GK Express of 04/02/2026
🚆 GK Express 2.0
Discipline • Clarity • Competitive Preparation
- USA reduces tariffs on India: The US has reduced the effective tariff on Indian goods to 18%, down from a staggering peak of 50% (which included punitive duties). The deal marks a strategic de-escalation of trade tensions and reaffirms India’s role as a primary US ally and a critical counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific.
- Indian Coast Guard Raising Day - 2026: The Prime Minister greeted all ranks of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on their Raising Day, lauding them as a steadfast shield of India’s shores for their role in maritime security, disaster response, and marine ecosystem protection.
Formation and History: The ICG was established on 1st February 1977 to ensure safety and law enforcement in Indian waters. Its formation was based on the recommendations of the Nag Committee (1970) and the Rustamji Committee (1974–75).
INDIAN CONSTITUTION
The Basic Structure Doctrine
The "Basic Structure Doctrine" is a judicial innovation by the Supreme Court of India. It states that the Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution (under Article 368), but it cannot alter its 'basic features' or fundamental structure.
Key Facts:
1. Origin: It was propounded in the landmark Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).
2. Cpmponents: The SC has not strictly defined the list, but it includes Supremacy of the Constitution, Rule of Law, Independence of Judiciary, Secularism, Federalism, and Parliamentary form of government.
3. Significance: It prevents the Parliament from abusing its majoritarian power to destroy the core identity of the Indian Constitution.
1. Appointment and Removal: Governors are appointed by the President (Centre) and hold office during 'pleasure', affecting their independence.
2. Article 356: Recommendation of President's Rule in states on subjective grounds of "breakdown of constitutional machinery".
3. Bill Reservation: Governors reserving state bills for the President's consideration (Art 200) delays state legislation.
Way Forward: Sarkaria and Punchhi Commission recommendations on fixed tenure and non-partisan appointments should be implemented.
• Non-Alignment (Past): India stayed away from Cold War power blocs (USA vs USSR) to maintain strategic autonomy.
• Multi-Alignment (Present): India now engages with all major powers based on national interest.
• Examples: We belong to QUAD (with USA) and SCO/BRICS (with Russia/China) simultaneously.
• Benefit: This allows India to secure defense tech from the West, cheap oil from Russia, and trade with the global South.
Q.1 (UPSC PYQ)
'Right to Privacy' is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty under which Article of the Constitution of India?
• In the K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India (2017) case, the Supreme Court declared the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 (Protection of Life and Personal Liberty).
Q.2 (UPSC PYQ)
Which one of the following schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection?
• The Tenth Schedule was added by the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985.
• It lays down the process by which legislators may be disqualified on grounds of defection by the Presiding Officer of the House.
1. What is the full form of BIMSTEC?
2. What is the minimum age required to become the President of India?
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