The Supreme Court has ordered all States and Union Territories to remove stray dogs from public areas and relocate them to shelters after sterilisation and vaccination under the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.
About Animal Birth Control (ABC) Program:
Purpose: Humane, scientifically proven method to control stray dog populations and reduce rabies.
Legal Basis: First under Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 (under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960); updated as Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.
Development: Created with support from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Core Method: “Catch–sterilise–vaccinate–release” model; prohibits relocation or culling.
Implementation: Managed by municipalities, municipal corporations, and panchayats.
Authorisation: Only organisations recognised by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) can conduct programs.
Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023:
Implemented to comply with Supreme Court guidelines in Writ Petition No. 691 of 2009.
Assigns responsibility to local bodies (municipalities, corporations, panchayats) to conduct ABC programs for sterilisation and immunisation of stray dogs.
Prohibits relocation of stray dogs as a means of population control; instead, they must be sterilised and returned to the same area.
Only organisations recognised by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) can conduct ABC programs.
Key Features:
Sterilisation Target: Minimum 70% of stray dogs in an area within one reproductive cycle (~6 months).
Focus: Female sterilisation at a 70:30 female-to-male ratio.
Rabies Control: Mandatory rabies vaccination (ABC–ARV) for every sterilised dog.
Infrastructure: Kennels, veterinary facilities, vehicles, and hygienic shelters required.
Recordkeeping: Detailed records for catching, surgery, vaccination, and release.
Monitoring: State and local committees ensure compliance and handle complaints.
Legal Protection: Mass relocation or killing prohibited under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.
[UPSC 2010] Consider the following statements:
1. Every individual in the population is equally susceptible host for Swine Flu.
2. Antibiotics have no role in the primary treatment of Swine Flu
3.To prevent the future spread of Swine Flu in the epidemic area, the swine (pigs) must all be culled.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only* (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has successfully removed Senna spectabilis, a highly invasive tree species, from 1,963 hectares of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR).
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
Location: Situated in Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu, at the tri-junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
Area: Covers 321 sq. km, forming part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India’s first biosphere reserve.
Terrain: Undulating landscape ranging from 960–1266 m elevation.
Rivers: The Moyar River flows through the reserve, supporting rich biodiversity.
Vegetation: Includes evergreen, moist and dry deciduous forests, teak, bamboo, and grasslands (vayals).
Flora: Contains wild relatives of cultivated plants like rice, turmeric, and ginger.
Fauna: Home to tigers, elephants, gaurs, sambars, leopards, blackbucks, wild dogs, and 8% of India’s bird species.
Boundaries: Shares borders with Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala).
Cultural Note: The Oscar-winning documentary “The Elephant Whisperers” was filmed at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp inside MTR.
About Senna spectabilis:
Origin: A fast-growing deciduous tree native to tropical America, introduced in India as an ornamental and shade plant.
Why Civilsdaily’s UPSC Mentorship Program Is Unique? UAP is NOT your regular course. This isn’t just a program, it’s an ecosystem built to deliver ranks. The core of UAP is – Fault Finding & Course Correction. While other mentorships feel like blackboxes-random calls, vague advice, zero accountability & mere doubt solving-ours is a precision system built to spot your faults and fix them fast. No fluff, no guesswork. Real mentorship means real corrections.
We follow 5 steps: The Approach → Weekly Targets → Note-Building → Testing → Test Discussions. Every step sharpens you. Every step pulls you closer to the list. From crafting your strategy to squeezing out every last mark in Mains, UAP goes all in. In 2023, AIR 2 came from UAP. Many cleared in their first attempt. Others cracked it in their final shot.
What’s common? Grind, Focus, Clarity, and UAP. This alone is a strong enough reason why UAP is a unique program.
The heart of the Civilsdaily is the Ultimate Assessment Program (UAP). For years, aspirants have enrolled here because they couldn’t find such depth and passion towards quality content and Mentorship anywhere. Their search for Mentorship inevitably ends at Civilsdaily.
What You Need to Crack UPSC-CSE in One Attempt
To succeed in UPSC-CSE in a single attempt, it’s essential to have a well-structured, strategic approach. Here’s a breakdown of the key program inclusions that will help you achieve that:
Goal Setting: The Foundation of Preparation Every month, you’ll have a clear timeline of what needs to be covered and by when. This ensures consistent progress, avoids burnout, and keeps you on the right track throughout your preparation.
Assessment-Based Approach A comprehensive strategy that focuses on covering the entire syllabus in the shortest time possible, while still allowing room for multiple revisions. This approach ensures you stay on top of every subject while reinforcing your understanding.
