News:The Centre has said that it was willing to appoint former Delhi High Court Chief Justice Rajendra Menon as Chairman of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT). Facts: About Armed forces tribunal: Armed Forces Tribunal(AFT) is an Indian military tribunal.It was established as a statutory body in 2009 under the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007. The… Continue reading Armed Forces Tribunal
Category: Polity
Electoral Bond Scheme
News:Government of India has notified the Electoral Bond Scheme 2018. Facts: About Electoral Bond Scheme: Electoral bonds allows donors to pay political parties using banks as an intermediary. The bond would be a bearer instrument in the nature of a Promissory Note and an interest free banking instrument. It can be bought for any value… Continue reading Electoral Bond Scheme
Election Commission cuts short disqualification term for Sikkim Chief Minister
News:The Election commission has reduced the Sikkim chief minister disqualification period by almost five years under a provision of electoral law. Facts: Background: Prem Singh Tamang was appointed as Sikkim Chief minister in May, 2019.But he needs to be elected to the Assembly within six months of his appointment. However,he was barred from contesting polls… Continue reading Election Commission cuts short disqualification term for Sikkim Chief Minister
Meghalaya minor tribes fear exclusion from Sixth Schedule
News:The Meghalaya government recommendation to exclude unrepresented tribes from the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution has left minor tribes in a state of worry. Facts: About Meghalaya: Meghalaya is divided into autonomous councils in the names of the three major matrilineal communities — Garo, Khasi and Jaintia. The minority tribes include the… Continue reading Meghalaya minor tribes fear exclusion from Sixth Schedule
Social media platforms to follow ‘code of ethics’ in all future elections: EC
News:Internet Mobile Association of India(IAMAI) has said that social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp have agreed to follow the voluntary code of ethics in all future elections. Facts: About Voluntary code of ethics:The features of Voluntary Code of Ethics are as follows: Social Media platforms will voluntarily undertake information, education and communication campaigns… Continue reading Social media platforms to follow ‘code of ethics’ in all future elections: EC
Higher Education Commission of India bill
News:Government is likely to introduce the Higher Education Commission of India(HECI) Bill in the winter session of Parliament. Facts: Key features of the bill: The bill aims to create a Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) replacing the University Grants Commission(UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education(AICTE). The bill proposes to bring almost… Continue reading Higher Education Commission of India bill
Census 2021
News:Union Minister for Home Affairs has said that the 2021 census exercise would be carried out digitally. Facts: About Census: The census provides information on size, distribution demographic, socio-economic and other characteristics of the country’s population. A systematic and modern population census in its present form was conducted non synchronously between 1865 and 1872 in… Continue reading Census 2021
Special Expenditure Observers
News:Election commission of India has appointed former IRS officers as special expenditure observers for Maharashtra polls. Facts: About Special Expenditure observers: The Special Expenditure Observers are appointed by the EC under the powers conferred under Article 324 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The special observers will be supervising and… Continue reading Special Expenditure Observers
SC to get permanent Constitution bench
News:The Supreme Court has decided to create a permanent five judge Constitution Bench to hear and decide cases involving Constitutional questions. Facts: About Constitution bench: Constitution bench is the name given to the benches of the Supreme Court of India which consist of at least five judges of the court. These judges sit to decide… Continue reading SC to get permanent Constitution bench
Northern Zonal Council
News:Union Minister for Home Affairs will chair the 29th meeting of the Northern Zonal Council(NZC) at Chandigarh. Facts: About Zonal Councils: The Zonal Councils are statutory bodies.They were established under the States Reorganization Act,1956. The act divided the country into five zonal councils namely Northern, Central, Eastern, Western and Southern councils. In addition to the… Continue reading Northern Zonal Council
Access to the Internet is a basic right, says Kerala High Court
News:The Kerala High Court has held that the right to access the internet is a basic fundamental right. Facts: Background: The High Court made this observation while ordering the principal of a college in Kerala to re-admit a student who had been expelled from the college hostel for using her mobile phone beyond the restricted… Continue reading Access to the Internet is a basic right, says Kerala High Court
Collegium system
News:President has appointed four new judges to the Supreme Court taking its strength to 34 which is the highest-ever. Facts: About Collegium system: The Collegium System is a system under which appointments/elevation of judges to the Supreme Court and transfers of judges of the High Courts are decided by a forum of the Chief Justice… Continue reading Collegium system
Government-funded NGOs come under RTI ambit, says SC
News:The Supreme Court has held that Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which are substantially funded by the government fall within the ambit of the Right to Information(RTI) Act. Facts: Key highlights of judgement: The Supreme Court has ruled that NGOs which receive considerable finances from the government fall under the category of “public authority” defined in Section… Continue reading Government-funded NGOs come under RTI ambit, says SC
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act
News:Union home ministry has announced several changes in the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act,2010. Facts: What are the changes made? Government has made it mandatory for each functionary and member of a nongovernmental organization(NGO) seeking registration under FCRA to file an affidavit declaring that the individual has not been involved in any act of religious conversion… Continue reading Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act
