TEN CRITICAL QUESTIONS ON CURRENT GEOPLOITICAL AND NATIONAL ISSUES – 161
2 September 2026
PRERNA FOR IAS
(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)
TEN CRITICAL QUESTIONS ON CURRENT GEOPLOITICAL AND NATIONAL ISSUES – 161
1. Should peaceful protesters face criminal cases merely because a demonstration becomes controversial?
Answer: No. A democracy must clearly distinguish between peaceful protest and criminal conduct. The Supreme Court used Article 142 to quash cases against students involved in protests over the NEET controversy, while allowing proceedings where specific evidence of criminal activity existed. In my view, this is a balanced approach. Article 19 protects speech and peaceful assembly, but it does not protect violence. Criminalising an entire protest can create fear and discourage democratic participation. The State should therefore act on individual evidence and proportionality. Dissent should be regulated when necessary, but it should not be treated as an offence merely because it challenges authority.
2. Why does India argue that terrorism must be tackled as an entire ecosystem rather than simply targeting terrorists?
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10 critical questions on current geopolitical and national issues covering protest rights, terrorism, West Asia conflict, electoral integrity, and economic deficits.
Keywords
peaceful protestNEET controversyterrorism ecosystemcounter-terrorismWest Asia conflictStrait of Hormuzcurrent-account deficitelectoral integrityvoter deletionmerchandise trade