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GS Paper: GS2

  • INS Sahyadri–HMAS Ballarat in AUSINDEX 2025

     Why in the News?

    INS Sahyadri of the Indian Navy and HMAS Ballarat of the Royal Australian Navy participated in the AUSINDEX 2025 bilateral maritime exercise in the Northern Pacific, strengthening India–Australia defence cooperation and enhancing interoperability.

    What is AUSINDEX?  

    • Bilateral naval exercise between India and Australia
    • First held in 2015
    • Aims at maritime cooperation, interoperability, and security
    • Conducted alternately in India and Australia / designated oceanic regions

    AUSINDEX 2025 

    • Location: Northern Pacific
    • Participants:
    • INS Sahyadri – Shivalik-class guided-missile stealth frigate
    • HMAS Ballarat – Anzac-class frigate
    • Focus areas:
        • Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
        • Gunnery drills
        • Advanced flying operations
        • Joint maritime manoeuvres
    • Objective: Boost interoperability and reaffirm commitment to a free, open, inclusive Indo-Pacific
    With reference to India’s defence, consider the following pairs: (2025)

    I. Dornier-228 : Maritime patrol aircraft 

    II. IL-76 : Supersonic combat aircraft III. C-17 Globemaster 

    III : Military transport aircraft 

    How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 

    (a) Only one 

    (b) Only two 

    (c) All the three 

    (d) None

  • [24th November 2025] The Hindu OpED: The future of health lies in harmony

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2019] How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies?

    Linkage: Traditional medicine is gaining global traction, so protecting it from patenting and biopiracy is now a core policy priority rather than a cultural concern. As India leads the global traditional medicine agenda, this linkage makes the topic very likely to appear in future UPSC exams under health governance, IPR and soft-power.

    Mentor’s Comment

    The global health landscape is undergoing a paradigm shift. Traditional medicine, once seen as alternative, is now being recognised as a scientific and social asset. With India emerging as a hub of innovation and evidence-based traditional research, and hosting the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, the world is witnessing a renewed focus on health systems rooted in balance, sustainability and technology-enabled well-being.

    INTRODUCTION

    Health, in its original meaning, has always signified harmony, within the human body, and between humans and nature. With modern lifestyles driving chronic diseases, mental strain and ecological imbalance, traditional systems of medicine offer a rediscovered pathway to well-being that integrates mind, body, community, and environment. India, with its rich heritage of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa, is repositioning traditional medicine as an engine of science-driven global healthcare transformation.

    WHY IN THE NEWS?

    The Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine hosted by India marks a watershed moment, for the first time, traditional medicine is being institutionalised globally as a scientific, evidence-backed and sustainable component of public health systems. With around 90% of WHO member-states reporting usage of traditional medicine, and India’s AYUSH market reaching USD 34.3 billion, global health priorities are shifting from reactive sick-care to proactive well-being. The Summit signals the beginning of a new chapter where traditional medicine integrates with modern technologies, data analytics and global governance.

    Why is traditional medicine gaining global significance?

    1. Escalating lifestyle diseases: rising non-communicable diseases demand preventive, holistic models of care.
    2. Fragmented systems failing: reactive, curative-centric models cannot ensure long-term public well-being.
    3. Biodiversity-nutrition-livelihood interlinkages: traditional medicine influences food security, sustainability and livelihoods.
    4. Affordability for LMICs: for billions across low- and middle-income regions, traditional medicine remains first access to healthcare.

    How is traditional medicine evolving from belief to science?

    1. Evidence-based research: WHO emphasises integration supported by data, learning and scientific validation.
    2. Shift from consumer preference to collective responsibility: well-being linked to shared ecosystems and sustainability.
    3. Recognition as a scientific and social asset: elevated at the 2023 WHO Summit in Gandhinagar.
    4. Institutional reforms in India: dedicated AYUSH department at BIS, and global standards under ISO/TC 249/SC 2.

    What is India’s leadership role in global traditional medicine?

    1. WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar: a knowledge hub for innovation, analytics and sustainability.
    2. Memorandum of Understanding with WHO: India co-hosts global Summit and participates in shaping global priorities.
    3. Political and scientific commitment: Prime Minister’s focus leads to increasing investments and ecosystem building.
    4. Vision of collective global stewardship: India positions traditional knowledge as shared global heritage.

