india at 75 essay upsc

Strategy for New India @75’: NITI AAYOG

ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 10th August. Click Here for more information.

• NITI Aayog unveiled its comprehensive national ‘ Strategy for New India @75’ , which defines clear objectives for 2022-23.

Important Facts:

• It is a detailed document of India’s growth story covering forty-one crucial areas and highlights the progress already made, identifies binding constraints, and suggests the way forward for achieving the clearly stated objectives.
• The overarching focus of the Strategy document is to further improve the policy environment in which private investors and other stakeholders can contribute their fullest towards achieving the 2022 goals and propel India towards a $5 trillion economy by 2030 .
• It aims to bring innovation, technology, enterprise and efficient management together, at the core of policy formulation and implementation.
• It will encourage discussion and debate, and invite feedback for further refining policies. The document aims to spark public participation for achieving economic transformation i.e. development must become a  Jan Andolan .

3. The document has been disaggregated into four sections: Drivers, Infrastructure, Inclusion and Governance.

4. Drivers: This section focuses on the engines of economic performance with chapters on growth and employment, doubling of farmers’ incomes; upgrading the science, technology and innovation eco-system; and promoting sunrise sectors like fintech and tourism.

• Aim: To achieve an inclusive, sustained, clean and formalized GDP growth rate of 8% on average during 2018-23 and to 9% by 2022-2023 and tax-to-GDP ratio to 22%. This would raise the size of economy in real terms from $2.7trillion in 2017-18 to nearly $4 trillion by 2022-23.
• Increase the investment rate as measured by gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) from the present 29% to 36% of GDP by 2022.
• In agriculture, emphasize on converting farmers to ‘agripreneurs’ by further expanding e-NAM and replacing the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Act with the Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing Act.
• Give a strong push to ‘ Zero Budget Natural Farming’ techniques like organic farming, mixed farming etc.
• Ensure maximum employment creation, complete codification of labor laws and to upscale and expand apprenticeships.
• Labour Market Information System (LMIS) should be made functional for identifying skill shortages, training needs and employment created.
• National Policy for Domestic Workers needs to be formulated at the earliest to recognise the rights of domestic workers and to promote better working conditions.
• Enhance female labour force participation by ensuring employers’ adherence to the recently passed Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act.
• Overhauling the labour dispute resolution system to resolve disputes quickly, fairly and at low cost and strengthening labour courts/tribunals for timely dispute resolution.
• Launch a mission “Explore in India” by revamping minerals exploration and licensing policy.

5. Infrastructure: Deals with the physical foundations of growth which are crucial to enhancing the competitiveness of Indian business.

• Expedite the establishment of the Rail Development Authority (RDA), which will advise or make informed decisions on an integrated, transparent and dynamic pricing mechanism for the railways.
• Double the share of freight transported by coastal shipping and inland waterways through focus on viability gap funding.
• Develop an IT-enabled platform for integrating different modes of transport and promoting multi-modal and digitized mobility.
• With the completion of Bharat Net programme in 2019, all 2.5 lakh gram panchayats will be digitally connected, following which government should aim to deliver all government services at the state, district, and gram panchayat level digitally by 2022-23 .

6. Inclusion: It focuses on investing in the capabilities of all citizens covering three dimensions of health, education and mainstreaming of traditionally marginalized sections of the population.

• Focusing on successful implementation of Ayushman Bharat program including the establishment of 150,000 health and wellness centres across the country, and rolling out the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan ( PM-JAY).
• Promote integrative medicine curriculum by creating a focal point for public health at the central level with state counterparts.
• Upgrade the quality of the school education system and skills; including the creation of a new innovation ecosystem by establishing at least 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs by 2020.
• Creating an electronic national educational registry for tracking each child’s learning outcomes.
• Give a huge push to affordable housing in urban areas to improve workers’ living conditions.

7. Governance: Streamlining governance structures to achieve better development outcomes.

• Implement Second Administrative Reforms Commission recommendations and appoint a new commission for designing reforms in the changing context of emerging technologies and growing economic complexities.
• Set up a new autonomous body, viz., the Arbitration Council of India , to grade arbitral institutions and accredit arbitrators to make the arbitration process cost effective, speedy and to preempt the need for court intervention.
• Address the backlog of pending cases by shifting part of workload out of regular court system.
• Expand the scope of Swachh Bharat Mission to cover initiatives for landfills, plastic waste and municipal waste and generating wealth from waste.

To achieve the goals of New India in 2022-23, it is important for the private sector, civil society and even individuals to draw up their own strategies to complement and supplement the steps the government intends to take. With the available tools of 21st century technology, it should be possible to truly create a mass movement for development. With the Sankalp of all Indians, India will have Siddhi.

Type your email…

Search Articles

Prelims 2024 current affairs.

• Art and Culture
• Indian Economy
• Science and Technology
• Environment  & Ecology
• International Relations
• Polity &  Nation
• Important Bills and Acts
• International Organizations
• Index, Reports and Summits
• Government Schemes and Programs
• Miscellaneous
• Species in news

All India Open Test(Simulator X)

Strategy for New India @ 75

NITI Aayog's comprehensive national  Strategy for New India is a detailed exposition of forty-one crucial areas that recognizes the progress already made, identifies binding constraints, and suggests the way forward for achieving clearly stated objectives for 2022-23. 

Strategy for New India @75  was released on 19 December 2018 by then Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley, in the presence of NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Rajiv Kumar, Members Dr Ramesh Chand and Dr VK Saraswat, and CEO Shri Amitabh Kant.

Drawing inspiration and direction from the Hon'ble Prime Minister’s clarion call for establishing a New India by 2022, NITI Aayog embarked on a journey of formulating the  Strategy  document in 2017.

NITI Aayog followed an extremely participative approach in preparing the strategy. Each Vertical in NITI Aayog had in-depth consultations with all three groups of stakeholders: business persons, academics, and government officials. This was followed by consultations at the level of the Vice Chairman with a diverse group of eminent persons from seven sets of stakeholders that included scientists and innovators, farmers, civil society organizations, think tanks, labour representatives and trade unions, and industry representatives.

Central Ministries were brought on board for inputs, suggestions and comments, with each draft of individual chapters being circulated for consultations. The draft document was also circulated to all the States and Union Territories from whom valuable suggestions were received and incorporated.

Over 800 stakeholders from within the government — Central, State and District levels — and about 550 external experts were consulted during the preparation of the document.

