News 1:US Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Sweeping Tariffs as Unconstitutional; India Deal Remains Intact for Now

In a landmark 6-3 decision, the US Supreme Court has ruled that President Donald Trump overstepped his authority by using the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs on nearly all trading partners, including India. The ruling invalidates the legal basis for tariffs that had collected over $133 billion, but Trump has vowed to retaliate with new 10% global tariffs under alternative laws, creating uncertainty for the recently announced India-US interim trade deal.

1. Preliminary Facts (For Mains Answer Introduction)

• Core Ruling: The US Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, struck down President Trump’s sweeping global tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 . The Court held that the Constitution “very clearly” gives Congress alone the power to impose taxes, including tariffs, and that IEEPA does not authorize the president to unilaterally levy such duties .
• Scope of Impact: The ruling invalidates the “reciprocal” tariffs imposed in April 2025 (including the 25% India-specific tariffs) and the “trafficking tariffs” on Canada, China, and Mexico . The Treasury had collected over $133 billion from these IEEPA tariffs as of December 2025 .
• India’s Specific Situation: India had faced an additional 25% IEEPA tariff for its purchases of Russian oil, bringing total tariffs to 50% . However, earlier this month, the US and India reached an interim trade framework under which the US agreed to reduce tariffs to 18% in exchange for India eliminating tariffs on US industrial and agricultural goods .
• Trump’s Response: Trump called the ruling “deeply disappointing” and “a disgrace,” but immediately announced plans to impose a new 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which is limited to 150 days . He also threatened Section 301 investigations for longer-term tariffs .
• India Deal Status: When asked about the impact on the India-US trade deal, Trump stated, “Nothing changes. They’ll be paying tariffs, and we will not be paying tariffs” .

Prelims 360

What Is the 10% Global Tariff under Section 122?

Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. § 2132)
• Allows the U.S. President to impose temporary import surcharges (tariffs) up to 15% if there is a “fundamental international payments problem”—for example, a large and persistent trade deficit.
• Measures under Section 122 can be applied quickly without lengthy investigations, but only for up to 150 days unless extended by Congress.

How This Affects Global Trade

Global Impact:
• The 10% tariff is broad-based and applies to most countries exporting goods to the U.S., unless exempted.
• Certain sectors are being exempted temporarily in the implementation—for example, pharmaceuticals or other key industries—to avoid disruption.
• Meanwhile, the U.S. continues investigations under Section 301 (unfair trade practices) and Section 232 (national security) that could result in additional country-specific tariffs.

🇮🇳 Effect on India–US Trade

1) India Will Be Subject to the 10% Tariff

According to U.S. officials, India is expected to be subject to the new 10% global duty as part of its trade engagement with the United States.

2) Interaction with the Ongoing India–US Trade Framework Deal

Before this change:

• The India-US interim trade framework (announced Feb 2, 2026) had reduced U.S. reciprocal duties on Indian exports to around 18% overall, down from much higher levels seen in 2025.

Under the new global tariff:

• Indian exports could face at least the 10% Section 122 tariff on top of applicable MFN (Most-Favored-Nation) rates unless exemptions are negotiated or agreed in the trade deal.
• In practice, many Indian goods already pay baseline MFN rates around 3% (for many items), so the tariff could effectively double the cost into the U.S. market without exemptions.

3) Impact on the Deal’s Stability

There’s debate among analysts and Indian political leaders about whether this new tariff regime:

• Undermines confidence in the U.S.–India trade deal, since tariffs create additional costs for Indian exporters even after tariff cuts in the interim agreement.
• Or whether the framework still stands, because the new tariff is presented as a temporary baseline measure before further negotiations and investigations.

4) Sectoral Effects on Indian Industry

Goods that are more price-sensitive—like textiles, leather, jewelry, or certain manufactured items—could see relative cost increases in the U.S. market due to the additional 10% surcharge.
Other sectors benefiting from exemptions or quotas (e.g., pharmaceuticals, tech) may be less affected if they retain preferential treatment.