    How does technology change future pathways of traditional medicine?

    1. Digital health and analytics: enable real-time monitoring, transparency and measurable clinical outcomes.
    2. Sustainability and biodiversity research: bridges traditional practice with ecological protection.
    3. Innovation-led scaling: makes traditional systems compatible with global regulatory and safety frameworks.
    4. Data-driven inclusion: ensures equitable access to health knowledge and solutions.

    How does the Summit reshape global health governance?

    1. Benefit sharing and fair access: ensures equitable utilisation of biological and cultural assets.
    2. Value of local heritage in globalisation: respects indigenous knowledge in global supply chains.
    3. Integration with modern health priorities: aligns traditional medicine with contemporary clinical and public health goals.
    4. Ethical anchoring of future innovation: technology with community-rooted ethics and sustainability.

    CONCLUSION

    The world is moving toward a health model where prevention, sustainability, community participation and science converge. Traditional medicine, empowered by research, technology and equitable access, offers a pathway to resilience against lifestyle diseases and global health inequalities. India’s leadership in steering this transformation reinforces health not as the absence of disease, but as a state of balance between humans and nature.

  • How can State PSCs be reformed

    Introduction

    Public Service Commissions are constitutional institutions meant to ensure merit-based appointments insulated from political pressures. A century after the Montagu–Chelmsford report envisaged them, State PSCs face credibility challenges due to recruitment irregularities and systemic inefficiencies that affect millions of aspirants.

    Why in the news?

    At the 2025 National Conference of Chairpersons of State Public Service Commissions hosted by Telangana PSC, members acknowledged recruitment controversies and demanded urgent reforms. Aspirant protests in Hyderabad highlighted how even minor delays disrupt youth livelihood prospects. Persistent exam cancellations and unclear syllabi have deepened mistrust despite PSCs’ constitutional mandate of meritocracy.

    Historical evolution of State PSCs :

    1. Montagu-Chelmsford Report :
      1. Recommended statutory recruitment bodies for welfare-oriented administration.
      2. Laid conceptual foundation for PSCs in India.
    2. First Public Service Commission (1926) :
      1. Set up for the Government of India before Independence.
      2. Marked beginning of institutionalised merit-based recruitment.
    3. Constitutionalisation through Article 315:
      1. Provided for separate Public Service Commissions for Union and States.
      2. Ensured autonomy and continuity post-Independence.

    Constitutional structure and organisation :

    1. Appointment and tenure of members: Governor appoints chairperson and members with fixed tenure and protected service conditions.
    2. Constitutional independence: PSCs function autonomously and discharge duties without executive interference.
    3. Role of UPSC in relation to State PSCs: UPSC may advise State PSCs on service matters when requested.
    4. Role of Ministry of Personnel: Helps maintain coherence in administrative policies across States.

    Present functioning and examination framework :

    1. Syllabus review mechanism: Periodic syllabus updates mandated to align with evolving administrative requirements.
    2. Question paper setting and evaluation: PSC sets papers, evaluates answer scripts and prepares selection lists.
    3. Cut-offs and result publication: Merit lists released after evaluation; criteria finalised by the PSC.

    Current challenges and bottlenecks

    1. Irregular recruitment cycles: Long gaps between notification and appointments disrupt careers and spark protests.
    2. Lack of transparency: Limited disclosure on answer keys and evaluation has lowered institutional credibility.
    3. Paper leaks and cancellations: Allegations of malpractice lead to cancellation, delays and erosion of public trust.
    4. Outdated syllabus issues: Poor syllabus revisions fail to reflect new governance themes and legal developments.
    5. Inconsistent standards across States: Divergent evaluation standards hinder mobility and generate inequality.

    Proposed reforms and restructuring measures:

    1. Revised manpower planning: Systematic vacancy forecasting to prevent examination delays.
    2. Fixed examination calendar: Annual, predictable and uniform recruitment schedule across States.
    3. Transparent evaluation policy: Mandatory disclosure of answer keys, normalisation criteria and cut-off logic.
    4. Academic and administrative alignment: Regular syllabus revision to match governance and administrative reality.
    5. Professional expertise induction: Inclusion of subject experts to improve paper quality and evaluation fairness.

