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About Lokpal:
The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011 was passed by the Parliament on 17th December 2013. The Bill received the Hon'ble President's assent on 1st January 2014 and was notified on the same day as The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act,2013 (No.01 of 2014). The Act came into force on 16th January, 2014 and has been amended once in 2016 since its notification.
The current Chairperson of Lokpal is Shri Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar.
Lokpal and Lokayukta:
Lokpal and Lokayukta are public institutions established in India to investigate and prosecute corruption among public officials. 
Recommendation of ARC: In the 1960s, the Administrative Reforms Commission of India suggested the creation of two specialized authorities, the Lokpal and Lokayukta, to address citizens' complaints and grievances pertaining to corruption.
Role of Ombudsman: Lokpal and Lokayukta perform the function and role of an “Ombudsman”. They inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public bodies/organizations and for other related matters.
National and state level: The Lokpal is a national-level institution, while the Lokayukta is a state-level institution. Both have the power to investigate and prosecute corruption cases, and both are headed by a panel of judges or retired judges. 
Jurisdiction: The Lokpal and Lokayukta handle complaints against ministers and top government officials.
What is the background and genesis of Lokpal and Lokayukta in India?
The concept of ombudsman originated in 1809 in Sweden.
In India, the former law minister Ashok Kumar Sen became the first Indian to propose the concept of a constitutional Ombudsman in Parliament in the early 1960s.
Further, Dr. L. M. Singhvi coined the term Lokpal and Lokayukta in 1963. Later in the year 1966, the First Administrative Reform Commission passed recommendations regarding the setting up of two independent authorities at the central and at the state level.
After the recommendations from the First Administrative Reform Commission, the Lokpal bill was passed in Lok Sabha in 1968 but lapsed due to the dissolution of Lok Sabha. Since then, the bill was introduced many times in Lok Sabha but has lapsed.
Later, in 2002, the National Commission for Review of the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) recommended the appointment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas. In 2005, the 2nd Administrative Reform Commission(ARC) also recommended the same.
The Anna Hazare movement, also known as India Against Corruption (IAC) movement, was led by social activist Anna Hazare, who began a hunger strike in April 2011 to demand the creation of an independent, effective anti-corruption body known as the Lokpal.
As a result of the movement, the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill was introduced in the Indian parliament and passed into law in 2013.
It received assent from the President on 1 January 2014 and came into force on 16 January 2014.
The institution of ombudsman is based on the doctrine of administrative accountability to legislature
What are the key provisions of the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013?
Key provisions of the Act include
Selection Committee: which includes the Prime Minister as Chairperson, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Chief Justice of India or a Judge nominated by him/her and one eminent jurist appointed by President.
Jurisdiction: Jurisdiction includes the Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and group A, B, C, and D of government employees.
Composition: It is composed of a chairperson and a maximum of eight members, with half of them being judicial members. 50% of members belong to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minorities, and women.
Superintendence: It has the power of superintendence and directs any investigative agency, including the Central Bureau of Investigation, for cases referred to it by the Lokpal.
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA): Jurisdiction includes foreign donations in excess of Rs 10 Lakhs per year under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.
The Act provides a requirement for establishing Lokayukta institutions through state legislation within 365 days of the Act coming into effect.
Composition and Tenure of Lokpal:
Lokpal is a multi-member body that consists of one chairperson and a maximum of 8 members (1+8)
Chairperson: of the Lokpal should be either the former Chief Justice of India or the former Judge of Supreme Court or an eminent person with impeccable integrity and outstanding ability,
having special knowledge and expertise of minimum 25 years in the matters relating to anti-corruption policy,
public administration, vigilance, finance including insurance and banking, law and management.
Out of the maximum eight members, half will be judicial members and minimum 50% of the Members will be from SC/ ST/ OBC/ Minorities and women.
The judicial member of the Lokpal is either a former Judge of the Supreme Court or a former Chief Justice of a HIGH COURT.
The term of office for Lokpal Chairman and Members is 5 years or till the age of 70 years.
Appointment Process of Lokpal 
A search committee recommends a panel of names to the high-power selection committee.
The members are appointed by the president on the recommendation of a Selection Committee.
The President will appoint the recommended names.
Selection Committee:
1. Prime Minister who is the Chairperson;
2. Speaker of Lok Sabha
3. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
4. Chief Justice of India or a Judge nominated by him/her
5. One eminent jurist
Conditions of Service for Lokpal and Its Members:
The Salary allowances and other conditions of service of the chairperson and members are equivalent to that of Chief Justice of India and Judge of the SUPREME COURT respectively.
