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Subject: Transparency and Accountability

  • Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI)

    Why in the News?

    • Government has constituted the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) under a new legal framework to regulate the online gaming ecosystem.

    What is OGAI

    • Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) is a central regulatory body for online gaming
    • Established under: Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
    • Operational from: May 1, 2026

    Key Functions

    • Acts as: Central authority for online gaming
    • Covers: Online games and Esports
    • Categorises games into: Money games and Non-money games
    • Maintains: Official registry of games
    • Handles: User complaints and Public grievances
    • Enforcement Coordination Works with: Financial institutions and Law enforcement agencies
    [2019] In India, which of the following bodies/mechanisms review the functioning of independent regulators like PFRDA, IBBI, AERA, and PNGRB? 
    1.Ad Hoc Committees appointed by the Parliament. 
    2.Parliamentary Standing Committees. 
    3.NITI Aayog. 
    4.Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC). 
    5.Finance Commission. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    [A] 1 and 2 only [B] 1, 3, and 4 [C] 2, 4, and 5 [D] 2 only

  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India

    Why in the News?

    • CSR spending by listed companies rose by 23% in FY25, reaching about ₹22,212 crore, driven by strong profit growth.

    What is CSR

    • Corporate Social Responsibility refers to:
      • Companies investing in social, environmental, and developmental activities
    • Mandated under:
      • Companies Act, 2013 (effective April 2014)

    CSR Legal Framework

    Mandatory Requirement

    • Eligible companies must spend: At least 2% of average net profits (last 3 years)

    Applicability Criteria

    Applies to companies with:

    • Net worth ≥ ₹500 crore
    • Turnover ≥ ₹1,000 crore
    • Net profit ≥ ₹5 crore

    Key Trends (FY25)

    • CSR spending: ₹22,212 crore (up 23%)
    • Companies spending CSR: 98% compliance
    • Increase due to: Higher corporate profits

    Sector-wise Allocation

    • Highest spending: Education
    • Second: Healthcare
    • Low spending:
      • Slum development
      • Disaster management
      • Armed forces welfare
    [2024] With reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India, consider the following statements: 
    1. CSR rules specify that expenditures that benefit the company directly or its employees will not be considered as CSR activities. 
    2. CSR rules do not specify minimum spending on CSR activities. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
    [A] 1 only [B] 2 only [C] Both 1 and 2 [D] Neither 1 nor 2

  • SAARG Committee for NPS Investment Framework

    Why in the News?

    The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has constituted a Committee of Investment Experts for Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance (SAARG) to review and modernise the National Pension System investment framework.

    What is SAARG?

    • A high level expert committee constituted by PFRDA
    • Mandate: Review, recommend and strengthen the investment architecture of NPS
    • Objective: Support long term retirement wealth creation, diversification, risk management and subscriber choice
    • Tenure: The Committee to submit its report within 9 months to PFRDA

    Core Objectives of SAARG

    • Strengthen NPS investment framework in line with
      • Global pension best practices
      • Indian investment ecosystem
    • Improve Portfolio diversification, Risk governance, Liquidity management and Subscriber outcomes

    Significance

    • Enhances resilience and credibility of NPS
    • Aligns pension investments with
      • Long term demographic needs
      • Global best practices
    • Supports retirement security for a growing subscriber base

    Prelims Pointers

    • SAARG is an expert committee, not a statutory body
    • NPS is regulated by PFRDA, not RBI or SEBI
    • Focus on strategic asset allocation and risk governance
    • Sustainability and climate risk integration included in pension investments
    [2017] Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)? 

    (a) Resident Indian citizens only 

    (b) Persons of age from 21 to 55 only 

    (c) All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments 

    (d) All Central Governments Employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004

  • Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)

    Why in the News?

    Shri Praveen Vashista, IPS (Bihar cadre, 1991 batch), has been appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission and took oath on 16 January 2026.

