A recent report on Indian prisons highlights the potential of electronic tracking as a strategy to address overcrowding, with jails operating at 131.4% capacity as of December 2022. Notably, 75.8% of inmates were undertrials, underscoring the urgent need for alternative solutions. Benefits of Electronic Tracking Prison Decongestion: By allowing undertrials …
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Reforming Undertrial Detention in India
Context: The Supreme Court and the Union Government have prioritized the issue of undertrial prisoners, introducing measures like Section 479 of the BNSS, 2023, to address the growing concerns effectively. State of Undertrial Prisoners in India High Proportion of Undertrials: As per NCRB’s Prison Statistics India 2022, 75.8% of incarcerated …
Read More »Third-Party Litigation Funding (TPLF)
Context: Rising Litigation Costs and Case Backlogs in India (TH): Third-Party Litigation Funding (TPLF) is seen as a potential solution to rising litigation costs and case delays in India. A national regulatory framework for TPLF is being proposed to improve access to justice. What is TPLF? Definition: Third-Party Litigation Funding …
Read More »Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005
Context The Satark Nagrik Sangathan’s 2023-24 report has brought attention to issues with the RTI Act, highlighting the pressing need for reforms. Overview of the RTI Act 2005 The RTI Act, enacted in 2005, grants citizens the right to request information from public authorities, promoting transparency, accountability, and participatory governance …
Read More »Euthanasia in India
Context: Recently, the Supreme Court of India declined a request to remove a Ryles tube from a patient in a vegetative state, even though the 2018 judgment on passive euthanasia permits the withdrawal of life support in terminal cases. Understanding Euthanasia: Euthanasia, also known as mercy killing, refers to intentionally …
Read More »Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957
Context (TH): SC Affirms States’ Right to Tax Mineral Lands. The Supreme Court clarified that the royalty paid by mining companies to the government is not considered a tax but a contractual payment. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957 (MMDRA) governs the exploration, mining, and regulation …
Read More »Karnataka Gig Workers Bill 2024
Introduction of the Bill Karnataka has proposed the Draft Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security & Welfare) Bill, following Rajasthan’s enactment of the Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2023. The bill aims to address the social security and welfare needs of gig and platform workers. Context and …
Read More »Juvenile Justice Act of 2015 (JJ Act)
Introduction In the Pune Porsche accident case, there have been suggestions that the accused should be tried as an adult rather than as a juvenile under the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 is a comprehensive legislation enacted by the Indian Parliament, …
Read More »Judicial Appointments: Political Neutrality in Global Perspective
GS Paper 2 : Mains: Issues with Collegium system, Global Examples of appointing Judges Recently, a retiring Calcutta High Court judge revealed that he has always been a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Timeline for changes in Political Ideology in Judicial Appointments in India Historical Context Pre-1970s: Political …
Read More »PMAY: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for Affordable Housing.
Introduction: The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), also known as “Housing for All” mission, is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India in 2015. It aims to achieve the ambitious goal of “Housing for All by 2022” by providing affordable housing solutions to all eligible urban and rural …
Read More »Interpol issued a blue corner notice against Prajwal
GS Paper II (Governance): It highlights the importance of international cooperation in criminal justice matters. Interpol serves as a vital platform for such collaboration. GS Paper III (Internal Security): Interpol plays a role in combating transnational crimes like terrorism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime, which are relevant to India’s internal security. …
Read More »World Press Freedom Index and India’s Performance
About the Index: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) annually publishes the World Press Freedom Index. It ranks 180 countries and territories based on the level of press freedom enjoyed by journalists and media outlets. The ranking is based on five key factors: Pluralism Media Independence Economic Environment Legal Environment Safety and …
Read More »Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)
Introduction The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is a strategic economic initiative launched by the United States in May 2022. It aims to strengthen economic ties among member countries in the Indo-Pacific region, fostering resilience, sustainability, and shared prosperity. This framework holds significance for regional economies, including India, offering …
Read More »Stubble Burning in India & its Alternatives to fight Pollution
Introduction Stubble burning, the practice of setting fire to leftover crop residue after harvest, is a major environmental concern in India. This widespread practice, particularly in northern states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, contributes significantly to air pollution, impacting public health and overall environmental quality. Negative Consequences of Stubble …
Read More »The Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act
Introduction The Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act, 2013, is a landmark legislation in India that aims to create safe and secure working environments for women. This Act defines, prohibits, and lays down the procedures for the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment at workplaces. Let’s delve deeper into the …
Read More »National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP)
Introduction The National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India (GoI) in 2021 to address India’s heavy dependence on edible oil imports. This mission aims to significantly increase domestic oil palm production, a key source of edible oil, and reduce import …
Read More »Basic Structure Doctrine of Indian Judiciary
Basic Structure The Basic Structure Doctrine is a cornerstone principle established by the Indian Judiciary to ensure the inviolability of the fundamental character of the Indian Constitution. This doctrine acts as a shield against attempts to radically alter the Constitution’s core tenets through amendments. Evolution of the Basic Structure Doctrine. …
Read More »The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
Introduction: India, a nation undergoing rapid economic growth and urbanization, faces a critical challenge: air pollution. This invisible enemy poses a severe threat to public health, environmental sustainability, and economic productivity. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Government of India launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in January …
Read More »Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
Introduction The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), launched in 2015, is a flagship initiative by the Government of India to achieve the vision of “Housing for All” by 2022. This essay will delve into the scheme’s objectives, provisions, achievements, challenges, and the way forward for its successful implementation. Objectives Facilitate …
Read More »Plastic Treaty
Concept : Plastic pollution is a major environmental threat, harming ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The global plastic waste problem is projected to worsen significantly without robust intervention. In recognition of this urgency, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) passed a resolution in 2022 to develop a new global treaty …
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