Why in News

Recently, copper prices reached a fresh all-time high in December, with the benchmark price on the London Metal Exchange (LME) crossing USD 12,000 per tonne. The surge reflects strong global demand, especially from clean energy, electric vehicles, and infrastructure sectors.

About Copper

Copper is a naturally occurring chemical element with the symbol Cu. It is one of the most widely used metals and has played a central role in human civilisation for over 10,000 years, beginning with the Copper Age.

Occurrence of Copper

Copper occurs in nature both in native (free) metallic form and in combination with other elements. It is commonly found in minerals such as chalcocite, chalcopyrite, and bornite.

Properties of Copper

Physical Properties

Copper is well known for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, high malleability, ductility, and resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.

Recyclability

Copper is 100 percent recyclable without any loss of quality. This makes it an environmentally sustainable metal and a key component of the circular economy.

Major Copper Reserves

In India

• Rajasthan: Khetri–Jhunjhunu belt

• Madhya Pradesh: Malanjkhand mine, the largest open-pit copper mine in India

• Jharkhand: Singhbhum copper belt

In the World

Major countries with significant copper reserves include Chile, Australia, Peru, and Russia.

Applications of Copper

Copper has wide-ranging applications across multiple sectors due to its versatile properties.

• Electrical Industry: Used extensively in electrical wiring, motors, and transformers because of its high conductivity.

• Construction Sector: Employed in roofing, plumbing, and heating systems due to its durability and corrosion resistance.

• Automobile Industry: Essential for vehicle wiring, radiators, and electrical connectors.

• Electronics Industry: Widely used in integrated circuits, printed circuit boards, and semiconductor manufacturing.

• Renewable Energy Sector: Plays a crucial role in wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles, supporting the global energy transition.

Why in News

Recently, the Ministry of Science and Technology developed a new open-source software called PathGennie. This software aims to accelerate drug discovery by improving the simulation of rare molecular events.

About PathGennie

PathGennie is a novel computational framework designed to track molecular unbinding pathways accurately and efficiently. It addresses a longstanding challenge in molecular simulations: modelling how drug molecules detach from their target proteins, a process known as ligand unbinding.

Ligand unbinding is crucial because a drug’s residence time—the duration it remains bound to its target—is often more important for therapeutic effectiveness than its binding strength alone.

Unlike traditional simulation methods, PathGennie avoids artificial distortions, instead mimicking natural molecular dynamics. This allows it to predict how drugs detach from their protein targets in a realistic manner.

Key Features of PathGennie

1. Captures Rare Molecular Events: Can simulate infrequent events without artificial acceleration.

2. Generates Multiple Pathways: Produces multiple competitive ligand unbinding pathways.

3. Estimates Drug Residence Time: Accurately calculates how long a molecule remains bound to its target.

4. Reduces Bias: Eliminates distortions introduced by force-based simulations.

Potential Applications

• Drug Discovery: Fast-tracks the development of effective therapeutic molecules.

• Chemical and Catalytic Processes: Can simulate chemical reactions, catalytic events, phase transitions, and self-assembly phenomena.

• Integration with Machine Learning: Compatible with modern AI/ML techniques, allowing seamless integration into advanced simulation pipelines.

Why in News

Russia recently announced that its nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles have entered active service in Belarus, a neighbouring ally bordering NATO members Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. This move has significant implications for regional security and strategic deterrence in Europe.

About the Oreshnik Missile

The Oreshnik missile is a Russian-made, intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads. It was first operationally launched on November 21, 2024, targeting the Pivdenmash defence-industrial facility in Dnipro, Ukraine.

Features of the Oreshnik Missile

• Size: Approximately 15 to 18.5 metres in length and 1.9 metres in diameter.

• Mobility: Mounted on a mobile transporter and launcher, enabling rapid deployment and concealment.

• Range: Estimated range of 5,000 kilometres (3,100 miles), allowing it to strike targets across Europe and even parts of the United States.