Concise & Comprehensive Notes Access to crisp, ranker-recommended notes on relevant micro themes, based on trends from previous years’ questions (PYQs). These notes will help you focus on high-priority topics without getting overwhelmed.
Practical & Effective Revision Strategy A tailored revision plan focused on one goal: qualifying both Prelims and Mains. This strategy ensures you’re not just learning but retaining information effectively for the exams.
Mastering the Theme & Demand of Mains Questions Understand how to approach Mains questions with the right “Theme-Demand” analysis. Build a ready reference of “Intro-Body-Conclusion” structures for repeated themes, helping you develop muscle memory for answering questions efficiently.
Sharp Feedback from Mentors Consistent, detailed feedback on every mock test you attempt for Prelims and Mains. The goal is to make all your mistakes during the mocks, so you go into the final exam fully prepared and confident.
By mastering these elements, you’ll build the skills, mindset, and preparation necessary to clear UPSC-CSE in one attempt.
Schedule a 1-1 call with Civilsdaily’s Mentorfor focused UPSC Prep
Secondly, Let’s Understand Why Traditional Methods Fall Short
Relying solely on traditional methods attending 1:many classes, reading model answers, and taking a few mock tests-often creates the illusion that this is the core of Prelims and Mains preparation. In reality, these approaches make up only about 10% of a comprehensive strategy. When your goal is to secure a rank in the least number of attempts, the stakes are even higher. Here’s how UAP Mentorship elevates your preparation to the next level:
Personalized Study Plan: Sit down with a mentor to craft a detailed, fortnightly study schedule that covers the syllabus systematically. After each cycle, attempt a mock test to evaluate your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Expert Feedback: Practicing mocks is great, but imagine receiving sharp, actionable feedback from a mentor who has guided toppers like AIR 2, 22, 48, and others. Learn how to gain those crucial extra marks for each question and unlock the X-factor in your preparation.
Mapping Mains Themes: Solving Prelims and Mains PYQs is just the beginning. With UAP, you’ll work with mentors to map the UPSC syllabus onto key Mains themes, using PYQs to prioritize your revision efforts efficiently.
Crafting Concise Notes: Already created your Mains revision notes? Let’s take it further by refining them into concise one-pagers for each theme, complete with updated examples and multiple dimensions for deeper understanding.
Actionable Evaluation: Receiving an evaluated mock test copy is crucial-but what’s next? With UAP, we provide clear, actionable points to work on before you attempt your next mock, ensuring continuous improvement.
If you’re relying on outdated methods, UAP Mentorship might not be for you. But if you’ve tried those approaches and seen their limitations, now’s the time to level up. Apply for UAP Mentorship and experience the difference in your UPSC preparation journey.
What is the Ultimate Assessment Program (UAP)?
UAP is far from your typical course-it’s a complete ecosystem designed to handle every aspect of your UPSC preparation, from refining your strategy to significantly boosting your rank. In 2023, AIR 2 was one of the top ranks produced by UAP, alongside several other rankers. Many of these aspirants cleared the exam in their first attempt, while others succeeded in their final or second-to-last attempts.
These aspirants not only cleared Prelims with ease but also scored 400+ marks in their GS Mains papers. If your goal is to secure a top rank-be it IAS, IPS, or IFS-scoring 400+ in Mains is essential. To make your rank “interview-proof,” you should aim for nothing less than 450+. This is where UAP truly stands out.
UAP cuts through the overwhelming chaos of conventional preparation, bringing intense focus and clarity to your journey. With UAP, you’re not just preparing for an exam-you’re setting yourself up for success. The result? Your name on the final list next year.
Our program goes beyond generic study plans and superficial guidance. We believe that every aspirant is unique, and so are the challenges they face. Our mentorship is focused on providing personalized support that ensures you remain focused, disciplined, and efficient in your preparation.
Three Pillars of UAP
1. Mentorship:
Each student will be assigned a dedicated mentor who will track your progress, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and design a roadmap specific to your needs. Your mentor will provide continuous monitoring, regular check-ins, and feedback, helping you stay on track with your goals. Whether it’s time management, overcoming distractions, or mastering specific subjects, our mentors will be there to guide you.
Year-long Mentorship that’s all encompassing
Ensure you hit your next milestone
Subject strategy, target setting – providing base schedule.
Post test discussion
Phases of Mentorship
One-on-one mentor calls every week to provide the target and planner for the first 2 months. Mentor calls will thereafter be held every 10 days after that.
