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Type: Prelims Only

  • Air Pollution

    Secondary Pollutants constitute up to third of PM2.5 Pollution

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    A recent study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) highlights that secondary pollutants, particularly ammonium sulphate, are responsible for nearly one-third of India’s PM2.5 pollution.

    What are Primary Air Pollutants?

    • Definition: Primary air pollutants are directly released into the atmosphere from specific sources like vehicles, coal plants, industries, and biomass burning.
    • Natural and Man-made Origins: They arise from both natural events, such as dust storms, and human activities like fuel combustion.
    • Key Examples:
      • Carbon monoxide (CO) – from incomplete fuel combustion in vehicles and stoves.
      • Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) – from burning sulphur-rich coal, especially in power plants.
      • Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) – from high-temperature fuel combustion in vehicles and factories.
      • Particulate Matter (PM) – includes soot, dust, smoke, and other visible particles.
      • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – released from fuel fumes and industrial solvents.
    • Impact: These pollutants are immediately harmful to health and easier to trace to their sources.

    About Secondary Air Pollutants:

    • Definition: Secondary pollutants form in the atmosphere through chemical reactions involving primary pollutants and environmental agents like sunlight and water vapour.
    • Formation Factors: Their creation depends on weather, sunlight, and existing pollutants, making them more complex.
    • Key Examples:
      • Ammonium sulphate and nitrate – from SO₂ and NH₃ reacting in the air.
      • Ground-level ozone (O₃) – formed when NOₓ and VOCs react under sunlight.
      • Acid rain components – such as sulfuric and nitric acids.
      • Photochemical smog – a mix of toxic secondary pollutants in urban air.
    • Impact: They contribute heavily to PM2.5 pollution and have long-lasting, widespread effects.

    Highlights from CREA’s Study:

    • Ammonium Sulphate Share: This secondary pollutant accounts for 34% of India’s PM2.5, averaging 11.9 μg/m³ nationwide.
    • Source Link: It forms from SO₂ (mainly from coal plants) reacting with ammonia from fertilisers and waste.
    • FGD Compliance: Only 8% of India’s coal plants have installed flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) units, despite regulations.
    • High Exposure Zones: Within 10 km of coal plants, ammonium sulphate levels are 2.5 times higher than in distant areas.
    • NCAP City Impact: In 130 cities, it contributes 20–43% of PM2.5; in 114 cities, the share exceeds 30%.
    • Other Contributors: Ammonium nitrate and similar secondary compounds form up to 50% of PM2.5 in many places.
    • Policy Suggestions: The study urges rapid FGD rollout, fertiliser reform, and strict pollution control enforcement.
    [UPSC 2013] Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among-

    Options: (a) NO 2 , O 3 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight * (b) CO 2 , O 2 , and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight (c) CO, CO 2 , and NO 2 at low temperature (d) high concentration of NO 2 , O 3 and CO in the evening

     

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Botrytis Fungus and Wine-Making

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: S&T – Applications In Everyday Life

    Why in the News?

    Scientists have found that Botrytis cinerea, the fungus used in high-end sweet wines, cannot be cloned because none of its nuclei carry a full set of chromosomes, a rare genetic trait among fungi.

    About Botrytis Fungus:

    • Overview: Botrytis cinerea, also called noble rot, is a fungus that infects ripe grapes and causes them to shrivel while concentrating sugar and flavour.
    • Fungal Classification: It belongs to the ascomycetes group and produces spores in sac-like structures known as asci, each containing eight ascospores.
    • Role in Winemaking: Under controlled vineyard conditions, Botrytis infection is desirable, as it enhances the sweetness and aroma of wine.
    • How is Wine Made Using It?
      • Effect on Grapes: The fungus dehydrates the grapes, which increases the sugar content and concentrates flavours naturally.
      • Harvesting Method: Grapes affected by Botrytis are hand-harvested, making the process labour-intensive and expensive.
      • Wine Varieties Produced: It is used to produce premium dessert wines such as Sauternes (France), Tokaji Aszú (Hungary), and Trockenbeerenauslese (Germany), known for their complex flavours and high value.

    Significance of Recent Findings:

    • Cloning Discovery: A recent study in Science found that Botrytis cannot be cloned, as no single nucleus contains a full set of chromosomes.
    • Unique Genome Structure: The chromosomes are distributed across multiple nuclei, which is unprecedented in any known fungus, animal, or plant.
    • Scientific Impact: This challenges conventional genetics and may lead to new insights in genome organisation and fungal evolution.
    • Dual Importance: Botrytis is now seen not only as a key player in winemaking but also as a genetic curiosity in modern science.
    [UPSC 2009] In the context of alternative sources of energy, ethanol as a viable bio-fuel can be obtained from:

    (a) Potato (b) Rice (c) Sugarcane* (d) Wheat

     

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  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    National Statistics Day

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News?