They are not eligible for reappointment and cannot hold any constitutional or governmental office.
They cannot contest any elections for a period of 5 years.
PM’s Exemption in Lokpal Inquiries:
It does not allow a Lokpal inquiry if the allegation against the PM relates to international relations, external and internal security, public order, atomic energy and space.
Complaints against the PM are not to be probed unless the full Lokpal bench considers the initiation of inquiry and at least 2/3rds of the members approve.
Such an inquiry against the PM (if conducted) is to be held in camera and if the Lokpal comes to the conclusion that the complaint deserves to be dismissed, the records of the inquiry are not to be published or made available to anyone.
Jurisdiction of the Lokpal included the Prime Minister except on allegations of corruption relating to international relations, security, the public order, atomic energy and space.
The Lokpal does not have jurisdiction over Ministers and MPs in the matter of anything said in Parliament or a vote given there.
Its jurisdiction also includes any person who is or has been in charge (director/ manager/ secretary) of anybody/ society set up by central act or any other body financed/ controlled by central government and any other person involved in act of abetting, bribe giving or bribe taking.
It has the powers to superintendence over, and to give direction to CBI.
Lokpal’s Vigilance and Authority: Powers to Combat Corruption:
It has superintendence over the Central Bureau of Investigation and can give directions to it.
If a case is referred to CBI by Lokpal, the investigating officer in such a case cannot be transferred without the approval of Lokpal.
Lokpal will have an Inquiry Wing and a Prosecution Wing. The Inquiry Wing has the powers of a Civil Court.
It can confiscate assets, proceeds, receipts and benefits arisen or procured by means of corruption in special circumstances.
It can transfer or suspend public servants connected with allegations of corruption.
It has the power to give directions to prevent the destruction of records during the preliminary inquiry.
Lokpal’s Functions and Anti-Corruption Initiatives:
A complaint can be made to the Lokpal for an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The Lokpal may order a preliminary inquiry by its Inquiry Wing or refer it to any investigation agency like the CBI.
However, the Lokpal should establish that a prima facie case exists after seeking an explanation from the public servant as well as his competent authority.
With respect to Central Government Servants, it may refer cases to the Central Vigilance Commission.
Preliminary Enquiry report should be done within 60 days.
The preliminary investigation should normally be completed within 90 days.
A Lokpal bench of not less than 3 members considers it and, after giving an opportunity to the public servant, decides on a further investigation. It may dismiss, initiate a full investigation, or start departmental proceedings.
The trials will be held in special courts, which must complete them within one year.
Extensions can be made, but the total period cannot exceed two years.
What is the existing governance framework to check corruption in India?
Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988: It is the main law for addressing corruption in India. It provides for the punishment of public servants who engage in corrupt practices.
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): Main agency responsible for investigating corruption cases involving public servants.
Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and State Vigilance Commission: Handle citizens' grievances related to corruption.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): Citizens can file complaints if they feel that their rights have been violated.
The All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 prohibit government employees from engaging in any activities that may compromise their integrity or impartiality, such as accepting gifts or bribes, engaging in partisan political activities, or disclosing confidential information.
The Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 prohibit central government employees from engaging in activities that may compromise their integrity or impartiality.
Administrative tribunals such as Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) are specialized courts that hear and decide disputes related to the administrative actions of government agencies related to matters of corruption.
What are the limitations of the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013?
The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013 has several drawbacks that have been criticized by experts and activists. Some of these include
Lack of independence: The act allows the government to have a significant influence over the appointment and functioning of the Lokpal, which may compromise its independence.
Anonymous complaints not allowed: The act does not permit anonymous complaints, which may deter potential whistleblowers from coming forward.
Limitation of 7 years: The act sets a 7-year limitation period to file a complaint, which may not be sufficient for some cases.
Heavy punishment for false complaints: The act provides for severe punishment for false or frivolous complaints, which may deter people from coming forward with valid complaints.
Lack of transparency: The act provides for a non-transparent process for dealing with complaints against the Prime Minister.
The Lokpal cannot initiate an investigation on its own against any public servant.
The form of the complaint is given more importance than the content of it.
About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI):
SEBI is a statutory body established on April 12, 1992 in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.
The basic functions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India is to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote and regulate the securities market.
Historical Background of SEBI:
Before the establishment of SEBI, the Indian securities market was regulated by the Controller of Capital Issues (CCI), a body created under the Capital Issues (Control) Act of 1947. However, by the late 1980s, the Indian securities market had grown significantly, and the CCI's limited regulatory framework became increasingly inadequate to address the complexities of the evolving market.
