UPSC Mains 2025 GS2 Q8: model answer
Civil Society Organizations are often perceived as being anti-State actors than non-State actors. Do you agree? Justify.
What the question wants
Take a balanced stand: why the perception exists and why CSOs are mostly partners.
How to structure it
Intro: meaning. Body: (1) Why the perception exists; (2) Why I largely disagree. Conclusion: watchdog is not enemy.
- 1(1) Why the perception exists
- 2(2) Why I largely disagree
Model answer
Civil Society Organisations are voluntary bodies standing between the family, market and State: NGOs, trade unions, cooperatives, faith groups. Being 'non-State' does not make them 'anti-State'.
Why the perception exists
- Protest movements against dams, mines and nuclear plants are seen as blocking development; a 2014 intelligence report said such groups hurt growth.
- Foreign funding raises fears of outside influence, leading to the FCRA amendments of 2020 and cancellation of many registrations.
- Litigation and RTI activism embarrass governments.
Why I largely disagree
- CSOs deliver State programmes: Akshaya Patra in PM POSHAN, Pratham's ASER surveys used in policy.
- The RTI Act (2005) and MGNREGA grew out of civil society campaigns such as MKSS.
- They filled gaps during COVID-19 relief and disasters.
- Questioning policy is a democratic function, not hostility.
CSOs should be transparent and accountable; the State should treat dissent as feedback. The relationship is partnership with healthy watchfulness.
Keywords, cases and data to drop in
non-State actors FCRA 2020 MKSS and RTI watchdog role service delivery
Where most answers lose marks
- One-sided answer.
- No examples.
Fresh examples from current affairs
CCPA acts against online sale of explosives: 3,940 sellers delisted from seven platforms
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) said on 19 October 2026 that 3,940 sellers of regulated explosives such as ammonium nitrate, picric acid and PETN have been delisted from seven online platforms after its action. It has fined Dial4Trade and ExportersIndia ₹10 lakh per order, and other cases are under hearing or investigation.
UPSC angle: Prelims: CCPA, PESO, CPA 2019 sections, helpline 1915. · Mains GS-II/III: platform liability and security.
19 Oct 2026
India to host 61st CIML meeting on legal metrology in New Delhi, 26–28 October
India will host the 61st meeting of the International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML) for the first time, in New Delhi from 26 to 28 October 2026. The Department of Consumer Affairs is organising it with the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML), and more than 100 delegates are expected, PIB said on 19 October.
UPSC angle: Prelims: OIML, CIML, Legal Metrology Act 2009, Union List Entry 50. · Mains GS-III: standards and trade.
19 Oct 2026
NMC withdraws MSMER-2023: medical colleges lose the fixed penalty rulebook, annual disclosure stays
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has de-notified the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023 (MSMER-2023) by a notification dated 14 October 2026, published in the Gazette on 16 October. Its fixed penalties, including seat cuts and fines of up to ₹5 lakh for false records, go with it. The Annual Disclosure Report stays.
UPSC angle: Prelims: NMC Act 2019, autonomous boards, Concurrent List Entry 25. · Mains GS-II: regulation of medical education.
19 Oct 2026
Supreme Court: no prior approval under Section 17A needed to probe a bribe demand
In a judgment of 16 October 2026, a Supreme Court Bench of Justices S.V.N. Bhatti and N.V. Anjaria held that investigating a bribe demand by a public servant does not need prior approval under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Asking for a bribe, the court said, is not part of discharging official duties.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Sections 7, 7A, 17A and 19 of the PC Act. · Mains GS-II/GS-IV: honest officers versus accountability.
19 Oct 2026Learn the concept
Question text as printed in the official UPSC question paper: https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/GENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-II-QP-CSM-25-010925.pdf The model answer is original Battle IAS work; use it to learn structure, not to memorise.