Polity
Government Bodies
Welcome to the definitive UPSC study hub for Government Bodies, a cornerstone topic within the Indian Polity syllabus. In the context of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, "Government Bodies" refers
154 articles in this topic
Articles on Government Bodies
SC to ‘consider’ plea to revive NJAC: CJI
In News The Chief Justice of India (CJI) recently stated that the Supreme Court would consider a plea seeking to revive the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) and put an end to the existing Collegium System. What is NJAC? NJAC was envisaged as a constitutional body to handle appointments/transfers of judges to the higher judiciary (Supreme Court and High Courts).
Row over Selecting Head of Police Force in T.N.
Context Tamil Nadu has found itself in the middle of a controversy over the appointment of a regular Director-General of Police/Head of Police Force (DGP/HoPF). About For the first time in recent years, the State was unable to appoint a regular police chief in time to succeed the outgoing DGP. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had finalised a panel of three senior DGP-rank officers from the list forwarded by the State, the Tamil Nadu government rejected the panel.
NPSC Exam 2025: Recruitment Notification Out for 96 Posts, Apply Online
NPSC Exam 2025 Notification Out The Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) has officially released the NPSC Exam Recruitment 2025 Notification for 96 vacancies across various departments. The NPSC...
Supreme Court Panel Flags Massive Custodial Death Probe Delays
Context A Supreme Court panel has released a comprehensive report on prison reforms, revealing deep systemic gaps in the investigation of custodial deaths. Major Highlights Delays in custodial death probe: It highlighted severe delays in forensic examinations due to a 52% staff vacancy in state forensic labs. As a result, 1,237 enquiries into custodial deaths remained pending in district courts for over a year as of 2023.
Justice Surya Kant Becomes 53rd CJI
Context Recently, Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI), succeeding Justice BR Gavai. The oath of office was administered by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Justice Surya Kant: Career Highlights Born: In Hisar, Haryana (1962) Youngest Advocate General of Haryana (2000) Elevated as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court (2004) Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court (2018) Read More
National conference of chairpersons of State Public Service Commissions (PSCs)
In News The 2025 national conference of chairpersons of the State Public Service Commissions (PSCs) is being hosted by the Telangana State Public Service Commission on December 19 and 20. Historical Linkages Public Service Commissions (PSCs) in India emerged from the Independence struggle, rooted in the demand for merit-based civil services and self-rule. The Montagu-Chelmsford Report (1918) proposed a politically independent office, leading to the creation of the first Union PSC in 1926.
SC States it cannot Impose Timelines on President and Governors
Context The Supreme Court held that it cannot impose any timelines for decisions of the President and the governor on granting assent to Bills under Articles 200/201 of the constitution. Background Recently, the Supreme Court verdict laid down a timeline for the President and governors to decide on state bills. Reason: The Governor is not bound by any time limit to act on a Bill.
SC Strikes Down Some Provisions of Tribunals Reforms Act
Context The Supreme Court struck down several provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, which had earlier been introduced through the Tribunals Reforms Ordinance, 2021. Why the Supreme Court Struck Down These Provisions? Violation of Judicial Independence: The Act gave the executive a dominant role in the appointment and service conditions of tribunal members.
5th Audit Diwas
Context Recently, the Vice-President of India lauded the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) as the ‘guardian of the public purse’ during the 5th Audit Diwas celebration, commemorating the establishment and legacy of CAG. About Origins of India’s Audit Institution: The Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) of India is among Indias oldest governance bodies. Its origins date back to 1858, when a dedicated department led by an Accountant General was created.
National Press Day
In Context India celebrated National Press Day honouring the essential role of a free and responsible press in our society. About National Press Day observed on 16 November, marks the establishment of the Press Council of India (PCI) in 1966, later reconstituted in 1979 under new legislation. The idea for the Council was first proposed by the First Press Commission in 1956, which emphasized the need to protect press freedom and promote ethical reporting.
Massive Pendency of Execution Petitions in Lower Judiciary
Recent Supreme Court data reveals that over 8.82 lakh execution petitions are pending across district courts nationwide, 3.38 lakh new petitions were filed in just six months, calling the situation ‘highly disappointing’ and ‘alarming’.
Meghalaya Civil Service Exam 2025 – Notification, Eligibility, Important Dates & How to Apply
Email ID: helpdesk.mpsc-meg@gov.inWebsite: mpsc.meghalaya.gov.inAdvt. No.: 18/2025, Dated Shillong, 10 October 2025 On behalf of the Government of Meghalaya, the Meghalaya Public Service Commission...
71st BPSC Mains Exam Date 2025 – Complete Details, Schedule, and Preparation Guide
“What is 71st BPSC Mains Exam date 2025 ?” According to the latest official schedule and reliable sources, the 71st BPSC Mains Exam is expected in December 2025, following the Prelims examination,...
100 Years of UPSC : the guardian of meritocracy
Context The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) marks a century of its establishment on October 1. About Establishment:The Government of India Act, 1919, first provided for such a body, and in October 1926, the Public Service Commission was set up, following the recommendations of the Lee Commission (1924). Later named the Federal Public Service Commission (1937), it was renamed the Union Public Service Commission with the adoption of India’s Constitution on 26th January 1950.
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Released Crime in India 2023
In News Recently, the Crime in India 2023 report was published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Suggestions The Crime in India 2023 report highlights the urgent need for reforms in response to the evolving nature of crime, particularly in the digital space. Key policy recommendations include strengthening cybercrime infrastructure through investments in digital forensic labs and public awareness campaigns, improving reporting mechanisms with anonymous channels and victim support, and
Supreme Court Judge Flags Need for Performance Evaluation Mechanism for Judges
In News Recently, Supreme Court judge Justice Surya Kant emphasized the need for a performance evaluation system for judges with clear parameters to improve judicial efficiency. Present status India’s judiciary, though respected for its independence, is grappling with rising case backlogs and inconsistent performance. Justice Surya Kant has highlighted the urgent need for a structured performance evaluation system to enhance efficiency and rebuild public trust.
Pendency in Supreme Court Reaches All-Time High
Context The number of pending cases in the Supreme Court of India has surged to an all-time high, raising serious concerns about the efficiency, accessibility, and credibility of the judicial system. Current Caseload According to the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), the Supreme Court of India is witnessing an unprecedented rise in case pendency, with 88,492 matters currently awaiting disposal, that includes 69,605 civil cases and 18,887 criminal cases. It has grown by over 35% in the past fiv
Sushila Karki Sworn in as Nepal’s First Woman
In News Nepal President Ram Chandra Poudel appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country’s first woman Prime Minister. Background Nepal President dissolved Parliament announcing fresh elections for March 5, 2026. This decision followed intense Gen Z-led protests that ousted Prime Minister K.P.
France’s New Prime Minister Assumes Office Amidst Political Uncertainty
Context President Emmanuel Macron named close ally Sébastien Lecornu as the new French Prime Minister, a day after a confidence vote in parliament removed François Bayrou from the post. Background The French Constitution (1958): France operates under the Constitution of the Fifth Republic, drafted in 1958. It establishes a semi-presidential system, with power shared between the directly elected President and the appointed Prime Minister.
Governors Role as Guides and Philosophers to the States
Context Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, observed that Governors must act as “true guides and philosophers” to State governments. Supreme Court observation Governor’s role: The CJI emphasized that Governors are part of the legislature and share responsibility for ensuring governance functions smoothly.