In response to the rising number of market malpractices and investor grievances, the Indian government established the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in 1988. 
However, SEBI initially lacked statutory powers, which limited its effectiveness in controlling fraudulent activities in the market.
The need for a more empowered regulatory authority became evident in the wake of the Harshad Mehta scam in 1992, which exposed significant loopholes in the financial and stock market systems. 
In the same year, the SEBI Act, 1992 was passed by the Indian Parliament, giving SEBI statutory powers and the authority to regulate the securities market.
What is the Structure of SEBI?
SEBI Board consists of a Chairman and several other whole time and part time members.
SEBI also appoints various committees, whenever required to look into the pressing issues of that time.
Further, a Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has been constituted to protect the interest of entities that feel aggrieved by SEBI’s decision.
SAT consists of a Presiding Officer and two other Members.
It has the same powers as vested in a civil court. Further, if any person feels aggrieved by SAT’s decision or order can appeal to the Supreme Court.
What are the Powers of SEBI?
SEBI holds extensive powers to regulate and control the securities market in India. These powers are equivalent to those of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, allowing SEBI to investigate and take necessary actions to protect investor interests and ensure market integrity. SEBI’s powers in this regard include the following:
Discovery and production of books of accounts and other documents at a specified place and time.
Summoning and enforcing attendance of individuals and examining them under oath.
Inspection of any books, registers, or other documents of any person or company involved in the securities market.
Additionally, SEBI can take the following measures to safeguard the market, either during an investigation or after its completion:
Suspend trading of any security on a recognized stock exchange.
Restrain individuals or entities from accessing the securities market and prohibit them from buying, selling, or dealing in securities.
Suspend office-bearers of any stock exchange or self-regulatory organization from holding their positions.
Impound and retain proceeds or securities related to transactions under investigation.
What are the functions of SEBI?
It functions to fulfill the requirements of three categories –
Issuers – By providing a marketplace in which the issuers can increase their finance.
Investors – By ensuring safety and supply of precise and accurate information.
Intermediaries – By enabling a competitive professional market for intermediaries.
SEBI perform the function of registration and regulation of the working of venture capital funds and collective investment schemes including mutual funds.
It also works for promoting and regulating self-regulatory organizations and prohibiting fraudulent and unfair trade practices relating to securities markets.
Securities Appellate Tribunals:
The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) was established under Section 15K of the SEBI Act to hear appeals against orders issued by SEBI or an adjudicating officer under the SEBI Act. SAT ensures an independent judicial review of SEBI’s decisions. The presiding officer of SAT must either be a sitting or retired Supreme Court judge, a Chief Justice of a High Court, or a High Court judge with at least seven years of service. 
Power of a Civil Court: The Securities Appellate Tribunal has the same powers as a civil court when handling cases. 
Further Appeal: If a person is dissatisfied with SAT’s ruling, they can appeal to the Supreme Court within 60 days of receiving the order.
Note: The current  Chairperson of SEBI is Madhabi Puri Buch.

President Droupadi Murmu has recently appointed new governors for five Indian states, resulting in significant administrative changes. The key appointments are as follows:
Arif Mohammed Khan: Previously serving as the Governor of Kerala, Khan has been reassigned to Bihar.
Ajay Kumar Bhalla: A seasoned administrator and former Union Home Secretary, Bhalla has been appointed as the Governor of Manipur, succeeding Anusuiya Uikey.
Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati: Formerly the Governor of Mizoram, Kambhampati has been appointed as the Governor of Odisha.
General Vijay Kumar Singh: The retired Army General has been appointed as the Governor of Mizoram.
Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar: Arlekar has been appointed as the Governor of Kerala.
These appointments reflect the President's strategic decisions to bring experienced leadership to these states, aiming to enhance governance and address regional challenges effectively.
About State Governor:
The Governor of a state in India is a constitutional authority appointed under Article 153 of the Indian Constitution. The Governor acts as the constitutional head of the state, representing the President of India and ensuring that the state government operates within the framework of the Constitution.
Constitutional Provisions Regarding Governors
1. Appointment and Term (Articles 153-157):
Article 153: Mandates the office of Governor in every state.
A single person can serve as the Governor for multiple states.
Article 154: Vests the executive power of the state in the Governor.
Article 155: The Governor is appointed by the President of India.
Article 156:
The Governor holds office for a term of five years but serves at the pleasure of the President.
