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...

Enforcement Directorate (ED): Structure, Power, Functions and Jurisdiction

Context: Enforcement Directorate has intensified action in West Bengal, conducting raids, seizures, and issuing summons in multiple money laundering and corruption cases in the run-up to the State Assembly elections. Enforcement Directorate (ED) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is a key...

Water Governance in India, Current Crisis and Solutions

Context: As groundwater depletion reaches critical levels and climate change alters monsoon patterns, a recent analysis proposes a shift in how India manages its most vital resource. Current Crisis of Water Governance in India Supply-Demand Mismatch: Despite being home to...

Electoral System in India 2026: SIR Update, Aadhaar Voter Tech and Women Reservation

India’s electoral system is the backbone of the world’s largest democracy. It governs how representatives are chosen at national, state, and local levels and ensures political participation for over 1.4 billion people. As of 2026, India’s electoral framework has evolved...

NITI Aayog: Objectives, Functions, Structure and Major Initiatives

Context: NITI Aayog was formed to drive long-term planning, Centre–State coordination, and structural reforms, but a decade later, it is often seen as an armchair body focused more on reports and indices than real economic transformation. Under his vision to...

List of Vice Presidents of India 1952-2025, Powers and Functions

The Vice President of India is the second-highest constitutional office in the country after the President. Since the adoption of the Constitution in 1950, India has had several distinguished leaders serve in this role. The Vice President is not only...

Legislative Assembly, Composition, Qualifications and Members

Context: The opposition in Chhattisgarh has filed a writ petition in the Chhattisgarh High Court challenging the expanded size of the Cabinet of the Legislative Assembly. Legislative Assembly One of the components of the public authority is the Legislative Assembly....

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Card, Eligibility, Rights and Restrictions

The Ministry of Home Affairs has released a gazette notification under Section 7D(da) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, which declares that OCI status can now be cancelled if the cardholder is found guilty of an offence involving at least two...

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Functions, Chairman

Context: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report related to the death of 3 children in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) acts as a watchdog...