National Affairs Unpacked

National Affairs is a critical pillar of the General Knowledge and Current Affairs section of the CLAT examination. It spans a broad and dynamic range of events, developments, and policy decisions that shape the internal landscape of India. Understanding national affairs requires more than simply following daily news—it demands a contextual grasp of India’s socio-political evolution, the interplay of constitutional mechanisms, and the broader implications of governance.

📊 Weightage of National Affairs in CLAT GK/Current Affairs Section

This section covers key updates related to:

• Political Developments: Changes in government leadership, major policy decisions, cabinet reshuffles, constitutional amendments, and landmark parliamentary proceedings.

• Government Schemes and Initiatives: Launch of new schemes, mission updates, reforms aimed at public welfare, and flagship projects that reflect the government’s priorities.

• Judicial and Legal Changes: Supreme Court and High Court judgments with national impact, legal reforms, and regulatory changes that affect citizens and institutions.

• Economic and Social Trends: Shifts in economic policies, union budget highlights, social justice movements, public health milestones, and educational reforms.

• Environmental and Technological Progress: National missions addressing climate change, biodiversity protection, clean energy initiatives, and innovations in science and technology originating within India.

For CLAT aspirants, a thorough understanding of these topics is essential—not just to answer direct questions, but to apply knowledge critically in legal reasoning and comprehension-based scenarios. By delving into the “why” and “how” behind national events, students develop analytical skills and contextual awareness, both of which are vital for success in law entrance examinations and for their future roles as legal professionals.

This section will be regularly updated with concise, well-structured insights, breaking down the most relevant and impactful national affairs to help you stay informed, analyze trends, and draw meaningful connections across legal and civic themes.

THEME 1: 🗳️ 2024 Indian General Elections & Coalition Politics – CLAT 2025 Current Affairs

📚 Overview

The 2024 Indian General Elections have ushered in a new phase in Indian politics, emphasizing the return of coalition governance after a decade of single-party dominance. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remained the single-largest party, it did not secure an outright majority, leading to the formation of a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition government. On the other hand, the INDIA alliance, composed of major opposition parties, also gained significant ground, establishing a more balanced and competitive parliamentary environment.This scenario has direct implications for CLAT aspirants, particularly in areas such as legal reasoning, constitutional understanding, and current affairs analysis.

Passage for Comprehension & Legal Reasoning Context:

The 2024 Indian General Elections marked a turning point in the political history of contemporary India. After a decade of majority rule under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the electoral outcome reflected a more fragmented mandate from the Indian electorate. The BJP, although securing the highest number of seats among all parties, fell short of the majority mark required to form the government independently. Consequently, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), spearheaded by the BJP, came together with regional allies to stake claim and form the government at the Centre.

This electoral shift rekindled the era of coalition politics—once a dominant feature of Indian democracy in the 1990s and early 2000s. On the other side, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), comprising opposition parties such as the Indian National Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and others, mounted a strong challenge focused on issues of constitutional integrity, secularism, federalism, and democratic values.

The return to coalition governance has introduced both opportunities and challenges: on one hand, it fosters consensus-driven politics, but on the other, it raises concerns over government stability and policy consistency. In a coalition arrangement, regional parties often wield significant leverage, influencing key portfolios and national policy directions, especially in sectors like agriculture, social welfare, and internal security.

Context: Understanding the 2024 Political Shift

The 2024 elections are historically significant because they ended a two-term run of absolute majority for a single party at the national level. In 2014 and 2019, the BJP formed the government on its own, marking a return to single-party dominance after decades of coalition governments. However, the 2024 results saw the BJP failing to achieve the 272-seat majority threshold in the Lok Sabha, compelling it to rely on its NDA partners to form a stable government.

This development indicates a resurgence of coalition politics—a system where multiple parties must collaborate to form a government. Such arrangements require negotiation, mutual agreement on policy priorities, and respect for ideological diversity among partners.

Analysis: Coalition Dynamics and Political Ideologies

The NDA (National Democratic Alliance), led by the BJP, consists of center-right and right-wing political entities. The alliance typically advocates for:

• Accelerated economic development

• National security and defense

• Cultural nationalism, often underpinned by Hindutva, a term describing Hindu cultural and religious identity shaping political narratives

• Market reforms and infrastructural investments

Conversely, the INDIA bloc emerged as a strategic front of opposition parties with shared concerns about:

• Protection of constitutional values such as secularism, social justice, and democratic decentralization

• Ensuring freedom of the press, protection of minority rights, and institutional independence

• Counterbalancing the centralizing tendencies of a strong majority party

Coalition governments often face the challenge of maintaining unity across ideological differences. The term “Coalition Dharma”, made popular during previous United Front and UPA governments, refers to the ethical code or understanding that coalition partners follow to maintain harmony and policy coherence.

The evolving scenario also brings regional parties—like the JD(U), TDP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), DMK, SP, and others—into national prominence. These parties influence both cabinet composition and legislative priorities, thereby reshaping the center-state dynamics in Indian federalism.

CLAT Perspective: What Aspirants Must Know

This theme is highly relevant for CLAT 2025 as it combines current political affairs with foundational constitutional and legal knowledge. Passages or questions based on this theme may test:

📚 Conceptual Understanding:

• Evolution of India’s political system: from Congress dominance → coalition era → BJP majority → coalition revival

• Differences in ideological foundations between the NDA and INDIA blocs

🧾 Key Terms and Definitions:

• Hindutva – ideology promoting Hindu cultural identity in politics

• Secularism – principle of separating religion from state governance

• Coalition Dharma – mutual conduct guiding coalition governments

🧠 Legal and Constitutional Relevance:

• Role of the President of India in inviting the majority coalition to form government

• Anti-defection law and its application in coalition scenarios

• Importance of confidence motions in parliamentary procedure

🧩 General Awareness:

• Major political parties and their alliance alignment

• Key cabinet appointments and power-sharing arrangements post-2024

Conclusion

The 2024 General Elections have reaffirmed India’s democratic resilience and its tendency to balance power through diversified political mandates. For aspirants of CLAT and other law entrance exams, this theme is not just a matter of current affairs—it is a window into constitutional dynamics, electoral behavior, governance models, and political ideologies. Understanding coalition politics helps build a nuanced grasp of how laws are shaped, policies are negotiated, and democratic accountability is preserved in a multi-party federal system like India.

🗳️ Theme 2: ‘One Nation, One Election’ Debate

Passage for Comprehension & Legal Reasoning Context

In 2024, the longstanding proposal of “One Nation, One Election” gained momentum with the submission of a comprehensive report by a High-Level Committee appointed by the central government. The idea behind the initiative is to synchronize elections to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) and all State Legislative Assemblies, which currently take place at different times across the country.

Proponents of this idea argue that simultaneous elections would drastically reduce the recurring burden on public finances and the Election Commission, curb frequent interruptions in governance due to the Model Code of Conduct, and improve administrative efficiency. They also suggest that it could improve voter participation by creating a single, concentrated voting period every five years.

However, critics argue that the reform, while administratively appealing, could undermine India’s federal structure and democratic dynamism. They caution that national issues and party narratives may overpower local concerns, hurting regional parties and distorting voter priorities. Additionally, legal experts highlight that the implementation would require significant constitutional amendments, particularly to Articles 83, 172, 356, and related provisions dealing with terms of legislatures and emergency powers.

The committee recommended a phased implementation—starting with synchronizing elections in some states—and stressed the need for political consensus. It also proposed the use of common electoral rolls and robust technological infrastructure to facilitate this massive electoral overhaul.

🧭 Context: Why ‘One Nation, One Election’ is a Critical Issue

India holds elections almost every year—whether for state assemblies, municipal corporations, or the Lok Sabha. This frequent electoral cycle:

• Consumes vast public funds and human resources.

• Disrupts normal governance, as governments are barred from announcing new schemes during election periods due to the Model Code of Conduct.

• Causes repeated deployment of paramilitary forces and administrative machinery.

The idea of synchronized elections isn’t new. In fact, India held simultaneous elections until 1967, after which political instability and mid-term dissolutions led to a divergence in electoral timelines. The current proposal aims to bring back that alignment, with the belief that it would foster political stability and development-focused governance.

Analysis: Why This Debate Is So Important

✅ Arguments in Favor

❗ Arguments Against

Theme 3: Jammu & Kashmir After Article 370 – Unfolding a New Constitutional Chapter

 Passage : Developments in Jammu & Kashmir Post-Article 370 Abrogation

In August 2019, the Government of India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir by abrogating Article 370 and 35A, leading to a significant constitutional and political shift. The state was reorganized into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without one). This move aimed to integrate the region more fully into India and extend all central laws uniformly.

Post-abrogation, several changes followed. Land laws were amended, enabling non-residents to purchase land in the region. Benefits from central welfare schemes—especially for women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes—were extended. Previously, J&K’s local laws had denied these groups access to central protections, especially for women who married outside the state.

The security situation in the Valley reportedly improved, though attacks in the Jammu region increased. Political leaders previously under house arrest were released, and new parties emerged. Infrastructure projects like the Chenab railway bridge have been promoted as developmental milestones, alongside revived tourism and reopening of cinema halls after decades.

In December 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the abrogation, calling Article 370 a temporary provision and stating that Parliament could legislate in its absence due to the dissolved J&K Constituent Assembly. The Delimitation Commission, meanwhile, introduced constituency changes, including the reservation of seats for STs.

🧭 Context: Understanding Article 370 & 35A

Historically, these Articles reflected India’s commitment to asymmetrical federalism, given J&K’s unique post-accession conditions in 1947. However, over time, critics claimed these provisions fostered separatism, hindered development, and violated equality under the Constitution.

Analysis: Why This Theme Matters Deeply

✅ Impacts of the Abrogation

Supreme Court Verdict – Key Constitutional Insights

• Held Article 370 as “temporary”, not permanent.

• Said Parliament could act in absence of a Constituent Assembly (which ceased to exist in 1957).

• Emphasized constitutional integration and equality of all citizens.

• Asserted that reorganization of the state into UTs was constitutional.

This judgment may set precedent on:

• Federal autonomy, especially in union territories.

• Limits of Presidential and Parliamentary discretion in altering statehood.

CLAT Perspective: What You Must Prepare

Key Legal & Political Concepts

• Temporary vs Special provisions (Art 370 vs Art 371)

• Constitutional integration

• Scheduled Tribe political representation

• Federalism and State Reorganization (Article 3)

Questions Might Ask You To:

• Explain whether Article 370’s removal strengthens or weakens federalism.

• Infer the socio-economic implications of new land laws.

• Compare pre- and post-abrogation legal rights (especially for women and STs).

• Analyze the Supreme Court’s reasoning vis-à-vis constitutional morality and procedure.

• Passages might test:Understanding of Article 370 and 35A and the implications of their abrogation.

• Factual details about new laws, infrastructure projects, or security trends.
• The socio-legal impact, such as on property rights, women’s rights, and the application of central laws.
• The Supreme Court’s reasoning in upholding the abrogation.
• The political situation, including the delimitation of constituencies and reserved seats for STs for the first time.

Summary

The abrogation of Article 370 was not just about Jammu & Kashmir—it was about redefining federalism, identity, and equality in India.

From constitutional law to political theory, from national security to human rights, this theme offers multi-dimensional learning for CLAT aspirants. Expect questions that test:

• Legal interpretations,

• Socio-political consequences,

• Ethical angles,

• And your ability to analyze rather than memorize.

Theme 4: The Caste Census Debate

Passage:

The demand for a caste census in India has resurfaced as a major political and social debate. Although caste has long influenced social structure and policymaking in India, the last time comprehensive caste data (beyond SCs and STs) was officially collected was in the 1931 Census. After independence, caste enumeration was limited, with Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes alone being regularly counted.

Advocates of a fresh caste census argue that reliable and updated data is necessary for effective implementation of welfare schemes and reservation policies. They point to judicial directions that stress the need for evidence-based affirmative action and argue that current policies are based on outdated estimates. Reports like the Mandal Commission (1980) and the Kalelkar Commission (1953) used limited or old data to frame policies. In the absence of accurate numbers, public policy often relies on assumptions regarding Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and other marginalized groups.

Opponents, however, warn that such a census might deepen caste identities, polarize communities, and be misused for political gain. There are also concerns about logistical feasibility, privacy, and the difficulty of categorizing India’s complex caste hierarchies.

The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 was a significant attempt to collect such data, but the caste-related findings were never officially released, reportedly due to inconsistencies and classification issues. Meanwhile, several states, including Bihar and Karnataka, have begun conducting state-level caste-based surveys, adding pressure on the central government.

Context (Historical and Legal Background)

The debate on a nationwide caste census has been reignited in recent years, particularly following state-level initiatives in Bihar and Karnataka. Caste has always played a central role in India’s social fabric, electoral politics, and policy-making. While the Indian Census regularly enumerates Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), it has not included OBCs or general caste data since 1931, which remains the last caste-based full enumeration (except for SC/STs).

After independence, the Indian government consciously moved away from caste enumeration beyond SC/STs to promote national integration and avoid reinforcing caste divisions. However, demands have resurfaced, especially in the context of:

• Affirmative action (reservation and welfare),

• Public policy targeting,

• Political representation.

Several commissions — most notably the Mandal Commission (1980) — were tasked with identifying “socially and educationally backward classes” without the benefit of up-to-date caste data. The Mandal Commission had to rely on 1931 figures to estimate the OBC population as 52%, which is still widely cited — but outdated.

The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 tried to bridge this gap. However, its caste data was never released, citing inconsistencies and classification errors. This has kept the issue alive, especially with political parties calling for data-backed policy revision.

Analysis

Detailed Analysis: Arguments For and Against

✅ Arguments For a Caste Census:

1. Policy Accuracy & Equity:
   Affirmative action, welfare targeting, and reservation limits (like the 50% cap) all rely on assumptions. Without data, beneficiaries can’t be identified precisely, and newer backward communities may be excluded.

2. Judicial and Constitutional Relevance:
   Courts have, in various judgments (like Indra Sawhney 1992), emphasized the need for empirical data to justify reservations under Article 15(4) and 16(4).

3. Social Justice Mandate:
   The Directive Principles of State Policy emphasize removing inequality. Knowing who is disadvantaged is key to equality before the law (Article 14).

4. Correcting Representation Gaps:
   Many argue that political representation, especially in services and legislatures, does not reflect the true demographic weight of marginalized groups.

5. Public Demand and Political Consensus:
   A number of regional parties and states have supported caste enumeration, making it a growing political issue.

❌ Arguments Against a Caste Census:

1. Risk of Social Fragmentation:
   Opponents believe it could lead to increased caste-based divisions, hardening identity politics and deepening communal fault lines.

2. Political Misuse:
   Caste data might become a tool for vote bank politics, encouraging caste-based campaigning rather than issue-based governance.

3. Logistical and Technical Challenges:
   India has over 5,000+ castes, many overlapping or differently named across states. Categorizing them uniformly would be difficult and error-prone.

   Key Focus Areas for CLAT:

   1. Historical and Constitutional Context

   • Historical background of caste enumeration: From colonial censuses to post-Independence exclusions.

   • Why SCs and STs are counted but OBCs are not.

   • Mandal Commission (1980) and Kalelkar Commission (1953): Their findings, recommendations, and impact on reservations.

   • Relevance of Article 15 and Article 16 (especially 15(4) and 16(4)) related to affirmative action.

   2. Understanding Key Terminology

   • What is a Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC)?

   • Difference between census and survey.

   • What is creamy layer, and how it relates to OBC categorization?

   3. Arguments in Favor of a Caste Census

   • Helps tailor welfare schemes based on actual data.

   • Ensures data-backed policymaking for reservations.

   • Supports judicial scrutiny for quantifiable backwardness, especially post-Indra Sawhney case (1992).

   • Reveals economic inequality within castes.

   4. Arguments Against a Caste Census

   • May reinforce caste identities and widen social divides.

   • Could be politically misused.

   • Concerns over accuracy and classification (who defines a caste?).

   5. Legal Precedents and Policy Implications

   • Why the SECC 2011 caste data was not released (methodological inconsistencies).

   • Supreme Court rulings that emphasize the need for empirical data when justifying reservations (e.g., Maratha Reservation case).

   • Implications on federal structure if individual states conduct caste-based surveys (e.g., Bihar and Karnataka doing state-led caste counts).

Theme 5: Economic Survey 2024–25 — Growth, Resilience, and Policy Vision

The Economic Survey 2024–25, released ahead of the Union Budget, offers a snapshot of India’s macroeconomic performance and lays down its policy trajectory. It estimates the real GDP growth for FY25 at 6.4%, with a projected range of 6.3–6.8% for FY26. Retail inflation is reported to have moderated to 4.9%, suggesting a more stable pricing environment. The Survey notes a revival in gross FDI inflows, indicating improved investor sentiment.

Several structural recommendations are highlighted. These include systematic deregulation to reduce bureaucratic friction, expanded support for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector, and continued infrastructure investment aligned with the Gati Shakti vision. The document also acknowledges the challenge of Geo-Economic Fragmentation (GEF) — a growing global trend where economic blocs are becoming more inward-looking — and recommends that India strengthen trade resilience while pursuing its “Viksit Bharat by 2047” goal.

Additionally, the Survey highlights strong growth in services exports and an increase in domestic smartphone production, projecting India’s positioning as a global supply chain participant.

Context

The Economic Survey is an official annual document prepared by the Chief Economic Advisor and presented by the Ministry of Finance. It is released before the Union Budget and acts as an economic report card for the past year while also offering forward-looking policy suggestions.

The 2024–25 Survey comes in the backdrop of:

• Global economic instability and geo-political fragmentation.

• India’s push towards self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

• The national ambition of becoming a developed country (Viksit Bharat) by 2047, when India completes 100 years of independence.

Analysis

1. Macroeconomic Performance:

   • GDP Growth of 6.4% shows moderate but steady recovery.

   • Inflation control at 4.9% is critical for stable growth.

   • FDI inflows rebounding reflects external confidence in India’s economy.

2. Policy Vision:

   • Systematic deregulation aims to improve the ease of doing business.

   • Emphasis on SMEs recognizes their role in job creation and innovation.

   • Focus on infrastructure investment supports long-term growth — roads, railways, logistics.

3. Global Strategic Thinking:

   • Addressing Geo-Economic Fragmentation (GEF) means India must build economic resilience and diversify trade partners to counter protectionist trends.

   • The Survey recommends increasing integration with global value chains.

4. Viksit Bharat 2047:

   • This is India’s strategic national vision to become a developed economy by 2047.

   • The Survey ties economic reforms directly to this multi-decade goal.

5. Sectoral Insights:

   • Services exports (like IT, financial services) are growing.

   • Domestic manufacturing push (especially in electronics like smartphones) is yielding results due to PLI schemes.

📘 CLAT Perspective: What to Focus On

As a CLAT aspirant, understand:

1. 📊 Basic terms: GDP, GVA, inflation, FDI.

2. 🧱 Policy buzzwords: deregulation, infrastructure investment, SME development.

3. 🗺️ Geo-Economic Fragmentation (GEF): A new-age economic challenge.

4. 🎯 Viksit Bharat 2047: India’s long-term economic and developmental vision.

5. 📈 Sectors of focus: Services exports, smartphone production, infrastructure.

6. 💡 Why this matters: These themes reflect economic reasoning and require students to analyze causes, policies, and effects — perfect for CLAT’s comprehension-based reasoning section.

• Basic economic indicators (GDP, GVA, FDI, inflation) and their trends as reported.
• Key policy thrusts mentioned in the Survey (deregulation, SME support, infrastructure).
• Significant targets or visions (e.g., Viksit Bharat 2047).
• New economic terminology introduced or emphasized (e.g., GEF).
• Sector-specific highlights, such as growth in services exports or domestic smartphone manufacturing.

Theme 6: Environmental Policies and Climate Adaptation 

In recent years, India has significantly reshaped its environmental and climate policy framework to respond to escalating ecological challenges. With rising instances of heatwaves, floods, and erratic weather patterns, the need for climate adaptation has grown urgent. The government’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) outlines sector-specific strategies targeting agriculture, water resources, health systems, and urban infrastructure. Parallel to this, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to tackle urban air pollution by setting reduction targets for particulate matter concentrations in over 130 non-attainment cities.

India’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement reaffirm its intent to reduce emissions intensity and increase the share of non-fossil fuel energy. However, access to adequate climate finance from developed countries remains a challenge, especially for adaptation-oriented projects.

At the grassroots level, campaigns such as ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ promote afforestation and public environmental responsibility. Meanwhile, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules have been expanded to manage waste from plastics, electronics, and batteries — signaling a shift towards circular economy principles. India’s emphasis on Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) encourages individual and community-led climate action, complementing institutional efforts.

🧭 Context:

India, being among the most climate-vulnerable countries globally, faces mounting environmental challenges. The policy shift towards climate adaptation, not just mitigation, reflects the recognition that climate change is already affecting livelihoods and ecosystems. With its global commitments under the Paris Agreement, India also aims to balance developmental needs with sustainability.

As environmental issues move from the margins to the mainstream of policy discourse, understanding India’s institutional frameworks — like the NAP, NCAP, and NDCs — becomes crucial, especially for aspirants preparing for law and policy-oriented exams like CLAT.

Analysis:

1. National Adaptation Plan (NAP): A strategic policy document focusing on enhancing India’s adaptive capacity across sectors such as agriculture, health, and water.

2. Sectoral Action: Targeted responses include salt-tolerant crops, smart urban drainage systems, coastal defenses, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

3. Updated NDCs (2022-23): India pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels) and achieve about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.

4. Geo-Political Bottlenecks: While global frameworks advocate climate justice, India has repeatedly flagged the shortfall of promised climate finance from wealthier nations, crucial for its adaptation efforts.

5. Public Engagement Initiatives: Grassroots campaigns like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and the philosophy of LiFE mobilize citizens towards sustainable behaviors.

6. EPR Rules: By placing the onus of waste collection and recycling on producers, the EPR system tackles India’s growing waste management challenge innovatively.

• CLAT Perspective: Focus on:

• Names and objectives of major environmental schemes (NAP, NMSH, AMRUT, MISHTI, NCAP).
• India’s key international climate commitments (NDCs, Net Zero target if mentioned).
• The concept of ‘LiFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment).
• Challenges in climate adaptation, particularly regarding finance.
• The role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules for various waste streams.

Here’s what CLAT aspirants should focus on for comprehension and legal reasoning:

Theme 7: Role of AI in Indian Elections 2024

The 2024 General Elections in India represented a watershed moment in the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within democratic processes. Political parties, across the ideological spectrum, turned to AI-driven technologies for campaign management, voter outreach, and communication strategy. AI was employed to analyze large volumes of voter data, segment electorates based on demographics and behavior, and deliver customized content—including region-specific videos, voice messages, and interactive chatbots in multiple Indian languages.

A particularly controversial use involved AI-generated avatars of deceased political leaders making virtual endorsements—a tactic that drew both praise for innovation and criticism for ethical ambiguity. On the other hand, AI-enabled deepfakes—videos and audio clips doctored to misrepresent candidates—proliferated on social media, influencing voter perception and eroding trust. Civil society organizations flagged concerns about the rise of “epistemic bubbles,” where algorithm-driven content feeds limit exposure to diverse viewpoints.

While the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued advisory guidelines, the lack of concrete legislative regulation meant that AI’s influence remained largely unchecked. As technology outpaces policy, the 2024 elections have highlighted the urgent need for legal frameworks that balance innovation with democratic integrity.

Context: AI’s Growing Role in Indian Electoral Democracy

The 2024 elections saw a paradigm shift—where data science, AI, and machine learning converged with mass political mobilization. With over 900 million registered voters and multiple linguistic and cultural constituencies, India presented a unique challenge and opportunity for AI-powered tools.

Parties used AI to:

• Create multi-language campaign assets.

• Send AI-personalized robocalls.

• Monitor voter sentiment on social media.

• Strategize booth-level targeting using predictive analytics.

This marked a departure from traditional campaigning to micro-targeted, data-centric digital electioneering.

🔍 Analysis: The Promise and Peril of AI in Elections

✅ Benefits:

• Language Translation & Accessibility: AI enabled real-time translation of speeches and content into regional languages.

• Targeted Outreach: Voter profiling allowed precise messaging, reducing blanket campaign inefficiencies.

• Virtual Townhalls & Bots: Enabled scalable, interactive engagements across rural and urban constituencies.

❌ Concerns:

• Deepfakes & Misinformation: Misleading videos and false narratives undermined candidate reputations and voter trust.

• Ethical Violations: Use of deceased leaders’ likenesses without public consent sparked legal and moral debates.

• Algorithmic Bias: AI recommendation engines often reinforced pre-existing beliefs, fostering political echo chambers.

These developments underscored the absence of electoral AI ethics laws, especially in a country where free and fair elections are constitutionally enshrined.

⚖️ CLAT Perspective Breakdown

👉 Legal & Ethical Concerns:

• Can deepfakes constitute defamation or a breach of election laws?

• Do digital recreations of deceased figures violate right to privacy or personality rights?

• Is algorithmic voter manipulation a form of disenfranchisement?

👉 Constitutional Angle:

• Article 324 of the Constitution empowers the ECI to conduct free and fair elections. Should this extend to regulating AI?

• Article 19(1)(a): How does freedom of speech interface with misinformation?

👉 Key Legal Vocabulary for CLAT:

• Deepfakes

• Consent in Digital Context

• Electoral Ethics

• Epistemic Bubbles

• Data Protection & Voter Privacy

👉 Potential MCQ/Comprehension Angles:

• Identify how AI was used positively and negatively in the 2024 elections.

• Interpret legal implications of AI-generated content.

• Analyze a hypothetical scenario involving fake campaign videos.

•  Questions could revolve around:

• The positive applications of AI in elections (e.g., personalized outreach, language translation).
• The negative impacts (e.g., deepfakes, spread of misinformation, robocalls).
• Ethical concerns and the need for regulatory frameworks for AI use in elections.
• Specific examples of AI usage mentioned in reports.
• The concept of “epistemic bubbles” created by AI algorithms.

Theme 8: National Infrastructure Development Focus 

Passage: India’s Infrastructure Push – Fueling Growth in 2025

In 2025, infrastructure development has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s economic policy agenda. The Union Budget 2025–26 saw a substantial hike in capital expenditure allocations, reflecting the government’s commitment to long-term growth through enhanced connectivity, urban mobility, and clean energy transition. Mega infrastructure projects such as the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, Jewar and DB Patil International Airports, and renewable energy hubs like the Khavda Renewable Energy Park are being fast-tracked. These initiatives are part of a broader framework that includes the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) and PM Gati Shakti — a digital platform aimed at integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure projects.

The goal is not merely to build physical assets, but to generate employment, boost regional economies, and improve ease of living. However, challenges remain — from land acquisition delays and environmental clearances to fiscal pressures and inter-agency coordination. As India strives to become a $5 trillion economy, infrastructure is no longer viewed as a sector in isolation but as a critical enabler of holistic national development.

Context: Infrastructure as a Growth Engine

Infrastructure is central to India’s ambition of achieving high, inclusive, and sustainable growth. The Union Budget 2025–26 allocated over ₹12 lakh crore for capital expenditure, marking a continued trend toward asset creation over subsidies. The focus spans across:

• Highways & Roads: Expansion of National Highway corridors, particularly the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway.

• Airports: Completion of greenfield international airports like Jewar (Noida) and DB Patil (Navi Mumbai).

• Renewable Energy Projects: Massive renewable parks like Khavda in Gujarat (solar and wind) and Puga Geothermal in Ladakh.

• Urban Mobility: Continued investment in metro rail networks, smart city planning, and logistics hubs.

These projects are guided under initiatives like the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) and PM Gati Shakti, designed to integrate infrastructure planning across ministries and states.

Analysis: Opportunities and Bottlenecks

✅ Opportunities:

• Job Creation: Both direct (construction) and indirect (services, materials).

• Regional Development: Projects like the Khavda Park promote growth in remote or underdeveloped areas.

• Multimodal Connectivity: Integration of road, rail, air, and waterways improves trade and mobility.

• Green Infrastructure: Emphasis on renewable energy aligns with India’s Net Zero goals.

❌ Challenges:

• Land Acquisition & Rehabilitation: A major hurdle causing project delays.

• Environmental Concerns: Especially in ecologically sensitive zones like Ladakh.

• Inter-Ministerial Delays: Lack of coordination leads to time and cost overruns.

• Financing Gaps: High capital expenditure may strain fiscal discipline.

CLAT Perspective Breakdown

Key Concepts to Know:

• National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP): A ₹100 lakh crore plan for infrastructure development till 2025.

• PM Gati Shakti: A digital master plan platform for integrated project planning and monitoring.

• Capital Expenditure: Investments in assets like roads, bridges, and airports as opposed to revenue expenditure.

Legal Reasoning Links:

• Public Interest vs. Private Rights: Land acquisition laws (Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency Act, 2013).

• Environmental Jurisprudence: Balancing development with environmental protection under Article 21 (Right to Life).

• Federalism in Infrastructure: Interplay between Centre and States in execution (especially urban transport and energy).

Theme 9: Focus on Social Welfare Schemes 

CLAT Passage: India’s Expanding Social Welfare Landscape

Over the last decade, India has witnessed a paradigm shift in its welfare approach — evolving from entitlement-based programs to outcome-focused, targeted interventions. The Union Budget 2025–26 reinforced this trend, with major allocations toward social welfare schemes aimed at inclusive growth. From housing and health to employment, food security, and women-child nutrition, these schemes form the backbone of the government’s socio-economic strategy.

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) continues its mission of “Housing for All” with expanded targets in both rural and urban areas. Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY is being enhanced with digital health linkages and improved hospital network access. Programs like MGNREGS remain vital for rural employment during distress seasons, while PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) drives financial inclusion with over 52 crore beneficiaries. Schemes such as Jal Jeevan Mission ensure access to piped drinking water, and Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0 address early childhood care and maternal nutrition. Additionally, new schemes like the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (for agricultural security) and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses aim to improve farmer resilience and food self-sufficiency.

Together, these efforts seek not only to alleviate poverty but also to build long-term human capital and empower marginalized communities—key pillars of India’s commitment to sustainable development.

Context: The Backbone of Inclusive Governance

Social welfare has always been a constitutional and moral imperative for the Indian state. Rooted in the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV of the Indian Constitution), these initiatives are not merely administrative choices, but expressions of the state’s duty toward ensuring social and economic justice. Over the years, the delivery of welfare has undergone a significant transformation—from the early days of generalized subsidies and food rations to a more focused and accountable system built on Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanisms, digital authentication, and financial inclusion.

In the Union Budget 2025–26, this transformation has been reinforced through a strategic reorientation of expenditures: focusing more on outcomes than just outlays. Substantial budgetary support has been provided to schemes that directly impact vulnerable populations such as low-income households, smallholder farmers, unorganized laborers, marginalized women, and children in rural and urban slums. The shift also reflects the government’s intention to use technology to improve service delivery, minimize leakages, and improve accountability at the grassroots level.

Analysis: What’s Working and What’s Evolving

Among the most prominent and impactful social welfare schemes in recent years is the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), which is structured to ensure “Housing for All” by extending credit-linked subsidies and offering financial assistance to economically weaker sections. This scheme has seen expanded targets, especially for urban slum dwellers and rural landless poor, helping improve the quality of life and contributing to broader goals like urbanization and infrastructure modernization.

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) continues to be a lifeline for millions in rural India. By guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment annually to rural households, the scheme not only provides financial security during agricultural off-seasons but also contributes to local development through the creation of durable community assets such as roads, ponds, and irrigation canals.

In the health sector, Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) stands out as the world’s largest government-funded health assurance scheme. It offers an annual health cover of ₹5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, covering approximately the bottom 40% of the Indian population. The government has expanded its reach through digital health IDs, enabling seamless access to patient records and portable healthcare services across the country.

Equally transformative has been the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), which has played a pivotal role in expanding banking access to underserved populations. With over 52 crore accounts opened and deposits crossing ₹2 lakh crore, the scheme forms the foundation for a wide array of DBT-based initiatives and enhances financial literacy and autonomy, especially among rural women and youth.

In addressing water and nutrition needs, the Jal Jeevan Mission has made significant strides in ensuring tap water connections to over 15 crore rural households as of 2025. Simultaneously, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 combine efforts for early childhood education, maternal nutrition, and growth monitoring, thereby targeting the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—crucial for long-term cognitive and physical development.

Two of the newer schemes also deserve attention. The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana is aimed at improving crop diversity, supporting agricultural procurement systems, and enhancing income security for farmers. Complementing this is the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, which seeks to achieve self-sufficiency in the production of pulses, a critical food group in India, thereby reducing dependence on imports and stabilizing market prices for consumers.

CLAT Perspective Breakdown

From the standpoint of CLAT aspirants, understanding India’s welfare architecture provides not only factual knowledge but also helps in interpreting the legal and constitutional underpinnings of social justice.

One of the most important legal doctrines relevant here is the interpretation of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life. Over the years, judicial pronouncements have expanded its scope to include healthcare, shelter, livelihood, and basic human dignity—all of which are addressed by key welfare schemes. Articles 39, 41, and 47, contained in the Directive Principles of State Policy, further provide the constitutional mandate for the state to promote policies ensuring adequate nutrition, public health, and the right to work.

Specific legal frameworks such as the MGNREGA Act of 2005 give statutory backing to employment guarantees, making it justiciable and rights-based rather than merely a policy choice. Similarly, the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, provides a legal right to subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of India’s population, reinforcing the notion of welfare as a citizen’s right, not charity.

For the CLAT exam, these insights are essential in tackling multiple types of questions. In the comprehension section, aspirants may be asked to draw connections between schemes and their targeted groups or evaluate the success of a program using socio-economic data. In legal reasoning, students might face case-based problems involving rights to food, shelter, or health, where referencing these schemes and their constitutional basis will enhance argumentation. Multiple-choice questions might require the identification of correct scheme-objective pairings, relevant articles of the Constitution, or distinguishing central and state-funded programs.

Summary: Focus on Social Welfare Schemes

The Indian government’s continued emphasis on social welfare reflects its constitutional mandate to promote inclusive growth and social justice. The Union Budget 2025–26 reaffirms this priority by increasing allocations for flagship schemes targeting marginalized groups—rural communities, women, children, and farmers.

Major schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for affordable housing, MGNREGS for rural employment, and Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY for universal health coverage have had significant socio-economic impact. Additionally, financial inclusion through PM Jan Dhan Yojana, potable water via the Jal Jeevan Mission, and nutritional support under Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0 showcase a multi-sectoral approach.

New initiatives like the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses reflect an evolving focus on agricultural sustainability and food security.

Despite these advancements, implementation challenges persist. Issues like last-mile delivery gaps, exclusion errors in DBT, and fiscal strain on government resources highlight the need for robust monitoring and policy consolidation.

🏁Mastering National Affairs for CLAT Success

As you prepare for the CLAT and other top law entrance exams, understanding national affairs is not optional — it’s essential. These themes — from electoral shifts and economic strategies to environmental policies and social welfare schemes — offer more than just facts. They provide legal, constitutional, and governance insights that sharpen your ability to think critically, interpret policy, and apply legal reasoning in real-world contexts.

Each theme explored on this page connects current events to foundational concepts in law and governance. Whether it’s Articles 14, 21, 39, or 51A, or landmark acts like MGNREGA, NFSA, and PM-JAY, these real-time developments are testing grounds for your analytical depth and legal understanding.

This curated content is designed not just to help you memorize events but to empower you to draw links across politics, economics, law, and social equity—exactly the kind of integrated knowledge CLAT and AILET demand.

Let your current affairs prep become your legal reasoning edge.

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