💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Exam Year: 2020

  • ,

    The Rajya Sabha, conceptualised under the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms (1918) and institutionalised by the Government of India Act, 1919, was envisioned as the Council of States-a forum of mature reflection.

    Rajya Sabha as a “Useless Stepney Tyre”

    Limited Legislative Powers – cannot initiate or amend Money Bills (Article 110)

    No Role in Government Formation – Council of Ministers is collectively responsible only to the Lok Sabha

    Joint sittings (Article 118) are dominated by Lok Sabha’s numerical majority.

    Viewed as a delaying or obstructive chamber rather than a constructive revising body.

    Cannot influence budgetary priorities or grants, diminishing its fiscal relevance.

    Factors Behind Transformation into a Useful Supporting Organ

    Rise of Coalition Politics – Need for consensus enhanced Rajya Sabha’s negotiating role.

    Federal Assertion – The rise of regional parties since the 1980s has strengthened federal politics

    Diversified Composition – Eminent professionals, academicians, and experts improved deliberation quality.

    Revitalized Committee System – Department-related committees (many chaired by RS members) improved policy scrutiny.

    Continuity and Stability – Not subject to dissolution, ensuring legislative stability and institutional memory.

    Judicial and Media Attention – Live telecast of sessions and judicial oversight improved transparency and accountability.

    Active Opposition Role – RS became a check on executive dominance during coalition and one-party phases alike.

    Areas Where Transformation is Visible

    Legislative Review and Refinement – Rajya Sabha acts as a revising chamber. Eg- Referred the GST Constitutional Amendment Bill (2014) to a Select Committee

    Federal Balance – Protects state interests against central overreach. Eg- discussed federal fiscal implications of the National Education Policy, 2020.

    Special Constitutional Powers – Can authorise creation of All-India Services (Article 312), make laws on State List (Article 249)

    Deliberative Forum – Provides in-depth, issue-based policy debates on national concerns. Eg- debates on COVID-19 management (2021)

    Accountability and Oversight – Through Question Hour, Zero Hour, and Calling Attention Motions. Eg- Rajya Sabha discussions led to clarifications on Pegasus spyware issue (2021) and farmers’ protests (2020-21).

    Voice to smaller and regional parties to represent state and sectional interests. Eg- state-specific issues such as river water disputes and fiscal devolution.

    Being a permanent chamber, it ensures institutional memory and continuity during Lok Sabha dissolutions.

    Way Forward-

    Equal representation for each state, so that large states do not dominate the proceedings. (US system)

    More debates, less disruptions- Eg – Introduce ‘whip-free debates’ for non-financial and non-confidence issues.

    Amend procedures so that laws disguised as Money Bills can be challenged and reviewed.

    NCRWC, 2002 – Called for a clear procedure for nominating eminent members under Article 80.

    Punchhi Commission (2010)– expanding the electoral college for Rajya Sabha to include panchayats and municipalities.

    As envisaged by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, RS must act as a “safety valve of federalism”, ensuring reasoned, representative, and regionally inclusive governance in India’s democracy.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

  • ,

    “The true measure of a democracy is how it treats its weakest members.” – Mahatma Gandhi

    The Indian state has established a network of statutory and constitutional commissions to uphold equality, dignity, and justice as envisioned in Articles 14-17, 21, and 46 of the Constitution.

    Steps Required for Constitutionalization of a Commission

    Constitutional Amendment Bill under Article 368 to insert a new article providing for the commission’s structure, powers, and functions.

    Parliamentary Approval- The bill must be passed by a special majority – i.e., a two-thirds majority of members present and voting, and a majority of the total membership of each House.

    After parliamentary passage, the bill must receive assent of the President of India.

    The amendment must be notified in the Gazette and necessary rules and procedures must be framed for operationalization.

    Would Constitutional Status to NCW Ensure Greater Gender Justice and Empowerment?

    Arguments in Favour

    Enhanced Autonomy and Authority- greater independence from executive control and political interference.

    Its reports and directives would carry greater legal and moral weight, improving government accountability.

    Funding and staffing could be constitutionally guaranteed, reducing dependence on yearly budgetary allocations.

    Symbolic Empowerment- signify strong political commitment to women’s rights and gender equality.

