💥UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (May Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

    Mumps Vaccine

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine

    Why in the News?

    Tamil Nadu Government has requested the Centre to consider including the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) due to surge in the Mumps cases across the State.

    Tamil Nadu’s UIP currently offers 11 vaccines protecting against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, including:

    • Tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenzae, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, rubella, rota virus, pneumococcal, and Japanese encephalitis (in 14 endemic districts).
    • The Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine was added to the UIP in April 2017, but mumps is yet to be included.

    About Mumps Disease

    • Mumps is a contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus, primarily affecting the salivary glands, leading to swelling near the ears (parotitis), fever, headache, and muscle aches.
    • It spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with saliva.
    • While often mild, complications can include orchitis (testicular inflammation), oophoritis (ovarian inflammation), encephalitis, or hearing loss.
    • There is no specific treatment, but supportive care like rest, hydration, and pain management helps.
    • Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the best prevention, offering 78–88% protection.

    Which free immunised diseases are provided under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)?

    • The UIP was launched in 1985 and became part of the National Health Mission in 2005 to provide free vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases for children and pregnant women.
    • The programme now covers 12 diseases, including tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, pertussis, measles, rubella, hepatitis B, pneumonia, rotavirus gastroenteritis, and Japanese encephalitis.
    • Key vaccines added over the years include Hepatitis B (2007), Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (2017), Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), and Measles-Rubella Vaccine.
    • The entire cost of vaccines is covered by the Government of India, funded through taxes, with an annual budget of ₹7,234 crore (US$870 million) as of 2022.
    • The programme covers all residents of India, including foreign residents, ensuring nationwide access to life-saving vaccines.
    • 4 new vaccines have been introduced, including the Adult Japanese Encephalitis vaccine and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine, to address emerging health challenges.

    Note:

    Mission Indradhanush is a health initiative launched by the Government of India on 25 December 2014 by Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda. The mission aims to achieve 90% full immunization coverage in India by 2022, targeting vaccination against eight major vaccine-preventable diseases:

    • Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Childhood Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and Meningitis & Pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenza type B.
      Additionally, it covers Rotavirus Diarrhea and Japanese Encephalitis in specific states and districts.

    The mission targets 201 districts in its first phase, focusing on areas with the highest number of unvaccinated children, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. The approach follows similar planning and administration as the Pulse Polio Immunisation (PPI) program.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016]  ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to:

    (a) Immunization of children and pregnant women.

    (b) Construction of smart cities across the country.

    (c) India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space.

    (d) New Educational Policy.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Roads, Highways, Cargo, Air-Cargo and Logistics infrastructure – Bharatmala, LEEP, SetuBharatam, etc.

    India’s First Bio-Bitumen National Highway Inaugurated

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Bio-Bitumen

    Why in the News?

    India’s first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch was inaugurated on NH-44 in Mansar, Nagpur, Maharashtra by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

    About Bio-Bitumen

    • Bio-bitumen is a bio-based binder derived from renewable, sustainable sources such as: Vegetable oils, Crop stubble, Algae, Lignin (a component of wood), Animal manure.
    • It serves as an alternative to traditional bitumen, which is primarily derived from the distillation of crude oil.
    • The production of bio-bitumen reduces dependence on petroleum and is a step toward sustainable road construction and infrastructure development.

    Significance and Features of Bio-Bitumen:

    • Bio-bitumen reduces the carbon footprint associated with the traditional bitumen production process.
    • By using renewable sources such as lignin (a byproduct of wood), it helps mitigate environmental concerns like stubble burning and contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions, potentially by as much as 70% compared to fossil-based bitumen.
    • India, which heavily imports traditional bitumen, can reduce its import dependency by switching to bio-bitumen made from locally available materials.
    • The use of bio-bitumen stimulates bio-refineries, creating opportunities for revenue generation and providing economic benefits to farmers and the bio-refining industry.

    India’s Bitumen Scenario:

    • India imports around 50% of its total annual bitumen requirements, which amounted to 3.21 million tonnes in FY 2023-24.
    • The country produced 5.24 million tonnes of bitumen in the same period.
    • India’s bitumen consumption has been steadily increasing, averaging 7.7 million tonnes annually over the past five years.
    • In 2023-24, India constructed around 12,300 km of national highways, averaging nearly 34 km per day.

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    Google’s GenCast AI

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: GenCast

    Why in the News?

    Google DeepMind has unveiled its revolutionary GenCast AI model, designed to predict the weather more accurately and farther in advance than current forecasting tools.

