SC Refers UAPA Bail Curbs Question to Larger Bench VB-G RAM G: States to Get Funds Based on Finance Commission Model India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-1 Ballistic Missile Jaishankar to Host Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Govt. Restricts Pregabalin Sale After Reports of Drug Abuse

1.SC Refers UAPA Bail Curbs Question to Larger Bench

Why in News?

The Supreme Court granted interim bail to two accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case and referred the issue of stringent bail conditions under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to a larger Bench. The Court will examine whether prolonged incarceration and delay in trial can justify bail despite restrictions under Section 43D(5) of the UAPA. The reference arose due to conflicting Supreme Court judgments on balancing personal liberty under Article 21 with national security concerns in terrorism-related cases.

Background of the Issue

• The controversy emerged from bail pleas filed in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case registered under the UAPA. While granting interim bail for six months to the accused, the Supreme Court observed that prolonged incarceration without completion of trial raises serious concerns regarding the constitutional guarantee of personal liberty under Article 21.
• At the same time, the Court also cautioned that anti-terror offences involve serious threats to national security and public order.
• Therefore, bail cannot be granted mechanically merely because of delay in trial. Since earlier Supreme Court judgments had expressed differing views on this issue, the matter was referred to a larger Bench to ensure consistency and clarity in law.
• The Court emphasized the need for “parity, consistency and institutional fidelity” in judicial decisions and observed that coordinate benches should not differ from earlier larger-bench rulings without proper reference

UAPA and Stringent Bail Provisions

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 is India’s principal anti-terror legislation aimed at preventing activities threatening the sovereignty, integrity, and security of India. Originally enacted to deal with secessionist activities, the law gradually evolved into the country’s main anti-terror framework after the repeal of TADA and POTA.

One of the most controversial provisions of the Act is Section 43D(5), which imposes severe restrictions on grant of bail. Under this provision, bail may be denied if the court finds reasonable grounds to believe that accusations against the accused are prima facie true. Courts are generally discouraged from conducting detailed scrutiny of evidence at the bail stage.

Unlike ordinary criminal law where “bail is the rule and jail is the exception,” UAPA creates a much stricter framework favouring continued detention. The Act also permits extended detention of accused persons, allowing the charge sheet filing period to extend up to 180 days instead of the normal 90 days under ordinary criminal law.

The 2019 Amendment further expanded the scope of the law by empowering the Central Government to designate individuals as terrorists even without membership in a banned organization. The Act also grants extensive powers to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for investigation, search, seizure, and attachment of properties linked to terrorism.

Constitutional and Judicial Dimensions

Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the fundamental right to life and personal liberty, stating: “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to a procedure established by law”. It is universally applicable to all individuals—both citizens and non-citizens

In NIA v. Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali (2019), the Supreme Court held that courts should not conduct a detailed analysis of evidence while deciding bail under UAPA. The judgment made it significantly harder for accused persons to secure bail.However, in Union of India v. K.A. Najeeb (2021), the Supreme Court adopted a more rights-oriented approach. The Court held that constitutional courts could grant bail when prolonged incarceration and delay in trial violate Article 21, even in cases involving stringent statutory restrictions.

Criticisms and Concerns Regarding UAPA

• Despite its importance in combating terrorism, UAPA has faced sustained criticism from legal experts, civil society groups, and human rights organizations.
• One major criticism concerns the broad and vague definitions of terms such as “unlawful activity” and “terrorist act,” which are considered capable of wide interpretation and possible misuse. Critics argue that the stringent bail framework weakens the principle of presumption of innocence and often results in “punishment by process,” where accused persons remain imprisoned for years without conviction.
• Concerns have also been raised regarding the low conviction rate in UAPA cases despite a large number of arrests.
• Civil society organizations further argue that the law is sometimes used against activists, journalists, academics, and political dissenters, thereby creating a chilling effect on free speech and democratic criticism.

International human rights bodies have similarly expressed concerns regarding prolonged detention and compatibility of certain UAPA provisions with global human rights standards.

