Which of the following best describes an 'ablative' thermal protection system used in space modules?

It removes heat by sacrificing its layers through chemical decomposition and outgassing.

It relies on high-conductivity materials like copper to dissipate heat into the atmosphere.

It protects the module by absorbing heat like a giant sponge without changing its phase.

It absorbs heat and releases it back into space as electromagnetic radiation.

Under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, what is the significance of the Supreme Court's recent observation regarding environmental violation cases?

The Court held that administrative office memorandums cannot override the statutory requirement of prior EC.

The Court declared that the central government has no power to frame any future regularisation schemes.

The Court has permanently banned all projects that commenced without prior Environmental Clearance.

The Court mandated that all violation projects must be demolished immediately.

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21 August 2026

Editorial analysis on fiscal outlook, environment, and politics

The topic covers significant fiscal policy updates, the Sixteenth Finance Commission's stance on federal devolution, and a Supreme Court ruling on environmental clearance, all of which are core UPSC syllabus themes.

Notes

Centre’s fiscal outlook for 2026-27 is impacted by geopolitical headwinds and revenue risks, including volatile global crude oil prices.
Gross Tax Revenue (GTR) grew by 3.7% in Q1 2026-27, affected by rate rationalisation in GST and Personal Income Tax (PIT).
Remedial fiscal measures include the introduction of the Health Security National Security (HSNS) Cess and increased import duties on precious metals.
Nominal GDP growth for 2026-27 is projected between 12.5% and 13%, with real GDP growth around 7%.
The Sixteenth Finance Commission (FC16) maintains the States' share in the divisible pool of central taxes at 41%.
Supreme Court (Vanashakti vs Union of India, 2026) ruled that prior Environmental Clearance (EC) is mandatory; violation mechanisms from 2017/2021 are invalid for fresh cases.
The Court clarified that the government retains statutory power under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to frame new mechanisms for violation cases in public interest.
Gaganyaan crew module uses an ablative thermal protection system (TPS) to dissipate heat during re-entry, which is robust for single-use missions.
Section 295A of the IPC and similar laws face criticism for potentially curbing social reform and free speech, as truth is not a defence against the intent to outrage religious feelings.

Questions

Discuss the fiscal challenges faced by the Centre in 2026-27 and the role of non-tax receipts in maintaining fiscal stability. 150 words

Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min

0 / 150 words 8:00
Analyze the implications of the Supreme Court's judgment in the Vanashakti vs Union of India case regarding environmental regulation and the necessity of prior Environmental Clearance. 250 words

Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min

0 / 250 words 11:00
Examine the tension between laws protecting religious sentiment and the necessity of social reform in India. How can the legal framework balance these competing interests? 250 words

Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min

0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

Which of the following best describes an 'ablative' thermal protection system used in space modules?

Under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, what is the significance of the Supreme Court's recent observation regarding environmental violation cases?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-21/editorial-analysis-on-fiscal-outlook-environment-and