The President can remove the Governor or extend the term at their discretion.
Article 157 & 158:
The Governor must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years of age, and must not hold any office of profit.
2. Executive Powers (Article 162):
The Governor is the executive head of the state, with all executive actions carried out in their name.
Key Powers:
Appointment of the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers.
Appointing the Advocate General and members of the State Public Service Commission.
Supervising state administration and ensuring constitutional compliance.
3. Legislative Powers (Articles 163-164, 168, 213):
Article 163: The Governor acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers, except in discretionary matters.
Article 164:
Appoints the Chief Minister and other Ministers.
Ensures the Ministers hold office at the Governor's pleasure.
Article 168: The Governor is part of the state legislature.
Article 200:
The Governor can give assent, withhold assent, or reserve bills for the President’s consideration.
Article 213: Allows the Governor to promulgate ordinances when the state legislature is not in session.
4. Judicial Powers (Article 161):
Article 161: The Governor has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment for offenses under state law.
5. Financial Powers (Article 202):
Ensures that the Annual Financial Statement (state budget) is laid before the legislature.
No money bill can be introduced in the state legislature without the Governor’s recommendation.
6. Discretionary Powers:
Inviting a party to form the government in case of a hung assembly.
Sending a report to the President under Article 356, recommending President’s Rule if the state government fails to function as per the Constitution.
Reserving bills for the consideration of the President.
Role and Responsibilities:
Guardian of the Constitution: Ensures the state government adheres to constitutional principles.
Mediator: Acts as a bridge between the State and Central Governments.
Crisis Manager: Plays a crucial role during political crises, such as coalition government formation or constitutional breakdown.
Challenges and Criticisms:
Allegations of Central Influence: Governors are often accused of being biased towards the central government.
Discretionary Powers Misuse: Recommendations for President’s Rule and inviting parties to form a government have occasionally led to controversies.
Lack of Accountability: Since Governors are not elected, their actions can sometimes face public or political scrutiny.
Significance in Federal Structure:
Governors uphold the federal structure by maintaining the balance between the Union and the states.
They act as a check on the arbitrary actions of the state government while protecting the state’s autonomy within the constitutional framework.
The Governor’s office remains pivotal in India’s federal polity, ensuring that governance is carried out as per the Constitution.

Why in the news?
A day after former Supreme Court judge V. Ramasubramanian was appointed Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and his Lok Sabha counterpart, Rahul Gandhi, registered their dissent on the grounds that the process adopted was “fundamentally flawed” and a “pre-determined” exercise that ignored mutual consultation and consensus.
About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a statutory body established to protect and promote human rights in India.
Key Details:
Established: October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993.
Headquarters: New Delhi.
Objective: Safeguard the rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India and international human rights conventions.
Composition:
Chairperson:
Must be a retired Chief Justice of India.
Members:
One serving/former judge of the Supreme Court.
One serving/former Chief Justice of a High Court.
Two experts with knowledge or experience in human rights.
Ex-Officio Members:
Chairpersons of commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW), SC, ST, Minorities, and Backward Classes.
Selection Process of the NHRC Chairperson:
The appointment of the NHRC Chairperson is governed by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (as amended).
Eligibility:
The Chairperson of the NHRC must be a former Chief Justice of India (CJI).
Selection Process
Constitution of a Selection Committee:
The Chairperson is selected by a high-level committee consisting of:
Prime Minister (Chairperson of the committee).
Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Union Minister for Home Affairs.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.
Recommendation:
The committee deliberates and recommends a candidate for the position of Chairperson.
Appointment:
The recommended name is approved by the President of India, who formally appoints the Chairperson.
Tenure and Removal:
Tenure: The Chairperson serves for a term of 3 years or until the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.
Removal: The Chairperson can be removed by the President under specific conditions, such as proven misbehavior, incapacity, or other valid reasons as per the Protection of Human Rights Act.
The selection process ensures transparency and consensus among key leaders in the government and opposition, maintaining the neutrality and credibility of the NHRC.
Functions:
Investigates complaints of human rights violations by public servants or negligence in preventing violations.
Reviews existing laws, policies, and safeguards to ensure human rights protection.
Promotes awareness and research on human rights.
Recommends measures to the government for improving the protection of human rights.
Intervenes in court proceedings involving human rights issues (with permission).
Powers:
Can summon individuals, examine witnesses, and demand documents.
Can visit places like prisons and detention centers to inspect living conditions.
Makes recommendations, but its decisions are not legally binding.