The overarching focus of the  Strategy  document is to further improve the policy environment in which private investors and other stakeholders can contribute their fullest towards achieving the goals set out for New India 2022 and propel India towards a USD 5 trillion economy by 2030.

Going forward, the private sector, civil society and citizens will be encouraged to draw up their own strategies to complement and supplement the steps outlined in the Strategy document.

The forty-one chapters in the document have been disaggregated under four sections: Drivers , Infrastructure , Inclusion and Governance . 

Read the full report here:  View/Download

Presentation made on release of document:  View/Download

• Insights IAS Brochure |
• OUR CENTERS Bangalore Delhi Lucknow Mysuru --> Srinagar Dharwad Hyderabad

Call us @ 08069405205

Search Here

• An Introduction to the CSE Exam
• Personality Test
• Annual Calendar by UPSC-2025
• Common Myths about the Exam
• About Insights IAS
• Our Mission, Vision & Values
• Director's Desk
• Meet Our Team
• Our Branches
• Careers at Insights IAS
• Daily Current Affairs+PIB Summary
• Insights into Editorials
• Insta Revision Modules for Prelims
• Current Affairs Quiz
• Static Quiz
• Current Affairs RTM
• Insta-DART(CSAT)
• Insta 75 Days Revision Tests for Prelims 2024
• Secure (Mains Answer writing)
• Secure Synopsis
• Ethics Case Studies
• Insta Ethics
• Weekly Essay Challenge
• Insta Revision Modules-Mains
• Insta 75 Days Revision Tests for Mains
• Secure (Archive)
• Anthropology
• Law Optional
• Kannada Literature
• Public Administration
• English Literature
• Medical Science
• Mathematics
• Commerce & Accountancy
• Monthly Magazine: CURRENT AFFAIRS 30
• Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
• InstaMaps: Important Places in News
• Weekly CA Magazine
• The PRIME Magazine
• Insta Revision Modules-Prelims
• Insta-DART(CSAT) Quiz
• Insta 75 days Revision Tests for Prelims 2022
• Insights SECURE(Mains Answer Writing)
• Interview Transcripts
• Previous Years' Question Papers-Prelims
• Answer Keys for Prelims PYQs
• Solve Prelims PYQs
• Previous Years' Question Papers-Mains
• UPSC CSE Syllabus
• Toppers from Insights IAS
• Testimonials
• Felicitation
• UPSC Results
• Indian Heritage & Culture
• Ancient Indian History
• Medieval Indian History
• Modern Indian History
• World History
• World Geography
• Indian Geography
• Indian Society
• Social Justice
• International Relations
• Agriculture
• Environment & Ecology
• Disaster Management
• Science & Technology
• Security Issues
• Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
• Insights IAS Brochure

• Indian Heritage & Culture
• Enivornment & Ecology

3) NITI Aayog’s ‘Strategy for New India @ 75’ contains the blueprint for India’s future development. Critically examine. (250 words)

Topic – Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Why this question The article discusses the suggestions made by Niti ayog’s document regarding the reforms required for taking the country forward. It is important to understand and remember what these suggestions are and also do a critical examination of the recommendations from the point of view of how beneficial or relevant the reforms are going to be for India. Key demand of the question The question expects us to bring out the details of the report by Niti Ayog and explain the pros and cons of the recommendations for India. Finally, we need to provide a fair and balanced view regarding the impact of the reforms and discuss way forward. Directive word Critically examine – When you are asked to examine, you have to probe deeper into the topic,  get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any . When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, all you need to do is look at the good and bad of something and give a fair judgement. Structure of the answer Introduction – explain about NITI Aayog’s ‘Strategy for New India @ 75’. Body Discuss the overall sense of the nature of reforms suggested by Niti Ayog – intent to change the approach to planning from preparations of plans and budgets to the creation of a mass movement for development in which “every Indian recognises her role and experiences the tangible benefits” is laudable. The strategy affirms that “policymaking will have to be rooted in ground realities” rather than economic abstractions. It says that stakeholders have been consulted widely in preparing the strategy Discuss the recommendations and also examine its impact need to improve implementation of policies and service delivery on the ground, which is what matters to citizens. Its resurrection of the 15 reports of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission and recommendation that they must be implemented vigorously are welcome. Employment and labour reforms, the second chapter in the strategy, have rightly been given the highest priority, which was not the case in the previous plans. Overall growth is also emphasised by NITI Aayog: “Besides having rapid growth, which reaches 9-10 per cent by 2022-23, it is also necessary to ensure that growth is inclusive, sustained, clean and formalised.” etc Discuss some of the issues with regards to suggestions by Niti Ayog strategy on labour laws appears pedestrian compared with the ambitious strategy of uplifting the lives of millions of Indians so that they share the fruits of economic growth. It recommends complete codification of central labour laws into four codes by 2019. While this will enable easier navigation for investors and employers through the Indian regulatory maze, what is required is a fundamental reorientation of the laws and regulations — they must fit emerging social and economic realities. Etc Conclusion – Give your view on how effective these reforms are going to be in order to address the issues faced by the economy and discuss way forward.

• Our Mission, Vision & Values
• Director’s Desk
• Commerce & Accountancy
• Previous Years’ Question Papers-Prelims
• Previous Years’ Question Papers-Mains
• Environment & Ecology
• Science & Technology

• IAS Preparation
• UPSC Preparation Strategy
• All India Radio Spotlight For UPSC
• AIR Spotlight 75 Years of Independent India

AIR Spotlight: 75 years of Independent India

AIR Spotlight is an insightful program featured daily on the All India Radio Newsonair. In this program, many eminent panelists discuss issues of importance which can be quite helpful in IAS exam preparation. This article features the progress of India in various sectors after 75 years of Independence.

Participant – Subroto Mukerjee, Political Analyst 

Moderator – Vinay Kumar, Journalist

Introduction:

India celebrated the 75th anniversary of its Independence on August 15, 2022. India gained Independence from British rule in 1947 and went on to become one of the largest democracies in the world.

Progress path of India from a poor and backward country towards becoming a superpower:

• India inherited an economy bruised by colonial exploitation and the horrors of partition.
• India was ruled by various governments and had gone through structural economic changes to achieve its feet today.

