ROLE AND IMPARTIALITY OF THE GOVERNOR IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Supreme Court recently gave important observations on the powers of Governors, especially regarding delay in giving assent to State Bills and their role in Centre–State relations.
Office of the Governor
- The Governor is the constitutional head of the State, similar to the President at the Centre.
- He/She acts as a link between the Union Government and the State Government.
- Although appointed by the Centre, the Governor is not an agent of the Union.
- The office is meant to preserve the federal balance and ensure the Constitution is followed in the State.
Constituent Assembly’s View on Governors
- During Constitution-making, members feared that Governors might become “agents of the Centre”.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar clearly stated that:
- The Governor is not a representative of the Union government.
- He is a constitutional head, not a political ruler.
- The Governor was designed to help elected governments function, not to compete with them.
Discretionary Powers:
- The framers rejected the idea of wide, unchecked powers for Governors (unlike British rule under the 1935 Act).
- Discretion is meant for exceptional situations only, such as:
- Deciding the Chief Minister when no party has a clear majority.
- Reporting constitutional breakdown to the President (Article 356).
- Dr. Ambedkar stressed that:
- Governors are not “overriding authorities”.
- Discretion must be strictly as mentioned in the Constitution.
Power Over State Bills
- Governors can: Give assent, Withhold assent, Return the Bill, or Reserve it for the President.
- Assembly members feared misuse of this power.
Supreme Court’s Role
- Courts are expected to: Enforce time limits, Prevent misuse of Governor’s office, Protect elected governments.
- Delay is being viewed as “as late as possible” instead of “as soon as possible”, against constitutional spirit.
Present-Day Challenges in the Governor’s Office
- Misuse of Discretionary Powers: Governors are often accused of selective use of discretionary powers in inviting parties to form government, delaying or denying assent to Bills, leading to political instability.
- Delay and Withholding of Bills: Many Governors delay approval of State legislation, unnecessarily reserve Bills for the President, which disrupts law-making and governance.
- Centre–State Tensions: The appointment process and conduct of Governors often: reflect political alignment with the Centre, weaken State autonomy,
- Public Political Interference: Some Governors make political statements against elected governments, intervene in administration,
which damages constitutional neutrality.
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Appointment & Position
- The Governor is the constitutional head of a State, appointed by the President of India under Article 155 of the Constitution.
- He/She acts as a link between the Union and the State government.
- Holds office during the pleasure of the President and normally has a tenure of five years.
- Not elected; therefore expected to function as a neutral constitutional authority, not as a political agent.
Key Powers
- Executive Powers
Appoints Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, Advocate-General; administers oath of office. - Legislative Powers
- Summons and prorogues the Assembly
- Addresses the legislature
- Can recommend President’s Rule
- May nominate members to the Legislative Council (if it exists)
- Discretionary Powers (used only in special situations)
- Appointment of CM in a hung Assembly
- Reserving Bills for the President
- Recommending President’s Rule under Article 356
- Financial Powers
- Causes the Budget to be laid in the House
- Approves Money Bills before introduction
Conclusion
The Governor is meant to be a neutral constitutional referee, not a political player.
Misuse of this office weakens federalism and democracy, making judicial supervision essential for balance.
INDIA’S DISASTER RESPONSE & FEDERALISM
TOPIC: (GS3) DISASTER MANAGEMENT: THE HINDU
After the Wayanad landslides, Kerala received much less money from the Centre than what it said was needed, leading to criticism. This has reopened the debate on whether disaster funding in India is becoming too controlled by the Centre and less cooperative with States.
India’s Disaster Financing System
- India follows a two-layer funding model under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF): Jointly funded by Centre and States (75:25; 90:10 for Himalayan/NE States) for immediate relief.
- National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF): Fully funded by the Centre for severe disasters.
What Happened in Wayanad?
- Heavy landslides caused loss of lives and property.
- Kerala estimated losses at about ₹2,200 crore.
- Central assistance was far less, creating a wide gap between losses and aid.
- The Centre cited unspent SDRF balance and earlier loans to justify limited support.
Why Is Federalism Under Stress?
- Outdated Relief Norms: Compensation limits (e.g., for deaths and damaged houses) have not kept pace with rising costs. States struggle to rebuild with low support ceilings.
- Unclear ‘Severe Disaster’ Definition: No precise legal criteria exist for declaring a disaster “severe”. This allows discretion and delays in releasing NDRF funds.
- Slow & Procedural Funding: Funds are released only after inspections and approvals. Delays defeat the purpose of emergency assistance.
- Weak Allocation Formula: Finance Commission criteria rely on population and area. Real disaster exposure (flood-prone districts, landslide zones) is poorly captured.
- Shift from Cooperation to Contro: Disaster assistance is increasingly based on approvals, conditions, and negotiations. This weakens the spirit of cooperative federalism.
Lessons from Other Countries
- USA – Federal Emergency Management Agency: Uses damage thresholds for automatic support.
- Mexico (FONDEN) and Philippines: Release funds based on objective indicators like rainfall and fatalities.
- Caribbean & Africa: Insurance-based systems using satellite data for quick payouts.
What Can India Do?
Role of the Sixteenth Finance Commission
- Update compensation limits to match present costs.
- Create a Disaster Vulnerability Index for fair allocations.
- Ensure disaster aid remains grant-based, not loan-based.
Institutional Reforms
- Use triggers such as rainfall level, loss-to-GSDP ratio, and casualties.
- Provide States more control over SDRF usage.
- Shift Centre’s role from permission-giver to auditor.
Conclusion
Disasters test not only infrastructure but also federal trust. India must move from discretionary aid to a transparent, rule-based disaster system to protect both lives and federal harmony.
DATA DEFICIENCIES IN INDIA’S NATIONAL ACCOUNTS
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
International Monetary Fund (IMF) has given India’s national accounts statistics a ‘C’ grade, showing serious weaknesses in economic data quality.
What is the Issue?
- A ‘C’ grade means data has shortcomings that affect economic monitoring and policy decisions.
- National accounts include GDP, GVA, investment, consumption and exports. Weak data reduces policy accuracy.
- India’s rating places it among countries with lower statistical credibility, harming confidence.
Problems Highlighted by IMF
- Outdated Base Year: Current base year is 2011–12 for GDP, CPI and IIP. Old base years fail to reflect new industries, digital economy, services boom and consumer behaviour.
- Poor Measurement of Informal Sector; Large part of Indian economy is unregistered and cash-based. Under-counting informal activity leads to incorrect GDP size and growth figures.
- Weak Price Measurement: CPI gives very high weight to food items, which can distort inflation signals. Inaccurate inflation data affects RBI’s interest rate decisions.
- Data Gaps & Delays: Differences between production and expenditure estimates of GDP create confusion. Changes in methodology are slow and not well-communicated, reducing trust.
Ongoing Reforms
- New base years for GDP, CPI and IIP proposed by early 2026.
- Plan to use: GST data for better business tracking, Improved corporate reporting, Technology-based surveys.
- These steps can strengthen realism in economic numbers.
Why It Matters
- For Government: Poor data leads to wrong budgeting and planning.
- For RBI: Weak inflation numbers → ineffective monetary policy.
- For Investors: Unreliable statistics hurt ease of doing business and confidence.
- For Citizens: Welfare schemes may miss target groups due to faulty estimates.
Way Forward
- Regular revision of base years every 5 years.
- Develop a national informal economy index.
- Strengthen statistical manpower and independence.
- Improve transparency in methodology updates.
Conclusion
India has strong institutions, but data reforms are lagging. Accurate, timely statistics are essential for growth, fairness and credibility.
VIKRAMI ROCKET
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
The Prime Minister recently introduced Skyroot Aerospace’s VikramI, India’s first privately built orbital rocket, marking a milestone in the country’s space sector.
About VikramI
- Developed by Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabadbased private space company.
- Named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme.
- Represents India’s growing private participation in space technology.
Key Features
- Thrust: Generates nearly 1,200 kN using an advanced carboncomposite body, ensuring strength with reduced weight.
- Design: Built for quick launch readiness, capable of being deployed within 24 hours from flexible locations.
- Stages:
- Fourstage rocket.
- First three stages use solid fuel for strong initial propulsion.
- Final stage powered by hypergolic liquid engines (Raman engines) for precise orbital placement.
- Payload Capacity:
- Up to 350 kg in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- Around 260 kg in SunSynchronous Orbit (SSO).
- Target Segment: Designed to serve the small satellite market, enabling multiple payloads in one mission.
Innovations
- Incorporates 3Dprinted engines for efficiency.
- Uses lowshock separation systems to protect delicate satellites.
- Equipped with advanced avionics for realtime navigation and control.
Significance
- Strengthens India’s private space industry and supports selfreliance in satellite launches.
- Provides costeffective and rapid launch options for domestic and global clients.
- Enhances India’s role in the global smallsatellite launch market.
BHARAT NCAP 2.0
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has released a revised draft of Bharat NCAP 2.0, updating the 2023 rules until 2027.
What is Bharat NCAP?
- Bharat NCAP is India’s voluntary car safety star-rating system.
- It goes beyond basic road rules and rates cars based on real crash performance.
- Cars are tested using Indian conditions and get 1–5 stars for safety.
- Ratings are issued by the Central Institute of Road Transport (Pune).
- Helps buyers compare safety and pushes companies to build safer cars.
Key Change: Wider Assessment Areas
Earlier, only 3 areas were checked. Bharat NCAP 2.0 now uses 5 verticals:
- Safe Driving – 10%
- Accident Avoidance – 10%
- Crash Protection – 55%
- Vulnerable Road User (VRU) Protection – 20%
- Post-Crash Safety – 5%
Protection for Pedestrians & Cyclists (New)
A new VRU vertical checks harm to people outside the car:
- Leg impact on bumper
- Adult & child head impact on bonnet/windscreen
- Tests for Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with adult/child detection (optional but rewarded)
Targets India’s high pedestrian deaths.
Accident-Avoidance Technology
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is mandatory to qualify.
