Governance

PDS REFORM: 2.25 CRORE PEOPLE REMOVED FROM FOOD SECURITY SCHEME

The government removed 2.25 crore ineligible beneficiaries using Aadhaar-seeding and data analytics to curb leakage and improve targeting. The move supports fiscal prudence and Shanta Kumar Committee reforms but risks excluding deserving people, making strong grievance systems and an updated coverage cap essential to protect the right to food.

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ZONAL COUNCILS: ROLE, CHALLENGES, AND WAY FORWARD

Zonal Councils, created under the 1956 Act, promote cooperative federalism by resolving inter-state disputes, coordinating security and supporting regional development. Their impact remains limited by irregular meetings and weak follow-up. Strengthening them through regular reviews and better implementation, as recommended by major commissions, can improve cooperation.

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MGNREGA'S DIGITAL DIVIDE: ARE AADHAAR-BASED PAYMENTS EXCLUDING INDIA'S POOREST?

The deletion of 2.7 million MGNREGS workers, linked to mandatory Aadhaar-based payments, has raised concerns of wrongful exclusion and erosion of the Act’s demand-driven rights. Critics argue technical errors removed genuine workers and call for optional technology, stronger audits and an inclusive, worker-centric approach.

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EVOLUTION AND ROLE OF THE CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION IN INDIA

The Central Pay Commission (CPC) is an expert body set up by the Government of India to review and recommend changes in the salaries, allowances, and pensions of central government employees and defense personnel. While it ensures fairness and equity in public sector compensation, CPC recommendations often pose fiscal challenges due to their impact on government expenditure. Key issues include infrequent revisions, weak links between pay and performance, and disparities across services and states. Future reforms suggest establishing a permanent pay review body, introducing performance-linked pay, and aligning revisions with fiscal sustainability. Overall, the CPC plays a crucial role in balancing employee welfare, administrative efficiency, and fiscal discipline in India.

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FOREST RIGHTS ACT (FRA): CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD

The Forest Rights Act, 2006 aimed to correct historical injustice by recognizing forest-dwelling communities’ rights, but poor implementation and high claim rejection limit its impact. Its success depends on Gram Sabha empowerment and strong political will, as community-led rights are essential for justice and sustainable conservation.

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ROAD ACCIDENTS IN INDIA: CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD

 India faces a worsening road safety crisis as fatalities surged 80% from 2005 to 2023. Over-speeding drives deaths, but poor road engineering, weak enforcement, and unsafe infrastructure expose pedestrians and other vulnerable users. Saving lives demands safer road design, stronger policing, and faster emergency care.

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MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN INDIA: PROGRESS, CHALLENGES, AND WAY FORWARD

India’s mental health crisis stems from a treatment gap, too few professionals, and strong stigma. Policies like the 2017 Act and Tele-MANAS help, but funding and implementation remain weak. India must strengthen primary care, expand its workforce, and normalize help-seeking to protect public health and equity.

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WHAT IS VVPAT SYSTEM? HOW DOES IT WORK?

The Bombay High Court questioned Maharashtra’s Election Commission for holding local polls without VVPATs, citing concerns over electoral transparency. Responding to a petition alleging violation of free and fair elections, the court sought justification for the SEC’s “logistical constraints,” prompting a review of voter rights and accountability.

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PROPERTY LAW IN INDIA: CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD

The Supreme Court highlighted flaws in India’s outdated property laws, noting that the current presumptive titling system under the 1908 Act records transactions but not ownership. It urged the Law Commission to explore blockchain-based reforms for transparent, secure land records and conclusive property titles.

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REGISTERED UNRECOGNISED POLITICAL PARTIES (RUPPS): MEANING, CHALLENGES, WAY FORWARD

An ADR report exposed major transparency gaps, revealing 59% of Bihar’s Registered Unrecognised Political Parties failed to submit financial disclosures for FY 2023–24. This violation of the Representation of the People Act underscores rising financial opacity and accountability issues in Indian elections.

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AI IN MENTAL HEALTH: HELPFUL OR HARMFUL?

AI mental health tools improve access and affordability but create serious risks. Data privacy, bias and the absence of human empathy can harm vulnerable users. India must enforce strong rules like the DPDP Act and ensure a human-in-the-loop model so AI supports, not replaces, real care.

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MEITY RELEASED INDIA AI GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES ROADMAP

MeitY’s new AI Governance Guidelines establish a responsible framework for India’s tech growth, emphasizing trust, safety, and inclusivity. Adopting a risk-based, flexible approach, they ensure accountability across the AI lifecycle, safeguarding digital infrastructure while positioning India as a global leader in ethical, innovation-driven AI governance.

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