    About Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)

    • Apex integrity and vigilance institution of the Government of India
    • Mandated to promote integrity, transparency and accountability in public administration
    • Prevents corruption in Central Government organisations

    Established in

    • 1964 through an executive resolution of the Government of India
    • Granted statutory status under the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003

    Historical background

    • Originated from recommendations of the Santhanam Committee (1962 to 1964)
    • Initially functioned without statutory backing, limiting enforcement authority
    • Became an independent statutory body in 2003, strengthening supervisory and advisory powers

    Composition and members

    • Central Vigilance Commissioner as Chairperson
    • Up to two Vigilance Commissioners as Members
    • Appointed by the President of India on recommendation of a high level committee
    • Tenure of four years or up to 65 years of age, whichever is earlier

    UPSC Prelims Pointers

    • Statutory body since 2003
    • Superintendence over CBI limited to corruption cases
    • Chairperson and Members appointed by the President
    • Fixed tenure with age limit
    • Nodal authority for whistleblower protection
    [2025] Consider the following statements about Lokpal: 

    I. The power of Lokpal applies to public servants of India, but not to the Indian public servants posted outside India

    II. The Chairperson or a Member shall not be a Member of the Parliament or a Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory, and only the Chief Justice of India, whether incumbent or retired, has to be its Chairperson

    III. The Chairperson or a Member shall not be a person of less than forty-five years of age on the date of assuming office

    IV. Lokpal cannot inquire into the allegations of corruption against a sitting Prime Minister of India

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

    (a) III only (b) II and III (c) I and IV (d) None of the above statements is correct

  • PANKHUDI Portal  

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister launched PANKHUDI, an integrated digital portal to improve ease of living for women and children by streamlining CSR and voluntary partnerships.

    About PANKHUDI Portal

    • A single window integrated digital platform
    • Facilitates CSR and voluntary contributions for women and child development
    • Enables transparent funding, proposal tracking, and outcome monitoring
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development

    Objectives

    • Strengthen coordination among government, citizens, NRIs, NGOs, and corporates
    • Improve transparency and accountability in social investments
    • Enhance service delivery and outcomes for women and children nationwide

    Key Features

    Unified CSR Interface

    • Single platform for individuals, NRIs, NGOs, corporates, and government agencies
    • Simplifies collaboration with government programmes
    • Priority Focus Areas: Nutrition, Health, Early Childhood Care and Education,Child welfare and protection, Women’s safety and empowerment

    Support to Flagship Missions

    • Digitally strengthens
      • Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0
      • Mission Vatsalya
      • Mission Shakti

    End-to-End Transparency

    • Online registration and proposal submission
    • Digital approvals and real time monitoring
    • Non cash contributions only to ensure traceability

    Scale of Impact

    • Covers more than 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres
    • Around 5,000 Child Care Institutions
    • Nearly 800 One Stop Centres
    • About 500 Shakhi Niwas
    • Around 400 Shakti Sadan

    Significance

    • Reduces procedural friction in government partnerships
    • Enhances monitoring and convergence of welfare schemes
    • Improves measurable impact of CSR and voluntary funding
    • Strengthens digital governance in social sector delivery

    Prelims Pointers

    • PANKHUDI is a CSR facilitation portal
    • Focused on women and child development
    • Operates through non cash contributions
    • Linked with major flagship missions
    [2024] With reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India, consider the following statements: 

    1. CSR rules specify that expenditures that benefit the company directly or its employees will not be considered as CSR activities. 

    2. CSR rules do not specify minimum spending on CSR activities. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

  • 79th Foundation Day of Bureau of Indian Standards 

    Why in the News?

    The 79th Foundation Day of the Bureau of Indian Standards was celebrated, where the Union Minister highlighted BIS’s transition from a regulatory role to a facilitative and enabling institution, aligned with ease of doing business and promotion of a quality culture.

