22nd July 2026

Explanation – Maglev is a transport method that uses magnetic levitation to move vehicles without making contact with the ground. Maglev trains move more smoothly and more quietly than wheeled mass transit systems. The power needed for levitation is typically not a large percentage of its overall energy consumption. In itself, maglev technology includes no moving parts.[en.wikipedia]

Maglev trains hover above the tracks (typically 1–10 cm depending on the system) and are propelled by electrically charged magnets which lift and move train carriages above the rail tracks. This train travels along a guideway using magnets to create both lift and propulsion, reducing friction and allowing it to attain higher speeds.

Despite over a century of research and development, maglev transport systems are now operational in just three countries: Japan, South Korea, and China. The first commercial maglev system was the Birmingham Maglev in the UK (1984–1995), followed by Shanghai Pudong Airport Maglev (2004), South Korea's Incheon Airport Maglev (2016), and Japan's systems.[en.wikipedia]

Explanation – The right to protest is protected under the Fundamental Right to Freedom: Article 19(1)(a) guarantees "freedom of speech and expression," and Article 19(1)(b) guarantees the right to "assemble peaceably and without arms." However, these rights are subject to "reasonable restrictions" in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, contempt of court, defamation, or incitement to an offence.

While citizens have the right to organise protests, this must be exercised within constitutional restrictions. The common regulatory practice in India includes designating specific spots for protests, making police permission mandatory, and imposing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (earlier Section 144 of the CrPC).

Explanation – Article 19(1)(b) guarantees the right to assemble "peaceably and without arms." However, reasonable restrictions can be imposed not only on grounds of public order but also on grounds of sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, decency or morality, contempt of court, defamation, or incitement to an offence.

At the 47th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (Geneva, 2021), India's representative affirmed that peaceful assembly and marches are a "cherished and valuable aspect" of India's democratic tradition, tracing this practice back to the independence struggle. It was noted that Article 19 guarantees the right to assemble peacefully without arms and to form associations and unions, and that the Supreme Court has recognised peaceful protest as a constitutional right.

Explanation – The right to protest is protected under the Fundamental Right to Freedom: Article 19(1)(a) guarantees "freedom of speech and expression," and Article 19(1)(b) guarantees the right to "assemble peaceably and without arms." These rights are subject to "reasonable restrictions" in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, contempt of court, defamation, or incitement to an offence.

While citizens have the right to organise protests, this must be exercised within constitutional restrictions. The common regulatory practice in India includes designating specific spots for protests, making police permission mandatory, and imposing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (earlier Section 144 of the CrPC).

Explanation – Do not confuse it with Narcotics Control Bureau of the Union Home Ministry. During the British East India Company Rule, collection of revenue from opium was made part of fiscal policy and various Opium Agencies such as the Bengal, Benaras, Bihar, and Malwa Agencies were formed over time.

Before 1950, the administration of the Narcotics Laws — namely, the Opium Act of 1857 & 1878 and the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1930 — vested with the Provincial Government. The amalgamation of these Agencies laid the foundation of the Opium Department in November 1950, which is presently known as the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN). All three enactments mentioned above were repealed by the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act, 1985).

The headquarters of the Central Bureau of Narcotics was shifted from Shimla to Gwalior in 1960.

Functions of the Central Bureau of Narcotics:

• License farmers to cultivate opium poppy
• Supervises and controls the cultivation
• Procures the opium produced by licensed cultivators

Nodal Ministry: Under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.