Ideas and Institutions:

• India after independence gave prominence to the ideas of secularism, democracy, free press, inclusive economic growth and non-alignment in international affairs and also in institutions that would lay the foundation for India’s future growth.
• These institutions touched every kind of economic activity, ranging from agriculture to aviation and space research. 
• These institutions including the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Bhakra-Nangal dam, the LIC, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences,  the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Indian Oil Corporation, and the National Library of India occupied the commanding heights of a stable, self-sustaining economy with people’s welfare as their central mission. 
• Jawaharlal Nehru described them as “the temples of modern India”.
• Along with large projects in steel and petroleum, successive governments saw the importance of promoting small and cottage industries and set up the Khadi and Village Industries Commission .
• The Election Commission of India resulted in the triumph of democracy with free and fair elections. 

Economic Development:

• Numerous objectives visualized by the National Planning Committee, the People’s plan by M.N Roy, the 1945 Bombay Plan and many more were put in place by young and independent India.
• The focus was given to the construction of dams and irrigation projects as they would integrate the agricultural development and the village economy with rapid industrialisation and growth of the urban economy. 
• The Green Revolution transformed India from a basket case to a grain-exporting nation.
• 1991 reforms under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao transformed the economy into an open, liberal and largely market-driven regime.
• The total length of National Highways in 1947 was about 21,378 km, which has now gone up to more than 1.40 lakh km. India now has the second largest road network in the world with a total length of about 62 lakh km.
• Collectively, these reforms have lifted over 300 million Indians above the poverty line since independence and resulted in the arrival of a modern, diversified globally connected economy with a significant digital component.

Science and technology:

• India built the Central Scientific and Industrial Research laboratories, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) and numerous scientific institutions. 
• The University Grants Commission was greatly expanded to cover all universities in the First Five Year Plan. 
• Independent India set a goal of self-reliance or ‘Made in India’ to develop technologies. Insistence on transferring all technology to the Indian entity in any foreign partnership backed the policy. Transferring knowledge was as important as importing plants and machinery. 
• Universities and other scientific institutions were crucial to India’s development plan for indigenous science and technology.
• The Indian oil and natural gas, electricity sector, steel and coal, atomic energy, and space sectors all emerged from the vision of self-reliance. 
• Organizations like ISRO , DRDO , and BARC all contributed to the growth of India in the sphere of science and technology.

Social Sector:

• The overall literacy rate in India was quite poor at just over 18%, the female literacy rate was at 8.86%. In 2022, the figures have nearly reversed to 74.4% in 2018, India has come a long way in establishing a well-educated nation. 
• India has 1,043 universities and over 42,000 colleges for its ambitious young population. In 1950, India had only 27 universities and 578 colleges. 
• There are over 13 lakh doctors at present from a mere 61000 in 1951.
• Due to policies like the Swachh Bharat Mission , India has realized the goal of 100% rural sanitation coverage. Rural sanitation — the percentage of the population with toilets within/attached to their houses — was just 1% in 1981.
• Infant Mortality Rate has reduced from 146 per 1,000 live births in 1951 to 30 per 1,000 live births in 2019. 

Conclusion:

In 1947, India was politically shattered, socially divided and emotionally devastated. Yet, with restraint and self-confidence, it successfully went through those turbulent times with the vision of a modern, progressive nation that quietly earned the respect of the global community. Now India is widely recognised as the fastest-growing large economy in the world. It is an incredible transformation in scale and depth to unfold in 75 years.

Read more Gist of AIR Spotlight here .

AIR Spotlight – 75 years of Independent India:- Download PDF Here

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request OTP on Voice Call

Post My Comment

IAS 2024 - Your dream can come true!

Download the ultimate guide to upsc cse preparation, register with byju's & download free pdfs, register with byju's & watch live videos.

India’s achievements after 75 years of Independence

India's achievements after 75 years of Independence: Article talks about the progress India has made in the last 75 years in the field of economic growth, scientific innovations and in other fields.

Table of Contents

As India celebrates 75 years of independence, it provides a moment to reflect on the nation’s progress and its evolving landscape. This article highlights significant achievements, historical milestones, and ongoing challenges in various sectors, offering a comprehensive overview for UPSC examination preparation.

India’s journey since gaining independence on August 15, 1947, has been marked by significant milestones and achievements across various domains. Here’s a brief overview of the nation’s progress and accomplishments after 75 years of independence:

75 Years of Independence: The Evolving Landscape of India

As India celebrates 75 years of independence, the nation reflects on its remarkable journey from a post-colonial state to a global powerhouse. This article explores the key milestones and achievements across various sectors, highlighting how India has evolved over the decades.

1. Economic Growth and Development

Early Economic Strategies:

• 1951: The First Five-Year Plan was introduced, focusing on agricultural growth and addressing the immediate post-independence challenges.
• 1991: The economic liberalization era began with significant reforms including privatization and globalization, which transformed India into one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

Recent Developments:

• GDP: As of 2024, India is the fifth-largest economy globally, with a GDP of approximately ₹180 lakh crore (8.5% of global GDP). This reflects robust economic growth and a significant position in the global economic landscape.
• Startup Ecosystem: India is home to one of the largest startup ecosystems, with approximately 85,000 startups as of mid-2024, demonstrating a thriving entrepreneurial environment.

2. Scientific and Technological Advancements

Milestones in Space Exploration:

• 1963: The launch of India’s first sounding rocket marked the beginning of the Indian Space Program, setting the stage for future advancements.
• 2023: The Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully landed on the Moon’s south pole, a historic achievement in space exploration.

Technological Innovations:

• UPI: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become a significant player in digital transactions, with 11.55 billion transactions worth ₹11.7 trillion in Q1 2024.

3. Infrastructure Development

Historical Growth:

• 1951-2023: India’s road network has expanded from 0.399 million km to 5.2 million km, making it one of the largest in the world. The national highway network grew from 24,000 km in 1969 to 1,70,000 km by 2023.
• Power Generation: The capacity increased from 1,362 MW in 1947 to 4,25,000 MW in 2024, supporting widespread industrial and residential needs.

Recent Updates:

• Rural Electrification: As of early 2024, all 19,227 villages have been electrified, ensuring access to electricity across the nation.

4. Human Development

Education and Health:

• Literacy Rate: Improved from 12% in 1947 to 75% in 2024, reflecting significant strides in educational development.
• Life Expectancy: Increased from 32 years in 1947 to 71 years in 2024, highlighting improvements in healthcare and quality of life.

Healthcare Challenges:

• Doctor-to-Patient Ratio: India has a ratio of 0.8 doctors per 1,000 people compared to the WHO’s average of 2.5, indicating areas for improvement in healthcare access.

