fair elections depends not merely on legal provisions but on the perception and reality of neutrality in the electoral machinery.

Constitutional Framework Safeguarding Independence

• The Constitution of India incorporates several structural safeguards to protect the ECI from executive influence.
• Article 324 vests in the Election Commission the superintendence, direction and control of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures and the offices of President and Vice-President. This provision grants plenary powers to act in areas where legislation may be silent.
• Under Article 324(5), the Chief Election Commissioner can only be removed in a manner similar to a judge of the Supreme Court—on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity through a parliamentary process. This high threshold insulates the CEC from arbitrary executive action.
• The service conditions of the CEC cannot be altered to his or her disadvantage after appointment. This prevents indirect pressure through financial or administrative changes.
• Since 1993, the Commission has functioned as a multi-member body comprising the CEC and two Election Commissioners. Collective decision-making reduces the possibility of unilateral bias and strengthens institutional credibility.

Why Independence of the EC is Crucial

• First, independence ensures a level playing field. In a competitive democracy, the ruling party controls state resources and administrative machinery. An autonomous ECI prevents misuse of official power for electoral gain and enforces the Model Code of Conduct uniformly.
• Second, it preserves public trust. Elections derive legitimacy from widespread acceptance of results. If citizens suspect partisan bias in electoral administration, democratic stability is threatened.
• Third, independence safeguards the integrity of electoral rolls. Accurate and unbiased voter lists prevent targeted disenfranchisement and protect minority and migrant voters from exclusion.
• Fourth, it acts as a check on executive overreach. The Commission determines election schedules, deploys central forces and monitors campaign practices. Its autonomy prevents political manipulation of timing or procedure.
• Fifth, the EC performs quasi-judicial functions. It adjudicates disputes over party symbols, splits and mergers. Impartial decision-making in such cases directly influences political outcomes and must therefore remain insulated from political pressure.

Judicial Interpretation Strengthening EC Independence

• The Supreme Court has consistently reinforced the importance of electoral independence.
• In Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975), the Court held that free and fair elections form part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution, thereby placing electoral integrity beyond the reach of ordinary legislative interference.
• In Mohinder Singh Gill v. CEC (1978), the Court interpreted Article 324 as conferring broad plenary powers on the Commission to ensure fairness even where statutory provisions are absent.
• In T.N. Seshan v. Union of India (1995), the Court upheld the constitutionality of a multi-member Election Commission and clarified that Election Commissioners enjoy status equal to that of the CEC in decision-making.
• More recently, in Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023), the Court directed that the Chief Justice of India be part of the selection committee for appointing the CEC and Election Commissioners, emphasising the need to reduce executive dominance in appointments.
• Ongoing litigation continues to examine whether changes in the appointment mechanism undermine separation of powers.

Emerging Challenges to Independence

• Despite constitutional safeguards, practical challenges have emerged.
• The appointment process remains contentious. If the executive dominates the selection committee numerically, concerns arise about impartiality and perceived bias. The timing of appointments has also generated debate regarding transparency and fairness.
• Unlike the CEC, other Election Commissioners do not enjoy the same removal protection. They can be removed on the recommendation of the CEC, creating an asymmetry that may affect institutional cohesion and independence.
• Financial autonomy is limited. The EC’s expenditure is voted upon in Parliament rather than being fully charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. This can expose the institution to indirect fiscal pressure.
• Technological interventions in electoral roll purification, while aimed at improving accuracy, risk large-scale deletion errors if not accompanied by robust verification and grievance redressal mechanisms.
• Transparency concerns have also arisen regarding access to polling data, electronic records and surveillance footage, raising questions about openness in electoral management.

Way Forward

• Strengthening the independence of the ECI requires structural and legislative reform.
• The appointment mechanism should ensure a balanced and bipartisan selection process that minimises executive dominance and enhances public confidence.
• Removal safeguards should be extended uniformly to all Election Commissioners to eliminate hierarchical vulnerability.
• Financial independence can be enhanced by charging the Commission’s expenditure on the Consolidated Fund of India, similar to other constitutional bodies like the Comptroller and Auditor General.
• An independent secretariat and cadre of permanent staff would reduce dependence on deputed officials from executive services.
• Clear statutory protocols for voter list revision and deletion, including mandatory notice and hearing, would safeguard electoral inclusivity.

Prelims Question

Q.With reference to the Election Commission of India, consider the following statements:

1. The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office in a manner similar to that of a Supreme Court judge.
2. The expenses of the Election Commission are fully charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
3. Article 324 of the Constitution vests the superintendence, direction and control of elections in the Election Commission.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one(b) Only two(c) All three(d) None

Answer: (b)

Mains Question

Q.“The independence of the Election Commission is essential for preserving the Basic Structure of the Constitution.” Discuss the constitutional safeguards ensuring its autonomy and analyse the contemporary challenges to its independence.

