Supreme Court Upholds Use of EVM
Context: The Supreme Court of India recently dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought the reintroduction of ballot papers in place of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). The court emphasized that challenges to the reliability of EVMs typically arise following electoral losses, suggesting that such claims might be […]
Sambhal Mosque Dispute Overview
Context: At least four people have been killed and numerous others injured in the violence that has erupted in Sambhal, western Uttar Pradesh, since a district court ordered a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Sambhal Mosque Dispute Overview Petition and Claims: Legal and Cultural […]
Comptroller and Auditor General
Context: K Sanjay Murthy has been appointed as the new Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, succeeding Girish Chandra Murmu. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India Appointment and Tenure Powers and Duties Functions and Impact International Roles Strengthening Democracy through the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Criticisms of […]
Home Minister Calls for Early Release of Undertrial Prisoners Before Constitution Day
Context: The Union Home Minister recently highlighted the importance of releasing undertrial prisoners who have served more than one-third of the maximum sentence prescribed for their alleged crimes, aiming for this to be completed before Constitution Day on November 26. This directive is in line with the provisions introduced under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, […]
About Competition commission of India
Context: WhatsApp has announced plans to appeal a $25.4 million fine imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The fine was levied due to anti-competitive practices linked to WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update, which mandated the sharing of user data with other Meta-owned applications for advertising purposes. This policy raised significant concerns about competition […]
Kerala Suspends Two IAS Officers for Violating Conduct Rules
Context: The Kerala government has recently taken disciplinary action by suspending two IAS officers for breaches of the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968. One officer was suspended for making derogatory remarks on social media about a senior colleague. Another faced suspension for allegedly creating a WhatsApp group based on religious affiliations. These actions underline the […]
About The State Finance Commission
Context: According to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, all states, except Arunachal Pradesh have constituted State Finance Commissions (SFCs). Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: State Finance Commissions (SFCs) Constitutional Basis and Establishment Role and Responsibilities Current Status and Recommendations Importance of State Finance Commissions Ensuring Financial Health and Autonomy of Local Bodies Complementing […]
CAG Report Highlights Critical Issues in Urban Local Bodies Across 18 States
Context: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has raised serious concerns about the condition of urban local bodies (ULBs) in 18 states, which serve approximately 241 million residents. According to the report, there are systemic weaknesses in financial management, staffing, and functional autonomy within these ULBs. These issues are significant as they undermine […]
‘Bulldozer Justice’ in Property Demolition Cases
Context: The Supreme Court of India, invoking its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, has issued guidelines to ensure that due process is followed in the demolition of properties belonging to citizens accused of crimes. This directive comes in response to recent instances where state authorities were alleged to have used demolitions as a […]
Supreme Court Criticizes Delay in Establishing Organised Crime Investigative Agency
Context: The Supreme Court of India has recently expressed its displeasure over the Union government for not implementing its promise in 2015 to install a completely new Organised Crime Investigative Agency (OCIA) or even to enact complete comprehensive legislation to combat trafficking. It clearly indicates that the government is not responsive to the problem of […]