यूपीएससी सिविल सेवा GS2 (राजव्यवस्था · शासन · अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंध) के शासन भाग से जुड़ी हर ख़बर, परीक्षा के नज़रिए से: चर्चा में क्यों, पृष्ठभूमि, प्रीलिम्स के तथ्य, अभ्यास प्रश्न और मेन्स प्रश्न। अब तक 300 नोट्स, रोज़ अपडेट।
पाठ्यक्रम के विषय: e-Governance & citizen services (78) · Role of civil services (58) · Bills, Acts & ordinances (56) · Transparency, accountability & RTI (54) · Government policies & schemes (52) · NGOs, SHGs & civil society (2)
चर्चा में क्यों: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) warned the Director of Geology and Mining and the Member Secretary of the UPPCB for failing to comply with orders to curb illegal sand mining in the Ganga River basin.
The NGT issued the warning to the Director of Geology and Mining, Uttar Pradesh, and the Member Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB). The tribunal directed authorities to conduct regular inspections of mining sites and warned of potential prosecution for future non-compliance.
Prelims pointers (3)
PlaceGanga River basin: The specific geographical area where illegal sand mining was reported
PostDirector of Geology and Mining: State-level authority responsible for mineral oversight
BodyUPPCB: Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board is the state body for environmental regulation
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the institutional challenges in curbing illegal mining in river basins and the role of the National Green Tribunal in ensuring environmental compliance.
Regulatory oversight: Lack of real-time monitoring and coordination between mining and pollution control boards
Enforcement gap: Weak penal consequences for administrative non-compliance with judicial directives
Ecological impact: Degradation of riverine ecosystems and groundwater depletion due to unregulated sand extraction
चर्चा में क्यों: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) mandated a two-year Central deputation for IPS officers at SP and DIG ranks as a prerequisite for promotion to Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The MHA order applies to IPS officers from the 2011 batch onwards. The mandate follows a request by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan to address the shortage of IPS officers at the Centre.
Prelims pointers (4)
PostHome Secretary: Govind Mohan
FactMandatory deputation period: 2 years
FactApplicable batch: IPS officers from 2011 onwards
BodyMHA: Union Ministry of Home Affairs
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the implications of mandatory central deputation on the career progression of IPS officers and its impact on state-level policing requirements.
Human resource friction: Balancing central administrative requirements with state-level policing needs
Career progression: Impact of mandatory deputation on officer experience and seniority progression
Keywords: deputation · civil services · human resource management · police administration · career progression
चर्चा में क्यों: The Karnataka High Court ordered a court-monitored probe into illegal sand mining after Home Minister G. Parameshwara admitted 'helplessness' against influential individuals.
The Karnataka High Court issued the order following a statement by Home Minister G. Parameshwara in the Legislative Assembly on January 27. The court noted that while bids for sand extraction were invited, they remained unopened, indicating a conflict between legal and illegal operations.
Prelims pointers (3)
PlaceKarnataka High Court: State High Court of Karnataka
FactHome Minister G. Parameshwara admitted 'helplessness' regarding illegal sand mining
FactBids for sand extraction were invited but not yet opened as of January 2026
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the institutional challenges in curbing illegal resource extraction in India and the role of judicial oversight in ensuring transparency.
Regulatory capture: Influence of powerful individuals over state mining authorities
Judicial intervention: Court-monitored probes as a remedy for executive inaction
Transparency gap: Delays in opening extraction bids facilitating illicit operations
चर्चा में क्यों: Kerala Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal presented the 2026-27 State Budget featuring populist welfare measures and infrastructure projects to bolster social security and industrial growth.
The Kerala State Budget for 2026-27 includes proposals for free undergraduate education in Arts and Science colleges and a 12th Pay Revision Commission. It allocates ₹1,000 crore for an employment guarantee scheme and proposes the creation of a Rare Earth Corridor and a Defence Technology Innovation Hub.
Prelims pointers (4)
Fact₹1,000 crore allocated for the employment guarantee scheme in Kerala's 2026-27 budget
SchemeProposed free undergraduate education specifically for Arts and Science colleges
BodyMunicipal bonds proposed as a mechanism to provide financial support to municipalities
S&TProposed infrastructure projects include a Rare Earth Corridor and a Defence Technology Innovation Hub
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the fiscal implications of populist welfare schemes on state-level fiscal health and the role of municipal bonds in decentralised financing.