    Similar bodies like NCSC (Art. 338) and NCST (Art. 338A) already enjoy constitutional status; extending the same to women ensures institutional parity.

    Better Enforcement Mechanism- Constitutional backing can ensure stronger monitoring of gender-related laws (e.g., Domestic Violence Act, Sexual Harassment Act).

    Improved Coordination- With constitutional status, NCW could act as a nodal authority linking state commissions and ministries on gender issues.

    Arguments Against

    Constitutionalization won’t automatically improve outcomes unless implementation capacity and political will increase. Eg- non-binding recommendations

    Risk of politicization and executive interference in appointments like NHRC

    Existing Powers Underutilized- limited investigative capacity and enforcement follow-up.

    Risk of Bureaucratization- Constitutional status may make the body more formal.

    Institutional issues like vacancies, limited funding and delays in appointments may persist.

    Way Forward

    Create an Inter-Commission Coordination Council chaired by NHRC to avoid overlaps.

    Strengthen NCW’s investigative and enforcement powers within the existing legal framework.

    Ensure time-bound government response to NCW recommendations.

    Provide financial and staffing autonomy through statutory amendment.

    Simplify public interface through a single online grievance portal linked to all commissions.

    The 3R approach of Reform, Reorientation and Restructuring can enhance functioning of NCW as an effective Bulwark Of Democracy in India.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

  • ,

    Civil services, as the steel frame and core institution of governance, plays a decisive role in policy formulation, implementation, and Economic growth.

    Reforms in Civil Service to Strengthen Democracy

    Political Reforms

    Political Neutrality: Ensure insulation from political interference through Civil Services Boards as per T.S.R. Subramanian Case (2013).

    Transparency in Appointments: Adopt merit-based and open selection for key administrative posts.

    Continuity in Tenure: Fix minimum tenure for key field officers to ensure policy stability and accountability.

    Decentralisation of Power: Strengthen PRIs and ULBs by devolving funds, functions, and functionaries, promoting participatory democracy.

    Institutional Reforms

    Capacity Building: Implement Mission Karmayogi for continuous learning, digital skills, and behavioural transformation.

    Performance Management: Introduce outcome-based appraisals and digital tools like SPARROW.

    Code of Ethics: Institutionalise a Civil Services Code of Ethics promoting integrity, impartiality, and empathy.

    Ethical Auditing: Conduct periodic integrity audits through initiatives like Mission Satyanistha (Indian Railways).

    Reform Commission: Establish a Permanent Civil Service Reform Commission for policy evaluation and innovation.

    Economic Reforms

    Efficiency and Cost Optimisation: Encourage outsourcing of non-core functions for better utilisation of resources.

    Technology Integration: Use AI, CPGRAMS, and e-Office for efficient, transparent, and real-time service delivery.

    Social Reforms

    Citizen-Centric Governance: Implement Citizen’s Charters and Right to Service Acts to ensure time-bound service delivery.

    Public Participation: Enhance citizen engagement platforms such as Prashasan Gaon Ke Sang Abhiyan (Rajasthan).

    Value Orientation: Reinforce integrity, empathy, compassion, and public service motivation among officers.

    Inclusivity: Promote gender and social diversity in recruitment and leadership positions.

    A reformed service structure is essential for fulfilling the 2nd ARC’s vision of a proactive, accountable, and responsive administration.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

  • ,

    The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), marked by digital technologies, AI, IoT, blockchain, and big data, is transforming governance, economy, and society. Klaus Schwab (WEF), “the Fourth Industrial Revolution is fundamentally changing how governments serve citizens.”

    Core Pillars of Industry 4.0:

    Autonomous Robots

    Augmented Reality

    Cloud Computing

    Internet of Things (IoT)

    System Integration

    Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)

    Cybersecurity

    Simulation / Digital Twin

    Extensive Data Analysis (Big Data & AI)

    Digital Revolution Enabling e-Governance

    Data-Driven Governance: Use of real-time data and analytics for decision-making. Eg- PRAGATI Portal.

    Efficient Service Delivery: Eg- UMANG, DigiLocker, e-SHRAM, PM-KISAN.

    Administrative Efficiency through automation and paperless systems. Eg- e-Office, SPARROW, CPGRAMS.

    Transparency & Accountability: Eg- RTI Portal, NJDG, GeM, Open Data Portal.

