BharatNotes Transparency
noun (uncountable)Usage in a UPSC answer
The proactive disclosure mandate under Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 compels every public authority to publish suo motu information about its functions, thus embedding transparency as a structural feature of Indian governance rather than a reactive concession.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
transparent (adjective), transparently (adverb), opaque (antonym adjective), semi-transparent (adjective), transparentness (noun)
Root
Latin trans- = through + parere = to appear, be visible
Etymology
From Medieval Latin transparere — literally 'to show through'. The optical metaphor (glass through which objects are visible) was extended to administrative contexts in the 17th century. In governance discourse, the term gained traction with New Public Management reforms of the 1980s and was codified in international frameworks such as the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC, 2003).
Memory Hook
The word contains 'trans' (through) + 'parent' — imagine a glass parent who hides nothing. You can see right through their decisions. Transparency = governing through glass walls.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Prelims 2016 — Banking
- Prelims 2012 — Materials Science
- Prelims 2011 — Federalism
- Mains 2024 · GS2 · 15 marks — Governance
- Mains 2024 · GS4 · 10 marks — Probity / Code of Ethics
- Mains 2023 · GS2 · 10 marks — Governance
- Mains 2019 · GS4 · 20 marks — Ethics in Public Administration
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Transparency” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
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