Prelims Pinpointer 19 December 2025

Ad hoc Judges

Context: CJI Surya Kant revealed retired High Court judges reluctant to return as ad hoc judges, feeling “embarrassed to sit as junior judges” alongside younger colleagues on Benches.

More in News:

• 18,98,833 criminal cases pending in 25 High Courts; 68.27% (12,96,374 cases) pending over a year; 298 vacancies against sanctioned strength of 1,122 judges as of December 15 nationally.
• Supreme Court in January activated Article 224A of Constitution, allowing High Court Chief Justices to appoint retired judges as ad hoc judges to clear criminal appeals backlog comprehensively across country.
• Response from High Courts lukewarm; several courts not sending names to Supreme Court for ad hoc judge appointments despite constitutional provision and Supreme Court’s enabling judgment for retired judges’ return.
• CJI stated retired judges feel “very embarrassed” to sit as junior judge with serving judge on Division Benches; most criminal appeals pending before Division Benches or two-judge Benches in High Courts nationwide.

Ad hoc Judges in High Courts (HCs)

• Ad hoc judges are temporary judges appointed to address case backlogs or judicial vacancies.
• They are appointed for a limited duration, not as permanent members of the court.

Constitutional Basis

• • • Article 224A of the Constitution provides for appointment of ad hoc judges in High Courts.
    • The Chief Justice of the High Court initiates the process with Presidential approval.
    • Appointment requires consent of the retired High Court judge concerned.

• Procedure for Appointment

• • • Procedure is governed by the Memorandum of Procedure (MOP), 1998.
    • The High Court Chief Justice forwards the proposal to the State Chief Minister.
    • The Chief Minister sends it to the Union Law Minister.
    • The Law Minister consults the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
    • The proposal is then sent to the Prime Minister for advice to the President.

• Judicial Clarifications

• • • In Lok Prahari v. Union of India (2021), the Supreme Court clarified the process.
    • Appointments must pass through the Supreme Court collegium system.
    • The CJI must consult two senior-most Supreme Court judges.

Conditions to Initiate Process (Lok Prahari, 2021)

• Judicial vacancies exceed 20% of sanctioned High Court strength.
• More than 10% of pending cases are older than five years.
• Process can begin only after regular judicial appointments are initiated.

Selection and Appointment Process

• High Court Chief Justice prepares a panel of retired or soon-to-retire judges.
• Intelligence Bureau verification is waived, as nominees are former judges.
• This exemption shortens the appointment timeline.

Tenure and Numbers

• • • Ad hoc judges usually serve two to three years.
    • Number appointed ranges between two and five, depending on backlog and vacancies.

• Role and Restrictions

• • • Ad hoc judges primarily hear cases pending for over five years.
    • They are barred from advisory roles, arbitration, or private legal practice.

• Emoluments

• • • Ad hoc judges receive salary and allowances equal to permanent High Court judges.
    • Pension benefits are excluded from remuneration.

• Past Appointments

• • Article 224A has been used only three times, termed a “dormant provision”.
  • Justice Suraj Bhan (1972), P. Venugopal (1982–83), O.P. Srivastava (2007).

Ad hoc Judges in Supreme Court

• Article 127 allows ad hoc judges in the Supreme Court during quorum shortages.
• CJI appoints a High Court judge, with Presidential consent.
• The judge enjoys full powers, privileges, and duties of a Supreme Court judge.

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)

Constitutional Status and Establishment

• NCST was established through the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003.
• The amendment modified Article 338 and inserted a new Article 338A.
• It came into effect from 19 February 2004.
• The erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was bifurcated.
• Two separate bodies were created: NCSC and NCST.

Composition and Tenure

• The Commission consists of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Members.
• The term of office for Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Members is three years.
• Tenure is counted from the date of assumption of charge.
• The Chairperson enjoys the rank of a Union Cabinet Minister.
• The Vice-Chairperson holds the rank of a Minister of State.
• Other Members are accorded the rank of a Secretary to the Government of India.