    Bureau of Indian Standards

    • India’s National Standards Body
    • Responsible for standardisation, certification, hallmarking, and quality assurance
    • Protects consumer interests and enhances global competitiveness of Indian products

    Establishment and Legal Framework

    • Established in 1987
    • Came into force on 1 April 1987
    • Governed by the BIS Act, 2016
    • Headquarters at New Delhi

    Historical Evolution

    • 1947 Indian Standards Institution established
    • 1952 to 1956 ISI Certification Marks Scheme launched
    • 1987 ISI transformed into BIS with expanded mandate
    • 2016 BIS Act strengthened consumer participation and international alignment

    Significance

    • Strengthens quality infrastructure in India
    • Supports Make in India and export competitiveness
    • Promotes consumer safety and trust
    • Aligns Indian standards with global best practices

    Prelims Pointers

    • BIS is India’s national standards authority
    • ISI mark originated before BIS
    • BIS Act 2016 expanded consumer role
    • Hallmarking is mandatory for precious metals
    • Digital standardisation is a recent reform focus
    [2017] Consider the following statements: 

    1. The Standard Mark of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes

    2. AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

  • Onboarding of MTNL Pensioners onto SAMPANN  

    Why in the News?

    The Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA) has inaugurated the onboarding of all Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) pensioners onto the SAMPANN portal, marking a major step in modernizing pension administration under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

    About the MTNL Pensioners

    • The onboarding covers 45,939 MTNL pensioners from Delhi and Mumbai.
    • Includes both current retirees (November 2025) and past pensioners.
    • Event held at the Office of Principal CCA, Delhi.
    • Pensioners received E-PPOs (Electronic Pension Payment Orders) during the event.

    About SAMPANN

    System for Accounting and Management of Pension (SAMPANN)

    • A centralized, comprehensive telecom pension management platform of the DoT.
    • Enables fully digital processing of pension cases.

    Key Features of SAMPANN

    • Accurate, rule-based pension calculations.
    • Integrated case processing with end-to-end digital workflow.
    • PFMS-linked timely pension disbursements.
    • Multi-modal grievance redressal system.
    • Mobile app support (Android and iOS).
    • Real-time dashboards for monitoring and transparency.
    • Reduction of paperwork and delays.
    Consider the following statements: (2020)

    1. Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than three months. 

    2. State cannot enter into any contract with private corporations for sharing of Aadhaar data. 

    3. Aadhaar is mandatory for obtaining insurance products. 

    4. Aadhaar is mandatory for getting benefits funded out of the Consolidated Fund of India. 

    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct? 

    (a) 1 and 4 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 only

  • [8th December 2025] The Hindu OpED: Surveillance apps in welfare, snake oil for accountability

    UPSC RELEVANCE

    [UPSC 2023] E-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features?

    Linkage: This question links to GS-2 themes of e-governance, transparency, and accountability. The article’s examples of NMMS, Poshan Tracker, and PDS apps directly show how design flaws and exclusion hinder these very objectives.

    Mentor’s Comment

    Surveillance-driven governance is expanding rapidly across India’s welfare programmes. Mobile apps promising “real-time monitoring” and “perfect accountability” are being deployed at scale, often without adequate evidence, capacity, or safeguards. This article critically evaluates the growing reliance on tech fixes in welfare delivery. For UPSC aspirants, it offers an analytical understanding of digital governance, state capacity, accountability frameworks, and ethical concerns, key themes across GS-2 and GS-4.

    Introduction

    Digital tools entered India’s welfare architecture as instruments to modernise attendance, prevent leakages, and strengthen accountability. Over time, however, their use expanded without evaluating field conditions such as connectivity, device access, literacy, and administrative capacity. Surveillance apps have produced limited gains, created new exclusion risks, and shifted the burden of accountability onto frontline workers instead of programme designers and administrators.

    Why in the news

    Welfare programmes across India are increasingly mandating surveillance apps, ranging from biometric attendance to compulsory photo uploads, to improve accountability. But a series of recent failures, especially in schemes like the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) and the Poshan Tracker, has exposed deep flaws. For the first time, governments are publicly acknowledging that these apps are producing unreliable data, penalising genuine beneficiaries, and overburdening frontline workers.

    How did biometric attendance become a dominant tool in welfare programmes?