3.Prahaar Anti-Terror Policy

Why in News?

• India has unveiled its first comprehensive national counter-terrorism policy titled “Prahaar.” This marks a doctrinal shift in India’s internal security architecture, formalising a unified and intelligence-led approach to tackling terrorism.
• Unlike earlier frameworks that relied on fragmented operational responses, Prahaar seeks to institutionalise a proactive, technology-driven and coordinated counter-terror strategy across the Union and States.

Nature and Scope of Prahaar

• Prahaar is conceived as a doctrine-level national counter-terror framework. It provides an integrated strategy for preventing, responding to and recovering from terrorism-related threats.
• The policy adopts a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. It integrates intelligence agencies, law enforcement bodies, financial regulators, cyber-security institutions and diplomatic channels into a coordinated mechanism.
• Rather than treating terrorism as an isolated law-and-order issue, Prahaar views it as a multidimensional threat involving ideological radicalisation, financial networks, digital platforms and cross-border linkages.

Objectives of the Policy

• The primary objective is to prevent and neutralise terrorism through proactive, intelligence-based interventions rather than reactive policing.
• The policy aims to disrupt the entire terror ecosystem by targeting financing channels, recruitment pipelines, logistical support systems, cyber communication networks and propaganda platforms.
• Another objective is to enhance coordination between central and state agencies to eliminate jurisdictional gaps that have historically hindered counter-terror operations.

The Seven-Pillar Framework (PRAHAAR)

• Prahaar is structured around seven interlinked pillars.
• Prevention focuses on early detection of threats, intelligence gathering and risk assessment mechanisms to stop attacks before execution.
• Response aims at rapid, coordinated operational action in the event of an incident, minimising casualties and restoring order swiftly.
• Aggregation of capacities emphasises pooling resources across agencies, including technical expertise, forensic infrastructure and cyber capabilities.
• Human-rights-based processes underline adherence to constitutional safeguards and due process, ensuring that counter-terror actions do not erode civil liberties.
• Attenuation of radicalisation addresses ideological drivers through de-radicalisation programmes, community engagement and digital monitoring of extremist narratives.
• Aligning international cooperation strengthens extradition processes, intelligence sharing and compliance with United Nations counter-terror conventions.
• Recovery ensures structured rehabilitation, compensation mechanisms and restoration of normalcy following terror incidents.

Key Features

• A major feature of Prahaar is its proactive intelligence model. The focus shifts from post-incident investigation to pre-emptive disruption, relying on real-time data analytics and inter-agency intelligence fusion.
• The policy is technology-centric. It recognises emerging threats such as drone-based attacks, encrypted communication platforms, dark web operations and cryptocurrency-based terror financing.
• Prahaar introduces uniform counter-terror procedures across central, state and district levels. This seeks to standardise protocols for threat assessment, coordination and operational response.
• A graded counter-radicalisation strategy forms a critical component. It combines policing with educational outreach, community partnerships and psychological counselling to prevent extremist recruitment.
• The policy also integrates global collaboration, reinforcing India’s participation in multilateral forums and bilateral intelligence-sharing arrangements.
• Importantly, it incorporates explicit human rights safeguards to ensure rule-of-law compliance and avoid misuse of security legislation.

Significance

• Prahaar represents a structural consolidation of India’s counter-terror apparatus. It transitions the country from a reactive and incident-driven approach to a doctrine-backed strategic framework.
• The policy strengthens preparedness against hybrid threats where terrorism intersects with cyber warfare, organised crime and transnational financing networks.
• By embedding human rights safeguards, Prahaar seeks to balance security imperatives with democratic values, reinforcing India’s constitutional commitment.
• At the geopolitical level, the framework enhances India’s credibility as a responsible security actor aligned with global counter-terror norms.

Challenges and Considerations

• Effective implementation will require seamless coordination between Union and State agencies, which historically operate under distinct administrative hierarchies.
• Balancing security with civil liberties remains a delicate task. Surveillance and intelligence expansion must operate within constitutional limits.
• Technological advancements by terrorist organisations demand continuous capacity upgradation in cyber forensics, artificial intelligence and data analytics.
• Additionally, sustained community trust is essential to ensure that counter radicalisation efforts do not alienate vulnerable populations.

Conclusion

Prahaar institutionalises India’s counter-terror doctrine through a structured, intelligence-led and technology-enabled framework. By integrating prevention, operational response, international cooperation and recovery under a unified strategy, it strengthens India’s internal security architecture.

