Forest ServicesPolity
Government Policy
Welcome to the dedicated section on Government Policy, a cornerstone of your UPSC Civil Services Examination preparation, falling under the broader umbrella of Polity and Governance. In the Indian administrative context
361 articles in this topic
Articles on Government Policy
Kerala’s Urban Policy Commission(KUPC): Lessons for India
Context Recently, Kerala Cabinet decided to tackle the rapid urbanisation with the Kerala Urban Policy Commission (KUPC), in response to projections indicating that over 80% of Kerala will be urbanised by 2050, outpacing the countrys average. About the Kerala Urban Policy Commission (KUPC) It is India’s first State-level urban commission, was set up in December 2023, with a 25-year roadmap for reimagining cities as climate-aware, people-centred ecosystems.
Aadhaar Should Be Treated as Valid Proof for SIR Exercise: Supreme Court
Context Recently, the Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to accept Aadhaar as a valid identity document for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. About Aadhaar It was launched in 2009 and later given statutory backing through the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, passed as a Money Bill in Parliament. It empowered the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) unde
Frame Guidelines To Regulate Social Media
Context The Supreme Court urged the Union government to frame guidelines for regulating social media, noting that influencers often commercialise free speech in ways that may offend the sentiments of vulnerable groups. Way Ahead The focus of laws can be directed only on hate speech, incitement to violence, and deliberate misinformation. A transparent and independent oversight body can review the content takedown cases.
Supreme Court Order on Regulatory Assets of DISCOM
Context The Supreme Court recently directed the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) and distribution companies (DISCOMs) to clear their accumulated regulatory assets within a fixed timeframe. What are regulatory assets? Regulatory assets are the unrecoverable revenue gap due to the difference between the average cost of supply (ACS), the expense incurred by a DISCOM to deliver a unit of electricity to consumers, and the Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR).
India’s Maritime Reforms: A Call for Course Correction
Recent passage of the several bills and acts related to India’s maritime governance are intended to align India’s maritime framework with global standards, but carry significant concerns regarding federalism, ownership safeguards, and burdens on smaller players.
Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025
In News The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 comes into effect bringing a comprehensive overhaul of India’s immigration and foreigner management regime. Key Provisions of the Act Consolidation of Laws: The Act repeals and replaces the Foreigners Act (1946), Registration of Foreigners Act (1939), Passport (Entry into India) Act (1920), and Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act (2000), establishing a unified legal framework for immigration. Entry, stay, and exit of foreigners are now governed
Rajasthan Proposes New Anti-Conversion Bill
Context The Rajasthan government has announced stringent provisions under its proposed Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025. Key Provisions of the New Bill General offences: Unlawful conversions will invite imprisonment of seven to fourteen years and a minimum fine of ₹5 lakh. (Earlier: one to five years and ₹15,000 fine).
Road Accidents in India 2023 Report
Context Recently, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) released its Road Accidents in India 2023 report following a Supreme Courts direction after several delays. Key Causes of Road Accidents Overspeeding (68%): The leading cause of fatalities. Driving beyond speed limits reduces reaction time and increases impact severity.
Detoxifying India’s Entrance Examination System
Recent controversies around paper leaks, irregularities, and opacity in major entrance examinations such as NEET, JEE, CUET, UGC-NET have raised questions about the credibility of India’s exam system.
‘Foreigners too Have the Right to Liberty under Article 21’: High Court
In News The Punjab and Haryana High Court granted bail to a Bangladeshi woman accused of forgery and illegal stay, ruling that Article 21s right to personal liberty applies to foreigners. Article 21 of the Indian Constitution Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees the fundamental right to protection of life and personal liberty except by a procedure established by law. It ensures certain safeguards against arbitrary deprivation of life and liberty.
30% of MPs and MLAs Face Serious Criminal Cases
Context An analysis of MPs and MLAs across India shows that 31% of Members of Parliament (MPs) and 29% of Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) have declared serious criminal charges against them. Criminalisation of politics Criminalisation of politics refers to the growing participation of individuals with criminal backgrounds in electoral politics. A serious criminal charge includes offences where the maximum punishment is five years or more, or those that are non-bailable.
Commercial & Prohibited Speeches Not Part of Fundamental Rights: SC
In News The Supreme Court of India recently clarified that commercial and prohibited speeches do not enjoy protection under the Fundamental Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression (Article 19(1)(a)). Supreme Court’s Key Observations Commercial speech: E.g., advertisements, profit-driven promotions do not automatically get the same fundamental protection as political or social speech. Prohibited/Hate Speech: Expressions promoting enmity, hatred, or violence against any group based on inherent c
What Does the New Online Gaming Act Outline?
Recently, the Parliament of India has passed the ‘Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025’, to regulate and prohibit certain gaming formats having social and economic concerns.
Jan Vishwas 2.0
Context The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 was introduced in Lok Sabha. Need for the Amendment More than 75% of all crimes are defined under laws that regulate areas beyond core criminal justice, such as shipping, taxation, financial institutions, and municipal governance. There are some inexplicably high punishments for seemingly routine offences.
Strengthening Justice Delivery Through Safe AI Adoption
Context The Kerala High Court became the first in India to publish a set of guidelines on the use of Artificial Intelligence in the district judiciary. Global Best Practices European Union: The EU AI Act (2024) classifies judicial AI as “high-risk”, requiring rigorous oversight, human accountability, and safeguards against bias. This reflects the EU’s broader approach of prioritising rights and ethics over speed of adoption.
CCPA Slaps Penalty on Rapido for Misleading Ads
In News The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), India’s apex consumer watchdog, has imposed a penalty of ₹10 lakh on bike-taxi aggregator Rapido for running misleading advertisements and engaging in unfair trade practices. Ethical Frameworks Deontology (Duty-Based Ethics): From a deontological perspective, misleading advertising is inherently immoral because it violates the duty of honesty. An advertiser has a moral obligation to provide accurate and truthful information to consumers.
The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025
Context Recently, the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha and subsequently referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) following intense opposition protests. Related Concerns Challenges Presumption of Innocence Undermined: The Bill allows removal based on detention, not conviction, which contradicts the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’. It is argued that the Bill could violate Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 21 (Right to Life and
Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Context The Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was approved by the Uttarakhand State Cabinet. Way Ahead The Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to curb illegal religious conversions through fraud, inducement, or coercion. However, for it to uphold both social harmony and constitutional freedoms, it must be implemented with precision, safeguards, and transparency.
National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 & BCCI
Context Recently, the Parliament of India has passed the National Sports Governance Bill, aiming to overhaul India’s sports administration. Key Provisions of the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 Creation of a National Sports Board (NSB) to regulate and recognize sports federations; Establishment of a National Sports Tribunal to resolve disputes; Mandatory compliance with international charters and ethical standards; Inclusion of sports bodies under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, but wi
LS Passed Indian Ports Bill, 2025
Context The Lok Sabha has passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025. It seeks to repeal and replace the Indian Ports Act, 1908. Concerns Lack of Appeal mechanism: The Bill does not provide a mechanism for appeal against the levy of penalty by the conservator.