Limitations:
Can only recommend actions; lacks enforcement powers.
Cannot investigate cases older than one year from the date of occurrence.
Jurisdiction is limited to public authorities; private entities are excluded.
Overlaps with other human rights bodies at the state level.
Significance:
The NHRC acts as a watchdog for the protection of fundamental rights, ensuring accountability of public authorities and spreading awareness about human rights issues in India.

— India and France signed an agreement on the “adaptive reuse” of the North and South blocks for the ambitious new national museum project, dubbed the largest museum in the world on Thursday.
— It is a part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project and is set to span approximately 1.55 lakh square metre, overtaking The Louvre in Paris, presently the world’s biggest.
— It will be implemented in two phases — the first comprising the retrofitting of North Block into a museum space, with an estimated deadline of June 2026.

Subject: Polity
(Relevance: The Indian Civilian Awards are significant for the UPSC CSE, as they are the highest civilian honors in the country. In the past, UPSC has asked question on these awards; for instance, in the UPSC CSE prelims 2021, there was a question regarding the Bharat Ratna and Padma awards.)
Why in the news?
As controversy continues over Home Minister Amit Shah “insulting” Dr BR Ambedkar in Parliament, the BJP and its supporters have repeatedly cited one fact to claim that the Congress “did not respect” Babasaheb — that successive Congress governments did not award him the Bharat Ratna. In this context, let’s know about the Bharat Ratna and other civilian awards of India.
Key Takeaways :
1. Awards serve as symbols of appreciation and honor given to individuals who have made notable achievements across various professions. Among the most prestigious honors are India’s Civilian Awards, which are announced annually on January 26th, Republic Day, and presented to the recipients by the President of India.
2. The Government of India had instituted two civilian awards, Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan, in 1954. The latter had three classes, namely Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg and Tisra Varg. These were subsequently renamed as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri in 1955.
Bharat Ratna:
1. The Bharat Ratna, also known as the ‘Jewel of India’ or ‘Gem of India’, is India’s highest civilian honour, bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation’s progress and prosperity.
2. Established in 1954 by then-President Rajendra Prasad, it is made of bronze and designed in the shape of a peepal leaf, embossed with the sun. The reverse side bears India’s emblem, the ‘Ashok Chakra’, and the motto, ‘Satyameva Jayate’.
3. Initially awarded for achievements in literature, science, the arts, and public services, the Indian government expanded the criteria in 2011, as it is a symbol of national gratitude and recognition, impacting India and its people through its contributions.
4.  The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President. No formal recommendations for this are necessary. The Prime Minister is free to consult or obtain advice from any one he chooses. However, as per practice, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) receives several recommendations, which are forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office. The MHA is the nodal ministry for these awards.
5. The number of awards is normally restricted to a maximum of three in a year. The recipient or (if posthumously) someone on his/her behalf receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion. It does not carry any monetary grant.
6. As per the Table of Precedence issued by the MHA, Bharat Ratna awardees find place just behind Union Cabinet Minister.
Do you know?
As per Article 18 (1) of the Indian Constitution, the award cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the recipient’s name. “No title, not being a military or academic distinction, shall be conferred by the State,” the Article states. However, an award winner can write “Awarded Bharat Ratna by the President” or “Recipient of Bharat Ratna Award,” in their biodata or letterhead, the MHA states.
Padma Awards:
1. Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
2. The awards are given in various disciplines and fields of activities – art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.
3. Except for interruptions in 1978, 1979 and between 1993 and 1997, every year the names of the recipients of Padma Awards are announced on Republic Day eve and are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually in March – April every year.
4. The awardees do not get any cash reward but a certificate signed by the President apart from a medallion which they can wear at public and government functions.
5. While a Padma awardee can be given a higher award (i.e. a Padma Shri awardee can receive a Padma Bhushan or Vibhushan), this can only happen after five years of the conferment of the previous award.
6. Notably, all persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these awards. However, government servants including those working with PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for these awards.
7. There is  no rigid criteria or trenchant formula for selection, according to MHA. However, the lifetime achievement of an individual is among the main considerations.
8. All nominations received for Padma awards are placed before the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year. The Padma Awards Committee is headed by the Cabinet Secretary and includes Home Secretary, Secretary to the President and four to six eminent persons as members. The recommendations of the committee are submitted to the Prime Minister and the President of India for approval.
