MEA Revokes Passports of Over 100 Goans
Context: A recent memorandum issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has resulted in the revocation of passports of more than 100 people from Goa in recent months. These individuals, potentially unaware of the memorandum, are accused of withholding crucial information when attempting to surrender their passports after acquiring Portuguese citizenship. Relevance: GS II: […]
Star Campaigners
Context: The Lok Sabha Polls are seeing prominent personalities being appointed as star campaigners. In this context, it is important to note the legal frameworks governing star campaigners. Typically, star campaigners are prominent figures within a political party, though they may also include celebrities. The key criterion is that they must be members of the […]
Supreme Court to Hear Petitions for 100% Cross-Verification of VVPAT with EVMs
Context: The Supreme Court has agreed to hear petitions that seek 100% cross-verification of the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with the vote count as per Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). This decision comes in response to concerns raised about the accuracy and integrity of the electronic voting system and aims to enhance transparency […]
Delhi High Court Affirms Universality of Domestic Violence Act
Context: The Delhi High Court recently underscored the universal applicability of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act of 2005, asserting that it extends protection to all women irrespective of their religious or social background. The High Court made these observations while dismissing a plea filed by a husband and his relatives, challenging an […]
About Custodial Death
Context: The Supreme Court has emphasised the necessity of adopting a “more rigorous approach” when considering bail applications from police officers charged in cases of custodial deaths. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: About Custodial death: Overview: Definition: Custodial Death in India: NHRC Recommendations: Reasons for Custodial Deaths It’s important to note […]
Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) Machines
Context: Recently, the Supreme Court announced that it would soon address petitions for 100% verification of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips, just ahead of the first phase of voting on 19th April 2024. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of Article: Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) Machines: Challenges with VVPAT machines: […]
Suvidha Portal by Election Commission of India
Context: Since the announcement of General Elections 2024, over 73,000 applications have been received on the Suvidha Portal, with more than 44,600 requests approved. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Suvidha Portal by Election Commission of India (ECI) Purpose and Objective Functionality Services Offered Ease of Use IT Infrastructure Companion App Features
Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act 2004
Context: The Allahabad High Court (HC) has struck down the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, as unconstitutional. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004 Purpose and Objectives Concerns and Criticisms Regarding the Act Constitutional Concerns Quality of Education Curriculum Focus Compatibility with Higher Education […]
India Leads Global Internet Blackouts for Fifth Consecutive Year
Context: For five consecutive years, India has topped the world in implementing internet bans, accounting for over 60% of all reported blackouts between 2016 and 2022. While these state-imposed internet shutdowns often cite reasons of national security and threats to public order, they have faced criticism from rights groups for restricting freedom of expression and […]
Supreme Court’s Warning on Court-Ordered Counseling for LGBTQ+ Individuals
Context: The Supreme Court (SC) cautions judges against using court-mandated counseling to influence LGBTQ+ individuals to reject their sexual orientation and identity. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Status of LGBTQIA+ Rights and Recognition in India Definition of LGBTQIA+: Historical Overview: Major Challenges Faced by LGBTQIA+ in India Societal Attitudes and […]