• Payload: Equipped with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs), capable of carrying 6 to 8 warheads to strike multiple targets simultaneously.

• Speed: Hypersonic capability with speeds up to Mach 10 (12,300 km/h or 7,610 mph).

Strategic Significance

The deployment of Oreshnik missiles in Belarus increases Russia’s strategic reach in Europe, enhancing its nuclear deterrence posture and posing a potential threat to NATO territories. Its mobility, range, and MIRV capability make it a highly flexible and formidable component of Russia’s missile arsenal.

The Government of India has prohibited the manufacture, sale, and distribution of all oral formulations of Nimesulide containing more than 100 mg in immediate-release form, with immediate effect. This decision was taken by the Union Health Ministry based on recommendations from expert bodies, including the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The move aims to protect public health, as high-dose Nimesulide formulations pose potential risks, particularly liver toxicity.

Official Notification

The ban was formalized through a Gazette notification dated 29 December 2025, which stated that oral formulations of Nimesulide above 100 mg in immediate-release dosage form are likely to involve risks to human health. This notification makes the ban applicable nationwide, and authorities are ensuring strict compliance.

State-Level Actions

Several state governments, including Haryana and Telangana, have issued directives aligning with the central government’s decision. The states have also advised the public to immediately stop using banned Nimesulide products and consult a doctor if they were previously using high-dose tablets.

What Is Covered Under the Ban

• Banned: Oral immediate-release Nimesulide formulations containing more than 100 mg, such as 125 mg or 150 mg tablets.

• Allowed: Oral formulations with doses of 100 mg or less and non-oral forms of Nimesulide, such as topical gels or creams, are not affected by this ban.

About Nimesulide

Nimesulide is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) first introduced in Italy in 1985. It is used for its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducing effects, commonly prescribed for conditions like acute pain, musculoskeletal disorders, dental pain, osteoarthritis, and dysmenorrhea. Nimesulide works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which reduces the production of prostaglandins, chemicals responsible for pain, inflammation, and fever.

Side Effects

While effective, Nimesulide can cause liver damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, and kidney problems with long-term or high-dose use. Other side effects may include sour stomach, dizziness, skin reactions, diarrhea, and elevated liver enzymes.

Global Regulatory Status

Nimesulide has faced safety scrutiny worldwide. It has never been approved in countries like the United States, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. In 2008, the International Society of Drug Bulletins, supported by the World Health Organization, called for a global ban. In India, its use in children below 12 years was banned in 2011, but adults continued to use it under supervision until now.

Reason for the Ban

Authorities concluded that high-dose Nimesulide formulations offer no significant therapeutic advantage over safer alternatives while posing serious health risks. The ban aims to prevent liver toxicity and other complications and promote public safety.

Recently, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) announced the nationwide rollout of Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) services. This move aims to improve voice call connectivity, especially in areas with weak or unreliable mobile network coverage.

About Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi)

Voice over WiFi, also known as Wi-Fi Calling, is a technology that allows users to make and receive voice calls and messages over a Wi-Fi network, instead of relying solely on traditional cellular networks.

It enables seamless communication using the customer’s existing mobile number and phone dialer, without the need for any third-party applications.

Technical Features of VoWiFi

VoWiFi is an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)-based service.
It works by using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, where voice signals are converted into digital data packets and transmitted over an internet connection.

The service is built directly into the smartphone’s operating system, allowing it to function smoothly with the user’s existing contacts and mobile number.

Working of Voice over WiFi

When a mobile device is connected to a Wi-Fi network, VoWiFi automatically routes voice calls through the internet instead of cellular towers. This ensures uninterrupted calling even in locations where mobile signals are weak or unavailable.

Advantages of Voice over WiFi

• It provides clear and reliable voice connectivity in areas with poor mobile network coverage, such as homes, offices, basements, and remote locations.

• It helps reduce congestion on cellular networks, especially in densely populated areas.

• VoWiFi calls are generally offered free of cost, with no additional charges beyond standard voice plans.

• It improves overall call quality and user experience without requiring extra hardware or applications.