Weekly Report Card
Macro-strategy & macro targets for every three months
Test-related 1-on-1 detail disucssion.
Philosophy: Every Student Is A Batch
2. Core Programs:
Five Core Programs that are industry standards in themselves:
Samachar Manthan
Prelims Test Series
Mains Test Series
Essay Test Series
Dominate Prelims Crash Course
3. Pre-Acceleration Phase
We combine the knowledge and best practices from all rankers and present the learning in the prep acceleration sessions. This includes
ܳDedicated Monthly CA Test: Focus on Risk-Taking, Logical Problem Solving
Monthly CA Magazines (News, Op-Ed,PIB, Govt. Reports)
ܳDetailed Explainations
ܳAll India Rankings
2. Samachar Manthan:
Civilsdaily is renowned for its Samachar Manthan Program, an intensive current affairs initiative that will ensure you are fully prepared to tackle the dynamic aspects of the UPSC syllabus. With expert analysis, structured explanations, and discussions on major national and international issues, you’ll be equipped to handle both Prelims and Mains questions related to current affairs with confidence.
ܳ Weekly News Analysis (Video + Notes)
ܳ Mains Level Q&A Evaluation To Compliment The Lectures
ܳ Checked Copy Discussion On Phone/In-Person
3. Mains TS
Mock tests are crucial for success, and our test series is designed to simulate the actual exam environment. From day one, you’ll have access to a structured test series, including:
With detailed feedback on every answer you write, ensuring you develop a strong, exam-oriented answer writing style.
Custom Test Plans tailored to your progress, providing just the right amount of challenge to improve performance steadily.
Civilsdaily’s 1.5-Year Mentorship Program for UPSC CSE 2026 is your ticket to success in this prestigious exam. Limited seats are available, ensuring each student gets personalized attention and mentorship. Enroll today to kickstart your journey toward becoming a future civil servant.
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[UPSC 2015] In what way could replacement of price subsidy with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss.
Linkage: The shift from price subsidies to Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) improved efficiency and targeting in welfare delivery. Universal Basic Income (UBI) is the next step in this evolution, moving from targeted transfers to universal, unconditional income support that ensures inclusion and economic stability.
Mentor’s Comment
As automation, artificial intelligence, and widening inequality reshape global economies, India faces an urgent need to rethink its welfare model. Universal Basic Income (UBI) , once dismissed as utopian, is emerging as a viable economic tool to balance growth with inclusion, stabilize consumption, and future-proof citizens against technology-driven disruptions.
Introduction and Why in the News
India’s wealth gap is at a 75-year high, and technological transformation is outpacing job creation. The article argues that a Universal Basic Income could act as a stabilizer for an economy characterized by automation-led job loss, consumption inequality, and welfare fragmentation. UBI thus represents both an economic necessity and moral evolution, a reform that can ensure social security while sustaining demand in an AI-driven economy.
Understanding UBI in the Economic Context
Concept: A periodic, unconditional cash transfer to all citizens, regardless of income or employment.
Economic Foundation: Acts as a floor for consumption and stabilizer of demand during economic downturns.
Rationale in India: Addresses inefficiencies, leakages, and exclusions in existing welfare subsidies and improves fiscal targeting through direct transfers.
Global Relevance: Countries like Finland, Kenya, and Iran have experimented with variants of basic income to address automation shocks and inequality.
Why India Needs a New Welfare Model
Automation and Jobless Growth:
India’s labour-intensive sectors are losing relevance as AI and robotics replace routine work.
A 2023 McKinsey Report estimates 40-45% of Indian jobs risk automation by 2030.
Consumption Inequality: The top 10% hold over 40% of total income, weakening demand from lower strata, a key factor behind India’s K-shaped recovery post-COVID.
Fragmented Welfare Spending:
Over 950 central schemes exist; only 20% reach intended beneficiaries (NITI Aayog, 2022).
Rationalizing and merging subsidies could free 1-2% of GDP, enough to fund a phased UBI.
Fiscal Feasibility and Implementation Models
Budgetary Realignment: A UBI costing ₹7,500 per person annually = ~1% of GDP, fiscally manageable by pruning inefficient subsidies.
Digital Readiness: India’s JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) enables transparent Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) to 450+ million beneficiaries.
Phased Approach:
Start with vulnerable groups (elderly, women, informal workers) and expand gradually.
Link with automation tax or digital economy levy to ensure sustainability.
Behavioral Economics View: Unconditional transfers improve human capital investment (nutrition, education) without creating disincentive to work, proven in Madhya Pradesh SEWA UBI Pilot, 2013.
