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Topic-shaped analysis of the day's editorials for the RPSC RAS Mains, dated 5 July 2026.
At a New Delhi conclave, a group of eminent citizens — retired bureaucrats, judges, lawyers and civil-society leaders — rejected the 'One Nation, One Election' (ONOE) proposal, warning that synchronising Lok Sabha and Assembly polls would fracture India's federal compact and curtail the ability of State Assemblies to run their own affairs.
Mains question (10 marks): 'One Nation, One Election' promises administrative efficiency but raises serious concerns for India's federal structure. Critically examine.
Source: The Hindu, 5 Jul 2026 (Delhi conclave on 'One Nation, One Election, Federalism & Citizenship', Constitution Club of India)
As drones and precision-guided weapons reshape war, critics ask whether the battle tank is obsolete. Military experts argue the opposite: because holding ground still needs a physical presence, tanks remain indispensable — and India is inducting a new indigenous light tank, the Zorawar, built for the high Himalayas.
Mains question (10 marks): Drones and precision weapons have transformed the battlefield, yet the battle tank remains indispensable. Critically analyse in the context of India's induction of the indigenous Zorawar light tank.
Source: The Hindu, 5 Jul 2026 (Spotlight: 'Why tanks still matter in modern warfare'; DRDO–L&T Zorawar light tank)
Skyroot Aerospace has announced that its first orbital rocket, Vikram-1, will lift off in a July 12–August 4 window — India's first private orbital launch. Its co-founder Pawan Kumar Chandana calls the ISRO–private relationship 'similar to NASA and SpaceX in the US', signalling a decisive private turn in a sector opened up by recent reforms.
Mains question (10 marks): India's space sector is taking a private turn on the NASA–SpaceX model. Discuss its strategic and economic significance, and the risks of this shift.
Source: The Indian Express (Economy), 5 Jul 2026 — Skyroot Aerospace co-founder P. K. Chandana; ISRO/IN-SPACe
The India–Israel Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA), signed on 8 September last year, came into force on Saturday. It promises a 'secure and predictable' climate for two-way investment and, unusually, covers portfolio investments — a deviation from India's cautious 2015 model treaty.
Mains question (10 marks): The India–Israel Bilateral Investment Agreement reopens India's investment-treaty regime to portfolio capital. Examine the opportunities and the risks it carries.
Source: The Indian Express (Economy), 5 Jul 2026 — Finance Ministry; GTRI (Ajay Srivastava)
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