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
Safeguarding Personality and Publicity Rights
Context Recently, the Delhi High Court has issued a ruling safeguarding the personality and publicity rights of the founder of Isha Foundation. Judicial Precedents Jackie Shroff Case (2024): Delhi HC restrained unauthorised use of his persona by AI chatbots and e-commerce platforms. Krishna Kishore Singh v.
Karnataka’s Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Ordinance, 2025
In News Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Ordinance, 2025 was passed for establishing a legal framework for protecting and supporting gig workers across the state. Who are Gig workers? Section 2(35) of the Code on Social Security, 2020 defines a gig worker as “a person who participates in a work arrangement and earns from such activities outside of a traditional employer–employee relationship.” In the recent report titled India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy,
First Batch of Female Cadets Graduates from NDA
Context Recently, the first batch of 17 female cadets graduated alongside over 300 male counterparts from the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune. Arguments Favoring Women in Defense Sector Gender Equality in Armed Forces: Allowing women into NDA promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities in defense services. Expanding Talent Pool: Women bring diverse skills and perspectives, strengthening the military’s operational effectiveness.
Appraisal of CSSs and CSs Ahead of the 16th Finance Commission Cycle
In News The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance has initiated a comprehensive exercise to appraise and approve Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) and Central Sector Schemes (CSs) for continuation post March 2026. About The foundation of this appraisal exercise lies in the 2016 Union Budget, which formally introduced the policy of assigning a sunset clause and outcome-based evaluation for every centrally funded scheme. The goal was to ensure that no scheme continues indefinitely withou
Government Notifies Inter-services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Rules, 2025
In News The Ministry of Defence recently notified the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control Discipline) Rules, 2025, under the Inter-Services Organisations (ISO) Act, 2023. Background The ISO Act, 2023 was enacted to enable smoother functioning of joint defence structures like Joint Commands and Inter-Service Establishments. The newly notified rules, effective from May 27, 2025, operationalise the Act by specifying how command and disciplinary powers will be exercised within Inter-Servi
Government mulls 15-year Stay Requirement for Ladakh Domicile Tag
Context The Union Government is considering a new policy for Ladakh under which citizens who have had a continuous 15-year stay in the region, beginning 2019, will be considered domiciles. Background Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019 without a Legislative Assembly after Article 370 of the Constitution was read down by the Parliament. A year later, the region comprising Buddhist-dominated Leh and Muslim-dominated Kargil district, erupted in protests pressing forth constitutional safeguards
Jal Jeevan Scheme: MPs Flag ‘Irregularities’
In News Several MPs have called for an investigation into alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, particularly concerning inflated contracts and cost overruns. Challenges The mission faces several challenges, such as a lack of dependable water sources in certain areas, groundwater contamination, uneven geographical terrain, scattered rural habitations, and delays in obtaining statutory clearances etc. Issues have been raised for long-standing water shortages and m
Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)
Context Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) as part of the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) to safeguard financial systems and telecom infrastructure. About Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) FRI is a risk-based metric that classifies mobile numbers into three categories—Medium, High, or Very High risk—based on their likelihood of being involved in fraudulent activities. This classification is derived from multiple data
India's Smart Cities Mission: Questions of Sustainability & Maintenance
Despite significant investments in Indias Smart Cities Mission, there are shortcomings particularly in terms of maintenance and sustainability, as recently observed severe flooding in cities like Bengaluru and Pune.
Centre Urges States to Implement Labour Codes
Context The Union Government has urged states and Union Territories (UTs) to align their existing labour laws with the spirit and provisions of new labour codes. Progress at the State Level Labour being on the Concurrent List, states must frame their own rules under the new codes. Many states have proactively begun amending their respective labour laws to reflect the intent and provisions of the new codes.
SC Mandates 3-Year Practice to Appear in Judicial Services Examinations
Context The Supreme Court restored the condition that a minimum of three years practice as an advocate is required for candidates applying to entry-level judicial service examinations. Background The issue dates back to the 14th Law Commission Report, 1958, which proposed 3–5 years of experience as a requirement for lower subordinate judges in every State. For higher judiciary, an All India Judicial Services (AIJS), a centralised recruitment system for judges, was proposed.
Getting the ‘Micropicture’ at the Panchayat Level in India
Grassroots governance in India often lacks accessible, detailed data which is difficult for panchayat leaders to assess their own communities effectively.
Disqualification of MPs
Context Karnataka MLA has been disqualified from the State Legislative Assembly following his conviction by the Principal Special Judge for CBI cases in Hyderabad. Disqualification of MPs MLAs The disqualification of a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in India is primarily governed by Article 191 of the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law). The disqualification of a Member of Parliament (MP) in India is governed primarily b
SC Rules Rohingya Refugees Subject to Foreigners Act
Context The Supreme Court observed that if Rohingya refugees are found to be ‘foreigners’ under the Foreigners Act, they will be dealt with as per the law. Who are the Rohingya refugees? The Rohingya are a Muslim minority ethnic group with their roots in the Arakan kingdom in Myanmar.
Public Health in India: Strained by Flawed Policy and Weak Training
Despite efforts to improve healthcare access, Indias public health system remains underfunded and poorly coordinated, leading to inefficiencies in disease prevention, healthcare delivery, and medical education.
Supreme Court Reviews PMLA Ruling, 2022
Context Recently, the Supreme Court of India has initiated a review of its 2022 ruling on the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which granted extensive powers to the Directorate of Enforcement (ED). About the PMLA 2002 It is India’s primary legislation to combat money laundering and financial crimes, enforced since July 1, 2005. It empowers authorities to investigate, prosecute, and confiscate assets linked to illicit financial activities.
Bureaucracy in India
Context Civil services are crucial in maintaining and strengthening democracy but there is a need for lateral entrants and greater transparency. About The concept of a merit based modern Civil Service in India was introduced in 1854. From 1922 onwards the Indian Civil Service Examination began to be held in India.
Power and Pitfalls of Digital Influence
Social media and digital platforms have transformed communication by enabling mass outreach, empowering individuals, and fueling the creator economy. However, they also amplify misinformation, manipulation, and ethical dilemmas, necessitating a balanced governance framework.
President Stresses On Mediation To Resolve Conflicts
In News Speaking at the launch of the first national mediation conference organised by the Mediation Association of India (MIA), the President stressed on mediation to resolve disputes and lower the burden of courts across the country. What is Mediation? Mediation is a voluntary, confidential, and non-adversarial process where a neutral third party helps disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable solution.
Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight in India
In India, the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight has often been questioned, while the Constitution provides a robust framework for legislative scrutiny.