Fiscal sustainability: Balancing high-expenditure social security pensions with long-term state debt management
Decentralised financing: Leveraging municipal bonds to bridge infrastructure funding gaps in urban local bodies
Human capital investment: Impact of free undergraduate education on regional socio-economic mobility
Keywords: Fiscal Federalism · Populist Economics · Social Security · Municipal Bonds · Human Capital Development
चर्चा में क्यों: The Tamil Nadu government amended the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959, to mandate refundable deposits and stricter penalties for mining violations on government lands and tanks.
The amendment requires permission-holders to pay an increased application fee and a two-times seigniorage fee deposit as security. The District Collector is empowered to cancel permissions and recover costs for excess mining or tank restoration if conditions are violated.
Prelims pointers (4)
Act / BillTamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959: Amended to include refundable deposits and increased fees.
FactSecurity Deposit: Permission-holders must deposit a two-times seigniorage fee.
PostDistrict Collector: Authorized to cancel mining permissions and recover costs for violations.
PlaceTamil Nadu: State implementing the new mining mineral regulations.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the importance of regulatory frameworks in balancing industrial mineral extraction with environmental conservation and public resource management in India.
Regulatory oversight: Empowering District Collectors to enforce restoration costs for ecological damage
Fiscal mechanism: Using refundable deposits and seigniorage fees to deter unauthorized over-extraction
Resource governance: Balancing state revenue from mining with the preservation of water bodies (tanks)
Keywords: Regulatory framework · Seigniorage fee · Resource conservation · Public land management · Environmental restoration
चर्चा में क्यों: The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RG&CCI) announced the engagement of private technical staff to assist government officials in the upcoming 2027 Census, which will be India's first digital census.
The 2027 Census will be India's first digital census using mobile applications for data collection by enumerators. The RG&CCI approved a hiring plan for Technical Assistants (₹25,000/month) and Multi-Tasking Staff (₹18,000/month) for a maximum period of 18 months.
Prelims pointers (5)
BodyRG&CCI: Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India
FactTechnical Assistants remuneration: ₹25,000 per month
FactMulti-Tasking Staff (MTS) remuneration: ₹18,000 per month
FactMaximum duration of private staff engagement: 18 months
S&T2027 Census: First-ever digital census in India using mobile applications
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the implications of transitioning to a digital census and the use of private technical staff in ensuring data integrity and privacy.
Data privacy: Risks of third-party access to sensitive demographic data during digital collection
Operational efficiency: Balancing the speed of digital data entry with the accuracy of manual verification
Outsourcing risks: Ensuring accountability and standardized training for private technical staff in public data collection
Keywords: Digital Census · Data Integrity · Public-Private Partnership · Demographic Mapping · E-governance
चर्चा में क्यों: Kadapa district was ranked first among India's 112 Aspiration Districts based on a composite score released by Niti Aayog.
Niti Aayog released a composite score ranking 112 Aspiration Districts across India. The ranking was determined by the performance of key performance indicators in crucial departments.
Prelims pointers (4)
BodyNiti Aayog: The body responsible for releasing the composite score for Aspiration Districts
Fact112: The total number of Aspiration Districts identified across India
PlaceKadapa: The district ranked first among the Aspiration Districts
SchemeSmart kitchen: A concept providing nutritious meals to students in Kadapa district
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how the Aspiration Districts Programme serves as a tool for targeted regional development and addressing spatial inequalities in India.
Data-driven governance: Use of composite scores and KPIs to monitor multi-sectoral progress
Localized innovation: Scalability of district-level initiatives like 'smart kitchens' in public education
Targeted intervention: Addressing infrastructure and nutritional gaps in identified lagging districts
Keywords: Aspiration Districts · Niti Aayog · KPIs · Composite Score · Regional Development · Nutritional Security
चर्चा में क्यों: The Director of Survey and Settlement (DOSS) issued a directive to Collectors and land officials to electronically process online patta transfer (OPT) applications for land sub-divisions.
The DOSS circular mandates the electronic processing of OPT-ISD, NISD in Rural, Urban, and Natham formats using user logins. This replaces manual note files, sketches, and sub-division statements in the application process.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyDOSS: Director of Survey and Settlement is the authority issuing the directive.
FactOPT-ISD and NISD formats (Rural, Urban, and Natham) are now subject to electronic processing.