Core Functions

• To monitor constitutional and legal safeguards provided to Scheduled Tribes.
•  To inquire into specific complaints concerning rights and safeguards of STs.
• To advise on planning processes related to socio-economic development of STs.
• To evaluate welfare measures affecting Scheduled Tribes.

Reporting Responsibilities

• The Commission submits an annual report to the President of India.
• It may also submit special reports as required.
• Reports focus on measures needed for socio-economic development of STs.

Advisory and Additional Functions

• NCST performs advisory functions in matters concerning Scheduled Tribes.
• It discharges additional functions as specified by the President through rules.
• These functions relate exclusively to the protection and advancement of ST interests.

Significance

• NCST serves as a constitutional watchdog for tribal welfare and rights.
• It strengthens institutional oversight over policies impacting Scheduled Tribes.

Sahitya Akademi Awards

Context: Sahitya Akademi cancelled press conference to announce annual literary awards following directive from Union Culture Ministry; awards process put on hold amid restructuring controversy.

About the Award

• Sahitya Akademi Awards honour outstanding books of literary merit published in India.
• Awards are given for works written in major Indian languages recognised by the Akademi.
• Eligible languages include the 22 languages listed in the Constitution of India.
• English and Rajasthani are additionally recognised by the Sahitya Akademi.
• Awarded authors and poets receive a plaque, a shawl, and ₹1 lakh.

Purpose and Significance

• The awards promote literary excellence and creativity across diverse Indian languages.
• They encourage linguistic diversity and cultural expression in Indian literature.

Key Facts about Sahitya Akademi

• • • Sahitya Akademi was formally inaugurated on 12 March 1954.
    • It was registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
    • It functions as the central institution for literary dialogue and promotion.
    • The Akademi undertakes literary activities in 24 Indian languages, including English.
    • It is the only national institution covering such a wide linguistic spectrum.

• Institutional Framework

• • Sahitya Akademi is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture.
  • The head office is located in New Delhi.

Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)

About Regional Rural Banks

• Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) are jointly established by the Centre, States, and sponsor banks.
• They are designed to expand institutional credit access in rural and semi-urban regions.
• The core objective is serving small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers, and weaker sections.
• RRBs mobilise deposits locally and extend loans and advances primarily to rural beneficiaries.

 

Origin and Evolution

• The Narasimham Committee on Rural Credit (1975) recommended creation of RRBs.
• RRBs were first established through an ordinance dated 26 September 1975.
• The legal basis was provided by the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976.
• Prathama Grameen Bank was the first RRB, established on 2 October 1975.
• RRBs were envisaged as hybrid institutions, blending cooperatives and commercial banks.

Functions of RRBs

• Provide basic banking services in rural and semi-urban areas.
• Extend credit to agriculture, allied activities, and rural artisans.
• Implement government schemes, including MGNREGA wage disbursement and pensions.
• Offer para-banking services such as lockers, debit and credit cards.
• Provide digital banking facilities, including mobile banking, internet banking, and UPI.

Priority Sector Role

• RBI mandates 75% Priority Sector Lending (PSL) for RRBs.
• This target is higher than the 40% PSL requirement for Scheduled Commercial Banks.

Ownership Structure

• Shareholding follows a 50:35:15 pattern.
• Central Government holds 50%, sponsor bank 35%, and State Government 15%.

Area of Operation

• RRB operations are limited to notified districts within one or more States.
• Operational areas are defined by the Government of India.

Regulation and Supervision

• RRBs are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• They are supervised by NABARD.

Sources of Funds

• Funds include owned funds and public deposits.
• Borrowings are sourced from NABARD, sponsor banks, and other institutions.
• Additional sources include SIDBI and National Housing Bank.

Management Structure

• RRBs are governed by a Board of Directors.
• The Board comprises one Chairman.
• It includes three Central Government nominees.
• Up to two State Government nominees are appointed.
• A maximum of three directors are nominated by the sponsor bank.