Jan Soochna Portal
News: The Rajasthan government has launched Jan Soochna Portal Facts: It seeks to provide quick access to information on government departments. By doing so, it aims at transparency and accountability, and empower the right of the people to seek information. Rajasthan is the first state to launch such a portal. The portal will have information… Continue reading Jan Soochna Portal
Uniform Civil Code
News:The Supreme Court has said that the Indian government had made no attempt to frame a Uniform Civil Code even though the makers of the Constitution had expressed hope for such a law. Facts: What is uniform civil code? The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India proposes to replace the personal laws based on the… Continue reading Uniform Civil Code
Consider tribal area status for Ladakh, says ST commission
News:The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes(NCST) has recommended that the Union Territory(UT) of Ladakh be given Tribal area status under Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Facts: Why Ladakh should be given Tribal status? The total tribal population in Ladakh region is more than 97%. The major Scheduled Tribes(STs) in Ladakh are (a)Balti Beda (b)Bot (or… Continue reading Consider tribal area status for Ladakh, says ST commission
Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2019
News:Government has enforced various Sections of the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2019 by notifying it in Gazette. Facts: Salient Features of the Amendment Act: Arbitration Council of India: It establishes an independent body called the Arbitration Council of India (ACI) for the promotion of arbitration, mediation, conciliation and other alternative dispute redressal mechanisms. Mandate… Continue reading Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2019
North Eastern Council
News:The 68th Plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) was held in Guwahati,Assam. Facts: About North Eastern Council: North Eastern Council(NEC) was constituted as a statutory advisory body under the NEC Act,1971. Members:The eight States of Northeast India are members of the council with their respective Chief Ministers and Governors representing them. Ministry:The council… Continue reading North Eastern Council
AFSPA Extended for Six Months in Assam
News:Government has decided to extend Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act for six more months in Assam. Facts: Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act was enacted in 1958 to bring under control what the government of India considered ‘disturbed’ areas. What is a disturbed area? The state or central government considers… Continue reading AFSPA Extended for Six Months in Assam
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019
News: The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Centre on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019 Facts: The petitions have challenged the changes to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act on various grounds such as- It infringes upon fundamental rights of citizens as guaranteed by the Indian constitution:… Continue reading Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
News: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions has announced that a Centralised Technology Vertical (CTV) will be set up within CBI Facts: Centralised Technology Vertical (CTV): The propose CTV will be operational by 2020. It will help real-time information sharing with investigators across India. About Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): It is the premier… Continue reading Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Dawood, Masood Azhar among 4 declared ‘individual terrorists’ under amended law
News:The Central Government has decided to declare Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman-Lakhvi and Dawood Ibrahim as individual terrorists under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act,2019. Facts: Parliament has passed the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill 2019. The Bill amends the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act,1967 providing special procedures to deal with terrorist activities and individuals and groups… Continue reading Dawood, Masood Azhar among 4 declared ‘individual terrorists’ under amended law
Election Commission to host Association of World Election Bodies
The Election Commission of India(ECI) will be hosting the 4th General Assembly of the Association of World Election Bodies(A-WEB) at Bengaluru on 3rd September 2019. India will take over as A-WEB’s Chair for the 2019-21 term.Over 50 countries across the globe will join the A-WEB meeting. The Association of World Election Bodies(A-WEB) is the largest… Continue reading Election Commission to host Association of World Election Bodies
Assam to move Supreme Court for NRC reverification in select districts
The Assam government has termed the finalisation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) list there as a “mixed bag” and raised concerns over several “technical flaws” in the process. It has decided to move to the Supreme Court appealing for re-verification in selected districts. Earlier, the Centre and Assam Government had sought a 20… Continue reading Assam to move Supreme Court for NRC reverification in select districts
Over 19 lakh excluded from Assam’s final NRC
The final list of National Register of Citizens(NRC) has been released in Assam. The names of 3 crore 11 lakh applicants have been included in the final NRC while 19 lakh 7 thousand have been excluded. However,Assam CM has assured that those excluded from final NRC will not be detained and they can appeal against… Continue reading Over 19 lakh excluded from Assam’s final NRC
Electors Verification Programme
The Election Commission will launch an Electors Verification Programme (EVP) on September 1,2019. The program aims to provide (a)better electoral services (b)improve communication between voters and the Commission and (c)improve the overall health of electoral rolls in general. Voters can use the National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP), Voter Helpline App, Common Service Centres or the… Continue reading Electors Verification Programme
