In 2025, Transparency International released the latest edition of its flagship global ranking — the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The index assessed 182 countries and territories, measuring perceived levels of public-sector corruption on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). More than just a ranking exercise, CPI 2025 offers critical insights into…
Introduction The Industrial Relations Code (IRC), 2020 was India’s effort to consolidate and modernise fragmented labour laws governing industrial peace, worker rights, trade unions, and dispute resolution. However, within a few years of its implementation, challenges in interpretation, implementation, and socio‑economic impact prompted policymakers to revisit the law. In 2026, the government introduced the Industrial…
Introduction Relations between India and Bangladesh have historically been shaped by geography, shared culture, economic interdependence, and strategic concerns. Over the last decade, bilateral ties strengthened significantly due to close cooperation on connectivity, security, energy, and people-to-people exchanges. However, a political transition in Bangladesh following the electoral victory of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) introduces a…
Introduction India’s fiscal federalism relies on a sophisticated machinery of constitutional bodies that allocate resources between the Centre and the states. Among these, the Finance Commission plays an indispensable role as the apex expert body responsible for equitable fiscal devolution. Established under Article 280 of the Constitution, the Commission periodically recommends how tax revenues should…
Introduction Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping economies, governance systems, and social services across the world. While many countries focus primarily on building powerful AI models, India is taking a broader and more inclusive approach — developing an AI Applications Stack that connects technology directly with citizens’ everyday needs. Rather than limiting AI to elite research…
Introduction India’s democratic system rests on three foundational pillars — constitutional institutions, administrative machinery, and economic governance frameworks. These pillars determine how effectively policies are implemented, rights are protected, and development is measured. In recent times, debates surrounding electoral processes, civil service performance, and economic indicators have gained renewed attention. These discussions are not isolated;…
Introduction The Union Public Service Commission conducts the Civil Services Examination to recruit officers for services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and allied cadres. The examination is designed to evaluate not only academic knowledge but also analytical ability, ethical judgment, leadership potential, and awareness of national and global issues. The syllabus is vast but…
Introduction India’s development journey is marked by sharp regional disparities. While some districts have achieved rapid socio-economic progress, many others remain trapped in cycles of poverty, weak infrastructure, poor health outcomes, and limited educational access. Recognizing this imbalance, the Government of India launched the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) in 2018 with the objective of accelerating…
Introduction Secularism is widely regarded as a foundational principle of modern democratic states, ensuring freedom of religion and equality of all citizens. However, secularism does not carry a single universal meaning. Different societies have shaped it according to their historical experiences, cultural diversity, and political needs. India and the Western world represent two distinct models…
Introduction Over the last decade, India has witnessed a major transformation in its education system driven by digital initiatives. Recognizing education as a foundation for human capital development and inclusive growth, the Government of India launched several technology-enabled programs to improve access, quality, governance, and equity in learning. Digital platforms, online classrooms, open educational resources,…