    Financial Inclusion through UPI, DBT, JAM Trinity. Eg- 491 million UPI users

    Participatory governance through MyGov, CPGRAAMS.

    Digital Connectivity through Digital India, BharatNet, PM-WANI, 5G rollout.

    Cybersecurity: Creation of secure cyberspace via CERT-In and National Cyber Security Policy 2023.

    E-Administration: e-Courts, GeM, DigiLocker replacing manual, paper-based procedures.

    Digital Literacy: PMGDISHA trained 6.3 crore citizens across 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats.

    promoting AI-based decision-making.

    Thus, the future of governance is data-led, citizen-centric, and digitally empowered.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

  • ,

    The WHO, established in 1948, is the UN’s specialized agency responsible for global public health coordination. During the COVID-19 pandemic, its actions were criticized for lack of timeliness, transparency, and independence.

    Positive Role of WHO during the Pandemic

    Early Alerts: Declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in January 2020.

    Technical Guidance: Issued scientific protocols, travel advisories, and surveillance guidelines to member states.

    Global Solidarity Mechanisms: Launched the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A) and COVAX Facility to ensure equitable vaccine distribution.

    Information Sharing: Provided daily situation reports and facilitated exchange of data among countries.

    Support to Developing Nations through logistics, diagnostics, and training.

    Research and development about the virus – transmission, mutation, and vaccination.

    Criticisms and Limitations

    Delayed Declaration of Pandemic: Accused of underestimating the early outbreak in Wuhan and relying too heavily on China’s official data.

    Political Influence: inadequate scrutiny of China’s early containment measures.

    Weak Enforcement Powers: WHO lacks authority to compel nations to share data or enforce health regulations under the International Health Regulations (2005).

    Vaccine Inequity: Despite COVAX, vaccine access remained highly unequal.

    Funding Dependence: Over 80% of WHO’s budget comes from voluntary contributions.

    Confusion among public and healthcare professionals due to inconsistencies in communication

    Way Forward

    Strengthen the International Health Regulations (IHR) for faster response and accountability.

    Establish a Global Health Emergency Council for coordinated crisis action.

    Financial autonomy to reduce donor dependency.

    To ensure future global health security, WHO must evolve into a more independent, transparent, and empowered institution, capable of acting decisively in the face of global emergencies.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

  • ,

    With over 32 million PIOs and NRIs spread across 200 countries, the Indian diaspora has become one of the most influential transnational communities in the world.

    Role of Indian Diaspora in Politics

    Political Representation: Growing Indian-origin leadership at top levels. Eg- Kamala Harris (US Vice President), Rishi Sunak (UK Prime Minister), Leo Varadkar (Irish PM)

    Legislative Influence: shape progressive policies on trade, technology, and social justice. Eg- Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna

    Policy Advocacy: Indian diaspora groups like USINPAC and Indiaspora influence US policy on immigration (H-1B visas), education, and bilateral cooperation.

    Community Mobilisation: Eg- Political events like ‘Howdy Modi’ and ‘Namaste Trump’

    Bridge for Strategic Partnerships by fostering dialogue and diplomacy. Eg- role in Indo-US civil nuclear deal

    Representation of Diversity: Their success promotes multiculturalism and inclusion in Western democracies

    Peacebuilding Role by facilitating intercultural dialogue and countering xenophobia. Eg- Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City.

    Role of Indian Diaspora in Economy

    Corporate Leadership: Sundar Pichai (Google), Satya Nadella (Microsoft) etc drive innovation and digital transformation.

    Entrepreneurship and Start-ups: Eg- Rishi Khosla (OakNorth Bank, UK) and Kunal Nayyar (Series Investor)

    Over 3 lakh Indian IT professionals in the US and highest number of EU Blue Card holders among immigrants in Europe.

    Research and Innovation: Strong presence in STEM fields, academia, and medicine

    Philanthropy and Social Impact: contribute to educational endowments, healthcare funding, and start-up mentoring.

    Their high purchasing power and participation in services, finance, and technology contribute directly to GDP and employment growth in host countries.