Significance of the Rollout

The nationwide rollout of VoWiFi by BSNL is expected to enhance digital connectivity, improve service reliability, and support India’s broader goal of inclusive and accessible telecommunications, particularly in underserved and indoor locations.

Recent observations by the Supreme Court in Ranveer Allahbadia vs Union of India (2025), where the Court suggested the creation of new regulatory mechanisms for online content, have reignited a fundamental constitutional debate. The key question is whether courts should limit themselves to protecting free speech, or whether they can legitimately shape and design regulatory frameworks governing speech.

Understanding Free Speech in a Democratic System

Freedom of Speech and Expression allows individuals and communities to articulate opinions, ideas, and beliefs without fear of censorship, retaliation, or legal sanction. It is universally recognised as a core human right, enshrined in instruments such as Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

In a democracy, free speech enables political participation, accountability of power, dissent, and social reform, making it indispensable for constitutional governance.

Constitutional Framework: Article 19(1)(a) and Article 19(2)

Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech and expression as a fundamental right. However, this freedom is not absolute.

Article 19(2) permits the State to impose reasonable restrictions only on specific grounds, namely:

• Sovereignty and integrity of India

• Security of the State

• Friendly relations with foreign States

• Public order

• Decency or morality

• Contempt of court

• Defamation

• Incitement to an offence

These grounds are exhaustive, meaning that no additional restrictions can be imposed outside this constitutional framework.

Role of the Judiciary in Free Speech Regulation

Judiciary as Constitutional Guardian

The judiciary acts as the protector of free speech by interpreting the scope of Article 19(1)(a) and ensuring that restrictions imposed by the State remain within Article 19(2). Courts play a crucial role in preventing the misuse of regulatory powers to stifle dissent, political criticism, or unpopular opinions.

Doctrinal Contributions of the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has developed important doctrines such as:

• Proportionality, to ensure restrictions are necessary and minimal

• Chilling effect, to assess whether laws deter lawful speech due to fear of punishment

These doctrines help distinguish legitimate regulation from unconstitutional suppression.

Separation of Powers

Under the doctrine of separation of powers, law-making and policy formulation lie with the legislature and executive, while courts are confined to interpretation, review, and constitutional adjudication. Judicial overreach into regulatory design risks undermining democratic accountability.

Challenges in Regulating Free Speech in India

India faces multiple structural challenges in safeguarding free expression:

• Criminalisation of speech through penal provisions relating to sedition, enmity, obscenity, and defamation continues despite judicial narrowing.

• Vague statutory terms such as “public order”, “morality”, and “offensive content” allow wide executive discretion and selective targeting.

• Frequent internet shutdowns disrupt journalism, political communication, and access to information.

• Digital speech regulation under the IT Act and IT Rules, 2021 places heavy compliance burdens on intermediaries and enables opaque content takedowns without independent oversight.

Legal Framework Governing Free Speech in India

Free speech regulation in India operates through multiple legal layers:

Constitutional Provisions

Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(2), read with Articles 14 and 21, ensure fairness, equality, and due process.

Penal Laws

Provisions analogous to Sections 124A, 153A, 295A, 499, and 505 (now under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) deal with sedition-like offences, hate speech, religious insult, defamation, and public mischief.

Digital and IT Framework

The Information Technology Act, 2000, including Section 69A, and the IT Rules, 2021 regulate intermediaries, digital news platforms, and OTT services.

Media-Specific Regulations

Cable TV laws, cinematograph regulations, programme and advertising codes, and self-regulatory norms govern print, television, and digital media.

Key Judicial Precedents on Free Speech

• Common Cause v. Union of India (2008): The Court emphasised that separation of powers prevents courts from addressing governance failures through ad-hoc judicial directions.

• Sahara India Real Estate Corp. Ltd. v. SEBI (2012): The Court allowed limited postponement orders but warned against blanket prior restraint on the media.