Padma Vibhushan:
Padma Vibhushan is the second in the hierarchy of civilian awards. It was instituted in 1954 and is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service. Following are the five Padma Vibhushan Awardees of 2024:

Padma Bhushan:
Ranking third in the hierarchy of civilian awards, Padma Bhushan was instituted in 1954 as well. It is awarded for distinguished service of a high order to the nation in any field, including services rendered by government servants like doctors and scientists, excluding those working with public sector undertakings.
Padma Shri:
The fourth-highest civilian award in the Republic of India, Padma Shri, was instituted in 1954. It is given to Indian citizens in recognition of their outstanding contributions in a variety of fields, including the services provided by government employees.
Bharat Ratna Awardees from 1954 till 2024:
Here is a list that highlights the diverse contributions of each awardee, ranging from arts and music to politics and science, reflecting the broad scope of the Bharat Ratna award in recognising exceptional service of the highest order.

Award Year	Awardee Name	Awardee Contribution
1954	C. Rajagopalachari	Statesman, Philosopher
1954	Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan	Philosopher, President of India
1954	C.V. Raman	Physicist, Nobel Laureate
1955	Bhagwan Das	Scholar, Educationist
1955	M. Visvesvaraya	Engineer, Statesman
1955	Jawaharlal Nehru	Prime Minister of India
1957	Govind Ballabh Pant	Freedom Fighter, Statesman
1958	D.K. Karve	Social Reformer, Educationist
1961	Bidhan Chandra Roy	Physician, Chief Minister of West Bengal
1961	Purushottam Das Tandon	Freedom Fighter, President of Indian National Congress
1962	Rajendra Prasad	First President of India
1963	Zakir Hussain	President of India, Scholar
1963	P.V. Kane	Indologist, Historian
1966	Lal Bahadur Shastri	Prime Minister of India (Posthumous)
1971	Indira Gandhi	Prime Minister of India
1975	V.V. Giri	President of India
1976	K. Kamaraj	Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (Posthumous)
1980	Mother Teresa	Social Worker
1983	Acharya Vinoba Bhave	Gandhian Scholar, Social Reformer (Posthumous)
1987	Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan	Pashtun Nationalist Leader
1988	M.G. Ramachandran	Actor, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (Posthumous)
1990	B.R. Ambedkar	Jurist, Politician, Social Reformer (Posthumous)
1990	Nelson Mandela	Anti-Apartheid Revolutionary, President of South Africa
1991	Rajiv Gandhi	Prime Minister of India (Posthumous)
1991	Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel	Freedom Fighter, Deputy Prime Minister of India (Posthumous)
1991	Morarji Desai	Prime Minister of India
1992	Maulana Abul Kalam Azad	Scholar, Freedom Fighter (Posthumous)
1992	J.R.D. Tata	Industrialist
1992	Satyajit Ray	Filmmaker
1997	Gulzarilal Nanda	Prime Minister of India
1997	Aruna Asaf Ali	Freedom Fighter (Posthumous)
1997	A.P.J. Abdul Kalam	Scientist, President of India
1998	M.S. Subbulakshmi	Carnatic Singer
1998	C. Subramaniam	Scientist
1999	Jayaprakash Narayan	Social Reformer, Gandhian (Posthumous)
1999	Amartya Sen	Economist, Nobel Laureate
2001	Lata Mangeshkar	Iconic playback singer is known as the “Nightingale of India”
2001	Ustad Bismillah Khan	Maestro of the shehnai contributed significantly to Indian classical music
2009	Pandit Bhimsen Joshi	Legendary figure in Indian classical music
2014	Professor CNR Rao	Renowned scientist in solid-state and materials chemistry
2014	Sachin Tendulkar	One of the greatest cricketers of all time
2015	Atal Bihari Vajpayee	Statesman and former Prime Minister of India
2015	Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya	Educator and independence activist, pivotal in establishing Banaras Hindu University (Posthumous)
2019	Nanaji Deshmukh	Social activist and politician contributed to rural development (Posthumous)
2019	Dr. Bhupen Hazarika	Cultural icon, music and lyrics reflecting social and political themes (Posthumous)
2019	Pranab Mukherjee	The former President of India contributed significantly to Indian politics
2024	Karpoori Thakur	Prominent political leader in Bihar known for social justice efforts (Posthumous)
2024	Lal Krishna Advani	Veteran Indian politician instrumental in the growth of the Bharatiya Janata Party
2024	Chaudhary Charan Singh	Fifth Prime Minister of India, known for land reforms (Posthumous)
2024	PV Narasimha Rao	Former Prime Minister known for economic liberal reforms (Posthumous)
2024	Dr MS Swaminathan	Agricultural scientist, known as the ‘Father of Green Revolution’ in India (Posthumous)

Why in the news?