    Challenges

    Security Threats – Eg- Khalistani groups in Canada

    Issues of discrimination and racism

    Brain Drain concerns

    As PM Narendra Modi noted, “The Indian diaspora is our global ambassador of talent, trust, and transformation.” Thus, sustained institutional dialogue is essential.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

  • ,

    According to Paul Brass “Indian federalism is highly centralized, designed more to maintain unity than to promote autonomy.”

    Centralising Tendencies in the Indian Constitution

    Legal (Constitutional & Legislative)

    Residuary Powers (Art. 248, Entry 97 Union List) – Vested in Parliament, not States.

    Dominance of Union List (Art. 246) – 100 subjects; State List is narrower.

    Concurrent List (Art. 254) – Union law prevails in case of conflict.

    Emergency Provisions (Arts. 352, 356, 360) – Centre can override State powers.

    Parliament can legislate on State subjects under Art. 249.

    Governor’s Role (Art. 200, 201)

    Administrative

    All-India Services (Art. 312)

    Office of Governor – Agent of Centre in States

    Union’s directions to States (Arts. 256-257) – States bound to ensure compliance with Union laws.

    Deployment of Armed Forces

    Financial

    Centralised Finance – Major revenue sources (income tax, customs, excise, GST) with Union.

    Borrowing restrictions (Art. 293) – States require Centre’s consent to borrow.

    Cess and surcharges (Art. 270) not shared with States (Eg- Education Cess, Health Cess)

    GST regime – Erodes States’ fiscal autonomy.

    Centralising Tendencies in Indian Constitution

    Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897

    Public Health is a State List subject (Entry 6, List II), but the Centre can issue uniform guidelines.

    Empowers Centre to declare any disease as epidemic.

    Union can issue regulations for prevention and containment.

    Authority to restrict movement and detain individuals during epidemics.

    Centre can override conflicting State laws.

    Disaster Management Act, 2005

    Law and order and public health are primarily State subjects, but Act was used to declare nationwide lockdowns, interstate movement controls, and essential supply chains during COVID-19.

    State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMA) include central representatives.

    Union controls allocation and distribution of resources across States.

    Centre can override States’ decisions in disaster response.

    National Response Force primarily drawn from central armed forces.

    Farm Acts, 2020 (repealed in 2021)

    Though Agriculture is a State List subject, Parliament legislated under Concurrent List (Entry 33).

    Weakened State APMC mandis by allowing farmers to sell outside their jurisdiction.

    Dispute resolution mechanisms

    Gave Centre greater control over regulation of essential commodities.

    Enhanced central role in agri-marketing and e-marketing of produce.

    Analysis of Centralising Tendencies

    “Federalism is not a monolith; it is a dialogue between self-rule and shared rule.” Thus, such Acts must be exercised with consultation and cooperation.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

  • ,

    The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 is a cornerstone of transparent and accountable governance in India. The RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019 introduced changes to the service conditions of the CIC and ICs.

    Amendments to the RTI Act, 2019

    The tenure of the CIC and ICs (earlier fixed at 5 years) is now to be determined by the Central Government.

    The salaries, allowances, and other service conditions of CICs and ICs are also subject to executive notification, replacing the earlier parity with Election Commissioners.

    The status and equivalence of the CIC and ICs with constitutional authorities like the Election Commission have been removed.

    Impact on Autonomy and Independence

    Executive Control Over Tenure, undermines security of office and increasing executive dependence.

    The original status equal to the Election Commission is withdrawn, reducing the Commission’s symbolic and functional autonomy.

    Threat to Federal Autonomy- Centre’s control over State Information Commissions’ service conditions.

    Chilling Effect on Decision-Making- Fear of punitive transfers or reduced tenure can deter bold and impartial rulings against powerful authorities.

    Perceived loss of independence can erode citizens’ confidence in the Commission as a neutral watchdog.

    Compromised autonomy weakens enforcement of the right to information, curbing transparency and accountability.

    Other issues (Satark Nagrik Sangathan Report)

    7 out of 29 Information Commissions were completely defunct between July 2023 and June 2024

    In 2024, 9 Commissions were functioning without a Chief Information Commissioner

    Rising Backlogs- Over 4 lakh appeals and complaints pending

    High Rejection Rate- The CIC returned 42% of appeals/complaints received

    Since 2005, only 9% of all Information Commissioners have been women

    Way Forward

    Establish a National Coordination Committee (NCC) to monitor RTI implementation and ensure uniformity across states.