    Conclusion

    State PSCs were created to provide equal opportunity in public employment. However, recruitment delays, unclear syllabi and opacity have damaged public trust. Ensuring predictability, transparency and institutional professionalism is essential to protect youth aspirations and restore confidence in constitutional recruitment bodies.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2024] What are the aims and objects of the recently passed and enforced Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations too are covered under the Act?

    Linkage: The Act directly links to the PSC crisis by targeting leaks, exam fraud and loss of trust in public recruitment. It sets a future-ready template for PSC reforms through transparency, deterrence and integrity in examinations.

  • Ultra-Processed Food Epidemic in India

    Why in the news?

    A recent Lancet three-paper series highlights the rapid rise in ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption globally, including India, and its strong link to rising obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and premature mortality. The case of an 18-year-old Indian youth with obesity and early-onset metabolic disorders illustrates the growing public health crisis.

    What are Ultra-Processed Foods?

    According to the NOVA classification, ultra-processed foods are:

    • Industrial formulations with multiple chemical and cosmetic ingredients
    • Made using high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, flavour enhancers, emulsifiers, preservatives, colours
    • Designed for long shelf life, hyper-palatable taste and convenience
      Examples: Soft drinks, chips, packaged noodles, biscuits, sugary beverages, chocolates, breakfast cereals, frozen pizzas, ready-to-heat meals, chicken nuggets, processed meats.

    Difference from Processed Foods:
     Processed = minimal changes (washing, canning, cooking).
     Ultra-processed = heavy industrial formulations, low nutrients, high calories.

    Note: NOVA is a food classification system developed by the University of São Paulo (Brazil) that categorises foods based on the extent and purpose of industrial processing, not nutrients.

    India’s UPF Consumption – Why It’s a Concern?

    • Huge surge in consumption: Retail sales of UPFs in India jumped from USD 0.9 billion (2006) → USD 38 billion (2019) (approx. 40-fold increase).
    • Rising NCD (Non-Communicable Diseases) burden: As per ICMR–INDIAB (2023): Obesity: 28.6%, Diabetes: 11.4%, Prediabetes: 15.3%, Abdominal obesity: 39.5% and Childhood obesity rising: 2.1% → 3.4% (NFHS).
    A company marketing food products advertises that its items do not contain trans-fats. What does this campaign signify to the customers? (2011)

    1. The food products are not made out of hydrogenated oils. 

    2. The food products are not made out of animal fats/oils. 

    3. The oils used are not likely to damage the cardiovascular health of the consumers. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Presidential Reference on Governors & State Bills (2025)

     Why in the news?
     Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, on November 23, 2025, clarified the Supreme Court’s advisory opinion in the 2025 Presidential Reference regarding timelines for Governors and the President in granting assent to State Bills.

    What is a Presidential Reference?

    • Made under Article 143 of the Constitution.
    • The President can seek the advisory opinion of the Supreme Court on questions of law or matters of public importance.
    • Not binding, but carries high persuasive value.
    • Cannot overrule an existing judgment, but can clarify the law.

    CJI Gavai emphasised that the advisory opinion is not a judicial review judgment.

    Background: 

    Tamil Nadu Governor Case (April 8 Judgment) The April 8, 2025 Supreme Court judgment held:
    • Governors/President must act on pending Bills within 3 months,
    • Or else the Bill would be “deemed to have received assent”.

    This introduced a judicially created timeline not explicitly present in the Constitution. This triggered the Presidential Reference seeking clarity.

    Supreme Court’s Advisory Opinion (November 20, 2025)

    A five-judge Bench led by CJI Gavai issued the following clarifications:

    a) No Mandatory Timeline: The Constitution does not prescribe specific timelines for Governors or the President. Judiciary cannot read timelines into the Constitution.

    b) “Reasonable Period” Standard: Governors and President must act within a “reasonable period”. However, the Court did not define what constitutes “reasonable”.

    c) No Endless Delay: Governors cannot sit indefinitely on Bills. Courts may exercise limited judicial review in extreme delay cases.

    d) Context Matters: Routine Bills → 1 month may be reasonable. Bills related to internal/external emergency → may require more time.