Himachal passes Bill against ‘forced conversion’
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly has passed the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill, 2019. The Bill seeks to repeal the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2006. The aims to check forced religious conversions. It prohibits conversion by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, inducement, marriage or any fraudulent means. The bill says that any marriage… Continue reading Himachal passes Bill against ‘forced conversion’
Common code of conduct proposed for legislative bodies
Lok Sabha Speaker has formed a committee of Speakers of state legislative bodies to frame a code of conduct. The purpose of of the Code of Conduct is to set out the minimum ethical standards required by public representatives when discharging their obligations to the Assembly, their constituents and the public at large. Code of… Continue reading Common code of conduct proposed for legislative bodies
Kashmir: five-judge Supreme Court Bench to hear pleas challenging abrogation of Article 370
The Supreme Court has referred petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the state of Jammu & Kashmir into two Union Territories to a five-judge Constitution bench. The apex court decision came after the Parliament has passed the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019.The order effectively abrogates the special status… Continue reading Kashmir: five-judge Supreme Court Bench to hear pleas challenging abrogation of Article 370
Bengal govt to table Anti-lynching bill
The West Bengal government has decided to table the West Bengal Prevention of Lynching Bill, 2019 in the State Assembly. It proposes three categories of punishment: a) maximum three-year jail and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh if the act leads to the victim “suffering hurt”; b) 10 years and up to Rs… Continue reading Bengal govt to table Anti-lynching bill
Freedom of press can’t be one-way traffic,says SC in defamation case
Recently,the Supreme Court judge has observed that Freedom of the press is supreme but it cannot be one-way traffic. This observation came after the apex court allowed a news portal to withdraw its plea against proceedings in a defamation case filed by a petitioner. In India,freedom of the press has been treated as part of… Continue reading Freedom of press can’t be one-way traffic,says SC in defamation case
Home Secretary holds meet to take Central schemes to J&K
Parliament has passed the Presidential order which effectively abrogates the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under the provision of Article 370. It has also passed the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act,2019. The bill bifurcates the State into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir(with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature). The Union territory… Continue reading Home Secretary holds meet to take Central schemes to J&K
Plea in Supreme Court seeks online RTI portals in States
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and several states on a plea seeking direction to state governments to set up online RTI portals. The plea has said that the Centre has established an online RTI portal in which any Indian citizen, including NRIs, can apply for information under the RTI Act with… Continue reading Plea in Supreme Court seeks online RTI portals in States
24th Meeting of Western Zonal Council
Union Minister for Home Affairs has chaired the 24th meeting of the Western Zonal Council at Panaji,Goa. The Zonal Councils are statutory bodies.They were established under the States Reorganization Act,1956. The act divided the country into five zonal councils namely Northern, Central, Eastern, Western and Southern councils. The objective of setting up Zonal Councils are… Continue reading 24th Meeting of Western Zonal Council
Election Commission to revisit ‘D’ voter criterion ahead of final NRC
Ahead of the publication of the National Register of Citizens(NRC), Election commission(EC) may revisit the criteria whether those excluded from NRC should be marked as ‘D’(Doubtful) voters. The system of ‘D’ (dubious or doubtful) voters was introduced in 1997 by the Election Commission.Doubtful voters are those who have been disenfranchised during electoral roll revision for… Continue reading Election Commission to revisit ‘D’ voter criterion ahead of final NRC
Assam NRC is India’s internal matter: Jaishankar
India’s External Affairs Minister is on a two day visit to Bangladesh. During his visit,India’s foreign minister has said that National Register of Citizens (NRC) process which is now underway in Assam is an internal matter to India. On Rohingya issue,the minister said that the safe and speedy return of Rohingyas to their place of… Continue reading Assam NRC is India’s internal matter: Jaishankar
Centre to double time limit to appeal NRC ouster to 120 days
The Central Government has proposed to double the time limit available for filing an appeal against non-inclusion of persons in the National Register of Citizens(NRC) in Assam At present,the time limit for filing of appeal in foreigners tribunals(FTs) is 60 days.This will be amended to increase the time limit to 120 days. Under the provisions… Continue reading Centre to double time limit to appeal NRC ouster to 120 days
Explained: How states are split into seats
The Parliament has passed the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill,2019.The bill bifurcates the State into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir(with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature). According to the act,the number of seats in the Legislative Assembly of the UT of J&K would be increased from 107 to 114.The Act also specifies that… Continue reading Explained: How states are split into seats
Virtual court to deal with traffic challan to be launched today
The Punjab and Haryana High Court will launch its first virtual court (e-court) to deal with traffic challan through video conferencing. This initiative will do away with the need for the litigant to be present in the court and facilitate adjudication of the case online. It will benefit all the stakeholders in the justice delivery… Continue reading Virtual court to deal with traffic challan to be launched today
Explained: PM Modi called for ‘One Nation, One Election’. What does this idea mean?