    About GenCast:

    What is it?
    • GenCast is an AI-based weather forecasting model developed by Google DeepMind.
    • It uses machine learning techniques for more accurate and long-term predictions compared to traditional models.
    • Unlike traditional numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, GenCast uses an ensemble of AI-generated forecasts, trained on 40 years of reanalysis data.
    • Outperforms traditional tools in predicting extreme weather, tropical cyclones, and wind power production.
    How GenCast Works
    • Trained on 40 years of reanalysis data (1979–2019), blending historical data and modern forecasts.
    • It is powered by a neural network with 41,162 nodes and 240,000 edges, where nodes process data and edges connect them.
    • A diffusion model that refines noisy data in 30 steps to improve forecast accuracy.
    • It generates about 50 forecasts at once, providing probabilistic predictions (e.g., likelihood of rain, not exact amounts).
    • Generates forecasts in 8 minutes using a single TPU v5 unit, much faster than traditional NWP models, which take hours.
    Significance of GenCast
    • Outperforms ECMWF ensemble forecasts on 97.2% of targets, especially for extreme weather predictions.
    • Provides longer-term forecasts for up to 15 days, with spatial resolution of 0.25° x 0.25° and 12-hour intervals.
    • Offers probabilistic forecasts to help better prepare for extreme weather.
    • Faster processing than traditional models, reducing forecast time from hours to minutes.
    • Sustainability and scalability allow the model to be expanded to other areas of weather prediction.
    • Google collaborates with weather agencies to enhance AI forecasting methods while recognizing the importance of traditional models.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Telecom and Postal Sector – Spectrum Allocation, Call Drops, Predatory Pricing, etc

    What are the new Interception Rules and Safeguards?

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Interception Rules and Safeguards

    Why in the News?

    The Centre has introduced the Telecommunications (Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024, replacing Rule 419A of the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951, allowing certain agencies to intercept phone messages under specific conditions.

    About the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951

    • The Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951 are a set of regulations that govern the establishment, maintenance, and operation of telecommunication services in India.
    • These rules were framed under the provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, which is a key legislation that grants the government authority to regulate telecommunication networks in India.
    • The rules cover various aspects of telecommunication, such as:
    1. The process for obtaining telecommunication licenses.
    2. The rights and obligations of telecommunication service providers.
    3. The use of telecommunication networks for government purposes.
    4. Provisions for the lawful interception and monitoring of communication for security, investigation, and public interest reasons (Rule 419A).

    What do the new Telecommunications (Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024 state?

    1. Authorization for interception:
      • The Union Home Secretary and the Secretary to the State government in charge of the Home Department can authorize interception orders.
      • An officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary may issue interception orders in unavoidable circumstances (the circumstances are not specified).
    2. Remote areas/operational reasons:
      • In remote areas, or for operational reasons, the head or second senior-most officer of the authorized agency (at central and state levels) can issue orders.
      • These orders must be confirmed by the competent authority within seven days.
      • If not confirmed, the interception ceases and the data cannot be used for any purpose, including court evidence.
    3. Destruction of records:
      • Interception records must be destroyed every six months by the authorized agency and review committee, unless required for functional purposes or court directions.

    Will it override Rule 419A of the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951?

    • Yes, Rule 419A is replaced with these new rules, introducing changes in the conditions and procedures for interception.
    • Previously, interception was allowed only in emergent cases.
      • The new rules broaden this to include situations where it is not feasible to obtain prior orders in remote areas or due to operational reasons.
    • Under Rule 419A, there was no limit to the number of IGP-rank officers at the State level who could be authorized for interception.
    • The new rules allow only the head and second senior-most officer of the authorized agency at the state level to issue orders.
      • If the order is not confirmed within seven days, any intercepted messages cannot be used for any purposes, including court evidence.

    PYQ:

    [2021] ‘Right to Privacy’ is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India?

    (a) Article 19
    (b) Article 20
    (c) Article 21
    (d) Article 29

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    What is Starlink?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Starlink Project

    Why in the News?

    Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, denied claims that militants in Manipur (India) were using his Starlink satellite internet technology after the Indian Army and police seized Starlink devices alongside weapons.

    Starlink’s involvement in Terrorism:

    • The Indian Army shared photos showing weapons and what seemed to be Starlink devices seized in Manipur. The equipment was marked with “RPF/PLA,” referring to a militant group.
    • This discovery raised concerns over the potential bypass of geographic restrictions by non-state actors.
    • Musk denied the allegations, explaining that Starlink services were not operational in India, despite the devices being found in the region.