    June 29 is observed annually as National Statistics Day in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, hailed as the Father of Indian Statistics.

    About National Statistics Day:

    • Purpose: National Statistics Day is observed on June 29 each year to commemorate the birth anniversary of P.C. Mahalanobis and highlight the value of statistics in national development.
    • First Observance: It was first celebrated in 2007, following a government resolution to raise awareness about the role of statistics in socio-economic planning.
    • Objectives: It aims to emphasise the use of statistical tools in governance, policy-making, and development planning.
    • Organizers: Events are led by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI).
    • Annual Themes: Each year features a dedicated theme focusing on a statistical challenge or development goal.
    • Events and Outreach: Celebrations include seminars, exhibitions, competitions, and lectures across institutions.
    • Commemorative Status: Though not a public holiday, it is a nationally recognized observance.

    Who was P.C. Mahalanobis?

    • Background: He was born on June 29, 1893, in Kolkata, into a Brahmo Samaj family.
    • Education: He studied at Presidency College and later at King’s College, Cambridge.
    • Legacy Title: He is hailed as the Father of Modern Statistics in India and was known as “The Professor”.
    • Institution Builder: He founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) and helped set up India’s Planning Commission.
    • His Major Contributions:
      • National Sample Survey (NSS): Launched in 1950, it enabled the systematic collection of household data for policymaking.
      • Mahalanobis Distance: Introduced in 1936, it remains a widely used statistical tool for identifying outliers in data.
      • Applied Statistics: He applied statistical methods to flood control in Bengal and Odisha, offering cost-effective solutions.
      • Planning Vision: Mahalanobis played a key role in drafting the Second Five-Year Plan, focusing on industrialisation and state-led growth.
      • Academic Promotion: He started the journal Sankhya, modeled on Biometrika, to foster statistical research in India.
      • Infrastructure Vision: His early proposal led to the Hirakud Dam project, completed in 1957.
      • Balanced Approach: Though viewed as pro-Soviet during the Cold War, he was admired for his intellectual integrity.
    [UPSC 2016] A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of:

    (a) S. Ramanujan (b) S. Chandhrashekhar (c) S. N. Bose (d) C. V. Raman

     

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Bangladesh

    India to alter Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with Bangladesh

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood – Relations

    Why in the News?

    India is preparing to reassess and renegotiate the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with Bangladesh, which is set to expire in 2026, completing its 30-year term.

    About the Ganga Water Agreement (1996):

    • Signing: It was signed on December 12, 1996, by PM H. D. Deve Gowda (India) and PM Sheikh Hasina (Bangladesh) to share the Ganga’s dry season flow.
    • Purpose: It aimed to ensure water availability for irrigation, ecology, and navigation in both countries, especially at the Farakka Barrage, which diverts water to sustain the Kolkata Port.
    • Duration: It replaced earlier short-term deals and set a 30-year framework (1996–2026), with a renewal clause by mutual consent.

    Key Terms of the Agreement:

    • Lean Season Period: The treaty applies from January 1 to May 31, with water sharing calculated in 10-day intervals.
    • Sharing Formula at Farakka:
      • ≤ 70,000 cusecs: 50% each
      • 70,000–75,000 cusecs: India gets the remainder after Bangladesh gets 35,000
      • ≥ 75,000 cusecs: India gets 40,000; Bangladesh gets the balance
    • Alternate Sharing: From March 11 to May 10, both countries receive 35,000 cusecs alternately every three 10-day blocks.
    • No Minimum Guarantee: If flow falls below 50,000 cusecs, Article II allows for consultations and emergency adjustments.
    • Monitoring Mechanism: The Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) ensures implementation and dispute resolution.
    • Project Provisions: Both countries may construct water projects for irrigation and navigation.

    Why must India reconsider it?  

    • Treaty Expiry: The treaty ends in 2026, and India wants a revised pact to reflect current demands.
    • Rising Needs: India seeks an additional 30,000–35,000 cusecs due to:
      • Increased irrigation in West Bengal and other states
      • Siltation issues at Kolkata Port
      • Urban and industrial growth
    • Flexibility Concerns: Officials argue the treaty lacks provisions for climate variability and seasonal shortages.
    • State Support: West Bengal supports changes, citing inadequate current allocations.
    • Proposed Change: India may pursue a shorter, more flexible treaty, like its move on the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.