5. Social and Political Milestones

Key Events and Achievements:

• 1950: The Indian Constitution came into effect, establishing India as a Republic and laying the groundwork for democratic governance.
• 1966: Indira Gandhi became India’s first female Prime Minister, marking a significant political milestone.
• 2022: Draupadi Murmu was elected as the fifteenth President of India, becoming the first tribal leader to hold the office.

Significant Policies and Reforms:

• 2010: The Right to Education Act (RTE) was enacted, making education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14.
• 2017: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced, simplifying the tax system and integrating the economy.

6. Cultural and Sporting Achievements

Historical Moments:

• 1983: India won its first Cricket World Cup, a landmark achievement in the country’s sporting history.
• 2024: India continued to celebrate its cultural diversity and heritage, contributing to global cultural exchanges and understanding.

As India celebrates 75 years of independence, it stands as a testament to the resilience, innovation, and progress of its people. From significant economic and technological achievements to strides in human development and infrastructure, India has made remarkable progress. Looking ahead, India aims to build on these successes, addressing ongoing challenges and paving the way for a brighter future for its citizens.

Sharing is caring!

India's achievements after 75 years of Independence FAQs

What did india achieved after 75 years of independence.

In 1974, India conducted “Smiling Buddha”, its first nuclear test, making its place on the list of five nuclear-powered nations. This is one of the biggest achievements of India since 1947. Today, India has the 2nd largest military force and largest voluntary army in the world.

What we achieved in 75 years?

In the last seven-and-a-half decades, India achieved remarkable development in agriculture, heavy industry, irrigation, energy production, nuclear power capability, space technology, biotechnology, telecommunication, oceanography and science education and research.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Trending Event

• SSC CHSL Tier 1 Result 2024
• SSC GD 2025 Apply Online
• SSC GD Notification 2025
• SSC CGL Tier 1 Admit Card 2024
• AIBE 19 Notification 2024
• TNPSC Group 2 Hall Ticket 2024
• RPSC RAS Notification 2024
• TNPSC Group 4 Result 2024

Recent Posts

UPSC Exam 2024

• UPSC Online Coaching
• UPSC Syllabus 2024
• UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2024
• UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024
• UPSC Exam Pattern 2024
• UPSC Age Limit 2024
• UPSC Calendar 2025
• UPSC Syllabus in Hindi
• UPSC Full Form
• UPPSC Exam 2024
• UPPSC Calendar
• UPPSC Syllabus 2024
• UPPSC Exam Pattern 2024
• UPPSC Application Form 2024
• UPPSC Eligibility Criteria 2024
• UPPSC Admit card 2024
• UPPSC Salary And Posts
• UPPSC Cut Off
• UPPSC Previous Year Paper

BPSC Exam 2024

• BPSC 70th Notification
• BPSC 69th Exam Analysis
• BPSC Admit Card
• BPSC Syllabus
• BPSC Exam Pattern
• BPSC Cut Off
• BPSC Question Papers

SSC CGL 2024

• SSC CGL Exam 2024
• SSC CGL Syllabus 2024
• SSC CGL Cut off
• SSC CGL Apply Online
• SSC CGL Salary
• SSC CGL Previous Year Question Paper
• SSC CGL Admit Card 2024
• SSC MTS 2024
• SSC MTS Apply Online 2024
• SSC MTS Syllabus 2024
• SSC MTS Salary 2024
• SSC MTS Eligibility Criteria 2024
• SSC MTS Previous Year Paper

SSC Stenographer 2024

• SSC Stenographer Notification 2024
• SSC Stenographer Apply Online 2024
• SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2024
• SSC Stenographer Salary 2024
• SSC Stenographer Eligibility Criteria 2024

SSC GD Constable 2025

• SSC GD Salary 2025
• SSC GD Constable Syllabus 2025
• SSC GD Eligibility Criteria 2025

IMPORTANT EXAMS

• Terms & Conditions
• Return & Refund Policy
• Privacy Policy

• Our Selections
• Admission 

Already have an account? Log In

Don't have an account? Sign Up

Create Password

Please Enter a New Password. Must Be At Least 8 Characters.

Forgot Password?

Please Enter Your Email Address To Receive a Verification Code

Back to log in

Reset Password

• Quick Links

QUICK LINKS

Session Expired

Your Session is Expired

Press Release Dated: 01.08.2024. Dear Rau's IAS Students, the last date to apply for the NEXT IAS Course is 15th Sept 2024. Applications after this date will not be accepted. Please complete the process before the deadline.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

UPSC Coaching, Study Materials, and Mock Exams

Enroll in ClearIAS UPSC Coaching Join Now Log In

Call us: +91-9605741000

Supreme Court of India: 75 years journey

Last updated on September 2, 2024 by ClearIAS Team

The Supreme Court of India, established on January 28, 1950, has completed 75 years of its existence, marking a significant milestone in the country’s judicial history. Over the years, the Supreme Court has played a crucial role in shaping India’s legal and constitutional landscape. Read here to learn more.

The Prime Minister unveiled a stamp and coin commemorating 75 years of the establishment of the Supreme Court on August 31, 2024.

The President unveiled the new flag and insignia of the Supreme Court to mark the 75th year. The flag features the Ashoka Chakra, the Supreme Court building and the book of the Constitution of India.

Here are some key highlights and reflections on the 75-year journey of the Supreme Court.

Table of Contents

History of the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of India, the highest judicial authority in the country, has a rich history that dates back to the pre-independence era.

Pre-Independence Period

UPSC CSE 2025: Study Plan ⇓

(1) ⇒ UPSC 2025: Prelims cum Mains

(2) ⇒ UPSC 2025: Prelims Test Series

(3) ⇒ UPSC 2025: CSAT

Note: To know more about ClearIAS Courses (Online/Offline) and the most effective study plan, you can call ClearIAS Mentors at +91-9605741000, +91-9656621000, or +91-9656731000.

• Federal Court of India (1937-1950) : Before the Supreme Court was established, India had the Federal Court, created under the Government of India Act of 1935. The Federal Court functioned from 1937 to 1950, handling disputes between provinces and hearing appeals from lower courts.

