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Topic-shaped analysis of the day's editorials for the RPSC RAS Mains, dated 23 July 2026.
On July 20, largely young demonstrators marching towards Parliament were chased, tear-gassed and baton-charged, with some allegedly hit by pellet guns, while mobile Internet was switched off and Metro stations were shut across the area. A meeting with the protesters was conceded through a Union Minister only after thousands had reached Parliament's doorstep — too late to prevent the confrontation.
Mains question (10 marks): "Issue-driven mobilisation by civil society remains orderly so long as the government signals that it is willing to listen." In the light of recent youth protests in Delhi, examine the constitutional limits on the state's response to peaceful assembly and suggest measures to rebuild trust between young citizens and the government.
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Protesters at Jantar Mantar demand the Education Minister's resignation and accountability for the NEET paper leak, and the government promises strict action and a successful re-conduct of the exam. But the stand-off is drawing attention away from the larger question: India's chronic under-investment in the education of a very young population.
Mains question (10 marks): "The examination crisis is a symptom; chronic under-investment in education is the disease." Critically examine this statement in the context of India's demographic dividend, and suggest reforms in the financing and governance of school and higher education.
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Workers in an under-construction tunnel at NHPC's Teesta Stage-VI hydroelectric project in Sikkim's Namchi district struck a pocket of suspected trapped methane. The resulting burst partially damaged the tunnel and killed workers, with rescue operations still under way and the toll rising. The NHPC has announced a detailed investigation.
Mains question (10 marks): Hydropower development in the Himalayas exemplifies the conflict between energy needs and ecological fragility. In the light of recent tunnel disasters, evaluate the adequacy of India's environmental clearance and safety regime, and suggest safeguards for infrastructure projects in fragile mountain zones.
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On the heels of the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Iran has reportedly instructed the Houthis to close the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb — between Yemen and the Horn of Africa — if the United States attacks Iran's power plants. Whether or not the Houthis have that capacity, the threat represents a risk to roughly one-third of India's entire trade.
Mains question (10 marks): India's trade and energy security remains hostage to maritime chokepoints far beyond its shores. Discuss the significance of the Red Sea route for India, and evaluate the proposal for an India-led multinational trade-protection task force in the Bab el-Mandeb.
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On July 14, New York became the first US state to halt construction of large new data centres with a one-year moratorium, citing power costs, water supplies and burdened communities. Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Ireland's grid operator and Singapore have all restricted data-centre growth. In India, by contrast, there is hardly any critical political discourse on responsible data-centre development — states compete to subsidise them.
Mains question (10 marks): "Any promise of jobs and prosperity from AI infrastructure must be measured against the land, power and water it consumes." Examine the opportunities and externalities of India's data-centre expansion, and suggest a regulatory framework that balances growth with sustainability and local interests.
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