Polity
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
373 articles in this topic
Articles on Government Policy
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.
Ladakh: Demand For Statehood & Sixth Schedule
Context Recently, renowned climate activist and Ramon Magsaysay Award winner Sonam Wangchuk joined a protest, demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Historical Background Historically, Ladakh was part of the erstwhile state of Jammu Kashmir. For decades, Ladakhis felt politically marginalized, with decisions being made in Srinagar that often overlooked the region’s unique cultural and ecological needs.
Supreme Court Examines Screening Process in Corruption Probes Against Public Servants
Context the Supreme Court heard a petition challenging the constitutional validity of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, balancing protection of honest officers and ensuring accountability in corruption probes. What is Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act? Introduced via the 2018 Amendment, Section 17A prohibits any police inquiry or investigation into public servants without prior approval from the competent authority (Central or State Government) if the act was d
15th Indian Organ Donation Day Ceremony
Context The Union Health Minister has addressed the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day Ceremony. About The 15th edition of Indian Organ Donation Day was held under the year-long national campaign Angdaan- Jeevan Sanjeevani Abhiyan, which seeks to promote organ and tissue donation across the country. The campaign emphasizes the need for increased public participation, dispelling myths and misconceptions, and motivating citizens to pledge for organ donation.
6 Years of Abrogation of Article 370
Context August 5th 2025, marks the sixth year for the abrogation of Article 370. What was Article 370? Article 370 was drafted as a temporary provision under Part XXI and came into effect in 1952.
POSH and Political Parties
Context The Supreme Court allowed a petitioner to withdraw her plea challenging the exclusion of women political workers from the ambit of protection under the POSH Act. About The plea mentioned that the definitions of ‘workplace’ and ‘employer’ under the 2013 Act must be expanded to include the political spectrum. It sought a declaration from the court that “political parties are bound to follow the procedure for protection of women in the workplace under the POSH Act”.
Linguistic Reorganisation of States in India
Context The Tamil Nadu Governor recently criticised the linguistic division of states in India, calling it a factor in the creation of second-class citizens. The States Reorganisation Act, 1956 The Act abolished the existing classification of states into Part A, B, C, and D, establishing a unified system of 14 states and 6 union territories. It led to the formation of states like Kerala, Karnataka, and enlarged existing states by merging territories based on linguistic majority.
Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021
Context The Supreme Court reserved its verdict on petitions challenging the age cap for couples seeking to have a child through surrogacy. Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 Surrogacy: The Act defines surrogacy as a practice where a woman gives birth to a child for an intending couple with the intention to hand it over to them after the birth. It is permitted only for altruistic purposes or for couples who suffer proven infertility or disease.
Supreme Court on Anti-Defection Law
In News The Supreme Court urged Parliament to reconsider its reliance on Assembly Speakers and Chairmen to fairly and promptly handle disqualification cases under the anti-defection law. What is the Anti-defection law? Aaya Ram Gaya Ram was a phrase that became popular in Indian politics after a Haryana MLA Gaya Lal changed his party thrice within the same day in 1967.