UBI as an Economic Stabilizer
Counter-Cyclical Tool: Maintains aggregate demand in economic slowdowns; ensures liquidity among lower-income households.
Productivity Boost: Financial security allows workers to upskill and pursue entrepreneurial ventures instead of insecure subsistence jobs.
Gender Dividend: Recognizes unpaid care work and enhances female labour participation, a major economic multiplier.
Rural Resilience: Ensures income continuity against climate shocks, agrarian distress, and market failures.
Challenges in Adopting UBI
Fiscal Trade-offs: High recurring costs could strain the fiscal deficit if not balanced by rationalization of subsidies.
Inflationary Pressure: Sudden increase in liquidity may spike prices unless accompanied by supply-side reforms.
Exclusion Risks via Aadhaar/DBT: Digital divide and authentication errors can replicate old exclusion patterns.
Political Economy Resistance: Targeted benefits create patronage networks; universalization dilutes control, making reform politically sensitive.
Global Insights for India
Country
Nature of UBI Trial
Lessons
Finland (2017-18)
€560/month for unemployed
Improved well-being, not joblessness
Kenya
Cash transfer for 12 years
Increased small business formation
Iran (2010)
Universal transfer replacing subsidies
Reduced poverty without fiscal collapse
Brazil (Bolsa Família)
Conditional transfer, near-universal
Boosted literacy, health, consumption
India can blend these experiences into a hybrid model: quasi-universal, fiscally prudent, and tech-enabled.
Conclusion
A Universal Basic Income is no longer a moral luxury, it is an economic inevitability in a future where automation, inequality, and climate shocks converge. By realigning subsidies and leveraging digital infrastructure, India can embed economic dignity into fiscal policy. UBI is not about welfare dependency, it is about stabilizing markets through empowered citizens.
The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 stipulates that an “intending couple” is eligible for surrogacy only if they do not have any surviving child, biological, adopted or via surrogacy, except where the child is physically or mentally challenged or has a life-threatening disorder.A petition has been filed before the Supreme Court by a couple facing secondary infertility who seek to use surrogacy to have a second child. Their argument: the law’s restriction interferes with the reproductive choices of citizens and treats primary and secondary infertility differently.
What is the law’s objective and rationale
Objective of the Act: The primary stated purpose is to prohibit commercial surrogacy, regulate fertility and surrogacy clinics, and protect surrogate mothers and children born through surrogacy.
Eligibility restriction: Section 4(iii)(C)(II) mandates the ‘no surviving child’ condition for an intending couple.
Rationale for restriction: The government’s position is that the use of another woman’s body for surrogacy demands strict regulation; therefore, limiting eligibility helps prevent exploitation and commercialization.
Court’s interim view: The Supreme Court has indicated the restriction appears “reasonable” but is examining whether the ban on surrogacy for couples with a surviving child amounts to a violation of reproductive choice.
How does the law differentiate primary and secondary infertility
Secondary infertility defined: In this context, it refers to couples unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term despite having borne a child naturally earlier.
Law’s silence on distinction: The Act does not expressly differentiate between primary and secondary infertility in defining “infertility” for eligibility. The petitioners argue the statute uses “infertility” generically and should be read to include secondary infertility.
Effect of the distinction: As a result of the clause, a couple with one surviving (healthy) child is barred from surrogacy for a second child, even if they face medical infertility. The petition argues this amounts to unreasonable discrimination.
Why is this matter significant now?
Reproductive autonomy at stake: The case raises the question whether reproductive choice including whether and how many children to have falls under the fundamental right to privacy and reproductive autonomy (Article 21).
Scale of the issue: Secondary infertility affects a substantial number of couples; the law’s bar effectively restricts access to surrogacy for many intending parents. The article emphasises that restricting access solely because a couple already has a child may not align with the law’s stated objective.
Precedents of regulation being diluted: The Court recently relaxed age restrictions for couples who had frozen embryos prior to the law’s enactment, signalling willingness to interpret surrogacy law expansively.
Contradiction with other family-related rights: There is no law in India capping the number of children a person may have naturally; yet, the surrogacy law imposes a “one-child existing” rule. This invites scrutiny of rational basis for differentiation.
What are the potential implications of a broader interpretation”
Facilitating access: A more expansive reading allowing surrogacy for intending parents would align the law with reproductive autonomy and reduce arbitrary differentiation.
Safeguard against exploitation: The law can maintain its core safeguards against commercialisation and exploitation while enabling access for medically infertile couples seeking a second child.