    What is Starlink?

    • Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, designed to provide broadband internet via a network of low Earth orbit satellites.
    • Satellites are launched ensuring low latency and high-speed connections compared to traditional satellite internet.
    • Starlink uses a large constellation of satellites, each equipped with phased array antennas and parabolic antennas to boost capacity.
    • SpaceX has plans to launch 42,000 satellites, which will create a mega-constellation to provide global coverage.

    Does Starlink have regulatory approval in India?

    • Starlink does not yet have regulatory approval in India.
    • India’s regulatory framework restricts the use of foreign satellite communication services, especially for non-commercial purposes.
    • Starlink is however operational in more than 60 countries, including neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan (where it plans to start operations in 2025).

    PYQ:

    [2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development?

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Surrogacy in India

    Challenges of Posthumous Assisted Reproduction (PAR)

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Posthumous Assisted Reproduction

    Why in the News?

    On October 4, 2024, the Delhi High Court allowed the parents of a deceased man to use his frozen semen for posthumous reproduction. The court cited a similar 2018 case in Germany and noted that the ART Act, 2021, doesn’t specifically address such situations.

    What is Posthumous Assisted Reproduction (PAR)?

    • Posthumous reproduction refers to the use of reproductive material (such as sperm or eggs) from a deceased individual to conceive a child after their death.
    • This can include posthumous sperm retrieval, where sperm is collected from a deceased man (typically through medical procedures shortly after death) for future use in assisted reproductive technologies, like in vitro fertilization (IVF).

    What does the Law says in India?

    • The Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, 2021 governs all fertility treatments and artificial insemination procedures.
    • The ART Rules, 2022 specify guidelines for posthumous sperm retrieval, but only in cases where the deceased was married, and the surviving spouse is the one requesting the retrieval.
      1. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) rejected the parents’ request, clarifying that the law does not apply to “post-mortem grandparenthood.”
    • The Surrogacy Regulation Act applies exclusively to married couples or women with medical needs for surrogacy and does not include grandparents as “intending grandparents.”

    Challenges posed by Posthumous Assisted Reproduction (PAR):

    PAR presents several legal, ethical, and social challenges:

    • Legal Issues: There’s a lack of clear laws governing the use of gametes after death, especially regarding consent from the deceased and questions about parentage and inheritance. The absence of specific regulations makes it difficult to establish who holds parental rights.
    • Ethical Concerns: Issues include the morality of using a deceased person’s genetic material, the commodification of human tissue, and concerns about grandparenthood. The emotional and ethical implications for surviving family members also come into play.
    • Social and Psychological Issues: Children born through PAR may face challenges related to knowing their deceased parent, and surviving partners may struggle with grief or guilt. Disputes over the deceased’s wishes can complicate family dynamics.
    • Biological Considerations: The long-term storage of gametes can lead to degradation, affecting the quality of embryos or sperm. Preserving genetic material for extended periods also presents technical challenges.
    • Cultural and Religious Concerns: Different cultures and religions may oppose posthumous reproduction, viewing it as morally or spiritually problematic.
    • Access and Equity: PAR can be expensive and may raise issues of access and commercialization, potentially leading to exploitation or unequal access to these technologies.

    PYQ:

    [2021] In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements: 

    1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of egg.

    2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from mother and not from father.

    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

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    What are Hydrothermal Vents?

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Hydrothermal Vents

    Why in the News?

    • Indian oceanographers have captured the first-ever image of an active hydrothermal vent located 4,500 metres below the surface of the Indian Ocean.
      • This discovery is part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, with a total outlay of ₹4,000 crore.

    What are Hydrothermal Vents?

    • Hydrothermal vents are typically found near tectonic plates, where cold water (about 2°C) near the ocean floor mixes with magma, leading to superheated water (up to 370°C) that emerges through chimneys.
    • These vents release mineral-rich plumes, including metals like copper, zinc, gold, silver, platinum, iron, cobalt, and nickel, making them significant for mineral exploration.

    Mineral Potential of Hydrothermal Vents:

    • Hydrothermal vent deposits are rich in valuable minerals such as copper, zinc, gold, silver, and nickel, which are highly sought after for various industries.
    • These vents can remain active for periods ranging from a few hundred years to 30,000 years, making them long-lasting and crucial for mineral exploration.
    • Scientists at NCPOR, confirmed that the image showed an active vent chimney with black smokers, and signs of chemosynthetic organisms thriving in this extreme environment.
      • This discovery enhances India’s Deep Ocean Mission, particularly the Samudrayaan mission, which focuses on mineral exploration from inactive hydrothermal vents.