Significance and Way Forward

• The Supreme Court’s larger Bench decision is likely to become a landmark judgment defining the balance between national security and individual liberty in India. It will clarify the scope of bail under anti-terror laws, the powers of constitutional courts, and the relationship between statutory restrictions and fundamental rights.
• The ruling will have implications for numerous pending UAPA cases across the country and may significantly influence India’s future anti-terror jurisprudence.
• Experts have suggested several reforms, including clearer legal definitions, stronger judicial oversight, time-bound completion of trials, periodic review of prolonged detention, and improved investigation standards.
• While effective anti-terror laws remain necessary for protecting national security, constitutional safeguards against misuse are equally essential in a democratic system governed by the rule of law.

2.VB-G RAM G: States to Get Funds Based on Finance Commission Model

Why in News?

The Central Government has proposed a new fund allocation mechanism for the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), which will replace MGNREGA from July 1, 2026. The Ministry of Rural Development released draft rules for “Objective Parameters for Normative Allocation Rules, 2026,” under which state-wise allocations will follow the horizontal devolution formula recommended by the Sixteenth Finance Commission. The move marks a major shift from the demand-driven funding model of MGNREGA to a performance and criteria-based allocation framework.

VB-G RAM G: Background and Objectives

• The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G] Act, 2025 is India’s proposed rural employment legislation aimed at replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005.
• The new framework seeks to transform rural employment generation from a welfare and relief-oriented model into a productivity-linked, infrastructure-focused development programme aligned with the vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047.”
• Unlike MGNREGA, which primarily focused on providing wage employment as a legal guarantee, VB-G RAM G aims to combine employment generation with durable rural asset creation, livelihood enhancement, and climate-resilient infrastructure development.
• The Act also provides for migration of ongoing MGNREGA projects into the new framework to ensure continuity and completion of unfinished public assets.

Major Features of VB-G RAM G

• The scheme guarantees 125 days of wage employment annually to every rural household willing to undertake unskilled manual work, increasing the guarantee from the existing 100 days under MGNREGA.
• A major innovation under the Act is the introduction of an “agricultural pause” of up to 60 days during peak farming seasons. This provision aims to prevent labour shortages in agriculture while ensuring that the guaranteed employment days are provided within the remaining part of the year.

The scheme places strong emphasis on the creation of durable rural infrastructure across four major sectors:

• Water security infrastructure such as ponds, check dams, and irrigation canals.
• Core rural infrastructure including roads and anganwadi centres.
• Livelihood-related infrastructure such as cattle sheds and vermicompost pits.
• Climate resilience and disaster mitigation works including afforestation and flood protection structures.

The Act also mandates preparation of Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs), which will be integrated with national planning systems such as PM Gati Shakti to ensure coordinated and need-based rural development.

New Funding and Allocation Model

The most significant change under VB-G RAM G is the shift in the funding pattern and allocation mechanism.

Under MGNREGA, the scheme largely operated as a demand-driven programme where the Centre bore the full wage cost and 75% of material and administrative expenses. States had comparatively lower financial responsibility.

However, VB-G RAM G adopts the structure of a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with increased state participation in funding.

The proposed cost-sharing pattern is:

• 90:10 between Centre and States for 11 special category and Himalayan states.
• 60:40 for all other states.
• 100% central funding for Union Territories without legislatures.

The Centre has proposed that allocation of funds to states will no longer depend solely on demand for work. Instead, allocations will follow objective parameters similar to the horizontal devolution formula used by the Sixteenth Finance Commission.

These parameters include:

• Population.
• Demographic performance.
• Area.
• Forest and ecological cover.
• Per capita Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) distance.
• Contribution to national GDP.

Additionally, state performance indicators such as timely wage payments, completion of works, and compliance with social audit requirements may also influence allocations.

This marks a transition from entitlement-based funding towards performance-linked and formula-based fiscal allocation.