Policy coherence: It would harmonise the surrogacy statute’s eligibility norms with the lack of statutory restriction on the number of natural children and prevent unjust exclusion of couples.
Legal precedent: A favourable interpretation could open up examination of other eligibility criteria under the Act (such as age or marital status) in light of constitutional rights.
What are the counter-arguments and concerns?
Risk of commercial surrogacy revival: Critics argue liberalising eligibility may inadvertently open doors to exploitation of surrogate mothers and a resurgence of commercial surrogacy in disguised form.
Resource and monitoring constraints: Greater eligibility implies more oversight burden on regulatory infrastructure (ART clinics, surrogacy boards, monitoring of insurance/compensation).
State interest in regulation: The restriction can be defended as within the State’s margin of appreciation to regulate surrogacy in public interest, preserving dignity of women and children.
Potential slippery slope: Expanding eligibility might raise questions about single individuals, LGBTQ+ couples or live-in partners accessing surrogacy, aspects the law currently restricts.
Conclusion
The surrogacy debate in India reflects the evolving tension between state regulation and personal autonomy. While the law rightly seeks to prevent exploitation and commercialisation, it must not overlook the constitutional promise of reproductive freedom and equality. A more inclusive, rights-based interpretation, sensitive to medical realities like secondary infertility, would uphold both ethical safeguards and individual dignity, aligning the law with India’s vision of gender justice and compassionate governance.
Value Addition: Surrogacy Law in India
Legal Framework:
Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021
Objective: Regulate surrogacy procedures, prohibit commercial surrogacy, and ensure ethical practices in assisted reproduction.
Type allowed:Only altruistic surrogacy (no monetary compensation except medical expenses and insurance).
Objective: Regulate ART clinics and banks; maintain records, screening, and ethical standards for gamete donation and IVF processes.
Together, these Acts create a twin legal framework governing all forms of medically assisted reproduction in India.
Key Provisions of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021
Eligibility of intending couple:
Must be Indian citizens, legally married, and aged:
Husband: 26–55 years
Wife: 23–50 years
Must possess a certificate of infertility from a District Medical Board.
Must not have any surviving child (biological, adopted, or through surrogacy), except if the child is mentally/physically challenged or suffers a life-threatening disorder.
Eligibility of surrogate mother:
Must be a married woman with a child of her own.
Age limit: 25–35 years.
Can act as a surrogate only once in her lifetime.
Must be a close relative of the intending couple.
Must obtain a certificate of medical and psychological fitness.
National and State Surrogacy Boards: Oversee implementation, formulate policies, and ensure ethical compliance.
Penal provisions:
Commercial surrogacy, sale/purchase of human embryos, and exploitation of surrogate mothers attract imprisonment up to 10 years and fine up to ₹10 lakh.
Objectives and Rationale
Prevent commercial exploitation: Protects poor women from being coerced into surrogacy for financial gain.
Ensure child welfare: Guarantees the child’s legal status and parentage from birth.
Promote ethical medical practices: Prevents unregulated fertility clinics and misuse of technology.
Align with constitutional morality: Balances individual reproductive rights with social ethics and public health considerations.
Judicial and Policy Developments
SC observations (2023–2025):
Examining secondary infertility cases to test whether barring surrogacy for a second child violates reproductive autonomy under Article 21.
Previously allowed age relaxation for couples with frozen embryos prior to enactment of the Act.
Delhi High Court (2023): Directed the government to reconsider rules preventing single women or widows from accessing surrogacy, citing discrimination concerns.
Policy evolution: Shift from the 2015 ban on foreign commercial surrogacy to a 2021 framework permitting only altruistic domestic surrogacy.
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2023] Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.
Linkage: This question is key as it tests understanding of Articles 14, 15 and 21 on women’s equality and autonomy. This is central to debates like the Surrogacy Act 2021, which restricts reproductive choice and raises issues of bodily rights and gender justice.
The Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951, empowers the Election Commission of India (ECI) and returning officers to scrutinize nominations to ensure candidates meet legal qualifications. However, excessive procedural formalism has made nomination scrutiny a potential chokepoint where even minor clerical errors can disqualify legitimate contenders. This procedural rigidity, instead of filtering unqualified candidates, has evolved into a tool of exclusion, undermining electoral fairness and the voter’s right to choice, a core tenet of representative democracy.
Why is the Nomination Process in News?