Amid a raging controversy over Manu Bhaker “exclusion” from the list of Khel Ratna nominees, double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker said “there has been a lapse, maybe on my part while filing for the nomination”.
About Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award:
📍The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award will hereby be called the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
📍The now renamed Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award comes with a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh.
📍Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is the highest sporting award given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of four years.
📍The award comprises a medallion, a certificate, and a cash prize of Rs 7.5 lakh.
📍The Khel Ratna award was instituted in 1991-1992 and the first recipient was Chess legend Viswanathan Anand. Among the other winners were Leander Paes, Sachin Tendulkar, Dhanraj Pillay, Pullela Gopichand, Abhinav Bindra, Anju Bobby George, Mary Kom and Rani Rampal in 2020.
About Major Dhyan Chand:
📍Known as The Wizard, Major Dhyan Chand, a field hockey player, played international hockey from 1926 to 1949, scoring over 400 goals in his career.
📍Dhyan Chand, born in Allahabad, was part of the Olympic team that won gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936.
Apart from the Khel Ratna award, the country’s highest award for lifetime achievement in sports is known as the Dhyan Chand Award. It was instituted in 2002.
📍The National Stadium in New Delhi was also renamed as the Dhyan Chand National Stadium in 2002.
📍The National Sports Day is observed every year across India on 29th August to mark the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand who was born on 29th August 1905.
📍The President of India on this occasion honours the eminent athletes from various sports with the prestigious Khel Ratna, Arjuna Awards, Dronacharya Awards, and Dhyan Chand Award.

On December 22, 2024, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar was honored with the Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award for Public Leadership by the South Indian Education Society (SIES).
About the Award:
The award is named after Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi, the 68th Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, revered for his spiritual leadership and contributions to Indian society. The South Indian Education Society, one of India's oldest educational institutions, presents this award to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in public life.
Dr. Jaishankar's Acceptance Remarks:
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Jaishankar expressed gratitude for the honor and reflected on the teachings of Maha Periyavar (Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi). He emphasized the importance of embracing India's cultural heritage and traditions while navigating contemporary challenges. He highlighted India's independent stance on global issues, commitment to the Global South, and the nation's journey towards prosperity, guided by its civilizational heritage.
Significance of the Award:
This recognition underscores Dr. Jaishankar's contributions to India's foreign policy and his leadership in enhancing India's stature on the global stage. It also reflects the alignment of his work with the values and vision espoused by Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi, particularly in promoting universal brotherhood and compassion.

Justice V. Ramasubramanian, a former judge of the Supreme Court of India, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on December 23, 2024. 
Background and Career:
Early Life and Education: Born on June 30, 1958, in Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu, Justice Ramasubramanian pursued his education at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College and Madras Law College.
Judicial Career:
Appointed as a judge of the Madras High Court on July 31, 2006.
Transferred to the Telangana High Court on April 27, 2016.
Served as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court from June 22, 2019, to September 22, 2019.
Elevated to the Supreme Court of India on September 23, 2019, and served until his retirement on June 29, 2023.
Appointment as NHRC Chairperson:
Justice Ramasubramanian's appointment fills the vacancy left by Justice Arun Kumar Mishra, who retired as NHRC Chairperson on June 1, 2024.

Significance:
Notably, Justice Ramasubramanian is the second NHRC Chairperson who has not served as the Chief Justice of India, following Justice Arun Kumar Mishra. 
NHRC Overview:
The NHRC is a statutory body established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. Its primary objective is to protect and promote human rights in India. The Commission comprises a Chairperson and several members, including judges and experts in human rights.
Justice Ramasubramanian's extensive judicial experience is expected to contribute significantly to the NHRC's mission of safeguarding human rights across the nation.
Controversy Surrounding Appointment:
Dissent from Opposition:
Mallikarjun Kharge (Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha) and Rahul Gandhi (Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha) expressed disagreement.
Claimed the selection process was flawed and lacked mutual consultation and consensus.
Described the process as "pre-determined" and not inclusive of opposition views.

Good Governance Day is observed annually on December 25 in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a former Prime Minister of India and Bharat Ratna awardee. The day highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in the administration to ensure effective governance. The observance of Good Governance Day on December 25, 2024, also marks the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose leadership exemplified the principles of good governance, focusing on accountability, transparency, and inclusive growth.
Key Objectives of Good Governance Day:
Promote Awareness: To raise awareness among citizens about the government's commitment to providing efficient, transparent, and accountable administration.