    Key Constitutional Provisions Involved

    Article 200 – Governor’s options on State Bills
    1. Give assent
    2. Withhold assent
    3. Return the Bill (if not a Money Bill)
    4. Reserve the Bill for President’s consideration
    Article 201 – President’s powers over reserved Bills
    • Grant or withhold assent
    • No fixed timeline prescribed
    Article 143 – Presidential Reference
    • Supreme Court gives advisory opinion

    Why is this Important for UPSC Prelims?

    This case clarifies the separation of powers, federalism, and the role of constitutional authorities.

    Prelims often tests:

    • Powers of Governor
    • Assent procedures for Bills
    • Nature of advisory jurisdiction
    • Limits of judicial interpretation

    Other Key Statements by CJI Gavai (Factual Highlights)

    a) Advisory Opinion vs Judgment: Advisory opinion cannot overturn a judgment.

    b) Judiciary–Executive Relations: CJI rejected the idea that “friction” is necessary between judiciary and government.

    c) Judicial Independence: A judge’s independence is not measured by ruling against the government.

    d) High Court Judge Transfers: Transfers made for administrative reasons and sometimes due to complaints after verification.

    e) Personal Note: CJI forgave a lawyer who threw an object at him: “It’s how I was brought up.”

    Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State? (PYQ 2014)

    1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing the President’s rule 

    2. Appointing the Ministers 

    3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India 

    4. Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1 and 2 only 

    (b) 1 and 3 only 

    (c) 2, 3 and 4 only 

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • Centre notifies four new Labour Codes

    Why In The News?

    The Centre notified all four Labour Codes, introducing major reforms and replacing 29 outdated labour laws dating back to the 1930s.

    1)Introduction to the Labour Codes Notification:

    • Major Reform Announcement: The Centre notified all four Labour Codes, introducing wide-ranging changes in India’s labour framework.
    • Key Focus Areas: The reforms expand social security to gig workers, ensure gender pay parity, enhance women’s workplace rights, and introduce fixed-term employment.
    • Replacement of Old Laws: The Codes replace 29 fragmented labour laws dating back to the 1930s–1950s.

    2)Government’s Stance:

    • Prime Minister’s View: PM Modi described the reforms as one of the most comprehensive labour transformations since Independence.
    • Worker Empowerment: The government highlights that the Codes aim to ensure universal social security, timely wage payments, and safer workplaces.
    • Simplified Compliance: The reforms are expected to promote ease of doing business through simplified compliance mechanisms.
    • Minister’s Statement: Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the Codes will formalise employment and make the labour ecosystem globally aligned.
    • State-Level Readiness: Most States have already issued draft rules; the Centre is supporting those still finalising rules.

    3)Key Provisions:

    • Women’s Safety and Rights: Expanded rights, including permission for night shifts and enhanced workplace safety.
    • Health and Social Security: Free annual health check-ups for workers above 40 and nationwide ESIC coverage, including hazardous units.
    • Simplified Procedures: A single registration, licensing, and return system for employers.
    • Wage and Safety Standards: Introduction of a national floor wage and creation of a National OSH Board for uniform safety standards.
    • Fixed-Term Employment: Allows fixed-term workers to receive all benefits equivalent to permanent workers.
    • New Work Categories: Gig workers, platform workers, and aggregators are legally defined for the first time.
    • Universal Account Number: Aadhaar-linked UAN ensures portability and easy access to welfare benefits.
    • Inclusion of Plantation Workers: Plantation workers brought under OSHWC and Social Security Codes.

    4)Responses from Stakeholders:

    Trade Union Concerns:

    • Opposition to Codes: Several central trade unions reject the Labour Codes, labelling them anti-worker and pro-employer.
    • Issues with Timing: CTUs argue implementing the Codes amid rising unemployment and inflation will worsen workers’ hardships.
    • Protest Plans: Unions have announced nationwide protests on November 26 and cite earlier strikes against the Codes.
    • Fear of Exploitation: Trade unions warn the reforms could revive a “master-servant” relationship, reducing worker protections.

    BMS Standpoint: The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh supports implementation but seeks amendments to remove perceived anti-worker provisions in OSH and Industrial Relations Codes.