A young woman from Darda Nagar Haveli recently had her nomination for a municipal election rejected without hearing or clarification, sparking outrage. The issue resonates nationally because it reveals how India’s nomination process. Once a procedural safeguard now functions as a gatekeeping mechanism, often silencing genuine candidates on technical grounds. This marks a sharp contrast with the intended democratic spirit of the RPA and represents a major procedural failure in the electoral framework.
How Does India’s Nomination Process Work?
Legal Framework: Governed by Section 33 to 36 of the RPA, 1951.
Returning Officer’s Power: The RO decides on validity; their decision is final at the nomination stage.
Grounds for Rejection: Nomination can be rejected for “defective or incomplete declaration,” even if trivial.
Judicial Context: The Resurgence India v. Election Commission (2014) case held that a wrong declaration is disqualifiable, but an incomplete one is not. Yet, in practice, both are often treated alike.
What Are the Problems in the Existing Process?
Excessive Proceduralism
Focus on compliance over intent: The system overemphasizes technical correctness of forms rather than substantive eligibility.
Example: Minor errors like mismatched affidavits, late filings, or missing entries in Form 26 (assets/liabilities) can lead to disqualification.
Discretionary Power and Arbitrary Rejection
Unilateral authority: ROs can reject nominations without appeal or review, creating room for bias or manipulation.
Violation of Article 326: Denies both the candidate’s right to contest and the voter’s right to choose.
Delay and Lack of Rectification
No correction window: Candidates have no opportunity to correct clerical errors before rejection.
Contrast: Countries like the UK and Canada allow rectification before the final list is published.
Facilitation vs Filtration
Wrong design philosophy: The nomination process should facilitate participation, not filter out candidates on hyper-technical grounds.
Outcome: Bureaucratic compliance is rewarded over democratic legitimacy.
How Have Other Democracies Addressed This?
UK Model: Allows candidates to correct nomination papers within a defined time.
Canada: Uses a post-scrutiny correction period to avoid unjust disqualifications.
United States: Courts can overturn wrongful exclusions promptly through expedited hearings.
These systems treat nomination scrutiny as an inclusive process ensuring access, not exclusion, emphasizing facilitation over filtration.
What Can Be Done to Reform the Process?
Institutional Reform
Independent Review Mechanism: Introduce an appeal or review system within 24 hours for rejected nominations.
Digital Scrutiny System: Online form submissions and auto-validation to reduce human error and bias.
Procedural Reforms
Correction Period: Allow 48-hour correction for minor defects, akin to GST return rectifications.
Uniform Scrutiny Guidelines: Draft model SOPs by the Election Commission for all states.
Accountability Reforms
Recordable Decisions: ROs must record written reasons for rejections; such records should be reviewable by the ECI.
Transparency Measures: Make all nominations, scrutiny notes, and rejections publicly available online.
Conclusion
India’s electoral democracy must evolve from a bureaucratic to a participatory model. The nomination process, meant to protect electoral integrity, should not become an instrument of disenfranchisement. Reform should focus on substantive eligibility, procedural fairness, and digital transparency. This ensures that every qualified citizen has a fair opportunity to contest preserving the spirit of democracy envisioned in the Constitution.
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2017] To enhance the quality of democracy in India, the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful?
Linkage: Electoral reforms in specific and Election Commission in particular is a recurring theme in UPSC mains exam. This 2017 PYQ covers procedural and legal reforms including nomination scrutiny, transparency in funding, and fair competition.
The Union Government has submitted before the Supreme Court that the ‘right to vote’ is distinct from the ‘freedom of voting’.
About the Case and Centre’s Affidavit:
Petition: Filed by Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy and the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
Context: Concerns Section 53(2) of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951, which allows uncontested candidates to be declared elected without polling.
Core Challenge: Argues that uncontested elections deny voters the right to dissent through NOTA, violating Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
Centre’s Argument: Draws a distinction between the “Right to Vote” (statutory) and “Freedom of Voting” (fundamental right).
Legal Basis:
Right to Vote – Granted by Section 62 of RPA, 1951, subject to statutory limits.
Freedom of Voting – A form of free expression under Article 19(1)(a), as held in PUCL v. Union of India (2003).
Government’s Position: The freedom of voting exists only when a poll occurs; in uncontested elections, no poll means no expressive act under Article 19.
Legal Reasoning by the Government:
Poll Dependency: Freedom of voting arises only during active polling; without a poll, no expressive right is engaged.
Statutory Framework:
Section 53(1) – Poll required when candidates exceed seats.
Sections 53(2) & 53(3) – If candidates ≤ seats, no poll needed; candidate declared elected.
