Towards a more federal structure
Context: India’s hard-won independence and unity needs to be preserved as there are threats from China and there may be threats from Afghanistan after the U.S. withdraws its troops. A transition to a more federal structure will allow the Centre to focus on external threats instead of internal dissensions. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Centre-State […]
Delimitation exercise kicks off in Jammu & Kashmir
Context: The delimitation commission for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has kicked off the exercise by writing to all 20 District Commissioners (DC), seeking basic demographic, topographic information as well as the local administration’s impressions of political aspirations of the district. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Government Initiatives and Policies) Dimensions of the […]
Delhi HC calls out misuse of UAPA
Context: By ruling that “terrorist activity” cannot be broadly defined to include ordinary penal offences, the three Delhi High Court orders granting bail to three student-activists marks a crucial moment. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Government Policies and Interventions, Issues arising out of the design and implementation of policies, Important Judgements) Dimensions of the Article: […]
Nagaland to form panel to pursue Naga issue
Context: The Nagaland government has decided to institute a committee comprising Opposition leaders to pursue the lingering Naga peace agreement and the Naga political issue with the Centre. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Centre-State Relations), GS-I: Indian Society Dimensions of the Article: Who are the Nagas? What is Naga Issue? Peace Initiatives with the Naga […]
The promise and perils of digital justice delivery
Context: Draft Rules released by the Supreme Court e-Committee on live-streaming and recording court proceedings are a part of the National Policy and Action Plan for implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the judiciary. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Judiciary, Initiatives for Transparency in Governance, Judiciary) Mains Questions: In the context of e-Courts […]
WhatsApp against traceability clause in IT Rules 2021
Context: WhatsApp’s lawsuit taking the Indian government to court over the traceability clause in the new IT Rules 2021 has been filed in the Delhi High Court. The new IT rules include a traceability clause that requires social media platforms to locate “the first originator of the information” if required by authorities. Relevance: GS-II: Polity […]
NGT forms panel to probe construction in Mekedatu
Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Southern Zone has appointed a joint committee to look into allegations of unauthorised construction activity taking place in Mekedatu, where the Karnataka government had proposed to construct a dam across the Cauvery River. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Intra-State Relations, Functions & responsibilities of the Union and the States, […]
How vehicle tracking could curb tax evasion?
Context: In a move that is expected to help curb tax evasion, Goods and Services Tax (GST) authorities will now be able to track real-time data of commercial vehicle (CV) movement on highways by integration of the e-way bill (EWB) system with FASTag and RFID. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Transparency & Accountability Measures, Government […]
India ranked 49th in CGGI
Context: India has been ranked 49th in the Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI), which classifies 104 countries in terms of government capabilities and outcomes. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Government Policies and Interventions for Transparency and Good governance) Dimensions of the Article: What is Governance? Understanding Good Governance Strategies for good governance What is the […]
LOK SABHA PASSES AMENDMENT TO JUVENILE JUSTICE ACT
Context: The Lok Sabha passed a Bill to amend the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill, 2021 in order to strengthen and streamline the provisions for protection and adoption of children. Relevance: GS-II: Social Justice (Issues Related to Children, Governance and Government Policies, Issues Arising Out […]