Post-Independence Formation

• Constitutional Establishment (1950) : The Supreme Court of India was established on January 28, 1950, two days after the Constitution of India came into effect.
• The Court was created to serve as the apex judicial body, replacing the Federal Court and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London, the final court of appeal during British rule.
• First Proceedings : The Supreme Court held its inaugural session in the Chamber of Princes in the Parliament building, before moving to its current premises on Tilak Marg in New Delhi in 1958.
• Back then, the sanctioned strength of the Court was just eight. Six judges were present in the Court’s inaugural session on 28 January 1950: Chief Justice Harilal Kania, and Justices S. Fazl Ali, Patanjali Shastri, Mehr Chand Mahajan, B.K. Mukherjea, and S.R. Das. Justice N.C. Aiyar was appointed in September 1950. A year later, Justice Vivian Bose came on board to complete the o riginal roster of eight.
• Considering the workload, Parliament increased the number of Judges from 8 in 1950 to 11 in 1956; 14 in 1960; 18 in 1978; 26 in 1986; 31 in 2009 and 34 in 2019 (current strength).

Read:  History of Indian Judiciary

The 75-year Journey of the Supreme Court

Constitutional Guardian:

• Role as the Custodian of the Constitution : The Supreme Court has been the ultimate interpreter and guardian of the Indian Constitution. Landmark judgments like Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala (1973), which established the Basic Structure Doctrine, affirm the Court’s commitment to preserving the Constitution’s core values.
• Judicial Review : The power of judicial review, exercised by the Supreme Court, ensures that any law or executive action inconsistent with the Constitution can be struck down, thus maintaining the rule of law and constitutional supremacy.

Landmark Judgments:

• Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973) : The Court ruled that while Parliament has wide powers to amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its “basic structure.” This judgment has been pivotal in preserving democratic governance.
• S. R. Bommai vs. Union of India (1994) : This case defined the limitations on the use of Article 356 (President’s Rule) and reinforced the federal structure of the Indian polity.
• Vishakha vs. State of Rajasthan (1997) : The Court laid down guidelines to prevent sexual harassment of women in the workplace, leading to the enactment of specific legislation on the issue.
• Right to Privacy (2017) : In Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India, the Court declared the right to privacy as a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution.

Evolution of Jurisprudence:

• The Supreme Court has contributed to the evolution of Indian jurisprudence, particularly in areas like human rights, gender justice, environmental protection, and social justice. Its progressive interpretation of fundamental rights has expanded the scope of civil liberties in India.
• Public Interest Litigation (PIL) : The Court pioneered the concept of PIL , allowing greater access to justice for the marginalized and ensuring that the judiciary addresses broader societal concerns.

Important points related to the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial body under the Constitution of India.

• Constitutional Framework: Articles 124 to 147 of Part V of the Indian Constitution outline the organisation, independence, jurisdiction, powers, and procedures of the Supreme Court. Parliament has the authority to regulate these provisions.

Appointment Process:

• Chief Justice of India: Appointed by the President after consulting with selected judges from the Supreme Court and High Courts.
• Other Judges: Appointed by the President after consulting the Chief Justice of India and additional judges from both Supreme and High Courts.
• Consultation Requirement: The Chief Justice of India must be consulted for the appointment of any judge other than the Chief Justice.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court:

• A person must be a citizen of India and;
• Must have been, for at least five years, a judge of a High Court or two or more such Courts in succession, or;
• An advocate of a High Court or two or more such courts in succession for at least 10 years or;
• He must be, in the opinion of the President, a distinguished jurist.

Provisions exist for the appointment of a judge of a High Court as an Ad-hoc Judge of the Supreme Court and for retired judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts to sit and act as judges of that Court.

Removal of Judges: A Supreme Court judge can be removed by the President following an address by Parliament, supported by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting, on grounds of proven misbehaviour or incapacity.

Language and Regulation:

• Language: Proceedings are conducted in English.
• Rules: The Supreme Court Rules, 1966, and 2013, under Article 145, govern its practice and procedure.

Independence of the Supreme Court

The Constitution seeks to ensure the independence of Supreme Court Judges in various ways.

• A judge of the Supreme Court cannot be removed from office except by an order of the President passed after an address in each House of Parliament supported by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of members present and voting, and presented to the President in the same Session for such removal on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
• A person who has been a judge of the Supreme Court is debarred from practising in any court of law or before any other authority in India.
• Supreme Court Rules, 1966 and Supreme Court Rules 2013 are framed under Article 145 of the Constitution to regulate the practice and procedure of the Supreme Court.
• Judges’ salaries and benefits are set by Parliament and charged on the Consolidated Fund, ensuring financial stability and independence.
• Judges’ conduct cannot be discussed by Parliament or State Legislatures, except in impeachment proceedings (Article 121).
• The Court can punish contempt to maintain its authority (Article 129).
• The Chief Justice of India appoints staff and determines their service conditions without executive interference.
• Parliament cannot reduce the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction but can extend it.
• Article 50 mandates the separation of the judiciary from the executive, ensuring no executive influence in judicial matters.

Significance of the Supreme Court

• Ensures the Constitution’s supremacy and protects Fundamental Rights through writs under Article 32.
• Acts as the final arbiter of legal disputes and ensures just application of laws through judicial review.
• Promotes social justice, protects marginalised communities, and upholds human rights.
• Serves as a check on the executive branch, ensuring actions are legally within limits.

Challenges and Controversies

• Judicial Activism vs. Overreach : The Supreme Court has often been praised for its activism, but there have also been concerns about judicial overreach , where the Court is perceived to have encroached upon the domains of the executive and legislature.
• Transparency and Accountability : The judiciary has faced criticism regarding the transparency of the collegium system for the appointment of judges . Efforts to reform and bring greater transparency to the process have been ongoing.

Way Forward

• Digitization and Access to Justice : The Supreme Court has embraced digitization, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure that justice delivery is not hindered. The introduction of e-courts and virtual hearings has been a significant step towards making justice more accessible.
• Judicial Reforms : As the Supreme Court looks to the future, there is a continuous need for judicial reforms to address issues like the backlog of cases, delays in justice delivery, and improving the efficiency of the legal system.

The 75 years of the Supreme Court of India represent a journey of upholding democracy, protecting fundamental rights, and ensuring justice for all. As it moves forward, the Court’s role in adapting to changing societal needs while adhering to constitutional principles will continue to be crucial for India’s democracy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the tenure of Supreme Court judges?

Ans: The Constitution does not have any fixed tenure for a judge of the Supreme Court. However, it makes the following provisions in this regard: – He holds the office until he attains the age of 65 years. Question regarding his age is to be determined by such authority and in such manner as provided by Parliament.