Competition Commission of India (CCI)

Background and Establishment

• Competition Commission of India (CCI) was constituted under the Competition Act, 2002.
• It was formally established on 14 October 2003 and became operational in May 2009.
• CCI functions as a statutory body under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• Headquarters of the Commission is located in New Delhi.
• It replaced the MRTP Act, 1969, following economic liberalisation reforms.
• Establishment was guided by recommendations of the Raghavan Committee.

Objectives of CCI

• Prevent anti-competitive agreements such as cartels, collusion, and price-fixing.
• Curb abuse of dominant position by powerful market players.
• Promote healthy competition and maintain market freedom.
• Protect consumer interests through competitive pricing and quality.
• Ensure freedom of trade across Indian markets.

Composition

• CCI comprises a Chairperson and six Members.
• Members are appointed by the Central Government.
• Appointees require minimum 15 years’ experience in law, finance, or economics.
• Members serve a five-year tenure, ensuring institutional continuity.

Functions of CCI

• Investigates and penalises anti-competitive practices.
• Reviews mergers and acquisitions to prevent market concentration.
• Advises governments on competition-related policy matters.
• Conducts advocacy and awareness programmes on competition law.

Related Acts

• Competition Act, 2002
• The Act provides the legal framework for competition regulation in India.
• It was enforced in phases, becoming fully operational in May 2009.
• Section 3 prohibits anti-competitive agreements.
• Section 4 addresses abuse of dominance.
• Sections 5 and 6 regulate combinations, mergers, and acquisitions.
• Section 19 empowers CCI to initiate inquiries, including suo motu actions.

Competition (Amendment) Act, 2009

• Enacted to clarify transition from MRTP Act to Competition Act.
• Amended Section 66, removing ambiguity on repeal timelines.
• Transferred pending unfair trade practice cases to appropriate forums.
• Repealed the Competition (Amendment) Ordinance, 2009 while validating prior actions.

Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023

• Introduced to address modern market and digital economy challenges.
• Streamlined merger approval timelines to reduce regulatory delays.
• Enhanced penalties to deter anti-competitive conduct.
• Strengthened CCI’s powers in digital markets, including data-related issues.
• Improved procedural clarity in investigations and enforcement.

National Pension System (NPS)

Overview

• National Pension System (NPS) is a retirement benefit scheme introduced by the Government of India.
• It aims to ensure regular post-retirement income for subscribers.
• NPS was launched on 1 January 2004.

Coverage and Expansion

• Initially, NPS applied to new government recruits, excluding armed forces.
• From 1 May 2009, NPS was extended to all Indian citizens.
• It includes unorganised sector workers on a voluntary basis.

Nature of the Scheme

• NPS is a voluntary retirement savings scheme for Indian citizens.
• Subscribers can invest any amount at any time as per convenience.

Account Structure

• Each subscriber is allotted a Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN).
• PRAN is unique and remains unchanged throughout the subscriber’s lifetime.
• The NPS account is fully portable across jobs, cities, and States.

Regulatory Authority

• NPS is regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
• PFRDA oversees fund management and ensures regulatory compliance.

Investment Mechanism

• Subscriber contributions are pooled into a pension fund.
• Funds are invested by PFRDA-regulated professional fund managers.
• Investments are made in Government bonds, Treasury bills, corporate debentures, and equities.
• Returns are market-linked, influencing final corpus value.

Benefit Structure

• NPS follows a defined contribution model, not a defined benefit system.
• Final retirement corpus depends on contributions and investment returns.
• Corpus continues to grow until retirement or exit.

Exit Options

• Subscribers may opt for superannuation at retirement age.
• Premature exit from the system is also permitted under rules.

Types of Accounts under NPS

• Tier I Account is a mandatory, non-withdrawable retirement account.
• It is primarily meant for long-term retirement savings.
• Tier II Account is a voluntary savings account.
• Subscribers can withdraw funds anytime from Tier II.
• No tax benefits are available for contributions to Tier II accounts.

