GS2

Recently, the US started surveillance on people travelling from Nigeria, who may have had contact with the individuals infected with Monkeypox. Important points: It is a viral zoonotic disease (transmission from animals to humans) and is identified as a pox-like disease among monkeys hence it is named Monkeypox. It is endemic to Nigeria. It is caused by …

Recently, a reality show contestant has approached the Delhi High Court with a plea seeking the removal of his videos, photographs and articles etc. from the internet citing his “Right to be Forgotten (RTBF)” In the plea, the petitioner also maintains that the “Right to be Forgotten” goes in sync with the “Right to …

Recently, the Supreme Court has dismissed appeals challenging the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) order which had imposed a complete ban on the sale and use of all firecrackers during the Covid-19 pandemic in NCR and other cities in India. The order was given in the context of a poor Air Quality Index (AQI), …

Acting on the request of the Ministry of Home Affairs, NIMHANS, an Institute of National Importance, issued a set of guidelines on the management of mental health issues of the prisoners and prison staff. Important points: In this model, selected inmates, trained to identify prisoners at risk of suicide, would refer them to treatment …

Recently, the Supreme Court of India held that in any election, be it to Parliament or State legislature, the maintenance of secrecy of voting is “a must”. It reiterated its 2013 judgement in the People’s Union for Civil Liberties case. Important points: Part of Fundamental Right: The secrecy is a part of the fundamental right of freedom of expression. …

Recently, the US State Department released a report titled ‘2021 Investment Climate Statements: India’. The report lauded the structural economic reforms carried by the Government of India, in the wake of economic slowdown and Covid-19 pandemic. However, the report asserts that India remains a challenging place to do business. Earlier, the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) emphasized that …

Recently, the Assam Cabinet announced that Gaon Buras, village-level functionaries of the district administration, will be called ‘Gaon Pradhans’. The government has reasoned that a number of young men (and women) become Gaon Buras, and thus, the word ‘Bura’ (meaning old in Assamese) is no longer appropriate. Important  points: Gaon Buras are the village …

Recently, the US has approved the Germany-Russia Nord Stream 2 Pipeline (NS2P) project – which significantly increases Europe’s energy dependence on Russia. The US had previously imposed sanctions to prevent the completion of this gas pipeline between Russia and Germany. Important  points: This is a 1,200-km pipeline that runs from Ust-Luga in Russia to Greifswald …

Recently, the Union Minister of Law and Justice informed the Rajya Sabha regarding the appointment of judges in various high courts. The minister pointed out that filling up vacancies in the higher judiciary is a continuous, integrated and collaborative process between the Executive and the Judiciary. It requires consultation and approval from Constitutional authorities at the State as well as Central level. Important  points: Article 217 of the …

Recently, the government introduced the Essential Defence Services Bill, 2021 in Lok Sabha. It seeks to replace the ordinance issued in June 2021 and prohibits any agitation and strike by anyone engaged in the essential defence services. Important  points: It includes any service in any establishment or undertaking dealing with production of goods or equipment required for defence related …