    1. Biometric punctuality enforcement: Introduced to ensure staff attendance; absenteeism led governments to mandate digital attendance, even threatening punitive action. Example: Block in Uttarakhand where nurses faced punishments for late biometric attendance.
    2. Competing administrative tasks: Conscientious officials stayed back late to complete computerised work, leading to poor next-day biometric compliance.
    3. Impact on health workers: In Rajasthan, RCT evidence showed biometric attendance increased absenteeism, not punctuality.
    4. MGNREGA experience: Wage expenditure tied to digital attendance meant workers paid for tasks they did not perform if supervisors manipulated records.

    Why did the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) generate controversy?

    1. Mandatory photo uploads: Required two geotagged photos daily; failure resulted in wages withheld.
    2. Unrealistic conditions: Poor connectivity in remote areas made uploads impossible.
    3. Limited deterrence of fraud: The app could not confirm whether workers were present all day; supervisors were still able to manipulate attendance.
    4. Excessive burden on workers: Workers anxious about upload deadlines; many were forced to return to worksites simply to capture photos.

    How did the Poshan Tracker create disruptions in nutrition schemes?

    1. Mandatory recognition technology: Ministry required Face Recognition Technology (FRT) for THR pack distribution to children and mothers.
    2. Connectivity problems: Anganwadi worker in Haryana, crowd waiting; app warning: “those who want to eat will continue”, meaning refusal impossible.
    3. Risk of exclusion: Adivasi worker unable to upload photos; THR packs denied to her centre’s beneficiaries.
    4. Extra documentation: Ministry insisted FRT photos must match recorded photographs, adding further layers of control.

    How did ration distribution apps worsen inclusion errors for vulnerable households?

    1. App-based authentication: Some States required biometric or photograph-based verification for the full ration quota.
    2. Penalties for errors: In Jharkhand, uploaded photo mismatch led to partial ration denial.
    3. Burden on elderly/disabled beneficiaries: Those unable to stand for photographs or travel to ration shops lost access entirely.

    Do tech fixes improve accountability in welfare implementation?

    1. Accountability diversion: Apps target frontline workers (anganwadi workers, nurses, teachers) instead of programme designers who control budgets and logistics.
    2. Narrow definition of accountability: Focus limited to procedural compliance rather than service quality.
    3. Over-reliance on automation: Governments assume apps can “prove” honesty or dishonesty; instead, structural gaps remain untouched.
    4. Manipulation persists: Despite apps, fraud, delays, and ghost entries continue, because the administrative ecosystem, not workers, drives corruption patterns.

    Limited effect of tech surveillance

    1. User rejection: Nurses in several states stopped using apps mandated by NHM due to technical and workload issues.
    2. False confidence in data: Administrators felt the ANA tool provided proof of malnutrition despite underlying measurement problems.
    3. Infrastructure mismatch: Apps needed smartphones, servers, data connectivity, conditions often absent in rural welfare ecosystems.
    4. Shifting blame: When NMMS and Poshan Tracker failed, ministries blamed “misuse” instead of app design flaws.

    Accountability Without Capacity: A Flawed Approach

    1. Fragmented accountability: Failures frequently attributed to workers; rarely to poor programme design.
    2. Blame-shifting: Ministries argued NMMS failures were due to workers manipulating apps.
    3. Overproduction of technology: Industries push surveillance apps and governments adopt them without field-testing.
    4. Cost to welfare: Data obsession overshadows quality of service delivery, including nutrition, health outreach, and ration reliability.

    Conclusion

    Surveillance apps in welfare promise transparency but frequently deliver exclusion, burden frontline workers, and create a false sense of accountability. The article shows that technological solutions, when applied without understanding field realities, act like “snake oil”, seductive yet ineffective. Real accountability requires strengthening administrative capacity, improving worker conditions, and focusing on welfare outcomes rather than digital compliance rituals.

  • What is Animal Birth Control (ABC) Program?

    Why in the News?