    Industry View: CII praises the reforms as a transformative step towards a modern and simplified labour ecosystem.

    [UPSC 2021] With reference to casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements: 1.All casual workers are entitled to Employees Provident Fund coverage.

    2.All casual workers are entitled to regular working hours and overtime payment.

    3.The government can, by notification, specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account. Which of the above statements are correct? Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3

     

  • [22nd November 2025] The Hindu Op-ED: The new direction for India should be toward Asia

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2024] The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance. Explain this statement with examples.

    Linkage: This question is relevant as the article highlights India’s discomfort with Western strategic pressure and the U.S. attempt to position India as a counter-weight to China. It directly links to the theme that India must prioritise Asian partnerships based on autonomy rather than being shaped by Western geopolitical expectations.

    Mentor’s Comment

    India’s foreign policy stands at its most decisive turning point in decades. Recent global summits have marked a visible discomfort in Western partnerships and a stronger inclination toward Asian platforms such as SCO, BRICS, and ASEAN. If sustained, this pivot could influence not only India’s security and economy but also the balance of power across the 21st century.

    Introduction

    India is emerging as a global economic heavyweight. At a time when geopolitical polarization between the West and China is intensifying, India is being pushed to define where its long-term interests lie. The article argues that India’s most strategic future lies within the Asian ecosystem, economically, technologically and militarily, rather than within Western-led institutional frameworks.

    Why in the News

    Diplomatic signals at recent top summits have shown a clear turning point: India expressed discomfort with the U.S. stance on Russia-China while showing greater comfort engaging Asian multilateral platforms. This reverses decades of Western strategic centrality and marks the first open debate about whether India should integrate with a U.S.-dominated global order or anchor its future with Asia’s rapidly rising power architecture.

    Is India undergoing a decisive Asian pivot?

    1. Growing tilt toward Asian blocs: India’s policy space is increasingly shaped by negotiations with China and Russia rather than the U.S. and Europe.
    2. Limits of multialignment exposed: External pressure from the U.S. forces India to re-evaluate whether neutrality remains viable.

    Why is Western strategic centrality fading for India?

    1. Summit unease and leadership signalling: Interactions at the G-7 and Busan Summit highlighted visible discomfort between Indian and U.S. leadership.
    2. U.S. pressure on trade and Russia policy: Washington expects India to align its tariff playbook and Russian relations to Western priorities.
    3. Security divergence: U.S.-driven defence expectations conflict with India’s commitment to independent threat assessment.

    Why does Asia offer a stronger pathway for India’s growth?

    1. Demographic and economic centre of gravity: Two-thirds of global population and global wealth lie in Asia, creating large consumer and innovation markets.
    2. Rise of continental and maritime platforms: BRICS, SCO and ASEAN integrate security with economic restructuring outside WTO constraints.
    3. Technological and industrial complementarities: Asian RCEP supply chains, semiconductor hubs, manufacturing and defence technologies align with India’s development goals.

    What hard decisions are demanded from India now?

    1. Strategic autonomy based on Indian capacity: Policy alignment must reflect national strengths rather than expectations of great powers.
    2. Growth-labour dynamic within Asia: Asia offers the highest growth rate and workforce depth but demands competitiveness and industrial performance from India.
    3. Reducing dependency on imported defence systems: Innovation in AI, cyber capability, missiles and marine strength becomes essential.

    How does the global AI and military innovation race shape India’s choices?

    1. Shift from land-based warfare to technology-centric warfare: Cyber, naval and AI superiority determine 21st-century power projection.
    2. Asian innovation ecosystem more open than Western models: Western blocs impose regulatory constraints while Asia prioritises co-development and technology transfer.
    3. Defence industrialisation as a growth multiplier: AI-driven defence manufacturing advances both national security and economic output.

    Conclusion

    India is not compelled to choose between the West and Asia, but strategic realities suggest that Asia provides the most fertile ground for technological development, economic partnerships and military advancement. A calibrated pivot anchored in strategic autonomy and innovation may be the key to India becoming a rule-shaping, rather than rule-following, global power by mid-century.

  • NSA hosts 7th meeting of Colombo Security Conclave in Delhi

    Why In The News?

