indian polity

Anti-Defection Law: Origin, Provisions of 10th Schedule, Importance and Challenges

Context: The recent merger of seven AAP MPs with the BJP enabled by the two-thirds merger provision under the Tenth Schedule, has revived concerns about the effectiveness of India’s Anti-Defection Law. Rationale behind the Anti-Defection Law The law was enacted...

Central Information Commission (CIC): Appointment, Composition, Power and Functions

Context The appointment of the Chief Information Commissioner became contentious when Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, opposed the selection of Raj Kumar Goel and suggested three alternative names. Despite this dissent, the selection committee led...

Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI): Evolution, Significance and Challenges

Context: In the present days, big shifts in both technology and society are threatening to make panchayats irrelevant. Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI): Introduction The Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) in India was formally introduced through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992,...

National Panchayati Raj Day 2026: Theme, History and Significance

National Panchayati Raj Day 2026 will be observed across India on 24 April 2026. The day celebrates the spirit of grassroots democracy and marks the historic implementation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which came into force on 24...

Government of India Act 1935: Complete Notes for UPSC and Other Competitive Exams

What is the Government of India Act 1935? The Government of India Act, 1935 was the most comprehensive and lengthy piece of legislation ever enacted by the British Parliament for India. Consisting of 321 sections and 10 schedules, it replaced...

Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in Elections: Rules, Features and Importance

Context: Over 700 civil society members, including activists, former bureaucrats, and academics, have written to the Election Commission of India alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the Prime Minister during his national address on women’s reservation...

Parliamentary Privileges in India: Meaning, Types and Constitutional Provisions

Context: A privilege notice has reportedly been moved against the Prime Minister, alleging a breach of parliamentary privilege following remarks made after the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026. What are Parliamentary Privileges? Definition: Special rights and immunities enjoyed by...

Women Representation in Politics: Recent Trends and Challenges

Context: Although India has produced several influential women leaders, overall political participation among women remains low. Recent Trends on Women's Representation in India Union Level Women’s representation in Indian legislatures remains consistently low, rarely crossing 15%. In the Lok Sabha,...

Delimitation and Women’s Representation: Impact and Key Issues

Context: Women’s representation in India continues to be limited, with participation in Parliament and State Assemblies reflecting persistent gender disparities. The trends also underscore India’s low global standing and highlight the pressing need for structural reforms, including measures like reservations...

Women’s Reservation Bill 2023, Need, Provisions and Latest Update

Women's Reservation Bill: Even 75 years after independence, Parliament lacks substantial representation from half the population, with just 14% of seats held by women, highlighting the importance of passing the “Women's Reservation Bill” to harness women's key role in nation-building....