Welcome to the UPSC Current affairs page which specifically delivers current affairs related to following themes:

1. Indian Constitution,
2. Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive;
3. Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, the conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these,
4. Constitutional Bodies, Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies,
5. Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions,
6. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, E- Governance, Functioning of the Judiciary
7. Salient Features of the Representation of People’s Act

These themes are important for UPSC Civil Services Preliminary exam as well as Paper II of UPSC Mains Examination.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution deals with the provisions related to the President of India?

A) Article 53
B) Article 56
C) Article 72
D) Article 75

2. What is the significance of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Indian Constitution?

A) They are enforceable in courts
B) They guide the state in making laws
C) They limit the powers of the government
D) They promote individual rights

3. Who has the power to amend the Constitution of India?

A) The President
B) The Parliament
C) The Prime Minister
D) The Judiciary

4. Which of the following is not a feature of the Indian Constitution?

A) Federal structure
B) Single citizenship
C) Presidential system of governance
D) Parliamentary system of governance

5. What is the maximum period for which the President of India can promulgate an ordinance?

A) 3 months
B) 6 months
C) 12 months
D) 18 months

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the role of the Parliament in the Indian political system and how it ensures the accountability of the government.

Answer: The Parliament of India plays a critical role in the functioning of the democratic political system. It is a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). It is responsible for making laws, approving budgets, and ensuring that the government remains accountable to the people. Through mechanisms like Question Hour, debates, and Parliamentary Committees, Parliament holds the executive accountable for its actions. Parliamentary elections ensure that the government reflects the will of the people, and motions such as no-confidence motions provide a check on the executive’s power.

Q2: Explain the separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary in the Indian system.

Answer: The separation of powers in India is a fundamental principle that underpins the Indian political system. The executive, led by the President, the legislature (Parliament), and the judiciary (Supreme Court and other courts) function independently but are interdependent. The executive implements laws, the legislature makes laws, and the judiciary interprets and ensures the constitutionality of laws. While each branch is distinct in its functions, they maintain checks and balances on each other. The judiciary can review executive actions, and Parliament has the power to pass laws that the judiciary interprets. This balance ensures accountability and prevents any branch from becoming too powerful.

Q3: How does the concept of judicial review function in India, and what role does it play in the political system?

Answer: Judicial review is the power of the judiciary to review laws and executive actions to ensure they comply with the Constitution. In India, the Supreme Court has the authority to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional if they violate constitutional principles. Judicial review ensures that the actions of the executive and legislature remain within the limits of the Constitution, maintaining the rule of law. It acts as a guardian of the Constitution and protects the rights of citizens by preventing the misuse of power. This power strengthens the democratic fabric of the country by ensuring that all actions align with constitutional values.

Previous Year Questions on Indian Polity

UPSC CSE 2021

Question: “Discuss the significance of the Parliament in the Indian political system. How does it ensure accountability of the executive?”

Answer: Parliament in India is the supreme legislative body responsible for making laws, approving the budget, and ensuring the government remains accountable. Through mechanisms like debates, Question Hour, and Committee investigations, Parliament scrutinizes the work of the government, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.

UPSC CSE 2020

Question: “Explain the separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary in India. How does it ensure checks and balances?”

Answer: In India, the separation of powers divides functions between the executive, legislature, and judiciary, ensuring no single branch holds unchecked power. The legislature makes laws, the executive enforces them, and the judiciary interprets them. Each branch exercises checks on the other to maintain balance and prevent abuse of power.