NOTA’s Legal Status: NOTA is not a “candidate” under Section 79(b); it is merely an expression option, not an electoral participant.
Administrative Rationale: Holding polls solely to include NOTA would waste resources and delay electoral outcomes.
EC’s View: The Election Commission concurred, treating NOTA as a candidate would need legislative amendment.
Empirical Data: Only 9 uncontested elections since 1951, making such instances rare exceptions in Indian democracy.
About Right to Vote in India:
Overview: It is also known as suffrage, allows citizens to elect their representatives in democratic institutions.
Constitutional Basis: Guaranteed under Article 326 of the Constitution of India, which provides for universal adult franchise.
Eligibility: Every citizen of India aged 18 and above is entitled to vote, unless disqualified by law.
Supervision: Organised and overseen by the Election Commission of India.
Supporting Laws:
Representation of the People Act, 1950: Defines voter eligibility and grounds for disqualification.
Representation of the People Act, 1951: Governs the procedures for conducting elections.
Current Legal Status: : It is legally a statutory right.
Constitutional Context: It is shaped by constitutional provisions but does not hold the status of a fundamental right.
Judicial Interpretation:
N.P. Ponnuswami v. Returning Officer (1952): Declared the Right to Vote as a statutory right.
Jyoti Basu v. Debi Ghosal (1982): Reiterated that the Right to Vote is neither a fundamental right nor a common law right.
People’s Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India (2003): Recognised the Right to Vote as at least a constitutional right.
Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006): Held that the Right to Vote continues to be a statutory right.
Raj Bala v. State of Haryana (2015): Recognised the Right to Vote as a constitutional right.
Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023):
Majority View: Right to Vote is a statutory right.
Dissenting Opinion by Justice Ajay Rastogi:
Linked the Right to Vote with the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).
Considered it essential to free and fair elections and thus part of the basic structure of the Constitution.
Back2Basics: Other Types of Rights in India
Description
Enforceability
Natural Rights
Inherent and inalienable rights (e.g., life, liberty); not directly enforceable unless linked to fundamental rights.
Indirectly through Fundamental Rights
Fundamental Rights
Guaranteed under Part III of the Constitution (e.g., right to equality, speech, life).
Enforceable in Supreme Court under Article 32
Constitutional Rights
Rights given in the Constitution but outside Part III (e.g., property, trade).
Enforceable under Article 226 via High Courts
Statutory Rights
Granted by ordinary laws (e.g., MGNREGA, Forest Rights Act, Food Security Act).
Enforceable as per respective legislations
[UPSC 2017] Right to vote and to be elected in India is a:
Options: (a) Fundamental Right (b) Natural Right (c) Constitutional Right* (d) Legal Right
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India approved two new Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IA&AD) cadres, the Central Revenue Audit and Central Expenditure Audit, effective from 1 January 2026.
About the New Cadres:
Objective: Designed to build deeper professional expertise in auditing Central receipts and expenditures, streamline manpower management, and reduce dependence on regional deployments.
Central Revenue Audit (CRA): Focuses on auditing Central Government revenues, including direct taxes, indirect taxes, customs, excise, and non-tax receipts. It ensures compliance, accuracy, and transparency in revenue administration.
Central Expenditure Audit (CEA): Concentrates on auditing Central Government expenditures, assessing legality, efficiency, and prudence in public spending across ministries and departments.
Impact: The reform consolidates around 4,000 audit professionals (out of a total CAG strength of ~42,000), improving manpower flexibility, domain expertise, and data-driven audit capabilities.
Significance: Marks a major shift toward centralised auditing, ensuring a uniform approach to the examination of national finances and reinforcing accountability in public administration.
About the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India:
Overview: Established under Article 148, the CAG heads the Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IA&AD) and acts as guardian of public finance.
Legal Framework: Functions under the CAG (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, amended in 1976, 1984, and 1987.
Appointment & Tenure:
Appointed by the President under warrant and seal.
Tenure – Six years or until age 65, whichever earlier.
Removal – Same as a Supreme Court judge, requiring special majority in Parliament.
Independence Safeguards:
Salary and expenses charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
No reappointment to government posts after retirement.
No minister can defend the CAG in Parliament.
Duties & Powers:
Audits Consolidated Funds of the Union, States, and UTs.
Examines PSUs, autonomous bodies, and grant-in-aid institutions.
Submits reports to the President, later examined by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Role & Importance: Serves as the watchdog of public finance, conducting regulatory and propriety audits to ensure legality and efficiency in expenditure.
International Role: Currently the External Auditor for IAEA (2022–2027) and FAO (2020–2025), enhancing India’s global audit leadership.