    Fill vacancies in Information Commissions promptly to prevent delays and backlogs.

    Engage information management experts for proper classification, cataloguing, and storage of records.

    Introduce a separate legal chapter to protect RTI applicants and activists from harassment and retaliation.

    Sunlight is the best disinfectant. Thus, the autonomy of the Information Commissions must be safeguarded to strengthen Right to Information under Article 19.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

  • ,

    As per Rajeev Bhargava, Indian federalism is “multi-layered federalism”, involving cooperation, competition and confrontation.

    Cooperation – Building Cooperative Federalism

    GST Council (2017-present)– Example of Centre-State cooperation in indirect tax reform.

    NITI Aayog– Platform for policy collaboration on health, education, climate, and SDGs.

    COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-21)– Joint management of lockdowns, vaccination drives, and health protocols.

    National Education Policy 2020– Designed through Centre-State consultations.

    Competition – Driving Competitive Federalism

    Ease of Doing Business rankings by DPIIT– States competing to attract investment.

    Investment Summits – Gujarat (Vibrant Gujarat), UP (GIS 2023)

    NITI Aayog Indices – Eg- SDG Index, Health Index etc

    Tourism branding – Kerala (eco-tourism), MP (wildlife), Odisha (sports tourism)

    Confrontation – Political and Constitutional Tensions

    Delhi vs Union (2018 & 2023 SC rulings, GNCTD Amendment Act 2023)– Tussle over control of services and administration.

    Farm Laws (2020-21 protests)– States like Punjab opposed Union laws encroaching on agriculture.

    NEET & Education policy– Tamil Nadu contesting Centre’s dominance in education, a Concurrent List subject.

    Governor-State conflicts– Frequent in Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu over assent to bills.

    Fiscal confrontations– Disputes over GST compensation cess (2020-22).

    Centrally sponsored schemes– States complain of shrinking fiscal autonomy due to high tied grants.

    “Federalism is not a monolith; it is a dialogue between self-rule and shared rule.” Both Union & States are creatures of the Constitution

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

  • ,

    India and the United Kingdom share a common-law heritage, where judicial institutions evolved from British colonial foundations.

    Points of Convergence

    Common Law Tradition: Both follow the adversarial system, rely on precedents, and uphold judicial reasoning as binding (stare decisis).

    Judicial Independence: Guaranteed through security of tenure, financial autonomy, and appointment systems (Art. 124-147; Constitutional Reform Act, 2005).

    Human Rights and Constitutional Values:

    India: Expansion of Article 21 to include right to dignity, privacy (Puttaswamy, 2017).

    UK: Human Rights Act (1998) incorporates European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into domestic law.

    Judicial Accountability and Transparency: Open court proceedings, reasoned judgments, and live streaming of constitutional benches (India, 2023).

    Judicial Activism: Both judiciaries increasingly intervene in governance and rights issues (Kesavananda Bharati, R (Miller) 2017 on Brexit).

    Technological Modernization: Adoption of e-courts, virtual hearings, and AI-assisted case management in both systems.

    Points of Divergence

    Constitutional Framework: India has a written Constitution establishing judicial supremacy; UK follows parliamentary sovereignty and unwritten conventions.

    Judicial Review Power: Indian courts can strike down laws violating the Constitution (Kesavananda Bharati); UK courts can only issue declarations of incompatibility.

    Hierarchy and Structure: India has a single integrated judiciary; UK has distinct legal systems for England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

    Appointment Mechanism: India uses the Collegium system; UK uses the Judicial Appointments Commission with statutory oversight.

    Public Interest Litigation (PIL): India practices broad locus standi for social justice (S.P. Gupta); UK maintains restrictive standing for judicial review.

    Binding Nature of Precedent: In India, Supreme Court decisions bind all (Art. 141); in UK, Parliamentary sovereignty can override judicial interpretation.

    Judicial Activism vs. Restraint: Indian judiciary is transformative and interventionist; UK judiciary is cautious and precedent-bound.

    Basic Structure Doctrine: Unique to India-courts can protect the basic structure of the Constitution; no such principle exists in the UK.

    While India’s judiciary functions as a constitutional guardian, the UK judiciary operates under parliamentary sovereignty, reflecting two evolving but interconnected models of democratic justice.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer: