Title March 2025: Monthly Editorial Mains Q&A Compilation.pdf ✅

MAINS Q&A COMPILATION By Sumit Rewri Sir MONTHLY EDITORIAL
1 INDEX 1. POLITY AND GOVERNANCE 2 2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 49 3. ECONOMY 77 4. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 105 5. ENVIRONMENT AND GEOGRAPHY 113 6. DEFENSE AND SECURITY 130 7. SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 132 8. HISTORY 163
2 POLITY AND GOVERNANCE https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/criminality-in-politics-a-point-of-no-return/ 1. Despite judicial interventions and legislative measures, the criminalisation of politics remains a persistent issue in India. Analyse the underlying causes of this phenomenon and suggest effective strategies to mitigate its impact on democratic governance. (15 Marks, 250 Words) Answer: Core Demand of the Question • Highlight judicial interventions and legislative measures related to the criminalisation of politics. • Discuss the underlying cause why the criminalisation of politics remains a persistent issue in India despite these judicial interventions and legislative measures. • Suggest effective strategies to mitigate its impact on democratic governance. Criminalisation of politics refers to the increasing participation of individuals with criminal backgrounds in electoral politics. As per the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) 2024 report, 46% of MPs in the 18th Lok Sabha faced criminal cases, a rise from 34% in 2014. Despite judicial directives like the Supreme Court's 2020 order mandating political parties to justify candidate selection, the issue persists. Judicial Interventions and Legislative Measures Judicial Interventions • Disclosure of Criminal Records: The Supreme Court mandated that political parties and candidates publish criminal records in newspapers, electronic media, and party websites at least thrice before elections. For example: The 2018 SC ruling required parties to provide reasons for selecting candidates with criminal backgrounds. • Setting Up Special Courts: The SC directed the creation of special fast-track courts for the expeditious trial of cases against politicians to prevent undue delays in justice. For instance: 11 states have set up 12 special courts to hear cases against MPs and MLAs, but progress has been slow. • Affidavit-Based Accountability: SC ruled that filing false affidavits about criminal records should be a punishable offense to ensure transparency in electoral processes. For example: The 2002 Union of India v. ADR case led to the mandatory disclosure of assets, liabilities, and criminal records by candidates. Legislative Measures • Disqualification upon Conviction: Under the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951, convicted politicians face disqualification from contesting elections for six years after completing their sentence. For example: In Lily Thomas v. Union of India (2013), SC ruled that legislators convicted of serious offenses will be immediately disqualified. • Election Commission Reforms: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has consistently recommended barring candidates charged with heinous crimes from contesting elections. For instance: The ECI's 2016 proposal suggested amending the RPA to prevent candidates facing serious charges from contesting elections.