[UPSC 2012] In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?
1. CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament when the President of India declares national emergency/financial emergency
2. CAG reports on the execution of projects or programmes by the ministries are discussed by the Public Accounts Committee.
3. Information from CAG reports can be used by investigating agencies to press charges against those who have violated the law while managing public finances.
4. While dealing with the audit and accounting of government companies, CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only * (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) Report 2025, released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on 3 November 2025, highlights the alarming global impact of human-induced land degradation.
About the SOFA Report:
Goal: Aims to help governments design sustainable land management and food security policies.
Publication: Released annually by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations as one of its flagship analytical reports.
Focus (2025 Edition): Examines human-induced land degradation and its effects on agricultural productivity, poverty, and ecosystem stability.
Analytical Scope: Integrates soil data, land use patterns, crop yields, and socioeconomic indicators to identify global vulnerability hotspots.
Key Global Findings (2025):
Population Exposure: Around 1.7 billion people live in land-degraded regions with declining agricultural output.
Deforestation Drivers: Agricultural expansion remains the cause of nearly 90% of global forest loss.
Land Use Trends (2001–2023): Global agricultural land shrank by 78 mha (–2%); cropland increased by 78 mha, while pastures declined by 151 mha.
Land Abandonment: About 3.6 mha of cropland is abandoned annually due to soil degradation.
Restoration Potential: Reversing 10% of degraded cropland could feed 154 million people yearly; restoring abandoned land could feed 476 million.
Vulnerability Hotspots: Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia face the highest overlap of degradation, poverty, and child malnutrition.
Farm Structure Inequality: Small farms (<2 ha) constitute 85% of all farms but hold only 9% of farmland; large farms (>1,000 ha) control nearly 50% of it.
Degradation Masking: Large farms offset degradation through high input use, while smallholders face disproportionate yield losses.
India-specific Insights:
Overview: India among countries with highest yield losses due to human-driven land degradation.
Regional Impact: Eastern and southern India worst affected owing to dense population and intensive cropping.
Major Causes: Include soil erosion, nutrient depletion, deforestation, and over-irrigation.
FAO Recommendations:
Scale up sustainable land management, soil health, and watershed programs.
Promote precision farming, agroforestry, and organic inputs for soil restoration.
Strengthen smallholder resilience through credit, technology, and market access.
Integrate land restoration with national missions like PM-KUSUM and PMKSY for long-term sustainability.
[UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:
1. India is a member of the International Grains Council.
2. The country needs to be a member of the International Grains Council for exporting or importing rice and wheat.
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
An inquiry has been ordered into a Pune land deal over alleged irregularities and undervaluation of 40 acres of a Watandari land.
What is the Watan / Watandari System?
Overview: A hereditary land tenure and revenue-rights system once prevalent in Maharashtra and the Deccan, granting Watan lands to individuals or families for performing state or village services.
Historical Origin: Evolved under the Rashtrakutas, Deccan Sultanates, and Mughals to institutionalise local governance through hereditary offices.
Purpose: Created to compensate local officials and functionaries (like village heads, accountants, or priests) through land revenue rights rather than direct salaries.
Administrative Role: Integrated local elite families into the state’s fiscal system, ensuring continuity of governance and tax collection.
Socio-Economic Character: Reflected the fusion of land, caste, and service, forming a semi-feudal agrarian order at the village level.
Key Features of the Watan System:
Hereditary Tenure: Watan rights and duties passed from one generation to another, often within the same lineage.
Service-Based Grant: Land given as compensation for hereditary duties– administrative, military, or religious, performed for the state.
Watandars: Holders included Patils, Kulkarnis, Deshmukhs, Josis, and Purohits, each tied to specific village roles.
Non-Transferability: Watan lands were non-saleable and non-alienable, as tenure depended on continued public service.
Revenue Rights: Watandars retained a share of village revenue in lieu of fixed payment, ensuring local autonomy.
Caste-Linked Hierarchy: Reinforced hereditary privilege and caste dominance within village administration.
Decline and Inefficiency: Over time, hereditary claims caused disputes, mismanagement, and reduced accountability.
[UPSC 2024] With reference to revenue collection by Cornwallis, consider the following statements:
1. Under the Ryotwari Settlement of revenue collection, the peasants were exempted from revenue payment in case of bad harvests or natural calamities.
2. Under the Permanent Settlement in Bengal, if the Zamindar failed to pay his revenues to the state on or before the fixed date, he would be removed from his Zamindari.
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