FactManual note files, sketches, and sub-division statements are no longer required for OPT applications.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how the digitization of land records and patta transfers can enhance transparency and reduce administrative bottlenecks in rural and urban land governance.
Data integrity: Ensuring secure user logins and preventing unauthorized alterations in digital land records
Administrative efficiency: Reducing turnaround time by eliminating manual note files and physical sketches
Transparency: Mitigating corruption risks by creating a traceable digital audit trail for land sub-divisions
Keywords: e-governance · transparency · administrative efficiency · digital transformation · land records
चर्चा में क्यों: The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed the Tamil Nadu Special Area Development Authorities Bill, 2026, to establish dedicated authorities for infrastructure development in key tourist hubs like Mamallapuram and Kanniyakumari.
The bill empowers the state government to designate special development areas and create authorities headed by a District Collector and an IAS officer. The first phase involves an investment of ₹300 crore for infrastructure in Mamallapuram and Kanniyakumari, involving representatives from 12 government departments.
Prelims pointers (4)
Act / BillTamil Nadu Special Area Development Authorities Bill, 2026
Fact₹300 crore investment allocated for the first phase of infrastructure development
PlaceMamallapuram and Kanniyakumari designated as first-phase special development areas
PostSpecial Area Development Authority to be headed by a District Collector and an IAS officer
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how the creation of specialized development authorities can streamline infrastructure projects in tourism-heavy regions while ensuring multi-departmental coordination.
Inter-departmental coordination: Streamlining 12 government departments to reduce bureaucratic red tape
Fiscal allocation: Balancing high-capital infrastructure investment with long-term tourism sustainability
Administrative oversight: Role of District Collectors in balancing local needs with state-level development goals
Keywords: Infrastructure development · Special Development Authority · Tourism infrastructure · Inter-departmental coordination · Urban planning
चर्चा में क्यों: Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan urged Chief Secretaries to freeze jurisdictional changes until March 31, 2027, to ensure data consistency for the upcoming Population Census 2027.
The Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India (RG&CCI), Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, briefed on the use of digital tools and self-enumeration for the 2027 census. This census will be the first to include a count of castes.
Prelims pointers (4)
FactThe Population Census 2027 will be the first to count caste.
S&TThe 2027 census will incorporate self-enumeration as a digital tool.
PostMritunjay Kumar Narayan is the Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India (RG&CCI).
FactStates are requested to refrain from jurisdictional changes until March 31, 2027.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of maintaining administrative and jurisdictional stability during a national census and the implications of including caste data in the 2027 census.
Data integrity: Preventing jurisdictional shifts to ensure longitudinal consistency of demographic data
Digital inclusion: Balancing self-enumeration benefits with the need for accurate ground-level verification
Policy implications: Potential socio-political consequences of including caste data in national statistics
Keywords: Data integrity · Demographic mapping · Administrative stability · Digital governance · Census methodology
चर्चा में क्यों: The Karnataka High Court permitted the operation of bike taxis, directing authorities to register bikes as transport vehicles and grant contract carriage permits under the Motor Vehicles Act.
The Karnataka High Court ruling on January 23rd mandates that bikes used for taxi services must be registered as transport vehicles. The court directed the state to grant contract carriage permits under the Motor Vehicles Act to accommodate aggregators like Uber and Rapido.
Prelims pointers (4)
BodyUber and Rapido are major aggregators involved in the bike taxi operations in Karnataka
Act / BillMotor Vehicles Act governs the registration of transport vehicles and contract carriage permits
PlaceThe ruling was issued by the Karnataka High Court
FactThe court order was issued on January 23rd
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the regulatory challenges and safety implications of integrating gig-economy bike taxi services into the existing urban transport framework in India.
Regulatory ambiguity: Conflict between private aggregator models and traditional contract carriage permit frameworks
Safety and liability: Lack of standardized safety protocols and insurance coverage for bike-taxi commuters
Infrastructure strain: Impact of high-density bike taxi operations on urban road safety and traffic management
चर्चा में क्यों: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched Sprint 1 of STAR 3.0 to enable 'presenceless' and 'paperless' property registration services.
The STAR (Simplified and Transparent Administration of Registration) 3.0 system offers 18 services for property buyers. It includes features like online document creation and QR payments, supported by the TNREGINET mobile application.
