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
368 articles in this topic
Articles on Government Policy
Menstrual Health Fundamental Right under Article 21: SC
Context In Dr. Jaya Thakur v. Union of India, the Supreme Court has ruled that the right to menstrual hygiene is an integral part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
International Data Privacy Day
In News International Data Privacy Day is observed annually on 28th January to raise awareness about the importance of protecting personal data and privacy in the digital age. Importance of Data Privacy Data privacy is a foundational pillar of responsible digital governance. It protects and safeguards citizens’ personal information across large-scale digital public platforms.
Bombay High Court Quashes Detention of Adult Trafficking Victim
Context The Bombay High Court quashed a one-year detention order of an adult woman rescued during a police raid under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (PITA). The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (PITA) Section 17: PITA lays down strict timelines to ensure that rescue does not result in prolonged or arbitrary confinement. Immediately after rescue; A person may be kept in temporary safe custody for a maximum of 10 days if production before a magistrate is not immediately possible.
Freebies’ Different from Investing in Welfare for the Marginalised: SC
Context The SC has distinguished welfare schemes from freebies, stating that large-scale distribution of state money to individuals is different from investing in public welfare. About A batch of petitions seek a judicial declaration that irrational freebies offered by political parties to lure voters during poll time should be considered a “corrupt practice”. SC Observations: Welfare schemes like free healthcare and education are a constitutional obligation under the Directive Principles of Sta
UGC’s Circular Mandating the Teaching of a Third Language in Higher Education
In News The Tamil Nadu government strongly opposed the UGC’s circular mandating the teaching of a third language in higher education. Background The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 retains the three-language formula introduced in 1968 but offers more flexibility. Unlike the earlier policy, it does not make Hindi compulsory.
New Lancet Report Sets Citizen-Centred Healthcare Guidelines For India
Context The Lancet Commissions new report charts a rights-based, citizen-centred roadmap for Universal Health Coverage in India, aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047. About The reforms described in the report promote community participation, transparency and equity key principles of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aimed at ensuring high-quality, affordable care for all. It emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen Indias public healthcare by integrating services across primary, secondary, and tertiar
Ex-CAPF Officials Concerns over IPS Appointments in CAPFs
Context Retired Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) officers have moved the Supreme Court with a contempt petition alleging failure to implement the Court’s 2025 order directing a progressive reduction of IPS deputation in CAPF. Background In the case of Sanjay Prakash Others vs Union of India, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that: Group A officers of CAPFs are to be treated as “Organised Services” for all purposes. The deputation of IPS officers to Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) posts i.e., up t
Supreme Court Directions on Student Suicides and HEI Functioning
In News The Supreme Court of India has issued directions to Central and State governments under Article 142 on Student Suicides and Higher Education Institutions (HEI) Functioning. Major Issues Highlighted by Supreme Court Rapid massification and privatization of higher education: India now ranks second globally in student enrolment, has led to student distress, deaths, chronic faculty vacancies, and exploitation. Student mental health: The Supreme Court noted an epidemic of student suicides, wi
Patent Rights & Public Health: What are India’s Options?
Published on: 20 January, 2026 India stands at a critical intersection between the enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and the fulfillment of its public health obligations.
Seed Act 2026 and Its Impact on Farmers
Context Recently, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoAFW) briefed in detail about the features of the Seed Act 2026 and its impact on farmers. Key Reasons For Bringing New Seed Act (Seed Act 2026) Outdated Nature of the Seed Act, 1966: The Seed Act of 1966 was enacted when seed market was largely public-sector driven; hybrid and genetically improved varieties were limited; and digital systems and traceability were non-existent. Today, the seed sector is vast, private-sect
India’s Olympic Ambition: Institutional Reforms Governance
Published on: 16 January, 2026 The Prime Minister of India has reiterated India’s intent to host the Olympic Games (2036), building on the decision to stage the Commonwealth Games (2030) and the expansion of domestic platforms to broaden athlete participation and exposure.
Section 17A of Prevention of Corruption Act
Context The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on the legality of a provision in an anti-corruption law which mandates prior sanction before prosecuting public servants. About Justice B.V. Nagarathna concluded that Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 was plainly unconstitutional, while Justice K.V.
SC Urges Union Government to Introduce a “Romeo-Juliet” Clause in POCSO Act
In News/Context The Supreme Court of India has flagged the misuse of the POCSO Act in cases of consensual adolescent relationships and urged the Union Government to examine the feasibility of introducing a “Romeo–Juliet clause”. Core Issue Highlighted by the Court Criminalisation of Consensual Adolescence: Under current law, even if two individuals are in a consensual romantic relationship, the moment one is below 18 years (even by a day), stringent POCSO provisions apply. Harmful Impact of Crim
Centre Issues Notification For First Phase of Census of India 2027
In News The Centre has issued the notification for the first phase of the Census of India 2027. About the Census The census is the systematic process of collecting, compiling, and analyzing a country’s population. Historical references to population counts can be found from Kautilya’s Arthashastra to Akbar’s Ain-i-Akbari.
Building Legal and Judicial Capacity For India’s Economic Momentum
Published on: 09 January, 2026 As India ascends to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, strengthening the judiciary is a prerequisite for sustaining India’s economic momentum.
Draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025
Context The Agriculture Ministry released the draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025, seeking public comments on the legislation that aims to replace the Insecticides Act, 1968, and the Insecticides Rules, 1971. Major Features Central Pesticides Board (CPB): It shall be constituted within a period of six months from the date of commencement of this Act. It is an apex regulatory body, providing scientific and technical guidance.
Digitalization of Indian Judiciary
In News Kalpetta district in Kerala’s Wayanad has become India’s first fully paperless district court system, with all judicial processes conducted digitally from case filing to final judgment. Digitalization of Indian Judiciary Artificial Intelligence is bringing a major transformation to India’s judiciary and law enforcement by improving efficiency, accessibility, and decision-making. It is aimed at reducing case backlogs, improving transparency, and enhancing access to justice.
National Sports Governance Act Comes Into Effect Partially
In News The Central Government has notified that select provisions of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.. National Sports Governance Act It was originally notified in August 2025, allowing different provisions to be implemented on different dates. It is a landmark legislation aimed at restructuring the governance of sports bodies in India.
PM chairs 50th meeting of PRAGATI
Context The Prime Minister chaired the 50th meeting of PRAGATI. About PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation) is a technology-driven governance and monitoring platform launched by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in 2015. Aim: To improve public administration and accelerate implementation of government programmes and projects.
Ministry tells Social Media Platforms to Block Obscene Content
Context The government has issued a fresh advisory to social media platforms to be stricter in taking down obscene, vulgar, pornographic and other illegal content from their platforms. About Reason: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has repeatedly received complaints that certain content circulating online does not comply with laws on decency and obscenity. Under the IT Rules, 2021, platforms are required to make “reasonable efforts” to ensure that users do not uploa