    Implications for Bangladesh:

    • Downstream Vulnerability: Bangladesh faces greater risk from reduced water flow.
    • Historical Shortfalls: Between 1997 and 2016, Bangladesh received less than its share 65% of the time.
    • Potential Consequences:
      • Increased salinity in rivers and farmland
      • Reduced water for fisheries, irrigation, and drinking
      • Navigation issues in the delta
    • Political Sensitivity: Many in Bangladesh already view the treaty as unfair, and further reduction may trigger domestic backlash.
    • Diplomatic Impact: A poorly negotiated outcome could strain India-Bangladesh ties, especially in water diplomacy and cross-border trust.
    [UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Baglihar Power Project had been constructed within the parameters of the Indus Water Treaty.

    2. The project was completely built by the Union Government with loans from Japan and the World Bank. 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

     

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  • Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

    ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ Words in Preamble

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Why in the News?

    A far-right leader has called for a public debate on the terms “socialist” and “secular” in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, arguing they were added undemocratically during the Emergency via the 42nd Amendment and now require re-evaluation.

    About the Preamble:

    • Overview: It is the introductory statement to the Constitution of India. It sets out the philosophy, vision, and objectives of the Constitution.
    • Origin: It is based on the Objectives Resolution introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru on December 13, 1946, and adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947.
    • Declaration made: It declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic and seeks to secure to all citizens:
      Justice (social, economic, political), Liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship), Equality (of status and opportunity), and Fraternity (assuring dignity and national unity).
    • Significance: It serves as a guiding light for interpreting the Constitution. N.A. Palkhivala called it the “Identity Card of the Constitution”, while K.M. Munshi described it as the “Political Horoscope” of India.
    • Key symbolism associated:
      1. Source of Authority – We, the People of India emphasizes that power originates from the people.
      2. Nature of Indian State – India is described as Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.

    Preamble

    Amendments to the Preamble:

    • Can the Preamble be amended: Yes, the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) held that the Preamble is part of the Constitution and can be amended, provided the Basic Structure Doctrine is not violated.
    • The Preamble has been amended only once in the history of the Constitution.
    • 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976:
      • Passed during the Emergency (1975-77) under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
      • Based on the recommendations of the Sardar Swaran Singh Committee.
    • Three words were added:
      • “Socialist” and “Secular” – inserted between “Sovereign” and “Democratic”.
      • “Integrity” – added to the phrase “Unity of the Nation” → changed to “Unity and Integrity of the Nation”.

    Why was it controversial?

    • It was passed during the Emergency, a time of suppressed democratic processes and curbed civil liberties.
    • Critics argue that the words were politically motivated and not part of the original constitutional vision.
    • Proponents argue that these values were already implicitly present in the Constitution, and the amendment merely made them explicit.

    Preamble as an integral part of the Constitution: Key Judgments

    • Berubari Union Case (1960):
      • The Supreme Court initially held that the Preamble is not a part of the Constitution.
      • It could be used to interpret ambiguous provisions but had no independent legal standing.
    • Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): The Court overruled the earlier view and held that:
      • The Preamble is a part of the Constitution.
      • It reflects the basic structure and essential philosophy of the Constitution.
      • However, it cannot be used to override specific provisions of the Constitution.
    • LIC of India Case (1995):
      • The Court reaffirmed that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution.
      • But it is not enforceable in a court of law—i.e., one cannot file a case solely based on a violation of the Preamble.
    [UPSC 2020] The Preamble to the Constitution of India is:

    Options: (a) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect (b) not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect either (c) part of the Constitution and has the same legal effect as any other part (d) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts

    [UPSC 2016] Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances stances? 

     

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  • International Day against Drug Abuse

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Important International Institutions

    Why in the News?

    June 26 is observed globally as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day.

    About the International Day Against Drug Abuse:

    • It is observed annually on June 26, following a declaration by the UN General Assembly on December 7, 1987.
    • The theme for 2025, “Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime,” highlights the need for tackling organized crime networks linked to drug trafficking and calls for long-term investment in justice, education, health care, and alternative livelihoods.
    • Events are held worldwide to raise awareness about the social, health, and legal impacts of drug abuse, with active participation from governments, NGOs, and citizens.
    • In India, efforts like the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan reflect the government’s zero-tolerance policy and people-centric approach to preventing drug addiction and trafficking.