Its success, however, will depend on effective coordination, legal safeguards and adaptive capacity to respond to evolving terror threats. If implemented comprehensively, Prahaar could redefine India’s long-term approach to counter-terrorism.

Prelims Question

Q.With reference to the Prahaar Anti-Terror Policy, consider the following statements:

1. Prahaar adopts a proactive, intelligence-led counter-terror strategy.
2. The policy includes provisions for international cooperation and alignment with UN anti-terror norms.
3. Prahaar completely removes human rights considerations from counter-terror operations.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one(b) Only two(c) All three(d) None

Answer: (b)

Mains Question

Q. India’s Prahaar Anti-Terror Policy marks a doctrinal shift in the country’s internal security strategy. Examine its key features and discuss the challenges in balancing national security with constitutional safeguards.

4.2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation

Why in News?

The Our Lady of Grace Cathedral at Vasai, Maharashtra, has received the Award of Merit at the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The recognition highlights India’s growing commitment to scientific restoration, community participation and sustainable heritage management.

The award not only celebrates architectural conservation but also underscores the importance of preserving living cultural traditions.

About the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation

• The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation is a prestigious regional initiative that recognises exemplary heritage conservation efforts across the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 2000, the award seeks to promote best practices in the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic structures while maintaining authenticity and cultural integrity.
• The awards encourage conservation approaches that combine technical excellence with community engagement and long-term sustainability. Projects are evaluated on criteria such as understanding of the historical context, quality of restoration techniques, use of appropriate materials, social impact and contribution to heritage awareness.
• The programme is open to projects undertaken by private entities, public bodies and public-private partnerships. It covers diverse categories including historic buildings, archaeological sites, cultural landscapes, historic towns and vernacular architecture. Generally, projects completed within the past decade are eligible for consideration.
• Since its inception, the awards have honoured more than 300 projects across 27 countries, shaping conservation standards and reinforcing the importance of heritage-led development in the region.

Significance of the Award

• The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards serve multiple purposes. They promote technical excellence in restoration practices and discourage unsympathetic modern alterations that compromise authenticity.
• They also emphasise adaptive reuse, encouraging heritage buildings to remain functional rather than becoming abandoned monuments.
• By integrating heritage with contemporary use, conservation becomes economically viable and socially relevant.
• Importantly, the awards foster community ownership. Projects that involve local stakeholders, artisans and traditional craftspeople are particularly valued, reinforcing intangible cultural heritage alongside physical restoration.

About Our Lady of Grace Cathedral, Vasai

• The Our Lady of Grace Cathedral is a 16th-century Catholic church located in Papdy village, Vasai, Maharashtra. It represents early Portuguese colonial architecture along India’s western coast and stands as a testament to the cultural interactions between Europe and India during the colonial period.
• Built approximately 475 years ago during Portuguese rule, the structure was constructed using stone masonry and mud mortar without modern cement.
• Over centuries, natural wear and environmental exposure necessitated restoration efforts.
• The recent conservation project, undertaken between 2023 and 2024, was largely community-funded at a cost of about ₹4.5 crore. The restoration adhered to traditional techniques and authentic materials, ensuring that the original character of the structure was preserved.

Architectural and Cultural Features

• The cathedral reflects Portuguese ecclesiastical architectural styles adapted to local conditions.
• Its stone masonry façade, colonnades and bell tower are characteristic of early colonial church architecture in western India.
• The restoration included structural stabilisation of the roof, repair of the façade, conservation of corridors and colonnades, and strengthening of the bell tower. The interior was revived using hand-carved liturgical elements and traditional craftsmanship, maintaining historical authenticity.
• Importantly, the cathedral continues to function as a living place of worship. This ensures preservation not only of tangible heritage but also of intangible practices such as rituals, festivals and community gatherings.

Broader Cultural Context

• The award highlights India’s diverse colonial-era heritage, including Portuguese, Dutch, French and British influences. Conservation of such structures contributes to a nuanced understanding of India’s layered history.
• Recognition at the international level also strengthens India’s position in global heritage discourse and aligns with its commitments under UNESCO conventions related to cultural preservation.

Conclusion

The recognition of Our Lady of Grace Cathedral at the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards underscores the importance of community-driven and technically sound heritage conservation. By combining authenticity, sustainability and living cultural practice, the project exemplifies how historic structures can be preserved without losing relevance.

Such initiatives reinforce the role of heritage as both a cultural asset and a bridge between the past and the present.