Prelims pointers (4)
BodySTAR: Simplified and Transparent Administration of Registration system in Tamil Nadu
FactSTAR 3.0 provides 18 services for property buyers and the public
S&TTNREGINET: Mobile application for guideline value search and encumbrance certificate availability
FactThe system introduces 'presenceless' and 'paperless' registration options for various deed types
Mains angle
Q. How does the digitization of land records and registration processes contribute to administrative transparency and ease of doing business in India?
Data integrity: Ensuring secure blockchain-ready records to prevent fraudulent land-title transfers
Digital divide: Addressing accessibility barriers for rural populations lacking high-speed internet or digital literacy
Regulatory oversight: Balancing automated 'presenceless' registration with robust verification to prevent identity theft
Keywords: e-Governance · Transparency · Ease of Doing Business · Digital India · Administrative Reform
चर्चा में क्यों: The Karnataka State Cabinet approved a five-year age relaxation for the Karnataka Administrative Services exams to address public recruitment challenges.
The Cabinet granted a five-year extension for age eligibility until December 31, 2027. The decision was made to tackle recruitment hurdles and internal reservation issues.
Prelims pointers (3)
FactAge relaxation for Karnataka Administrative Services exams is valid until December 31, 2027
Fact₹145.03 crore allocated for food kits for 50,000 Scheduled Tribes families
BodyKarnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) authorized for new bus purchases
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the challenges in public recruitment processes in states and evaluate the impact of age relaxations on the quality and diversity of the civil services.
Recruitment bottleneck: Balancing age eligibility with the need for a high-quality, competent administrative workforce
Reservation friction: Addressing internal reservation complexities while ensuring equitable access to state services
Logistical constraints: Managing fleet expansion for state-run transport corporations to improve rural connectivity
Keywords: Public Recruitment · Age Relaxation · Administrative Services · Social Justice · State Governance
चर्चा में क्यों: Kerala's Revenue Minister announced a new online portal to regularize land use violations under the Kerala Land Assignment (Regularisation of Contraventions Rules) 2025.
The portal (www.klarc.kerala.gov.in) facilitates online submission of applications, orders, and challans for residential, commercial, and public space violations. It was launched under the Kerala Land Assignment (Regularisation of Contraventions Rules) 2025.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyThe portal is managed by the Kerala Revenue Department.
FactThe portal covers violations related to residential and commercial structures and public spaces.
SchemeThe portal operates under the Kerala Land Assignment (Regularisation of Contraventions Rules) 2025.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how digitizing land use regularization processes can enhance transparency and ease of doing business while ensuring urban planning integrity.
Transparency gap: Reducing discretionary powers of officials in manual land use approvals
चर्चा में क्यों: The Tamil Nadu government notified new rules under the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, to fix lease rents for immovable properties of religious institutions.
The rules establish specific percentages for commercial buildings, residential buildings, agricultural lands, and topes based on market value. A designated committee will re-fix these rates every three years, amending the Religious Institutions (Lease of Immovable Property) Rules, 1963.
Prelims pointers (4)
Act / BillTamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959
FactLease rents are to be re-fixed every three years by a designated committee
FactRules cover commercial buildings, residential buildings, agricultural lands, and topes
Act / BillReligious Institutions (Lease of Immovable Property) Rules, 1963
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the implications of state-regulated lease rents for religious institution properties on the principle of religious autonomy and efficient asset management.
Regulatory oversight: Balancing state's power to manage public trust assets vs. religious freedom
Revenue optimization: Standardizing market-linked rents to prevent under-valuation of temple/institution lands
Administrative friction: Potential for litigation over 'market value' determination by state-appointed committees
Keywords: Public Trust Doctrine · Regulatory Oversight · Asset Management · Religious Autonomy · Revenue Generation
चर्चा में क्यों: The Union government has not yet established the Arbitration Council of India (ACI) despite proposed amendments, while the draft Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024
The Arbitration Council of India (ACI) was envisioned as a central regulatory body to promote and advance institutional arbitration in India. The draft Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to expand the role of arbitral institutions and limit judicial intervention.
Prelims pointers (2)
BodyArbitration Council of India (ACI): A proposed central regulatory body for institutional arbitration.
Act / BillArbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Seeks to expand the role of arbitral institutions and limit judicial intervention.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of establishing an independent Arbitration Council of India in enhancing the ease of doing business and reducing judicial pendency.