    At the 7th NSA-level Colombo Security Conclave meeting, member states prioritised cooperation on five pillars: maritime security, counterterrorism and radicalisation, trafficking and transnational crime, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, aiming to strengthen regional security coordination.

    About Colombo Security Conclave (CSC):

    • Regional Grouping: A security platform comprising India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mauritius; Seychelles is an observer.
    • Objective: To enhance regional security and address transnational threats of common concern.
    • Origin: Began in 2011 as the Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation between India, Maldives, Sri Lanka.
    • Hiatus: Became inactive after 2014 due to India-Maldives tensions.
    • Revival: Rebranded as CSC in 2020; Mauritius and later Bangladesh joined.
    • Participation: Involves NSAs and Deputy NSAs of member states.
    • Key Areas of Cooperation:
      • Maritime safety and security
      • Counterterrorism and radicalisation
      • Combating trafficking and transnational organised crime
      • Cybersecurity and protection of critical infrastructure
      • Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
    [UPSC 2017] Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)

    1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.

    2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct ? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • Search on for five declared foreigners by Assam tribunal

    Why In The News?

    Police in Assam’s Sonitpur district are searching for five people declared non-citizens by a Foreigners’ Tribunal after they repeatedly failed to appear for hearings, prompting the tribunal to issue an ex-parte order.

    1) About Foreigners Tribunal (FT):

    • Legal Basis: Quasi-judicial bodies established under the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964, issued under Section 3 of the Foreigners Act, 1946.
    • Purpose: Allows State authorities to refer cases of individuals suspected to be foreigners for determination.
    • Composition: Headed by members drawn from judges, advocates, or civil servants with judicial experience.
    • Powers: Possesses civil court powers-summoning individuals, examining on oath, and requiring document production.

    2) Are Foreigners Tribunals Only for Assam?

    • Nationwide Applicability: The 1964 Order applies across all of India, but FTs currently operate only in Assam.
    • Other States: Suspected illegal immigrants are dealt with by local courts under the Foreigners Act, 1946.
    • 2019 Amendment: Earlier only the Centre could set up FTs; after the amendment, states also have the power to establish them.

    3) Foreigners Tribunal – Functioning:

    • Notice Period: Tribunal must issue a notice to the suspected foreigner within 10 days of receiving a reference.
    • Response Time: The individual gets 10 days to reply, and another 10 days to submit supporting evidence.
    • Time for Disposal: Tribunal must dispose of cases within 60 days.
    • Outcome: If unable to prove citizenship, the person may be sent to a detention centre (transit camp) for future deportation.

    4) Immigration and Foreigners Order, 2025:

    • Replaces: Supersedes the Foreigners (Tribunal) Order, 1964 under the new Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
    • New Powers:
      • FTs can now issue arrest warrants and detain individuals unable to prove citizenship-previously done through executive orders.
      • Warrants may be issued if a suspect fails to appear.
    • Expanded Judicial Authority: FTs now possess powers of:
      • A civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
      • A judicial magistrate (First Class) under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
    • Key Powers Include:
      • Summoning and enforcing attendance.
      • Examining persons on oath.
      • Requiring discovery and production of documents.
      • Issuing commissions for witness examination.
      • Directing personal appearance.
      • Issuing arrest warrants for non-appearance.
    Ex-Parte Order:

    An ex parte decree is issued when a defendant fails to appear despite receiving summons, allowing the court to hear only the plaintiff’s case and pass a decision in the defendant’s absence.

     

    [UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements :

    1. Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) was set up during the Prime Ministership of Lal Bahadur Shastri.

    2. The Members for CAT are drawn from both judicial and administrative streams.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • SC clarifies Governor’s powers: How SC answered 14 questions President posed

    Introduction

    The Supreme Court’s opinion on the President’s 14 queries recalibrates the balance between Raj Bhavan and elected state governments. It ends the uncertainty around “pocket veto”, clarifies that gubernatorial discretion is narrow, and rejects any judicial power to impose timelines on constitutional authorities. The ruling is significant because it formalises procedural discipline without enabling judicial overreach, and reveals continued ambiguity that may trigger future litigation.

    Why in the news?