News 2:’Extraordinary’ SC Intervention: Judicial Officers to Oversee Bengal SIR as ‘Trust Deficit’ Paralyzes Process

In an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court on Friday directed the Calcutta High Court to deploy serving and retired judicial officers to adjudicate claims and objections in West Bengal’s contentious Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Citing a complete breakdown of trust between the Mamata Banerjee government and the Election Commission, the court invoked its plenary powers under Article 142 to break the “stalemate” and ensure lakhs of voters are not disenfranchised ahead of Assembly elections.

1. Preliminary Facts (For Mains Answer Introduction)

• Extraordinary Order: A three-judge Bench headed by CJI Surya Kant (with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi) directed the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice to depute serving and retired judicial officers (rank of ADJ/District Judge) to take over the quasi-judicial functions of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) in the SIR process .
• Reason: The court observed an “unfortunate blame game” and “trust deficit” between two constitutional functionaries—the democratically elected State government and the Election Commission—which had brought the exercise to a standstill .
• Timeline: With the claims/objections phase ending on February 28, 2026, and lakhs of cases pending, the court found no option but to involve the judiciary to ensure fairness and timely completion .
• Publication of Rolls: The EC was permitted to publish the processed list of voters on February 28, with the remaining to be included in a supplementary roll . The court clarified this would not be the final roll.
• Logistical Support: District Collectors and Superintendents of Police were directed to provide full logistical support to the judicial officers and their teams. The DGP was also asked to file a supplementary affidavit on complaints of intimidation against officials .

Prelims 360

Article 142 – Plenary Power of the Supreme Court

Under Constitution of India, Article 142 grants the Supreme Court of India the power to pass any order necessary to do “complete justice” in any matter before it.

🔹 What does Article 142 say?

1️⃣ Power to Do “Complete Justice”

The Supreme Court may pass any decree or order necessary for doing complete justice in a case pending before it.

👉 This is a plenary (wide, inherent) power.

2️⃣ Enforceability

Orders passed under Article 142 are:

• Enforceable throughout India
• Binding on all authorities (civil & judicial)

Article 146 – Officers and Servants of the Supreme Court

Article 146 of the Indian Constitution deals with the administrative control of the Supreme Court of India over its staff.

It reflects the plenary (complete and independent) administrative power of the Court.

🔹 What does Article 146 provide?

Under Constitution of India – Article 146:

1. Appointments
   1. Appointments of officers and servants of the Supreme Court of India are made by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) or an officer authorized by him.
2. Service Conditions
   1. Salaries, allowances, leave, pensions etc. are determined by rules made by the CJI.
   1. However, rules relating to salaries, allowances, leave and pensions require President’s approval.
3. Expenses
   1. Administrative expenses of the Supreme Court are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
   1. 👉 Hence, they are not subject to vote in Parliament.

🔹 Meaning of “Plenary Power” under Article 146

“Plenary power” means:

• Complete authority
• Full administrative control
• Independence from executive interference

Under Article 146, the CJI has plenary powers over the administration and staff of the Supreme Court, ensuring:

✔ Judicial independence
✔ Separation of powers
✔ No executive control over court staff

News3 :PAC Slams Government for ‘Lackadaisical’ Implementation of SANKALP Scheme; CAG Flags ₹3,300 Crore World Bank Loan Underutilized

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, chaired by senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal, on Friday pulled up the government for the sluggish implementation of the Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) scheme. Examining a CAG report, the panel highlighted that only 44% of the budget was disbursed between 2017-18 and 2023-24, and just ₹850.71 crore of the ₹1,606.15 crore World Bank loan tranche was utilized as of December 2023, pointing to “non-preparedness” within the Ministry.

1. Preliminary Facts (For Mains Answer Introduction)

• Core Development: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), led by K.C. Venugopal, criticized the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship for the “lackadaisical” implementation of the SANKALP scheme, a flagship skill development programme [source article].
• CAG Findings: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report revealed significant underperformance:
  • Only 44% of the budgeted provision was disbursed between 2017-18 and 2023-24 (as of October 2023) .
  • Against the first tranche of the World Bank loan of $250 million (₹1,606.15 crore) , the Ministry utilized only ₹850.71 crore (53%) as of December 2023 .
  • The CAG attributed part of the delay to “non-preparedness” within the Ministry before the loan period commenced .
• Scheme Overview: SANKALP was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in October 2017 with a total outlay of ₹4,455 crore, including ₹3,300 crore World Bank loan assistance . It was launched in January 2018 with an original completion date of March 2023, later extended to March 2024 [source article].

PAC’s Concerns: The panel questioned the government over the absence of a central monitoring mechanism and gaps in due diligence 

Prelims 360

1️⃣ Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)

📌 Constitutional Status

Established under Constitution of India – Article 148

Independent constitutional authority.

🔹 Powers & Functions of CAG

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India audits:

✅ 1. Union & State Government Accounts

• Consolidated Fund of India
• Consolidated Fund of States
• Contingency Fund
• Public Account

✅ 2. Government Companies & PSUs

(Under Companies Act provisions)

✅ 3. Autonomous Bodies

Funded substantially by government.

✅ 4. Types of Audit

• Financial Audit
• Compliance Audit
• Performance Audit

🔹 Key Powers

✔ Can call for any records from government departments
✔ Audit reports submitted to President/Governor
✔ Independent of Executive
✔ Salary charged on Consolidated Fund of India

⚠ CAG cannot enforce recovery or punish — it only reports.

🔹 2️⃣ Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

📌 Parliamentary Committee

Formed under Rules of Procedure of Parliament.

Members:

• 22 members (15 Lok Sabha + 7 Rajya Sabha)
• Chairperson from Opposition (convention)

Works under Parliament of India

🔹 Functions of PAC

PAC examines:

1. CAG Reports
2. Appropriation Accounts
3. Finance Accounts
4. Excess expenditure

Purpose:
👉 Ensure money granted by Parliament is used properly.

🔹 Powers of PAC

✔ Can summon officials
✔ Can demand documents
✔ Can question Secretaries of Ministries
✔ Submits report to Parliament

⚠ PAC cannot impose penalties — it recommends corrective action.

🔹 Relationship Between CAG and PAC

This is very important for UPSC.

🔸 CAG = Auditor

🔸 PAC = Examiner & Watchdog of Parliament

👉 CAG audits accounts and submits report to President.
👉 President lays report before Parliament.
👉 PAC examines CAG reports in detail.

📌 CAG is called:

“Friend, Philosopher and Guide of the Public Accounts Committee”

Because:

• PAC depends on technical expertise of CAG.
• CAG officers assist PAC during examination.

News 4:India Joins U.S.-Led ‘Pax Silica’ Tech Alliance to Build Resilient Supply Chains Free from Coercion

On the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit, India formally joined the Pax Silica grouping, a U.S.-led initiative aimed at building resilient supply chains for electronics and critical minerals to withstand disruptions from China. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw signed the declaration alongside U.S. Undersecretary Jacob Helberg, who asserted the alliance’s commitment to say “no to weaponised dependency and no to blackmail.”

1. Preliminary Facts (For Mains Answer Introduction)

• Core Development: India formally joined the Pax Silica group on February 20, 2026, during the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw signed the declaration alongside U.S. Undersecretary Jacob Helberg .
• What is Pax Silica: A U.S.-led multilateral initiative (launched December 2025) aimed at building a common, resilient supply chain for electronics and critical minerals to reduce dependence on China. Other signatories include Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the European Union .
• Rationale: The alliance seeks to counter “weaponised dependency” and “economic coercion” —instances where China has used its dominance in critical mineral processing and supply chains as a geopolitical tool .
• India’s Pitch: Vaishnaw highlighted India’s “very large talent pool” and foreign policy approach that “builds trust” as key assets for the alliance .
• Geopolitical Context: Helberg’s speech referenced specific instances of alleged coercion: a 2020 Mumbai blackout attributed to cross-border cyberattack, and China’s rare-earth export restrictions in response to Japanese political statements .