Q. Has India had a female Chief Justice?

Ans: On 5 August 1991 – nearly 130 years since the first high court was established in India – Leila Seth became the first female Chief Justice, serving at Himachal Pradesh High Court. Leila Seth was a pioneer who made it possible for many other Indian women to pursue careers in law.

Related articles:

• Judicial Infrastructure in India
• Indianisation of Judiciary
• Women in Judiciary
• High courts in India
• The judiciary

-Article by Swathi Satish

Top 10 Best-Selling ClearIAS Courses

Upsc prelims cum mains (pcm) gs course: unbeatable batch 2025 (online), rs.75000   rs.29000, upsc prelims marks booster + 2025 (online), rs.19999   rs.14999, upsc prelims test series (pts) 2025 (online), rs.9999   rs.4999, csat course 2025 (online), current affairs course 2025 (online), ncert foundation course (online), essay writing course for upsc cse (online), ethics course for upsc cse (online), upsc interview marks booster course (online), rs.9999   rs.4999.

About ClearIAS Team

ClearIAS is one of the most trusted learning platforms in India for UPSC preparation. Around 1 million aspirants learn from the ClearIAS every month.

Our courses and training methods are different from traditional coaching. We give special emphasis on smart work and personal mentorship. Many UPSC toppers thank ClearIAS for our role in their success.

Download the ClearIAS mobile apps now to supplement your self-study efforts with ClearIAS smart-study training.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don’t lose out without playing the right game!

Follow the ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains (PCM) Integrated Approach.

Join ClearIAS PCM Course Now

UPSC Online Preparation

• Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
• Indian Police Service (IPS)
• IAS Exam Eligibility
• UPSC Free Study Materials
• UPSC Exam Guidance
• UPSC Prelims Test Series
• UPSC Syllabus
• UPSC Online
• UPSC Prelims
• UPSC Interview
• UPSC Toppers
• UPSC Previous Year Qns
• UPSC Age Calculator
• UPSC Calendar 2024
• About ClearIAS
• ClearIAS Programs
• ClearIAS Fee Structure
• IAS Coaching
• UPSC Coaching
• UPSC Online Coaching
• ClearIAS Blog
• Important Updates
• Announcements
• Book Review
• ClearIAS App
• Work with us
• Advertise with us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Talk to Your Mentor

Featured on

and many more...

ClearIAS Programs: Admissions Open

Thank You 🙌

UPSC CSE 2025: Study Plan

Subscribe ClearIAS YouTube Channel

Get free study materials. Don’t miss ClearIAS updates.

Subscribe Now

IAS/IPS/IFS Online Coaching: Target CSE 2025

Cover the entire syllabus of UPSC CSE Prelims and Mains systematically.

[email protected]

• Our Centers Delhi Bhubaneswar Lucknow

Free Resources - Blog

India@75: An Important Area For UPSC 2023

Categories: Prelims, Published: 7th Jan, 2023

A celebration and commemoration of 75 years of progress and the magnificent history of its people, culture, and achievements, India @75 is an initiative of the Government of India.  

This initiative holds a detailed account of the country's political, social, economic, and cultural traditions since independence.

Relevance Of India@75

This country-wide initiative is predicted to be the most important area by many toppers and analysts. Let us tell you the relevance of India@75 for the UPSC Civil Services Examination:

• Being a government initiative of a large scale gives it huge credibility.
• In previous UPSC papers, we found that questions were asked from government documents.
• The government has published a vision documen t around this event to transform India and bureaucrats will implement it: So, covering this document holistically will help you gain a bureaucrat’s perspective towards various issues.
• India@75 is a multi-dimensional celebration : It covers overlaps with a huge part of the syllabus.  It targets the core issues of present India to make a better future . Like Education, health, women, agriculture, science and technology, innovation, civil services, judiciary, governance, data etc.

The multidimensional outlook of India@75 makes it very important for the aspirants to inculcate a multi-dimensional approach and perception while addressing a question . And for that, they need to have conceptual clarity. Their concept-building must be interlinked with the present issues.

To address this demand, we launched our initiative ‘Bharat Katha’ which not only reflects how social issues, economy, language, gender, nationalism, democracy, and constitutional development played a significant role in a historical context to shape present India.

This initiative becomes more relevant for UPSC Civil Services Examinations as it contains special in-depth articles based on different themes of the IAS Exam Syllabus : Indian History, Culture, Geography, Economy, Indian Polity, Governance, International Relations, Science and Technology, Environment, Disaster Management, and Internal Security.

Visit our ‘ Bharat Katha ’ Page to read articles that address this important UPSC-related area!

Related Articles

Verifying, please be patient.

Our Centers

DELHI (Karol Bagh)

GS SCORE, 1B, Second Floor, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi - 110005 (Beside Karol Bagh Metro Station Gate No. 8)

Get directions on Google Maps

BHUBANESWAR (Jaydev Vihar)

GS SCORE, Plot No.2298, Jaydev Vihar Square, Near HCG Day Care, BBSR - 751013

LUCKNOW (Aliganj)

GS SCORE, 2nd Floor, B-33, Sangam Chauraha, Sector H, Aliganj, Lucknow, UP - 226024

Delhi (Karol Bagh) Centre

GS SCORE, Second Floor, Metro Tower, 1B, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi - 110005 (Beside Karol Bagh Metro Station Gate No. 8)

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +91 8448496262

Classroom / online / Live programs

• Mains Classes
• Mains Advance Classes
• Ethics & Essay Classes
• IAS Foundation
• Aadhar:NCERT Foundation
• Target PT:Prelims Classes
• Current Affairs Mentorship Program
• Optional Classes
• Optional Q&A (TEST SERIES & Mentorship)
• Mains Previous Year Questions

TEST SERIES/ MENTORSHIP

• ITS:Integrated Test Series & Mentorship
• GS Mains Q&A (Mentorship & Test Series)
• GS Test Series
• Ethics & Essay Test Series
• Samarth - Mains Answer Writing

STUDY MATERIAL

• Prelims Study Material
• Mains Study Material
• Mains Answer Writing Workbook
• Meet the Mentor
• Terms & Conditions
• © 2024 - IAS SCORE

All Rights Reserved.

Welcome to our secure login portal. Access your account with ease.

• Using Password

Not registered yet? register here!

Welcome to our secure register portal. For a brighter future, register now and unlock endless learning opportunities.

User Register

Already have an account? Login

Oops, forgot your password? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Reset it here

Lost your login details? No problem! forgot your password in just a few clicks

Forgot Password

Verify your mobile number, you have successfully logged in.

Join Us on WhatsApp

Jun 6th: Why and how the BJP’s tally fell short of its target

• Governing Board
• Funding Support
• Work With Us
• CPR - A Safe Space
• Agriculture
• Air Pollution
• Climate Change
• Environmental Law & Justice
• Energy & Electricity
• Governance, Accountability & Public Finance
• Health & Nutrition
• Indian Politics
• International Relations & Security
• Land Rights
• Social Justice
• State Capacity
• Urbanisation
• Miscellaneous
• Accountability Initiative
• Governance & Public Policy Initiative
• India Infrastructures & Ecologies Program
• Initiative on Cities, Economy & Society
• Initiative on Climate, Energy & Environment
• Land Rights Initiative
• Scaling City Institutions for India Initiative (SCI-FI)
• State Capacity Initiative
• The Jobs Initiative
• The Politics Initiative
• The Technology & Society Initiative
• TREADS: Transboundary Rivers, Ecologies & Development Studies
• Policy Briefs & Reports
• Journal Articles

Working Papers

• Book Chapters
• Policy Engagements & Blogs
• Opinion & Commentary
• Faculty Emeriti
• Researchers
• Communications
• Operations & Finance
• Staff Directory
• Upcoming Events
• Past Events
• CPR Dialogues

South Asia in a Changing World: What Citizens in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh think 75 years post-Partition

Rahul verma, nishant ranjan, satyam shukla, shamik vatsa praskanva sinharay, melvin kunjumon, yashwant deshmukh, sutanu guru, gaura shukla, aakanksha bariar.

Centre for Policy Research and CVoter Foundation

August 29, 2024

The partition of India and Pakistan in 1947 changed the sub-continent permanently, and eventually led to the birth of three sovereign countries. Each country has travelled its own unique trajectory, crafted its own political institutions, sought economic prosperity, and pursued external relations with other countries. Citizens in all three countries have adopted their own norms of political and social discourse. Do people in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh still share old cultural and civilisational ties? Have they been able to bury the past and move ahead? The Centre for Policy Research (CPR) and the CVoter Foundation launched an extensive project to mark 75 years of Partition involving a comprehensive survey of citizens of all three countries that was carried out between May and October 2022. 

Civilsdaily

No. 1 UPSC IAS Platform for preparation

Foreign Policy Watch: India-Africa

Africa can make india’s ‘critical mineral mission’ shine  .

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: India-Africa Relations;

Mains level: Significance of Africa for India; India-China;

Why in the News?

India has invested approximately $75 billion in Africa, focused on energy assets and mining.

• This includes reaching out to resource-rich countries in Africa and Latin America to negotiate access to critical mineral resources.

Africa’s significance in advancing Global and Indian Priorities

• Critical Mineral Reserves : Africa holds 30% of the world’s critical mineral reserves, making it a crucial partner for India’s supply chain needs.
• India has already invested $75 billion in Africa , largely for energy asset acquisition.
• African Green Mineral Strategy : African countries are moving towards minerals-based industrialization. Policies in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Namibia focus on value addition, offering India an opportunity to align its critical mineral strategy with Africa’s development goals

What are the opportunities for the Indian Government? (Way forward)

• Collaborating on Infrastructure and Technology : India can support Africa’s critical mineral sector by building mining-adjacent infrastructure (e.g., railways, power grids) and providing technological solutions through its tech start-ups to enhance mining exploration, extraction, and processing.
• Strengthening Diplomatic and Economic Ties : Leveraging existing partnerships and India’s deep historical ties with Africa , the government can work with African nations on strategic projects and value addition initiatives, supporting both regions’ developmental goals.
• Reducing Dependence on China : By engaging with African countries for critical minerals, India can diversify its supply chains, reducing the economic and geopolitical risks posed by China’s dominance in the global critical mineral market.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across social media platforms., your better version awaits you.

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

Digital payments in india to grow threefold from 159 bn in fy24 to 481 bn by fy29: pwc.

India's digital payments industry is booming, with transaction volumes growing by 42% YoY in FY 2023-24. A PwC report projects a threefold increase in transaction volumes by FY 2028-29. UPI leads this growth, accounting for over 75% of transactions and expected to reach 439 billion transactions by FY 2028-29.

Read More News on

(Catch all the Business News , Breaking News , Budget 2024  Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times .)

Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.

Why low valuation can, or can’t, be the only reason you should bet on Shriram Finance

Why Binance’s India entry may turn into a regulatory roulette

What Tiffany, Diageo reveal about growth prospects of India and China

How rising awareness about infertility is making IVF a USD4.6 billion opportunity

Consumer cos are rushing into the northeast of India. What’s cooking?

Beyond interest rates, this is the RBI tool that is moving markets

Find this comment offensive?

Choose your reason below and click on the Report button. This will alert our moderators to take action

Reason for reporting:

Your Reason has been Reported to the admin.

To post this comment you must

Log In/Connect with:

Fill in your details:

Will be displayed

Will not be displayed

Share this Comment:

Stories you might be interested in

• Classroom Programme
• Interview Guidance
• Online Programme
• Drishti Store
• My Bookmarks
• My Progress
• Change Password
• From The Editor's Desk
• How To Use The New Website
• Help Centre

Achievers Corner

• Topper's Interview
• About Civil Services
• UPSC Prelims Syllabus
• GS Prelims Strategy
• Prelims Analysis
• GS Paper-I (Year Wise)
• GS Paper-I (Subject Wise)
• CSAT Strategy
• Previous Years Papers
• Practice Quiz
• Weekly Revision MCQs
• 60 Steps To Prelims
• Prelims Refresher Programme 2020

Mains & Interview

• Mains GS Syllabus
• Mains GS Strategy
• Mains Answer Writing Practice
• Essay Strategy
• Fodder For Essay
• Model Essays
• Drishti Essay Competition
• Ethics Strategy
• Ethics Case Studies
• Ethics Discussion
• Ethics Previous Years Q&As
• Papers By Years
• Papers By Subject
• Be MAINS Ready
• Awake Mains Examination 2020
• Interview Strategy
• Interview Guidance Programme

Current Affairs

• Daily News & Editorial
• Daily CA MCQs
• Sansad TV Discussions
• Monthly CA Consolidation
• Monthly Editorial Consolidation
• Monthly MCQ Consolidation

Drishti Specials

• To The Point
• Important Institutions
• Learning Through Maps
• PRS Capsule
• Summary Of Reports
• Gist Of Economic Survey

Study Material

• NCERT Books
• NIOS Study Material
• IGNOU Study Material
• Yojana & Kurukshetra
• Chhatisgarh
• Uttar Pradesh
• Madhya Pradesh

Test Series

• UPSC Prelims Test Series
• UPSC Mains Test Series
• UPPCS Prelims Test Series
• UPPCS Mains Test Series
• BPSC Prelims Test Series
• RAS/RTS Prelims Test Series
• Daily Editorial Analysis
• YouTube PDF Downloads
• Strategy By Toppers
• Ethics - Definition & Concepts
• Mastering Mains Answer Writing
• Places in News
• UPSC Mock Interview
• PCS Mock Interview
• Interview Insights
• Prelims 2019
• Product Promos

International Relations

Make Your Note

The Big Picture: 75 Years of UN

• 19 Nov 2020
• 11 min read
• GS Paper - 2
• Important International Institutions

Why in News?

• Far from a joyous celebration, it was an occasion sombrely reflecting the stagnance of the UN at 75.
• How it can regain its lost lustre is a matter of discussion.
• Despite that the UN has gone through several improvements, the tussle between 'principle' and 'power' still remains the same.
• The UN is for global governance and not a global government.
• Though the organisation was designed to maintain a peaceful and just world, it still privileges the most powerful states.
• The UN has seen successes as well as failures almost equally.
• The United Nations must be sustained as there is no parallel organisation to it.

The United Nations

Founded in 1945, the United Nations is an international organisation aimed at:

• Maintaining international peace and security
• Protecting human rights
• Delivering humanitarian aid
• Promoting sustainable development
• Upholding international law.

The UN headquarters is located in New York, USA.

UN's Success Areas

• Increment in the UN membership: Post- 1960's decolonisation, the membership of the UN expanded from about 50 members to double.
• Decolonisation: It was the UN which played the lead role in the 1960 decolonisation and helped around 80 colonies in gaining their freedom.
• Involvement with civil society: The UN is no more an organisation of nations only, more and more UN bodies have begun engaging with the people within the nations, experts, intellectuals and media with time.
• Better sustenance: The UN has successfully sustained itself till now, as compared to the League of Nations, which is an achievement.
• Peacekeeping: The UN has successfully prevented World War - III.

1960's Decolonisation

• In 1960, the General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV)), known also as the Declaration on Decolonization.
• When the United Nations was established in 1945, 750 million people- almost a third of the world's population then lived in Territories that were non-self-governing, dependent on colonial Powers.
• At present, there are 17 only Non- Self- Governing Territories remaining and fewer than 2 million people live in such Territories.

The League of Nations

• The League of Nations was an international diplomatic group developed after World War I as a way to solve disputes between countries before they erupted into open warfare.
• It was established on 10 January, 1920 with its headquarter in Geneva, Switzerland.
• A precursor to the United Nations, the League achieved some victories but had a mixed record of success, sometimes putting self-interest before becoming involved with conflict resolution, while also contending with governments that did not recognize its authority.
• The League effectively ceased operations during World War II (1946).

UN's Major Setbacks

• Arm races and Cold war: Although, the WW-III has been successfully prevented till date, violence, arm races, nuclear races and cold wars still occur among nations.
• While the hopes of a peaceful and just world are represented by the UN, the most powerful states are privileged by granting them commanding heights over international politics via the undemocratic instruments of veto power and permanent seats in the UN Security Council (UNSC).
• At the time of formation, the UN had 5 permanent members with a total of 51 members, presently, it has 193 members but permanent members in the UN General Assembly are still 5.
• The UN has been a laggard in overall development; no institutional arrangement is there to deal in particular with Pandemics or new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence.

The Significant Role of India

• Since its independence and even before that,India has been an active participant in all initiatives undertaken by the UN like Millennium Development Goals, Sustainable development goals and various UN summits, including on climate change.
• Maintaining peace: As far as the peacekeeping ambit of the UN is concerned, India has performed quite well in maintaining peaceful and friendly relations with most of the nations.
• The non permanent membership of India can be taken as an opportunity to convince the like-minded nations for fighting international terrorism.
• Moreover, India should also focus upon sitting upon the apex body in future; becoming a permanent member of the UN.
• Raising concern over need of reforms: India has realised the urgent need of reforms in the UN specially at the UNSC and has raised concerns over the issue.

What can India do?

• Perseverance: India must persevere and be determined about its position rather than bringing it out only on occasions.
• Alliance: It should make other allied nations that have ties with India realise its value and the power they can all gather together once India gets a permanent seat at the Security council.
• Balance its international and internal responsibilities: India must also see the added pressure it might receive if it becomes a member on the Security council and not have to compromise with its own internal issues.
• Principles over power: India’s tilt towards principles is what is appreciated and shall be continued to maintain its goodwill.

Way Forward

• Reforming the UN charter: The UN charter talks only about the rights but not duties and responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities at individual, community, global and national level need to be emphasised too.
• Reforms in the UNSC: The UNSC should be expanded in terms of its core members, only five permanent members with a total of 193 members does not provide justice to the others.
• What is needed is a multipolar and multilateral approach rather than autocracy of the P5 countries.
• The salience of power is what is needed to be reduced.
• This is where India can take up the lead and may start a dialogue with the like minded countries first about the same.
• Judging the elements of power: It is needed to be looked upon what elements of power need to be appreciated- the crude, military power or the soft, economic power.
• Principles for the powerful too: The other members need to make sure that the powerful members are made to work within the framework of principles so the balance between the power and principle is maintained.
• Specialised agencies: The need for specialised agencies dealing with specific affairs such as Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, Pandemics etc shall be looked and acted upon.

P5 Countries:

• The P5 refers to the UN Security Council's five permanent members; namely China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States plus Germany (making it P5 +1).
• The P5+1 is often referred to as the E3+3 by European countries.
• The UN has survived and thrived and has certainly seen incremental changes over the last 75 years but the time has come for the UN to change and change for the better.
• UNSC is in desperate need to undergo reforms, the sooner the better, the later the more redundant.
• In a nutshell, as far as the whole UN is concerned complete reform is needed with principles not to be written by the most powerful anymore.