    The Supreme Court delivered a rare and highly consequential opinion under Article 143, addressing 14 constitutional doubts raised by the President regarding the Governor’s powers on Bills, aid and advice, delay, and discretion. It is a big development because the Court categorically ruled out the Governor’s “pocket veto”, reaffirmed that discretion is exceptional, not routine, and clarified that the judiciary cannot impose procedural timelines on constitutional posts. This marks a striking departure from previous ambiguities in Centre-State relations and reopens debate on federal accountability.

    What constitutional options are available to a Governor when a Bill is presented?

    1. Four Constitutional Options: Return the Bill, reserve it for the President, assent, or withhold assent; these options arise strictly from Article 200.
    2. Bar on Pocket Veto: The ruling prohibits an indefinite delay, emphasising that constitutional silence cannot be exploited to stall legislation.
    3. Return of Bill Allowed Only Once: The Governor cannot repeatedly send the same Bill back once the House re-passes it.
    4. No Withhold After Re-passage: Once the legislature re-adopts a Bill, the Governor must assent, ensuring legislative primacy.

    Is the Governor bound by aid and advice of the Council of Ministers?

    1. Binding Advice Rule: Aid and advice are mandatory except in constitutionally specified discretionary functions.
    2. No Unfettered Discretion: The Governor’s disagreement with political outcomes does not justify refusing advice.
    3. Improper Refusal: The Court held that a Governor cannot withhold assent simply because a new government would not prefer the Bill.

    Are the Governor’s discretionary powers unlimited?

    1. Narrow Discretion: Discretion is “exceptional”, not a general supervisory authority over the legislature.
    2. Subjective Satisfaction Allowed Only for President’s Reservation: Under Article 200, the Governor may reserve a Bill if doubts on constitutionality exist.
    3. Judicial Review Retained: Reserving a Bill on irrelevant grounds is open to legal challenge.
    4. Discretion Must Meet Constitutional Purpose: Decisions must align with constitutional morality, not political preference.

    Can timelines be imposed on Governors or the President?

    1. No Judicially Enforceable Deadlines: The Court cannot prescribe rigid timelines because the Constitution does not contain them.
    2. Institutional Respect Principle: Judiciary recognises the separation of powers and avoids issuing operational directives to constitutional authorities.
    3. Practical Concern Highlighted: While Governors should act “reasonably expeditiously”, this remains non-justiciable.

    Are actions under Article 200 justiciable?

    1. Yes, on Limited Grounds: Courts may intervene if the Governor acts on irrelevant considerations or violates constitutional limits.
    2. Reasonableness Standard Applies: Judicial review ensures the Governor does not misuse constitutional silence to stall governance.
    3. Invalid Withholding Possible: A Governor withholding assent after re-passage would be unconstitutional and challengeable.

    Can a Governor substitute his decision with the President’s under Article 201?

    1. Permissible Only for Constitutionality Doubts: The Governor may reserve Bills only when genuine constitutional issues arise.
    2. No Arbitrary Referral: Relying on the President for policy disagreements is unconstitutional.

    Can courts adjudicate contents of Bills?

    1. Judicial Review Limited: Courts cannot examine legislative content before enactment except for exceptional situations.
    2. No Pre-Enactment Censorship: Validity can be tested only after the Bill becomes law.
    3. Reiterates Separation of Powers: Judiciary cannot intrude into legislative functioning.

    Can the President exercise constitutional powers in place of the Governor under Article 142?

    1. Court Rejects the Assumption: No constitutional fiction allows the President to step into the Governor’s role.
    2. Limits to Article 142: It cannot rewrite constitutional architecture.

    Conclusion

    The opinion reaffirms constitutional restraint, narrows gubernatorial discretion, disallows “pocket vetoes”, strengthens legislative sovereignty, and emphasises judicial non-interference in executive timelines. Yet the Court’s hesitation to set procedural limits leaves space for future litigation, signalling continuing tensions in Indian federalism.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2022] Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature.

    Linkage: This PYQ is directly relevant as the latest SC Article 143 opinion clarifies the Governor’s narrow legislative powers and rejects misuse like delay or withholding assent. It links to the issue of constitutional propriety, making re-promulgation without placing ordinances before the legislature clearly unconstitutional.