- AEB improves the score and ratings.
Focus shifts from only “surviving crashes” to “avoiding crashes”.
Post-Crash Safety (New Checks)
- Fire & electric safety (very important for EVs)
- Rescue access: doors opening, seat-belt release after a crash
Helps faster and safer rescue.
Stricter Star Ratings
- 4-star: 65 points; 5-star: 80 points (raised from earlier).
- Minimum 55% in Adult Protection needed for 3 stars or more.
- No zero in any vertical for a 5-star car; no red-zone injuries for top rating.
TEX-RAMPS SCHEME
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The Union Government has approved the Tex-RAMPS Scheme to modernise India’s textile sector through better research, data management, and start-up support.
Tex-RAMPS Scheme?
- Tex-RAMPS stands for Textiles Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning and Start-ups Scheme.
- It is a Central Sector Scheme funded fully by the Government of India.
- Total budget: ₹305 crore (2025–26 to 2030–31)
- Implemented by the Ministry of Textiles.
- Main goal: strengthen research, data systems, innovation, and skill development in textiles.
Objectives of the Scheme
- Improve research and innovation in textile technology.
- Build reliable data systems for policy decisions.
- Encourage start-ups and entrepreneurship in textiles.
- Support State governments in better planning.
- Develop India as a global textile hub.
Major Components
- Research and Innovation: Smart textiles, Eco-friendly materials, Energy-efficient production, Encourages use of advanced technology.
- Data, Analytics and Studies: Employment surveys, Supply chain mapping, India-Size body measurement study, Helps in evidence-based policies.
- Integrated Textiles Statistical System (ITSS: A real-time digital platform for: Monitoring growth, Tracking schemes, Industry reporting
- Capacity Building: Trains officials and industry stakeholders. Promotes sharing of best practices. Organises workshops and conferences.
- Start-up Support: Encourages: Textile incubators, Innovation contests, Industry-academia partnerships. Helps entrepreneurs scale new ideas.
Significance of the Scheme
- Improves policy quality through accurate data.
- Boosts innovation and sustainability.
- Strengthens India’s global competitiveness in textiles.
- Supports young entrepreneurs and job creation.
Conclusion
Tex-RAMPS is a reform-oriented scheme that focuses on data, research, and innovation to transform India’s textile sector. It builds a foundation for long-term growth, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in the industry.
ALOE VERA COMPOUNDS AS POTENTIAL ALZHEIMER’S INHIBITORS
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
A recent study (2025) highlights that molecules from Aloe vera, especially Beta sitosterol, may block enzymes linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The findings are based on computer simulation techniques without physical lab experiments.
Computer Simulation
- Use of computational models to study biological or chemical processes.
- Helps predict drug–enzyme interactions and outcomes without actual experiments.
- Saves time and resources in early drug discovery.
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
- Most common type of dementia.
- Key features: memory loss, reduced thinking ability, and brain damage due to betaamyloid plaques and tau tangles.
- Linked to reduced acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for learning and memory.
- Enzymes breaking down acetylcholine:
- Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
- Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)
- Current drugs (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine) inhibit these enzymes but cannot stop disease progression.
Aloe Vera and Its Compounds
- Used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.
- Contains bioactive molecules: Beta sitosterol, Succinic acid, polysaccharides, phenolics.
- Known for healing, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Key Findings of the Study
- Beta sitosterol showed strong binding with enzymes
- Stronger binding compared to other Aloe vera compounds.
- ADMET analysis (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, Toxicity): Good absorption, Low toxicity, Favourable druglike profile
Conclusion
The study suggests Aloe vera compounds, especially Beta sitosterol, could be explored as natural inhibitors for Alzheimer’s treatment. Though promising, results are preliminary and based only on computer models, requiring further clinical validation.
CHANAKYA DEFENCE DIALOGUE 2025
TOPIC: (GS3) SEUCRITY: THE HINDU
The President of India inaugurated the third edition of Chanakya Defence Dialogue (CDD2025) in New Delhi, organised by the Indian Army and CLAWS.
About the Dialogue
- Annual event that brings together military leaders, diplomats, scholars, and industry experts.
- Conducted by the Indian Army in partnership with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS).
- Named after Chanakya, the ancient strategist, symbolising longterm vision in national security.
- Venue: New Delhi, held as a twoday conference.
Objectives
- Provide a platform for strategic discussions on India’s security architecture.
- Explore emerging defence technologies and their role in modern warfare.
- Strengthen international cooperation through dialogue with global experts.
- Encourage participation of young scholars to integrate fresh perspectives into defence policy.
Key Themes
- Contemporary security challenges in a contested global environment.
- Technological frontiers in defence, including cyber, space, and AI applications.
- Regional stability and peace, focusing on cooperative security frameworks.
- Policy relevance: Outcomes expected to guide future military strategies and defence reforms.
Significance
- Enhances India’s role as a thought leader in defence and strategic affairs.
- Promotes civilmilitary synergy by involving academia and industry.
- Supports India’s vision of building a robust and futureready security architecture.