    Key Highlights of the UNODC World Drug Report (2024-2025):

    • The latest World Drug Report by UNODC reveals that 292 million people globally were using drugs by 2022, marking a 20% increase in the last decade.
    • The report notes a worrying expansion of synthetic drug markets, especially methamphetamine and fentanyl-type opioids, and links them to organised crime groups.
    • It calls attention to youth vulnerability, mental health correlations, and gaps in treatment access, especially in low-income countries.

    Back2Basics: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

    • Overview: It was established in 1997 through the merger of the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention.
    • UN agency: It helps in tackling illicit drugs, organised crime, corruption, and terrorism.
    • Headquarters: It is located in Vienna, Austria.
    • Its core functions include:
      • Educating global populations about the dangers of drug abuse.
      • Assisting countries in ratifying and implementing international drug control treaties.
      • Strengthening criminal justice systems to promote the rule of law.
      • Supporting crime prevention, anti-corruption efforts, and terrorism prevention through technical and legal assistance.
    • Funding Mechanism: UNODC is voluntarily funded, mainly by governments, and works with partners worldwide to promote stable, secure, and just societies.

     

    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following activities:

    1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft

    2. Monitoring of precipitation

    3. Tracking the migration of animals

    In how many of the above activities can the radars be used?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) (c) All three (d) None

     

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    UP’s Salkhan Fossil Park makes it to UNESCO tentative list

    Prelims Only | Art and Culture | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News?

    Salkhan Fossil Park, also known as Sonbhadra Fossils Park, has been recently added to UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites.

    About Salkhan Fossil Park:

    • Location: It is located in Salkhan village, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh.
    • Fossil Significance: It is renowned for its stromatolite fossils, ancient layered structures formed by cyanobacteria through photosynthesis.
    • Age of Fossils: These fossils are estimated to be up to 1.4 billion years old, dating to the Mesoproterozoic era.
    • Scientific Value: Preserved in Bhander limestone of the Vindhyan Supergroup, the site is one of the world’s richest Proterozoic rock collections.
    • Significance:
      • Evolutionary Insights: The fossils offer key evidence of early microbial life and events like the Great Oxidation Event, helping us understand Earth’s early biosphere.
      • Ecological Context: It lies within the Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, enhancing its ecological and conservation value.

    Back2Basics: UNESCO’s Tentative List

    • Definition: It is a country’s inventory of sites proposed for future inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
    • Nomination Process: A site must be on the Tentative List for at least one year before formal nomination.
    • Evaluation Criteria: Sites are assessed for natural, cultural, or mixed heritage value, based on global significance.
    • India’s Status: As of June 2025, India has 63 sites on its Tentative List, spanning ecosystems, monuments, and landscapes.
    • Benefits of Inclusion: While not guaranteeing World Heritage status, inclusion raises awareness, improves funding, and strengthens conservation.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:

    1. Shantiniketan 2. Rani-ki-Vav 3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya

    How many of the above properties were included in 2023?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) Only three (d) All four

     

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Species in news: Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole)

    Prelims OnlySpecies | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    The elusive dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog, has been rediscovered in Assam’s Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL) after being thought locally extinct.

    About Dhole:

    • Overview: The dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog, is a carnivorous mammal from the Canidae family.
    • Habitat: Historically, dholes inhabited southern Russia, Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia but are now limited to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and China.
    • Clusters in India: In India, dholes are found mainly in the Western and Eastern Ghats, the Central Indian Landscape, and the Northeast.
    • Key States: According to a 2020 study, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh lead in dhole conservation efforts.
    • Social Behaviour: Dholes live in packs of up to 30 but may also hunt solo or in pairs depending on prey availability.
    • Ecological Role: As predators, dholes help regulate prey populations and maintain ecosystem balance.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Red List: Endangered
      • CITES: Appendix II (not necessarily threatened with extinction but may become so if trade is not closely controlled).
      • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II (considered important for conservation and are granted a high degree of protection).

    Back2Basics: Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL)

    • Geographic Spread: KKAL is located south of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, comprising Kaziranga National Park (KNP) and the Karbi Anglong Hills.
    • Ecological Importance: KNP is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, known for rich, unmodified ecosystems.
    • Wildlife Corridor: KKAL facilitates seasonal migration during Brahmaputra floods, supporting species movement and survival.
    • Flagship Species: The landscape hosts the world’s largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as Bengal tigers, elephants, swamp deer, and wild buffalo.
    • B2B Corridor: KKAL forms a vital link in the proposed Bhutan-to-Burma (B2B) Connected Landscape, a 1,400 km biodiversity corridor across northeast India.