Encourage Citizen Participation: To emphasize the active involvement of citizens in the decision-making process and governance.
Foster Development: To highlight the role of good governance in achieving sustainable development and growth.
Tribute to Leadership: To honor Atal Bihari Vajpayee's vision of governance centered on inclusiveness, innovation, and people-centric policies.
What is the theme for Good Governance Day 2024:
The theme for 2024 is “India’s Path to a Viksit Bharat: Empowering Citizens through Good Governance and Digitalisation.” 
This theme underscores the transformative potential of digitalisation in empowering citizens and enhancing the effectiveness of governance. 
Significance of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Legacy:
Known for his statesmanship, Vajpayee is remembered for introducing policies that strengthened India's economic and infrastructural foundations, such as the Golden Quadrilateral Highway Project and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (Education for All).
His leadership style was rooted in consensus-building, democratic values, and visionary reforms, making him a symbol of good governance.
About Atal Bihari Vajpayee:
Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1924–2018) was a revered Indian statesman, poet, orator, and a visionary leader. He served as the Prime Minister of India three times: for a brief term in 1996, for 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and then from 1999 to 2004. Known for his moderate and inclusive political approach, Vajpayee is remembered as one of India's most influential leaders.
Early Life:
Born: December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India.
He developed an early interest in literature and politics, earning degrees in Hindi, English, and Political Science.
He joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in his youth and was deeply influenced by its ideology.
Political Career:
Founding Member of BJP:
Vajpayee was instrumental in establishing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980, advocating a blend of cultural nationalism and democratic governance.
Parliamentarian:
He was elected to the Lok Sabha (House of the People) ten times and twice to the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), representing various constituencies over his long political career.
Prime Minister:
First Term (1996): His government lasted just 13 days due to a lack of majority.
Second Term (1998–1999): Oversaw India's nuclear tests at Pokhran-II, demonstrating India's nuclear capability and strategic autonomy.
Third Term (1999–2004): Focused on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and peace initiatives with neighboring countries.
Major Achievements:
Economic Reforms:
Liberalized the Indian economy and encouraged foreign investment.
Initiated policies to modernize India's infrastructure, including the Golden Quadrilateral Project connecting major cities with highways.
Nuclear Policy:
Conducted the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, asserting India's strategic strength while advocating for global peace and disarmament.
Peace Efforts:
Made bold diplomatic moves, including the Lahore Bus Diplomacy, to improve India-Pakistan relations.
Despite the Kargil War (1999), he sought peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan:
Launched a nationwide initiative to universalize elementary education and improve literacy rates.
Kisan Credit Card Scheme:
Introduced measures to improve the financial security of farmers.
Personal Traits and Legacy:
Vajpayee was known for his oratory skills, often blending wisdom, wit, and poetry in his speeches.
His writings, particularly his Hindi poetry, reflect his philosophical and humanitarian outlook.
He emphasized consensus-building in politics, often reaching out to opposition parties to ensure smooth governance.
Awards and Recognition:
Bharat Ratna (2015): India’s highest civilian award, recognizing his immense contribution to the nation.
Padma Vibhushan (1992): For his exceptional service in public life.
Declared a "Best Parliamentarian" (1994) for his exemplary contributions to Indian democracy.
Later Years and Passing:
Vajpayee retired from active politics in 2009 due to health issues. He passed away on August 16, 2018, but remains celebrated as a visionary leader whose policies laid the foundation for a modern and progressive India.

— The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), a global group of scientific experts, has released an Assessment Report on the Interlinkages among Biodiversity, Water, Food and Health – known as the Nexus Report.
— This is a first-of-a-kind report looking at the interconnections between these multiple crises.
— The group examined five major challenges — climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, water scarcity, and health risks — and found that they were strongly interconnected.
— IPBES was established in 2012 to examine all the existing scientific knowledge on biodiversity and nature to make an assessment of their current state.
— The Nexus report highlighted the strong interlinkages between the five identified global challenges. Its key takeaway is that responses to all these challenges need to be harmonised so that positive actions taken on any one of these do not result in negative impacts on others.
— The report pointed out that more than half of the global GDP — about 58 trillion dollars worth of annual economic activity — was moderately to highly dependent on nature. Deterioration of natural ecosystems, therefore, could directly hurt productivity and adversely impact economic output.
— The Nexus report finds that there has been a 2-6 percent biodiversity decline per decade across all assessed indicators for the last 30-50 years.