    About the Hydrothermal Exploration Programme by NCPOR:

    Details
    • A scientific initiative by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) to explore hydrothermal vents in the Indian Ocean, focusing on the Central and Southwest Indian Ridges.
    • Aimed at mineral exploration and studying ecosystems around hydrothermal vents.
    Aims and Objectives
    • Locate and Study Hydrothermal Vents: Identify active vents with minerals like copper, zinc, gold, and nickel.
    • Mineral Exploration: Part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission, aiming at valuable mineral exploration such as cobalt and platinum.
    • Biodiversity Studies: Understand chemosynthetic organisms that thrive in extreme conditions of the vents.
    Key Features of the Programme
    • Geophysical Surveys: Conducted since 2012 to detect temperature anomalies and turbidity in the water columns for locating vent fields.
    • Use of Advanced Technology: Utilizes Automatic Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and high-resolution imaging.
    • Collaborations: Partners with the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) for exploration in the Southern Indian Ocean.

     

    About the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM):

    • DOM is an ambitious initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) approved in 2021 to develop technologies for deep-sea exploration.
    • Part of the 9 missions under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).

    Important updates in DOM:

    • Samudrayaan and Matsya6000:
      • Launched in 2021 under DOM, Samudrayaan is India’s flagship crewed expedition to reach a depth of 6,000 m in the Central Indian Ocean.
      • The mission will utilize Matsya6000, a deep-ocean submersible designed for a three-member crew.
        • Construction: Made from titanium alloy to endure pressures up to 6,000 bar.

    India’s Ocean Exploration Milestones:

    • 1981: Ocean studies began with a program on polymetallic nodules (PMN) initiated at CSIR-NIO, marked by the collection of the first nodule sample from the Arabian Sea aboard the research vessel Gaveshani.
    • 1987: India became the first country to receive Pioneer Investor status from the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
      • Allocated 1.5 lakh km² in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) for nodule exploration, based on extensive surveys by CSIR-NIO.
    • 2002: India signed a contract with the ISA; after resource analysis, surrendered 50% of the allotted area, retaining 75,000 km².
    • Further studies narrowed the mining area to 18,000 km², identified as the First Generation Mine-site.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
    2. India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters
    3. ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on the seafloor in international waters.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Manipur Crisis

    What is Protected Area Regime (PAR)?

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: External State & Non-State Actors: Challenges To Internal Security.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Protected Area Regime (PAR)

    Why in the News?

    • The Manipur government has announced that the Central government has re-imposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland, all of which share borders with Myanmar.
      • The reimposition of the PAR comes after 13 years of relaxation and is aimed at addressing security concerns, primarily the alleged illegal immigration from Myanmar.

    What is the Protected Area Regime (PAR)?

    Details
    • Introduced under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, which is part of the Foreigners Act, 1946.
    • The regime was created to regulate the movement of foreigners in sensitive areas near international borders.
    • It applies to regions between the Inner Line and the International Border, primarily areas close to Myanmar in these states.

    Objectives: To ensure national security by restricting foreign nationals’ access to sensitive regions.

    Implications:  

    • For Foreign Visitors: Special permits and approvals required, potentially discouraging tourism.
    • Impact on Tourism and Development: Could slow international tourism and investments, reversing earlier benefits.
    • Enhanced Security: Allows tighter control over foreign movements, addressing illegal migration.
    • Border Control: Strengthens border management, reducing unauthorized cross-border activities.
    Areas Covered
    • Pre-2010: Applied to all of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
    • 2010 Relaxation: The regime was relaxed for Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland, allowing foreigners to visit these areas without special permits.
    • 2024 Reimposition: The regime has been reimposed in these states, particularly due to security concerns related to illegal immigration and border management.
    Structural Mandate 
    • Mandate: Foreign nationals must apply for a Protected Area Permit (PAP) through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) or state authorities to enter these areas.
    • Implementation: The PAPs specify the duration of stay and movement routes. Unauthorized extension or deviation from routes is prohibited. The system is managed under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
    • Exemptions: Some countries may have exemptions, and Indian citizens generally do not need PAPs to travel in these areas.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • NITI Aayog’s Assessment

    Niti Aayog moots policy measures to develop workers’ accommodation around factories

    Prelims Only | Governance | : Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: SAFE Initiative

    Why in the News?