Governance, Transparency and Digital Integration

• VB-G RAM G introduces extensive digital governance mechanisms aimed at improving transparency and accountability.
• The scheme proposes “Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards” equipped with face-recognition technology for beneficiary identification and monitoring. Existing MGNREGA job cards will remain temporarily valid until transition to the new system is completed through e-KYC verification.

The Act mandates:

• Biometric verification of attendance and wage payments.
• Geospatial tracking of public works.
• Mandatory social audits.
• Digital monitoring of project implementation.

To strengthen implementation capacity, the ceiling for administrative expenditure has been increased from 6% to 9%, enabling better staffing, technical support, and digital infrastructure.

Significance and Concerns

• The new framework reflects the government’s attempt to integrate rural employment generation with long-term rural development, infrastructure creation, and productivity enhancement.
• The formula-based allocation system may improve transparency, predictability, and efficiency in distribution of funds. Linking allocations to performance indicators could encourage better governance and timely implementation by states.
• The emphasis on climate resilience, water security, and infrastructure creation also aligns the programme with broader developmental and sustainability goals.
• However, concerns have been raised regarding the dilution of the demand-driven nature of rural employment guarantees. Critics argue that shifting to normative allocation may disadvantage poorer states or regions facing sudden spikes in rural distress and unemployment.
• The increased financial burden on states under the new cost-sharing formula may also create fiscal pressure, especially for economically weaker states.
• There are also apprehensions that excessive digitalisation and biometric requirements could create exclusion errors for vulnerable rural populations with limited digital access

Conclusion

The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 represents a major restructuring of India’s rural employment architecture. By replacing MGNREGA with a productivity-oriented and infrastructure-focused framework, the government seeks to align rural employment generation with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

3.India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-1 Ballistic Missile

Why in News?

India successfully test-fired the Agni-1 short-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range at Balasore, Odisha, under the Strategic Forces Command. The Defence Ministry stated that the test successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile system. The launch is significant for strengthening India’s strategic deterrence and maintaining operational readiness of the armed forces.

Agni-1 Ballistic Missile

• The Agni-1 is a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) and an important component of India’s nuclear deterrence architecture. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it forms part of the Agni series of strategic ballistic missiles designed to enhance India’s credible minimum deterrence capability.
• The missile was developed to bridge the gap between the Prithvi-II missile and the longer-range Agni-II system. Agni-1 was first successfully tested in 2002 and inducted into service in 2007.
• The missile uses a single-stage solid-fuel propulsion system, which provides quick launch capability and operational flexibility. It is road-mobile, enabling rapid deployment and improving survivability during conflict situations.
• Agni-1 has a strike range of approximately 700–1200 km and can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads weighing up to 1000 kg. The missile is equipped with advanced inertial navigation systems and precision guidance mechanisms that ensure high targeting accuracy.

Operational and Strategic Significance

• The Agni-1 missile plays a crucial role in India’s strategic deterrence posture, particularly in the regional security environment.
• Its short-to-medium range makes it suitable for deterrence against adversaries within India’s immediate neighbourhood.
• The road-mobile nature of the missile enhances survivability by allowing quick relocation and deployment. This mobility improves second-strike capability, which is an essential component of nuclear deterrence.
• Periodic test launches conducted under the Strategic Forces Command help validate the missile’s operational readiness, reliability, and technical efficiency. Such tests demonstrate India’s preparedness and capability to maintain an effective nuclear command structure.

The successful launch also reflects India’s growing indigenous missile development capabilities and technological self-reliance in strategic defence systems.

Agni Missile Series

The Agni series represents India’s family of ballistic missiles with progressively increasing range and capability.

• Agni-1 is a Short-Range Ballistic Missile with a range of about 700–1200 km.
• Agni-2 is a Medium-Range Ballistic Missile with a range of about 2000–3000 km.
• Agni-3 and Agni-4 are Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles capable of longer strategic reach.
• Agni-5 is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range exceeding 5000 km and is capable of carrying Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs).
• Agni-P (Prime) is a newer-generation canisterised missile with advanced navigation and composite technologies.

