Controversy Surrounds UPSC Lateral Entry Scheme for Senior Positions
Context: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) recently announced a lateral entry scheme aimed at recruiting 45 specialists for the positions of joint secretaries, directors, and deputy secretaries in various government departments. This initiative is designed to infuse fresh expertise into the bureaucracy. However, the move has sparked considerable debate and backlash from opposition parties, […]
Nationwide Strike by Resident Doctors for Enhanced Safety Laws
Context: Resident doctors across India have initiated a strike to demand robust legislation ensuring their safety while on duty. This action follows the tragic incident on August 9, where a young doctor was raped and murdered at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The uproar began after her body was found in the […]
Governor Sanctioning the Prosecution of the Chief Minister
Context: Karnataka Governor sanctioned the prosecution of the Chief Minister in a case of alleged corruption in the allotment of land to his wife by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: What is the MUDA ‘Scam’? Powers of Sanctioning the Prosecution of the CM: Intention […]
Madras High Court Raises Concerns Over Sole Reliance on DNA Evidence
Context: The Madras High Court, in a recent decision from June 2024, overturned a conviction under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, bringing to the forefront the ongoing debate about the reliability of DNA profiling in legal settings. The court’s ruling emphasized the importance of not solely depending on DNA evidence […]
5 Years After Removal of Article 370
Context: Recently, the fifth anniversary of the revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was observed. On 5th August 2019, the Government of India revoked Article 370. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Understanding Article 370 of the Indian Constitution: Special Provisions for Jammu and Kashmir Context and Scope: […]
Preamble Removed from new NCERT Textbooks
Context: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recently removed the Preamble to the Constitution from select textbooks for Class 3 and 6, as issued in 2024. This decision aligns with NCERT’s broader educational strategy, which now prioritizes a comprehensive understanding of the Indian Constitution, encompassing its Preamble, fundamental duties, rights, and […]
Amendments to Enhance Accountability in Waqf Boards
Context: The Indian Parliament is poised to introduce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aimed at amending the Waqf Act, 1995. This legislation is designed to increase accountability and transparency within Waqf boards. A key aspect of the proposed amendments is the removal of provisions that currently grant Waqf Boards the unchecked authority to declare any […]
Supreme Court of India Allows Sub-Classification of Reserved Categories
Context: The Supreme Court of India, in a review judgment of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, has delivered a landmark verdict allowing states the authority to sub-classify reserved category groups, such as Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), for reservation purposes. This 6-1 majority decision overturns the 2004 ruling in E.V. Chinnaiah vs. […]
Ministry of Civil Aviation Introduces Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024
Context: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has tabled the “Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024,” replacing the Aircraft Act 1934, in an effort to move beyond the colonial legacy of aviation and modernize the sector. The Aircraft Act 1934 was originally enacted to regulate the manufacture, possession, use, operation, sale, import, and export of aircraft. Relevance: […]
About Mekedatu Project
Context: Karnataka Chief Minister(CM) has highlighted the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project as a key solution to address water-sharing issues with Tamil Nadu during monsoon distress years, asserting that the project would benefit both states, particularly in times of water scarcity. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Intra-State Relations, Functions & responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues […]