President — Current Affairs 2026
Current Affairs Connections
President Droupadi Murmu's Historic Election as First Tribal President
July 2022The election of Droupadi Murmu as India's 15th President marked several historic firsts - she became the first tribal person and the second woman to hold the office. Her election highlighted the inclusive nature of India's democracy and the symbolic importance of the presidency in representing diverse communities. The electoral process saw her defeat opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha with a decisive margin, demonstrating the NDA's electoral college strength. Her background as a former Governor of Jharkhand and her tribal identity brought new perspectives to the presidency, emphasizing the office's role in representing India's diversity. The election process itself showcased the federal nature of presidential elections, with state legislators playing a crucial role alongside MPs in the electoral college.
UPSC Angle: UPSC can test this through questions about presidential qualifications, the electoral college system, representation of marginalized communities in constitutional offices, and the symbolic significance of the presidency. Questions may focus on the election process, vote value calculations, and the federal aspects of presidential elections.
Debate over Presidential Ordinances and Parliamentary Oversight
2023-2024Recent controversies over the promulgation of ordinances by the President have reignited debates about the scope and limitations of ordinance-making power under Article 123. The Supreme Court's observations in various cases about the misuse of ordinance power and the need for parliamentary oversight have highlighted the tension between executive convenience and legislative supremacy. The debate encompasses issues like the timing of ordinances, their necessity when Parliament is not in session, and the requirement for parliamentary approval. This connects to broader questions about the President's discretionary powers and the balance between ceremonial authority and substantive decision-making in the ordinance process.
UPSC Angle: UPSC may test this through questions about Article 123, the limitations on ordinance-making power, parliamentary oversight of executive actions, and the balance between legislative and executive authority. Questions could focus on constitutional provisions, judicial pronouncements, and the practical implications of ordinance governance.