Recently, India also successfully tested an advanced Agni missile equipped with MIRV technology, significantly strengthening India’s strategic strike capability.

India’s Nuclear Doctrine and Strategic Deterrence

India follows the doctrine of “Credible Minimum Deterrence” and a “No First Use” policy regarding nuclear weapons.

Under this doctrine:

• Nuclear weapons are intended primarily for deterrence, not for first use.
• India maintains sufficient nuclear capability to ensure retaliation in case of a nuclear attack.
• Strategic missile systems like Agni form the backbone of India’s nuclear delivery capability.

The Strategic Forces Command (SFC), established in 2003 under the Nuclear Command Authority, is responsible for management and operational deployment of India’s nuclear arsenal.

Significance for India’s Defence Preparedness

The successful test of Agni-1 highlights India’s continued emphasis on strengthening indigenous defence technology and maintaining strategic preparedness in a changing regional security environment.

The missile contributes to:

• Strengthening India’s nuclear deterrence.
• Enhancing operational readiness of armed forces.
• Improving rapid response capability.
• Reinforcing strategic stability in the region.

It also demonstrates India’s growing capability in advanced missile systems and indigenous defence manufacturing under the broader objective of self-reliance in defence production.

Conclusion

The successful test-firing of the Agni-1 ballistic missile marks another important milestone in India’s strategic defence programme. As a reliable and mobile nuclear-capable missile system, Agni-1 remains a vital component of India’s credible minimum deterrence strategy. Along with advancements such as MIRV technology and the expansion of the Agni missile family, it reflects India’s steady progress in strengthening its strategic and technological capabilities.

4.Jaishankar to Host Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Why in News?

India will host the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on May 26 under the chairmanship of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Foreign Ministers from United States, Japan, and Australia will participate. The meeting will focus on strengthening cooperation for a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” reviewing progress on Quad initiatives, and discussing major geopolitical developments including tensions involving Iran, developments in the Strait of Hormuz, and critical mineral supply chains.

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)

• The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is a strategic grouping comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia.
• It is an informal plurilateral forum aimed at promoting a rules-based, open, inclusive, and stable Indo-Pacific region.
• The Quad was first initiated in 2007 and revived in 2017 amid growing geopolitical competition and increasing concerns regarding China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Although not a military alliance, the grouping has emerged as an important platform for strategic, economic, technological, and maritime cooperation among the four democracies.

Key Agenda of the Current Meeting

The present meeting assumes importance because it is taking place amid rapidly evolving geopolitical tensions in both the Indo-Pacific and West Asia.

A major focus will remain on maintaining a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP), which emphasizes:

• Freedom of navigation.
• Respect for international law and UNCLOS.
• Peaceful settlement of disputes.
• Opposition to coercive or unilateral changes to status quo.

The ministers are also expected to discuss recent developments relating to:

• Iran-Israel tensions.
• Security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Global energy supply disruptions.
• China’s growing strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific.
• Supply chain resilience and critical minerals.

Critical minerals are also expected to feature prominently in discussions. These minerals, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements, are essential for semiconductors, batteries, renewable energy systems, and advanced defence technologies. Quad countries are increasingly attempting to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on China, which currently dominates global processing and refining capacities in several critical minerals.

Strategic Significance for India

For India, the Quad is an important instrument for advancing its Indo-Pacific vision and strengthening strategic partnerships with major democracies while maintaining strategic autonomy.

The grouping supports India’s broader objectives under:

• Act East Policy.
• Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
• SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

The Quad enhances India’s maritime cooperation and strengthens its role in securing vital sea lanes in the Indian Ocean Region.

The current focus on critical minerals and resilient supply chains is particularly important for India’s economic and technological security, especially in sectors such as renewable energy, electronics, electric vehicles, semiconductors, and defence manufacturing.

The platform also increases India’s diplomatic leverage in balancing regional power dynamics without entering into a formal military alliance.

Challenges and Concerns

• Despite growing cooperation, the Quad continues to face several strategic and political challenges.
• China views the grouping as an attempt to contain its rise and frequently criticizes it as an “Asian NATO,” although Quad members deny that characterization.
• Differences in strategic priorities among member countries may also affect deeper institutional coordination. While all members support a stable Indo-Pacific, their economic dependence on China and varying security priorities sometimes lead to differences in approach.
• Another challenge lies in translating broad strategic commitments into concrete implementation, particularly in areas such as infrastructure financing, technology partnerships, and supply chain resilience.

Conclusion

The upcoming Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting highlights the increasing strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region in global geopolitics. With growing concerns over maritime security, energy routes, critical mineral supply chains, and regional stability, the Quad is gradually emerging as a major platform for strategic coordination among leading democracies.

For India, the meeting reinforces its expanding role in the Indo-Pacific and strengthens its engagement in shaping a rules-based regional order while protecting its strategic, economic, and security interests.

5.Govt. Restricts Pregabalin Sale After Reports of Drug Abuse

Why in News?

The Union Health Ministry has brought Pregabalin under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945 following increasing reports of misuse and drug abuse. Pregabalin, commonly prescribed for chronic pain and neurological disorders, was reportedly being abused for its sedative, euphoric, and dissociative effects. The government has now restricted its retail sale only through prescription issued by a registered medical practitioner in order to prevent unauthorized use and protect public health.

Pregabalin and Rising Concerns of Misuse

• Pregabalin is a prescription medicine widely used for the treatment of neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and certain neurological conditions.
• The medicine acts on the nervous system by reducing abnormal nerve activity and is considered effective in treating chronic nerve-related pain.
• However, health authorities observed increasing misuse of the drug because prolonged or unsupervised consumption can produce calming, euphoric, and sedative effects.
• Reports suggested that the medicine was increasingly being consumed without proper medical supervision for recreational purposes, leading to concerns regarding dependence, addiction, and psychological harm.

Schedule H1 Under Drugs Rules, 1945

• Schedule H1 is a special category under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 introduced to regulate medicines that require stricter supervision because of risks associated with misuse, addiction, antimicrobial resistance, or serious side effects.
• Drugs placed under Schedule H1 can only be sold against a valid prescription issued by a registered medical practitioner. Pharmacies are required to maintain detailed records of every sale, including the name of the patient, prescribing doctor, quantity sold, and date of purchase. These records must be preserved for at least three years.
• Medicines listed under this category must also carry a red “Rx” symbol and a warning label indicating that the drug should not be consumed without medical advice. The rules prohibit unrestricted over-the-counter sale of such medicines.
• Schedule H1 was originally introduced mainly to curb irrational use of antibiotics and reduce antimicrobial resistance, but it also covers medicines that carry significant risk of abuse or dependence.

Significance of the Government’s Decision

• The inclusion of Pregabalin under Schedule H1 represents an important step toward strengthening regulation of prescription medicines in India. The decision aims to restrict unauthorized access, prevent recreational misuse, and reduce risks of addiction and dependence associated with the drug.
• The move is also expected to improve accountability in pharmaceutical distribution by ensuring proper documentation and monitoring of sales. It encourages more rational prescription practices and strengthens safeguards against indiscriminate consumption of medicines affecting the nervous system.
• The decision reflects broader concerns regarding rising misuse of prescription drugs in India, particularly sedatives, painkillers, and psychotropic medicines that are often easily accessible without adequate regulatory oversight.

Challenges

• Despite stricter regulation, effective implementation remains a major challenge due to weak enforcement, easy access to medicines without prescription in many regions, and lack of public awareness regarding risks associated with self-medication.
• Experts emphasize the need for stronger monitoring of pharmacies, digital prescription verification systems, stricter action against illegal sale of prescription medicines, and greater public awareness regarding responsible drug use.

Conclusion

The government’s decision to place Pregabalin under Schedule H1 seeks to balance medical accessibility with public health protection. By restricting over-the-counter sale and strengthening monitoring mechanisms, the measure aims to prevent misuse, addiction, and irrational consumption while ensuring that the medicine is used only under proper medical supervision.