Regulatory autonomy: Concerns over government dominance affecting the impartiality of arbitral accreditation
Judicial oversight: Balancing the limitation of judicial intervention with the need for legal recourse in arbitration
Institutional capacity: Expanding the role of arbitral institutions to handle complex commercial disputes
Keywords: Institutional arbitration · Judicial intervention · Ease of doing business · Regulatory framework · Arbitration and Conciliation Act
चर्चा में क्यों: The Kerala government issued a circular directing departments to take prompt departmental and legal action, including filing FIRs
The Finance Department of Kerala issued the circular to ensure adherence to definite timelines for legal actions. The move was prompted by PAC's observation regarding delays in registering First Information Reports (FIRs) in cases of theft or misappropriation.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyCommittee on Public Accounts (PAC): A parliamentary committee that examines the expenditure of the government.
FactThe Kerala Finance Department is the issuing authority for the circular regarding misappropriation of funds.
PostThe circular mandates the registration of FIRs by relevant authorities in cases of theft or loss of property.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the importance of accountability and transparency in public financial management. How can institutional mechanisms like the PAC ensure the integrity of public funds?
Accountability gap: Delays in registering FIRs hinder the deterrence of corruption and misappropriation of public assets.
Institutional oversight: Strengthening the PAC's role in monitoring real-time expenditure and identifying systemic leakages.
Administrative friction: Balancing internal departmental inquiries with formal legal proceedings to ensure swift justice.
चर्चा में क्यों: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed the 28th conference of Speakers and presiding officers of the Commonwealth
Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, spoke at the 28th conference of Speakers and presiding officers of the Commonwealth. He advocated for ethical AI and transparent social media frameworks to protect democratic values from digital threats.
Prelims pointers (2)
PostOm Birla: Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Fact28th conference of Speakers and presiding officers of the Commonwealth
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how the integration of Artificial Intelligence in legislative processes can enhance democratic transparency while posing risks to information integrity.
Information integrity: Risks of algorithmic bias and deepfakes undermining public trust in official legislative data
Regulatory framework: Balancing the need for rapid technological adoption with the necessity of ethical AI guidelines
Cybersecurity: Vulnerabilities in digital parliamentary infrastructure to state and non-state actor interference
Keywords: Democratic transparency · Ethical AI · Information integrity · Digital governance · Cybersecurity
चर्चा में क्यों: Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit mandated geo-spatial approval from the Bihar Remote Sensing Application Centre (BIRSAC) for infrastructure projects exceeding ₹50 crore to ensure data-driven planning.
The Bihar Remote Sensing Application Centre (BIRSAC) will provide mandatory technical approval for infrastructure projects over ₹50 crore. A new digital tool is being developed in collaboration with BISAG-N to assist in Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyBIRSAC: Bihar Remote Sensing Application Centre
FactMandatory geo-spatial approval applies to projects exceeding ₹50 crore
BodyBISAG-N: National agency collaborating with BIRSAC on digital tools for DPR preparation
Mains angle
Q. How can the integration of geo-spatial technology and remote sensing data improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of large-scale infrastructure planning in India?
Data-driven planning: Reducing project duplication and cost overruns through spatial mapping
Institutional synergy: Leveraging national-level remote sensing data for localized infrastructure development
चर्चा में क्यों: The Goa government introduced the 'Jan Vishwas Bill' to decriminalize minor offenses like illegal construction and waste management violations by replacing imprisonment with monetary penalties.
The Bill proposes amending over a dozen State laws, including those related to excise, fire services, land revenue, municipalities, and public health. It aims to shift from a criminal justice approach to a trust-based governance model for minor regulatory infractions.
Prelims pointers (3)
Act / BillJan Vishwas Bill: Proposed legislation by the Goa government to decriminalize minor offenses.
FactThe Bill targets violations in excise, fire services, land revenue, municipalities, and public health.
FactProposed penalty mechanism: Replacement of imprisonment with monetary penalties for minor offenses.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how decriminalizing minor regulatory offenses can enhance the 'Ease of Doing Business' while ensuring effective regulatory oversight in a state like Goa.
Regulatory shift: Transitioning from punitive criminal sanctions to a trust-based compliance model
Compliance burden: Reducing administrative hurdles for small businesses and individual property owners
Enforcement balance: Maintaining public safety and environmental standards through financial deterrents instead of incarceration
Keywords: Trust-based governance · Ease of Doing Business · Decriminalization · Regulatory oversight · Compliance burden