Context Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 shows corruption is rising globally; India’s score (39/100, rank 91) has remained almost unchanged for a decade → economic growth not matched by governance quality. India’s position • Stagnant score (38–41 for years) → remains in lower half globally → behind many comparable economies Why it matters • Corruption = economic loss → reduces investment + increases cost of doing business + lowers productivity → global loss ~5% of GDP, India ~0.5–1.5% of GDP Core problem • Too many laws/compliances → high discretion with officials → scope for rent-seeking → businesses focus on managing rules instead of growth What is improving • Digital systems reducing corruption → Direct Benefit Transfer (less leakage) + digital payments (tracking) + Goods and Services Tax (formalisation) + e-procurement (less human interference) Core message • Corruption is not just ethical issue, it is a direct economic constraint + governance weakness Way forward • Simplify regulations + increase transparency and accountability + strengthen institutions → continuous reforms needed
Uniform Civil Code Bill passed by Gujarat Assembly
Context Gujarat Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill to bring a common law for marriage, divorce and inheritance across religions, linked to Article 44 of the Constitution. Key Provisions • One common law for civil matters across religions• Marriage registration compulsory (within 60 days)• Uniform divorce process → court approval mandatory• Equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters• Women allowed remarriage• Live-in relationships to be registered Penalties • Non-registration of marriage → fine• Fraud/forced marriage, polygamy → punishment• Unregistered live-in → fine or imprisonment Exemption • Scheduled Tribes kept outside the law (Article 366(25)) Debate • Government → equality and uniformity• Opposition → concerns on religious freedom Where UCC exists • Goa → already in force• Uttarakhand → implemented• Gujarat → Bill passed (not yet fully implemented)
India United States relations can grow despite differences: Pentagon
Context: India United States relations During a visit to India, senior Pentagon official Elbridge Colby said India–United States can cooperate despite differences. India–United States relations • Cooperation without full agreement• Aim: Indo-Pacific balance (no single power dominance)• India = key strategic partner• India maintains strategic autonomy• Some uncertainty in United States approach towards India’s rise
West Asia conflict continues amid strikes and diplomacy
Context: West Asia conflict Ongoing tensions between United States–Iran–Israel continue despite diplomatic talks. Key Points • Mixed signals → talks + continued strikes• Conflict uncertainty remains high• Direct impact on global energy markets• Significant implications for India’s energy security
Delimitation and Women Reservation: Early Exercise Likely Before 2029 Elections
Context: Delimitation and Women Reservation The Union government is considering early delimitation based on 2011 Census to implement the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections instead of waiting for the post-2026 Census cycle. 1) Constitutional Design 2) Delimitation Commission • Composition: Retired Supreme Court Judge (Chairperson) | Chief Election Commissioner or nominee | State Election Commissioners• Nature: Independent | Quasi-judicial | Not subject to executive control• Powers: Final orders | Force of law | Not challengeable in any court• Functions: Redraw constituencies | Allocate seats | Identify reserved seats for SCs/STs | Ensure population parity • Process: Draft proposal → Public sittings → Objections considered → Final order notified • Significance: Ensures electoral equality | Prevents gerrymandering | Maintains federal balance 3) How Delimitation Happens 4) Delimitation History + Freeze on Seats • Commissions:1952 → 1951 Census | 1963 → 1961 Census | 1973 → 1971 Census | 2002 → 2001 Census with only boundary changes • Constitutional Freeze:42nd Amendment 1976 → Freeze till 200184th Amendment 2001 → Extended till 202687th Amendment 2003 → Boundary change allowed but no increase in seats Result• Lok Sabha seats fixed at 543 despite population growth• Triggered North–South representation debate 5) Present Legal Position • Next delimitation to occur after first Census post-2026• Women’s Reservation Act implementation originally linked to this future exercise 6) Current Government Plan • Use 2011 Census instead of waiting• Conduct early delimitation• Target implementation by 2029 Lok Sabha elections 7) Two Core Changes 7.1 Increase in Seats • Lok Sabha seats likely to increase from 543 to around 816• Reflects population growth• Likely retention of existing inter-state proportional share 7.2 Women’s Reservation • Constitution 106th Amendment Act, 2023 provides 33 percent reservation• Applies to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies• Earlier delayed due to Census requirement• Now expected by 2029 after early delimitation• Around 273 seats likely reserved 8) Federal Concerns
US Iran Conflict: Trump Pauses Strikes, Signals Possible Deal
Context: US Iran Conflict U.S. has paused planned strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure for 5 days after talks, signalling a possible deal, though tensions continue. 1) What Happened 2) Talks Status • U.S. → “productive talks”, agreement points emerging• Iran → rejects U.S. claims, denies progress 3) Core Dispute • U.S. demand → • Iran stance →• Denies aggression• Asserts sovereign position 4) Ground Situation 5) Strategic Importance • Strait of Hormuz → key global oil route• Disruption affects global energy + India’s imports
West Asia Conflict Impact: PM Highlights Long-Term Risks in Lok Sabha
Context: West Asia Conflict Impact PM informed Lok Sabha that the West Asia conflict will have long-term impact, while outlining India’s preparedness, diplomatic stand, and energy-security measures. 1) India’s Stand on Conflict 2) Diplomatic Approach 3) Energy Security Measures 4) Economic & Domestic Preparedness 5) India-Specific Concerns
India Nepal Relations: Political Shift Opens Strategic Opportunity
Context: India Nepal Relations A new political mandate in Nepal has brought a leadership focused on governance and development, creating space for India to reset ties and move beyond legacy irritants. 1) Political Shift in Nepal 2) Core Issues in India–Nepal Relations 2.1 Trust Deficit • Perception of Indian interference in internal politics• Anti-India narratives used in Nepal’s domestic politics 2.2 Boundary Dispute • Kalapani–Lipulekh–Limpiyadhura dispute• Triggered by new maps on both sides → affects diplomatic trust 2.3 Treaty Issue • 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship Why revision demand? 2.4 Economic & Transit Issues • Nepal is landlocked → heavy dependence on India for trade routes• 2015 blockade perception → major trust erosion• Need for diversification vs dependence 2.5 China Factor • Increasing Chinese role in infrastructure and connectivity• Nepal balancing between India and China• Strategic concern for India
TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Science and Jan Bhagidari Drive Elimination
Context: TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan India has launched a 100-day Intensified TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, focusing on science + jan bhagidari to accelerate TB elimination. 1) Tuberculosis Basics 2) Key Data from Article 3) Core Strategy 3.1 Jan Bhagidari • Community participation, panchayats, TB vijetas• Focus on awareness + stigma reduction 3.2 Proactive Screening Shift • From passive → targeted screening of high-risk groups• Focus on urban slums, migrants 3.3 Technology Use • AI-enabled handheld X-ray devices• Nikshay Vahans for mobile testing• Molecular diagnostics at community level 4) Institutional Approach
Question Hour
Question Hour is the first hour of a sitting in both Houses of Parliament, during which Members of Parliament (MPs) ask questions to ministers regarding the functioning of the government. It is one of the most important instruments of parliamentary oversight and executive accountability. Timing Types of Questions Starred Questions Unstarred Questions Short Notice Questions Procedure Significance Ensures Executive Accountability Promotes Transparency Information Gathering Tool Checks Arbitrary Action Limitations Conclusion Question Hour is a cornerstone of parliamentary democracy in India. By enabling direct questioning of the executive, it strengthens transparency, accountability, and informed governance.