Significance

• NPS promotes long-term financial security and retirement planning.

• It supports pension coverage expansion beyond the organised sector.

Rhinoceros (Rhino)

Context

• A recent international study reports rhino dehorning reduced poaching by 75–78%.
• The finding highlights dehorning as a cost-effective conservation tool in African reserves.

About Rhinoceros

• The rhinoceros is a large, herbivorous mammal belonging to the Rhinocerotidae family.
• It is among the oldest surviving megafauna, with evolutionary origins millions of years old.

Habitat and Distribution

• Rhinos inhabit diverse ecosystems, varying across species.
• Common habitats include grasslands and savannahs.
• Some species occur in tropical and subtropical forests.
• Others occupy swamps, riverine zones, and shrublands.

Types of Rhinoceros (Five Species)

• White rhino (Ceratotherium simum) is found in Africa.
• Black rhino (Diceros bicornis) is native to Africa.
• Greater one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) occurs in India and Nepal.
• Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) survives in Indonesia.
• Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is found in Indonesia.

Key Physical and Biological Characteristics

• Rhino horn is composed of keratin, similar to human hair and nails.
• Rhinos are strict herbivores, feeding on grasses, leaves, shoots, and roots.
• They possess poor eyesight but have strong hearing and olfactory senses.
• Some species, especially the Indian rhino, show semi-aquatic behaviour.
• Rhinos exhibit slow reproductive rates, limiting rapid population recovery.

Conservation Status (IUCN)

• Critically Endangered: Javan rhino, Sumatran rhino, Black rhino.
• Vulnerable: Greater one-horned rhino.
• Near Threatened: White rhino.

Ecological and Conservation Significance

• Rhinos act as keystone species, shaping ecosystems through grazing patterns.
• Their feeding maintains habitat heterogeneity, supporting diverse plant and animal life.
• Rhinos contribute to seed dispersal, influencing forest and grassland regeneration.

Cultural and Governance Significance

• The Indian rhino is central to Assam’s natural heritage.
• It is strongly associated with Kaziranga National Park.
• Rhino conservation reflects state capacity, anti-poaching enforcement, and community participation.

Global Conservation Importance

• Rhinos are a global symbol in the fight against illegal wildlife trade.
• Their protection is integral to conservation efforts alongside elephants and tigers.

Nuclear Energy Mission

Context

• Government informed Parliament about operationalising at least five indigenous SMRs by 2033.
• The mission is backed by a ₹20,000 crore public investment.

What is the Nuclear Energy Mission

• A national mission framework to expand nuclear power using advanced and indigenous technologies.
• Focuses on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) alongside conventional large nuclear reactors.
• Designed to support India’s long-term energy transition and decarbonisation goals.
• Announcement and Timeline
  • Announced in the Union Budget 2025–26.
  • Provides a clear milestone of 2033 for operationalising indigenous SMRs.

• Key Objectives

• • Capacity expansion: Achieve around 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.
  • SMR deployment: Operationalise minimum five indigenously designed SMRs by 2033.
  • Support clean, reliable, and decentralised nuclear power generation.

Key Features of the Mission

• Major R&D allocation: ₹20,000 crore earmarked for SMR research, design, and deployment.
• Indigenous reactor pipeline led by BARC, strengthening technological self-reliance.
• BSMR-200: A 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor under indigenous development.
• SMR-55: A 55 MWe small reactor for flexible and decentralised power needs.
• Advanced reactor design: High-temperature gas-cooled reactor (~5 MW) for hydrogen production.

Industrial and Energy Applications

• SMRs positioned for captive industrial power and repowering retiring fossil fuel plants.
• Suitable for remote, off-grid, and constrained locations.
• Supports industrial decarbonisation, especially in energy-intensive sectors.