• Kaushal Kishor v. State of Uttar Pradesh (2023): A Constitution Bench held that Article 19(2) grounds are exhaustive and cannot be expanded using vague notions like “constitutional morality”.

Global Perspective on Content Regulation

Democratic jurisdictions such as the European Union, Germany, the UK, and Australia rely primarily on post-publication regulation, penalties for non-compliance, and judicial oversight.

In contrast, authoritarian regimes like China and Russia employ pre-censorship, surveillance, and criminalisation of dissent. This contrast highlights the danger that excessive preventive regulation can gradually erode democratic freedoms.

Way Forward

Legislative Primacy

Any new regulatory framework must emerge through Parliamentary legislation, such as a comprehensive Digital India Act, following wide public consultation, rather than through judicial directives.

Co-Regulatory Model

A balanced approach would involve statutorily backed self-regulatory bodies, with judicial oversight limited to an appellate role, not executive control.

Digital Literacy

The most effective response to harmful or offensive content is digital media literacy, not censorship. An informed citizenry strengthens democracy more than firewalls.

Judicial Restraint

The Supreme Court must act as a constitutional umpire, not a regulator. As noted by Pandit Thakur Dass Bhargava in the Constituent Assembly, the Court’s role is to judge the reasonableness of restrictions, not to demand that restrictions be imposed.

Conclusion

While courts play a vital role in protecting free speech, regulatory design belongs to democratic institutions. Judicial creativity in regulation risks undermining constitutional balance, whereas judicial vigilance in protection preserves democracy.

Recently, the Allahabad High Court held that the formation of District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) is a beneficial legislation. The Court stated that DMF provisions must be interpreted liberally to ensure justice for people and areas that are negatively affected by mining operations.

About District Mineral Foundations (DMFs)

District Mineral Foundations are statutory bodies established by State Governments through official notifications. They derive their legal status from Section 9B of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, as amended by the MMDR Amendment Act, 2015.

In every district affected by mining-related activities, the State Government is required to establish a non-profit trust, known as the District Mineral Foundation.

Purpose of DMFs

The primary purpose of DMFs is to work for the interest and benefit of people and areas affected by mining-related operations. The manner of functioning and utilization of funds is prescribed by the respective State Governments.

Jurisdiction and Governance

The operation of DMFs falls under the jurisdiction of the respective State Governments.
The composition, structure, and functions of the DMFs are also determined by State Government rules and guidelines.

Funding of District Mineral Foundations

DMFs are funded through mandatory contributions from holders of major and minor mineral concessions in the district.

The Central Government has notified the contribution rates as follows:

• For mining leases executed before 12 January 2015, miners must contribute 30% of the royalty payable to the DMF.

• For mining leases granted after 12 January 2015, the contribution rate is 10% of the royalty payable.

Utilisation of DMF Funds

The funds available with the DMF Trust are used for:

• Overall development of mining-affected areas based on an Annual Action Plan.

• Creation of local socio-economic infrastructure.

• Providing, maintaining, and upgrading community assets and services.

• Organizing skill development and capacity-building programmes to promote employment and self-employment opportunities.

Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY)

The Ministry of Mines launched PMKKKY in 2015 to ensure the effective utilization of DMF funds for the welfare of mining-affected people and areas.

Objectives of PMKKKY

The objectives of PMKKKY include:

• Implementing developmental and welfare projects in mining-affected areas.

• Minimizing and mitigating the adverse environmental, health, and socio-economic impacts of mining.

• Ensuring long-term and sustainable livelihoods for people living in mining regions.

Utilisation of PMKKKY Funds

• At least 60% of the funds must be used for high-priority sectors such as drinking water, healthcare, education, sanitation, and environmental conservation.

• Up to 40% of the funds may be used for other priority areas, including physical infrastructure, irrigation, energy, and watershed development.

Conclusion

District Mineral Foundations play a crucial role in ensuring inclusive and sustainable development of mining-affected regions. The recent High Court judgment reinforces the welfare-oriented intent of the DMF framework and strengthens the rights of communities impacted by mining activities.