Prime Minister has called for ‘one nation,one election’.He said that a committee would be formed to discuss the idea with all political parties. One nation,One Election is the method of holding single elections for both Lok Sabha and States instead of separate and continuous elections. Simultaneous elections are not new to India.They were the norm… Continue reading Explained: PM Modi called for ‘One Nation, One Election’. What does this idea mean?
Chhattisgarh doubles OBC quota, hikes SC benefits
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister has announced an increase in reservations for OBCs and Scheduled Castes in state government jobs and education. The government has decided to increase the quota for Scheduled Castes by 1% (at present it is 12%) The reservation for OBCs will be increased from 14% to 27%. The quota for Scheduled Tribes will… Continue reading Chhattisgarh doubles OBC quota, hikes SC benefits
CBI should have statutory status like CAG: Ranjan Gogoi
Chief Justice of India(CJI) has suggested a comprehensive legislation to give Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) a statutory status equivalent to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). He has listed various key concerns with the CBI such as (a)legal ambiguity (b)weak human resource (c)lack of adequate investment (d)accountability and (e)political and administrative interference. He has also… Continue reading CBI should have statutory status like CAG: Ranjan Gogoi
Jammu and Kashmir delimitation process kicks off
Election Commission(EC) has held internal discussions on the delimitation of constituencies ahead of elections to the new Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Delimitation means the act or process of fixing limits or boundaries of Lok Sabha and state Assembly seats.Population is the basis of redrawing of boundaries and allocation of seats. This task of… Continue reading Jammu and Kashmir delimitation process kicks off
BCI imposes 3-year moratorium on opening new law colleges
Bar Council of India has decided to impose a three year moratorium on the opening of new law colleges.This has been done in order to ensure that the quality of education does not get compromised. However,the moratorium will not apply to National Law University,if it is proposed by a state government where there is no… Continue reading BCI imposes 3-year moratorium on opening new law colleges
Sanctions for prosecution of over 80 officials awaited
The Central Vigilance Commission(CVC) is awaiting sanction from different wings of the government organisations to prosecute 83 government employees. The CVC was set up by the Government in 1964 on the recommendation of the Santhanam Committee.In 2003,the Parliament enacted CVC Act conferring statutory status on the CVC. The CVC is not controlled by any Ministry… Continue reading Sanctions for prosecution of over 80 officials awaited
Goa to amend Portuguese-era law to allow marriage registration of outsiders
Goa government has decided to amend the Portuguese-era Uniform Civil Code(UCC). The amendment would allow overseas citizens of India(OCIs) card holders and people outside Goa to their register their marriage under the uniform civil code. Goa was a former Portuguese colony.It was annexed into the Union of India in 1961.In 1987,Goa was made a separate… Continue reading Goa to amend Portuguese-era law to allow marriage registration of outsiders
Haryana clears Bill to check organised crime
Haryana assembly has passed the Haryana Control of Organised Crime Bill(HCOCA),2019.The bill was brought in view of the emerging situation of organised crime in the State. The bill will empower the state government with powers to intercept wire, electronic or oral communication to control the menace of organised crime. According to the Bill,whoever commits an… Continue reading Haryana clears Bill to check organised crime
22nd National Conference on e-Governance 2019 successfully concludes at Shillong
The 22nd National Conference on e-Governance,2019 was held in Shillong,Meghalaya.This is the first time the event is being organized in North-Eastern region of the country. The event was organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances(DARPG) in association with Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology(MeitY). The theme of this Conference was“Digital India:Success to… Continue reading 22nd National Conference on e-Governance 2019 successfully concludes at Shillong
Centre signs peace pact with Tripura insurgent outfit NLFT
The National Liberation Front of Tripura(NLFT-SD) has signed a Memorandum of Settlement with the Central and Tripura government to abide by the Constitution of India. NLFT-SD has agreed to surrender its cadres with their weapons.The surrendered cadres will be given surrender benefits as per the surrender cum rehabilitation scheme,2018 of the Union Home Ministry. National… Continue reading Centre signs peace pact with Tripura insurgent outfit NLFT