    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

     

  • India AI: Governance Guidelines

    Introduction

    Artificial Intelligence has evolved from an assistive tool to an autonomous decision-maker, influencing governance, economy, security, and social life. Recognizing both its potential and perils, the Government of India, through MeitY’s drafting committee (July 2025), released the India AI Governance Guidelines.It is  rooted in the vision of “AI for All”. The framework aims to foster inclusive growth, innovation, and ethical use of AI, ensuring that India’s AI journey is safe, transparent, and globally credible.

    Why in the News

    For the first time, India has articulated a unified, principle-based framework on AI governance, a techno-legal and institutional roadmap aligning AI with constitutional values and national priorities. It promotes voluntary frameworks over strict regulation marking a shift from restraint to responsible innovation.

    What are the Core Principles Guiding India’s AI Governance?

    1. Seven Sutras: Trust, People First, Innovation over Restraint, Fairness & Equity, Accountability, Understandable by Design, Safety, Resilience & Sustainability. These are adapted from the RBI’s FREE-AI Committee report and designed to be sector-neutral and technology-agnostic.
    2. Trust as Foundation: Builds confidence in AI systems by ensuring transparency, safety, and ethical use.
    3. People First: Emphasizes human oversight and empowerment, preventing machine dominance.
    4. Innovation over Restraint: Encourages experimentation with accountability, not prohibition.
    5. Fairness & Equity: Prevents algorithmic discrimination and digital exclusion.

    How Does the Framework Promote AI Development and Infrastructure?

    1. Compute Expansion: Over 38,000 GPUs made available to startups and researchers at subsidized rates.
    2. AIKosh Data Platform: Houses 1,500 datasets and 217 models from 20 sectors, ensuring data accessibility with privacy.
    3. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Combines Aadhaar, UPI, and Bhashini for scalable, low-cost AI deployment.
    4. MSME Enablement: AI-linked loans via SIDBI & Mudra, tax rebates for certified AI adoption, and starter packs for sectors like textiles and logistics.

    How Does India Address Risk and Regulation in AI?

    1. Balanced Regulation: No separate AI law yet existing laws (IT Act, DPDP Act, Copyright Act, etc.) govern AI harms.
    2. Key Risk Areas: Deepfakes, data poisoning, discrimination, loss of control, national security threats.
    3. India-specific Risk Framework: Classifies harms empirically and promotes voluntary, proportionate compliance.
    4. Content Authentication: Suggests watermarking and provenance tools aligned with global C2PA standards.

    How Will Institutions Enforce AI Safety and Accountability?

    1. AI Governance Group (AIGG): Apex inter-ministerial body chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser, coordinating AI policy across ministries.
    2. Technology & Policy Expert Committee (TPEC): Offers domain expertise on law, data, security, and governance.
    3. AI Safety Institute (AISI): Anchors technical safety, risk research, and international collaborations like the Global Network of AI Safety Institutes.
    4. Accountability Measures:
      • Graded Liability System based on role and risk.
      • Transparency Reports, Grievance Redressal Systems, Peer Monitoring, and Self-certifications for compliance.

    What is India’s Global and Long-term Vision for AI Governance?

    1. Foresight & Diplomacy: Positions India as a voice of the Global South in AI governance debates (G20, UN, OECD).
    2. AI Incident Reporting System: Centralised database tracking AI harms for national security and regulatory learning.
    3. Techno-Legal Architecture: Concepts like DEPA for AI Training embed consent and privacy by design.
    4. Action Plan:
      • Short-term: Build institutions and awareness.
      • Medium-term: Develop standards, risk frameworks, and legal clarity.
      • Long-term: Evolve global leadership and adaptive legal frameworks.

    Conclusion

    India’s AI Governance Guidelines represent a paradigm shift from regulation to enablement, balancing innovation with public trust. By rooting governance in human values, institutional cooperation, and digital infrastructure, India positions itself as a responsible AI power, one that prioritizes inclusivity, transparency, and resilience. The framework sets a precedent for the Global South, reflecting India’s vision of “AI for All, AI for Good”.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2023] e-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features?

    Linkage: The AI Governance Guidelines integrate e-governance and AI to improve transparency, accountability, and citizen-centricity. This addresses the same governance challenges this question targets.