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Subject: Domestic Bodies/Agencies

  • Examination reform: Nilekani task force and Radhakrishnan committee implementation under Supreme Court watch

    The Supreme Court will consult the Nandan Nilekani-led task force at its next hearing on 3 August 2026 regarding the proposed transition of NEET-UG from a pen-and-paper examination to Computer-Based Testing (CBT). The Court is also examining the government’s progress in implementing the K. Radhakrishnan Committee’s recommendations on examination reforms.

    Key Highlights

    • Implementation review: The Centre has submitted an affidavit on the implementation status of the 101 recommendations of the K. Radhakrishnan Committee.
    • Committee recommendations:
      • 60 short-term and 35 medium/long-term reforms.
      • Restructuring of the National Testing Agency (NTA).
      • Introduction of Computer-assisted Secure Pen-and-Paper Testing (CPPT).
      • Adoption of DIGI-EXAM for secure candidate authentication.
    • Infrastructure plan: Establishment of 1,000 Secure Testing Centres across the country.
    • Related development: Concerns over examination integrity have also emerged in the Jharkhand Combined Civil Services Examination, highlighting the need for broader examination reforms.

    About the National Testing Agency (NTA)

    • Established in 2017 as an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Education.
    • Conducts major national entrance examinations such as NEET-UG, JEE Main, CUET and UGC-NET.
    • Objective is to ensure fair, transparent, efficient and technology-driven examinations.

    What is Computer-Based Testing (CBT)?

    • Candidates answer questions on a computer terminal instead of paper.
    • Responses are digitally recorded and securely transmitted.
    • Reduces risks associated with paper leaks, manual handling and evaluation delays.

    What is Computer-assisted Secure Pen-and-Paper Testing (CPPT)?

    • Question papers are generated digitally and printed securely at authorised centres shortly before the examination.
    • Minimises transportation and storage of printed question papers.
    • Reduces the possibility of paper leaks while retaining a pen-and-paper examination format.

  • The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India.

    The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), established under the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, is India’s premier investigating agency. It has become the issue of confrontational federalism in recent years.

    Legal Framework of CBI’s Jurisdiction

    Section 6 of DSPE Act – CBI requires State consent to investigate cases within that State

    General Consent – blanket permission for all cases (most States provide this).

    Case-specific Consent – given on a case-to-case basis if general consent is withdrawn.

    States’ Power to Withhold Consent

    Police and Public order is a State List subject, Entry 2, List II.

    Several States (e.g., West Bengal, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Punjab) have withdrawn general consent citing political misuse.

    However, States’ Power is Not Absolute

    Court’s Power –

    The Supreme Court and High Courts can direct the CBI to investigate without State consent under Articles 32 and 226. (State of West Bengal v. Committee for Protection of Democratic Rights (2010))

    Union Territories – CBI can operate without State consent in UTs.

    Inter-State and National Interest Cases – Involving corruption, national security, or cross-border crimes, Union may justify CBI probe to preserve national integrity.

    The Supreme Court ruled that the CBI can probe Central officials under Central laws without State consent.

    Impact on Federal Character of India

    Positive Aspects

    Judicial oversight – SC/HC powers to direct CBI investigations prevent misuse of State autonomy.

    Enables impartial probes in crimes affecting multiple States.

    National interest protection – accountability in cases threatening unity, security, or economy.

    Negative Aspects

    CBI entry without consent undermines State authority.

    Politicisation fears – Opposition-ruled States view CBI as a tool of the Centre

    SC criticized the CBI as a “caged parrot speaking in its master’s voice.” (Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) Case)

    Weakens cooperative federalism – Tensions between WB Govt and Centre

    Reinforces the unitary bias of the Constitution, reducing States to subordinate entities in criminal investigation matters.

    Way Forward

    Strengthen Autonomy – Implement Vineet Narain (1997) directives (“CVC-supervised model”).

    Statutory Backing – Replace DSPE Act, 1946 with a clear modern CBI law.

    Consultative Federalism – Respect States’ consent; use Inter-State Council for dialogue.

    Joint Collaboration – Form Centre-State task forces for investigation

    The need of the hour is strengthening institutional independence of CBI , and fostering cooperative federalism.

  • Consider the following statements

    Consider the following statements:
    1. MMTC Limited is India’s largest international trading organization.
    2. Neelachal Ispat Nigam Limited has been set up by MMTC jointly with the Government of Orissa.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • Consider the following statements

    Consider the following statements:
    1. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is the first regulatory body set up by the Government of India.
    2. One of the tasks of PNGRB is to, ensure competitive markets for gas.
    3. Appeals against the decisions of PNGRB go before the Appellate Tribunals for Electricity.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  • Consider the following statements

    Consider the following statements :
    1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of India and the World Health Organization.
    2. The National Institute of Urban Affairs is an apex body of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in Government of India and provides innovative solutions to address the challenges of Urban India.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  • With which one of the following is BRIT (Government Of India) engaged

    With which one of the following is BRIT (Government Of India) engaged?

  • Department of Border Management is a Department of which one of the following Union Ministries

    Department of Border Management is a Department of which one of the following Union Ministries?

  • With reference to the Consumer Disputes Redressal at district level in India, which one of the following statements is not correct

    With reference to the Consumer Disputes Redressal at district level in India, which one of the following statements is not correct ?

  • How do District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) help in the reduction of rural poverty in India

    How do District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) help in the reduction of rural poverty in India?
    1. DRDAs act as Panchayati Raj Institutions in certain specified backward regions of the country
    2. DRDAs undertake area-specific scientific study of poverty and malnutrition and prepare detailed remedial measures
    3. DRDAs secure inter-sectoral and inter-departmental coordination and cooperation for effective implementation of anti-poverty programs
    4. DRDAs watch over and ensure effective utilization of the funds intended for anti-poverty programs

  • Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National Innovation Foundation India(NIF)

    Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National Innovation Foundation India(NIF)?
    (1) NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government.
    (2) NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly advanced scientific research in India’s premier scientific institution in collaboration with highly advanced foreign scientific institution.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.