Prelims Question

Q. With reference to the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, consider the following statements:

1. The awards were established in 2000 to promote best practices in heritage conservation in the Asia-Pacific region.
2. Only government-led projects are eligible for consideration under the awards.
3. The awards emphasise cultural authenticity and community participation in conservation efforts.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one(b) Only two(c) All three(d) None

Answer: (b)

Mains Question

Q. Discuss the significance of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation in promoting sustainable heritage management in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.

5.The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 1977

Why in News?

• The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 1977, has recently come into focus after the United States Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under its provisions.
• The judgment has reignited debate over the scope of presidential powers in matters of trade and economic security. Understanding IEEPA is important not only from the perspective of U.S. constitutional law but also for its global implications, as the Act has often been used as a tool of economic statecraft affecting international trade and diplomacy.

Nature and Purpose of IEEPA

• IEEPA is a federal law enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1977 that grants the President authority to regulate international commerce after declaring a national emergency in response to unusual and extraordinary threats originating outside the United States.
• The Act allows the President to impose economic measures such as freezing assets, blocking transactions, restricting trade and controlling financial flows when national security, foreign policy or economic stability is threatened.
• Importantly, IEEPA was conceived primarily as a sanctions framework rather than as a trade policy instrument for imposing tariffs.

Historical Background

• IEEPA replaced the Trading with the Enemy Act (TWEA), 1917, which had granted sweeping powers to the executive during wartime and was later used even in peacetime.
• Concerns over excessive executive authority during the Cold War led Congress to enact IEEPA to place clearer limits on presidential powers while retaining flexibility in emergencies.
• The Act operates in conjunction with the National Emergencies Act, which requires the President to formally declare a national emergency and report to Congress periodically.

Key Provisions

• Under IEEPA, once a national emergency is declared with respect to an external threat, the President may block assets within U.S. jurisdiction, prohibit financial transactions, regulate imports and exports, and impose restrictions on foreign entities or individuals.
• The Act provides broad discretion to the executive but includes procedural safeguards.
• Emergency declarations must be reported to Congress and renewed annually. Congressional oversight mechanisms exist, and executive actions remain subject to judicial review.
• While IEEPA permits regulation of international economic transactions, it does not explicitly grant authority to impose blanket or long-term tariffs as a substitute for trade legislation passed by Congress.

Role in U.S. Economic Statecraft

• IEEPA has become one of the most frequently invoked legal tools in U.S. foreign policy.
• It has been used to impose sanctions on countries such as Iran, North Korea and Russia, as well as against terrorist organisations and individuals accused of terrorism financing.
• Through asset freezes and financial restrictions, IEEPA enables the U.S. to exert pressure without resorting to military force. As the U.S. dollar and financial system play a central role in global trade, IEEPA-based sanctions often have worldwide ripple effects.

Judicial Scrutiny and Recent Developments

• The recent Supreme Court ruling striking down tariffs imposed under IEEPA highlights constitutional limits on executive authority. The Court’s reasoning emphasised that tariff policy traditionally falls within the domain of Congress under the U.S. Constitution.
• The judgment reinforces the principle of separation of powers, clarifying that while IEEPA allows economic sanctions in emergencies, it cannot be stretched to justify broad trade protectionism without explicit legislative authorisation.
• This development has implications for global trade partners, as it restricts the unilateral use of emergency powers for sweeping tariff measures.

Significance for International Relations

• IEEPA reflects the balance between executive flexibility in foreign affairs and Congressional control over commerce.
• Its use illustrates how domestic legal frameworks shape international economic policy.
• For countries engaged in trade with the U.S., actions under IEEPA can significantly impact exports, financial flows and diplomatic relations.
• The recent judicial intervention signals that executive economic measures must align with constitutional limits, adding predictability to global trade governance.

Conclusion

The International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 1977, remains a cornerstone of U.S. economic statecraft, designed to address extraordinary external threats through sanctions and financial controls. However, its scope is not unlimited. The recent Supreme Court ruling underscores the importance of constitutional checks and balances in trade policy.

For students of international relations, IEEPA demonstrates how domestic constitutional frameworks influence global economic diplomacy and the evolving interplay between executive authority and legislative oversight.

Prelims Question

Q.With reference to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 1977, consider the following statements:

1. IEEPA allows the U.S. President to regulate international economic transactions after declaring a national emergency arising from external threats.
2. The Act was enacted to replace the Trading with the Enemy Act (TWEA), 1917.
3. IEEPA explicitly authorises the President to impose permanent tariffs without Congressional approval.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one(b) Only two(c) All three(d) None

Answer: (b)

Mains Question

Q.Examine the scope and limitations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 1977. How does it reflect the balance between executive authority and legislative oversight in U.S. trade and foreign policy?