     

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    [pib] Researchers validate Optical Properties of Teak Leaf Extracts

    PIBPrelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News?

    In a breakthrough, scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have found that teak leaf extract (Tectona grandis) could offer a natural, sustainable solution for laser protection.

    About Optical Properties of Teak Leaf:

    • Natural Composition: Teak leaves (Tectona grandis) contain natural compounds that can interact with strong laser light.
    • Laser Blocking Ability: These compounds can block harmful laser rays while allowing normal light to pass, making them suitable for selective light filtering.
    • Nonlinear Optics: This unique behaviour is called a nonlinear optical property, where a material responds differently to high-intensity light.
    • Linear vs Nonlinear: In linear optics, the material’s response is directly proportional to the light’s intensity. In nonlinear optics, the response becomes non-proportional, especially under laser exposure.

    Back2Basics: Teak as Timber in India

    • Teak (Tectona grandis) is a large deciduous hardwood tree native to India and Southeast Asia, mainly found in tropical dry and moist deciduous forests.
    • It is highly valued for its durable, strong, and water- and pest-resistant wood, making it the “King of Timbers”.
    • India manages 35% of the world’s planted teak forests, with major natural habitats in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
    • Teak is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List but is not under CITES; private plantations are crucial for meeting demand due to restrictions on commercial felling in government forests.
    • Green felling is prohibited in government forests under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and National Forest Policy, 1988, with timber supply to be met mainly from dead/diseased trees or private plantations.

    Recent Breakthrough:

    • New Discovery: Scientists discovered that teak leaf extract can function as a natural laser shield.
    • Protection Potential: The extract can block high-intensity laser beams, offering protection to human eyes and sensitive optical devices.
    • First of Its Kind: This marks the first known instance of a natural material exhibiting such laser-blocking properties.

    Significance for Humans:

    • Practical Applications: It can be used in laser safety goggles, optical sensors, and other light-sensitive technologies.
    • Safe Alternative: It offers a non-toxic, eco-friendly substitute to chemical-based laser protection materials.
    • Sustainability Impact: The use of plant-based materials supports cost reduction and promotes sustainable innovation in science and optics.
    [UPSC 2015] In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?

    Options: (a) Tropical moist deciduous forest* (b) Tropical rain forest (c) Tropical thorn scrub forest (d) Temperate Forest with grasslands

     

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  • Electoral Reforms In India

    Registered Unrecognized Political Parties

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Representation Of People’s Act

    Why in the News?

    The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the process to delist some Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) that have not contested a single election since 2019 and whose offices are untraceable.

    About Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs):

    • Definition: RUPPs are political parties that are registered with the Election Commission of India (ECI) but have not yet qualified as State or National Parties.
    • Electoral Status: These parties may be newly registered, may have contested elections but underperformed, or may have never contested at all.
    • Privileges:
      • Eligibility for election symbols under specific conditions.
      • Tax exemptions for donations under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
      • The ability to participate in elections under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

    How are Political Parties Registered?

    • Legal Basis: Registration is governed by Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
    • Requirements: Parties must submit an application with their constitution or memorandum to the ECI.
    • Declarations: The party must affirm adherence to the Constitution and commit to socialism, secularism, democracy, and national unity.
    • Benefits: Once registered, the party can contest elections, seek a common symbol, and receive legal financial support.

    Criteria for Recognition as a Political Party:

    • For State Party Recognition: A party must:
      • Win 6% of valid votes and 2 Assembly seats, or
      • Win 3% of Assembly seats or at least 3 seats, or
      • Win 1 Lok Sabha seat and 6% of valid votes in a general election from the state.
    • For National Party Recognition: A party must:
      • Be recognized as a State Party in 4 states, or
      • Win 2% of Lok Sabha seats (11 seats) from at least 3 states, or
      • Poll 6% of valid votes in 4 states and win 4 Lok Sabha seats.
    • Advantages of Recognition: Recognized parties get reserved symbols, broadcast time, campaign benefits, and can appoint more star campaigners.
    [UPSC 2001] Consider the following statements regarding the political parties in India:

    1. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 provides for the registration of political parties.

    2. Registration of political parties is carried out by the Election Commission.

    3. A national level political party is one which is recognised in four or more States.

    4. During the 1999 general elections, there were six National and 48 State level parties recognised by the Election Commission.

    Options: (a) I, II and IV (b) I and III (c) II and IV (d) I, II, III and IV*

     

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