Institutional and Implementation Framework

• NPCIL leads reactor deployment and expansion roadmap.
• Continued role for indigenous PHWRs alongside SMRs.
• Public sector contribution expected to deliver 58–60 GW of nuclear capacity.
• Remaining capacity envisaged through public–private participation under evolving policies.
• NTPC–NPCIL joint venture supports coordinated nuclear expansion.

Significance

• Provides clean baseload electricity, essential for grid stability.
• Complements intermittent renewables like solar and wind.
• Strengthens India’s pathway toward Net Zero emissions by 2070.

Exercise DESERT CYCLONE–II 2025

Context

• An Indian Army contingent has departed for DESERT CYCLONE–II (2025) in Abu Dhabi.
• The exercise reflects growing India–UAE defence cooperation and military engagement.

What is Exercise DESERT CYCLONE–II

• DESERT CYCLONE–II is the second edition of the bilateral joint military exercise.
• Conducted between the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces.
• Designed to enhance operational coordination and joint readiness.

Host Country and Location

• Host nation: United Arab Emirates.
• Exercise location: Abu Dhabi.

Participating Forces

• India:
  • 45 personnel from a battalion of The Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
• United Arab Emirates:
  • Troops from the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion, UAE Land Forces.

Aims and Objectives

• Train jointly for sub-conventional operations under United Nations mandate.
• Enhance preparedness for peacekeeping missions in complex environments.
• Develop capabilities for counter-terrorism and stability operations.
• Improve interoperability during urban operational scenarios.

Key Training Components

• Fighting in Built-Up Areas (FIBUA) focusing on close-quarter combat skills.
• Heliborne operations to practise rapid troop insertion and extraction.
• Joint mission planning at tactical and sub-tactical levels.
• Integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for surveillance and reconnaissance.
• Training in Counter-UAS techniques to neutralise aerial threats.
• Emphasis on urban warfare drills and coordinated manoeuvres.

Operational Focus

• Exposure to modern mechanised infantry tactics in desert-urban settings.
• Development of joint standard operating procedures for future deployments.
• Strengthening command, control, and communication interoperability.

Significance

• Deepens bilateral defence ties and military diplomacy between India and UAE.
• Enhances mutual understanding of tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs).
• Supports India’s engagement with West Asia under defence cooperation frameworks.
• Contributes to preparedness for multinational peacekeeping and security missions.

Kunar River (Chitral River)

Context

• Taliban authorities approved plans to divert Kunar River waters toward Darunta Dam.
• Move raises concerns of reduced downstream flows into Pakistan.

What is the Kunar River

• • The Kunar River, called the Chitral River in Pakistan, is a major transboundary Himalayan river.
  • It forms an important part of the Indus Basin river system.

Origin

• • Source: Chiantar Glacier in the Hindu Kush Mountains.
  • Location: Northern Chitral region, Pakistan.

Course and Flow

• • Originates as the Chitral/Mastuj River in Pakistan.
  • Enters Afghanistan near Arandu, where it is known as the Kunar River.
  • Flows through Kunar and Nangarhar provinces of Afghanistan.
  • Joins the Kabul River near Jalalabad.
  • The Kabul River re-enters Pakistan and merges with the Indus River near Attock.

Countries Traversed

• • • Pakistan → Afghanistan → Pakistan (via Kabul–Indus river system).

Tributaries

• • Major tributary: Pech River.
  • Other tributary: Lotkoh River.
  • Hydrological status: Kunar is a tributary of the Kabul River, which feeds the Indus River.

Key Characteristics

• • Transboundary river: Shared by Pakistan and Afghanistan, carrying strategic importance.
  • Glacial-fed system: Nearly 60–70% discharge originates in Pakistan, increasing upstream sensitivity.
  • Economic importance: Supports irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower.
  • Regional dependence: Crucial for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan.

Geopolitical and Security Significance

• • Located in a conflict-prone border region, linking water stress with security concerns.
  • No bilateral treaty governs the Kunar waters, unlike the Indus Waters Treaty.
  • Absence of legal framework heightens risks of future water disputes.