    NITI Aayog has proposed a set of policy interventions to enable the creation of mega workers’ accommodations near factories under its initiative called S.A.F.E (Site Adjacent Factory Employee) Accommodation-Worker Housing for Manufacturing Growth.

    About the S.A.F.E. (Site Adjacent Factory Employee) Initiative

    Overview
    • S.A.F.E. initiative by NITI Aayog aims to provide affordable dormitory-style housing for workers near industrial areas, especially migrant laborers, including women.
      • The housing will include essential amenities like water, electricity, and sanitation, improving workers’ living conditions and enhancing productivity.
    Key Features
    • Location: Housing will be near industrial hubs to minimize commute time.
    • Basic Amenities: Includes water, electricity, and sanitation.
    • Ownership: Non-transferable accommodations, strictly for worker use, ensuring worker welfare.
    Significance
    • Worker Welfare: Improves living standards and promotes gender inclusivity.
    • Productivity: Reduces commute time, enhancing productivity and reducing attrition.
    • Economic Growth: Attracts global investors and supports India’s manufacturing growth target of 25% GDP by 2047.
    Key Recommendations
    • Tax & GST Benefits: Reclassification for tax exemptions to make the initiative financially viable.
    • Zoning Laws: Amendments for mixed-use developments to integrate worker housing.
    • Viability Gap Funding (VGF): 30%-40% of project cost for financial support.
    • Environmental Clearances: Streamlining for faster approvals.
    • Financial Support: Public-private partnerships for development and management.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Should legislatures in India have fixed tenures?

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Issues related to election;

    Why in the News?

    The 129th Constitution Amendment Bill, 2024, mandates fixed five-year Lok Sabha terms, aligning State Assembly elections, with mid-term polls serving only the remainder of the five-year tenure if dissolved.

    Do fixed legislative tenures promote better governance?

    • Potential for Improved Stability: Fixed tenures can provide a stable political environment, reducing frequent electoral disruptions that may hinder long-term governance plans.
    • Governance Challenges: However, Achary argues that while fixed terms might seem beneficial, they could lead to governance issues if political instability arises, as seen in states where mid-term elections are necessary due to governmental collapse.

    Note: 

    • Fixed Legislative Tenure refers to predetermined, non-variable terms for legislatures, ensuring elections occur at set intervals, and enhancing stability.
    • Mid-term polls are elections held before the scheduled end of a legislative term, usually triggered by government collapse or dissolution.

    How would fixed tenures impact the accountability of elected officials?

    • Increased Accountability: Frequent elections are believed to enhance political accountability since representatives must consistently engage with their electorate. Achary emphasises that regular electoral cycles compel politicians to remain responsive to public needs.
    • Mid-Term Elections as a Safety Valve: Allowing mid-term elections maintains accountability within the legislative framework, ensuring that elected officials remain answerable to their constituents even if they face political challenges during their term.

    What are some learnings from the Western world?

    • Lessons from the UK: The UK’s Fixed-term Parliaments Act of 2011 was meant to set fixed terms for its Parliament but caused problems like policy delays and constitutional issues.
      • It was eventually repealed. India’s plan is different because it allows mid-term elections, where new governments serve only the remaining term, not a full fixed term.
    • Lessons from Germany: The Constructive Vote of No Confidence in Germany mandates the selection of a new leader before the current one is removed, ensuring stability. However, this approach is not well-suited to India’s political system and has not gained significant support.

    What challenges might arise from implementing fixed tenures in the Indian political context?

    • Erosion of Federalism: Aligning State Assembly tenures with those of the Lok Sabha could weaken federalism by reducing the autonomy of state legislatures. This may result in premature dissolutions and disruptions in local governance.
    • Political Instability Risks: The bill’s provision for shorter tenures following mid-term elections could result in significant instability. If a government collapses mid-term, the resultant Lok Sabha might only serve for about a year, which is seen as undesirable by Madhavan.
    • Potential for Increased Political Maneuvering: There is doubt about whether fixed tenures can effectively deter practices like horse trading or efforts to destabilize governments. While the bill aims to address such issues, its success is uncertain.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Federalism: Ensure state legislatures retain autonomy by allowing flexibility in election cycles and minimizing central influence on state governance.
    • Mitigate Political Instability: Introduce safeguards like stricter anti-defection laws and robust mechanisms to address mid-term government collapses while maintaining accountability.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2017)

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor