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Transparency and Accountability in Public Administration

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

A core governance principle, directly related to citizen-centric administration, ethical governance, and the effective functioning of democratic institutions and public services.

Transparency and accountability are fundamental pillars of good governance, ensuring that government actions are open to public scrutiny and that officials are held responsible for their decisions and performance. They are crucial for fostering public trust and preventing malpractices.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005

A legal framework empowering citizens to access government information, promoting transparency and accountability.

Citizen Charters

Commitments by public organizations on standards of service delivery, transparency, and accountability to citizens.

E-governance Initiatives

Use of information and communication technology to enhance transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement in governance.

Role of Media

Acts as a crucial watchdog, bringing government actions and inactions to public light and demanding accountability.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaIndian Polity & Governance

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)Responsible for transparent investigation
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)Responsible for transparent regulation
Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA)Responsible for transparency
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Essential for good governance, public trust, and preventing corruption.
  • Key mechanisms include RTI Act, Citizen Charters, and e-governance initiatives.
  • Media plays a vital watchdog role in ensuring government accountability.
  • Lack of transparency can lead to public agony, speculation, and loss of institutional credibility.
  • Timely and factual disclosure of information is crucial for effective public administration.

High-confidence PYQs

2025Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

With reference to the Government of India, consider the following information: | Organization | Some of its Functions | It Works Under | |--...

Indian PolityOpen question

Consider the following statements about Lokpal: I. The power of Lokpal applies to public servants of India, but not to the Indian public servants posted out...

Indian PolityOpen question
2025Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to the Government of India, consider the following information: | Organization | Some of its Functions | It Works Under | |--...

Indian PolityOpen question

Consider the following statements about Lokpal: I. The power of Lokpal applies to public servants of India, but not to the Indian public servants posted out...

Indian PolityOpen question
2024Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises...

Indian PolityOpen question
2021Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is appointed by the Central Government. 2. Certain provisions in the Co...

EconomyOpen question
2019Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements : 1. According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in India. 2. In India, the...

Science & TechnologyOpen question
2018Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements : 1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be re...

Indian PolityOpen question

How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? 1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPC...

Environment & EcologyOpen question

Consider the following statements 1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. 2. The Food Safety and ...

Indian PolityOpen question
2018Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

Consider the following statements : 1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be re...

Indian PolityOpen question

How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? 1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPC...

Environment & EcologyOpen question

Consider the following statements 1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. 2. The Food Safety and ...

Indian PolityOpen question
2018Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

Consider the following statements : 1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be re...

Indian PolityOpen question

How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? 1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPC...

Environment & EcologyOpen question

Consider the following statements 1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. 2. The Food Safety and ...

Indian PolityOpen question

Topic timeline

Indian Polity & Governance
Prelims 2018· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements : 1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be re...

Open question

How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? 1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPC...

Open question

Consider the following statements 1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. 2. The Food Safety and ...

Open question
Prelims 2018· Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

Consider the following statements : 1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be re...

Open question

How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? 1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPC...

Open question

Consider the following statements 1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. 2. The Food Safety and ...

Open question
Prelims 2018· Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

Consider the following statements : 1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be re...

Open question

How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? 1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPC...

Open question

Consider the following statements 1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. 2. The Food Safety and ...

Open question
Prelims 2019· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements : 1. According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in India. 2. In India, the...

Open question
Prelims 2021· Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is appointed by the Central Government. 2. Certain provisions in the Co...

Open question
Prelims 2024· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises...

Open question
Prelims 2025· Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

With reference to the Government of India, consider the following information: | Organization | Some of its Functions | It Works Under | |--...

Open question

Consider the following statements about Lokpal: I. The power of Lokpal applies to public servants of India, but not to the Indian public servants posted out...

Open question
Prelims 2025· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to the Government of India, consider the following information: | Organization | Some of its Functions | It Works Under | |--...

Open question

Consider the following statements about Lokpal: I. The power of Lokpal applies to public servants of India, but not to the Indian public servants posted out...

Open question

The forgotten copilot of Air India flight 171

11 Jun 2026 · Examines the principles and mechanisms for ensuring openness and responsibility in government functioning, highlighting challenges like delayed information disclosure and lack of public engagement in critical matters.

Read article

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