SC: File status report on vacancies at CIC, SICs
Context: The Supreme Court sought status reports from the Centre and states on vacancies and pendency in the Central Information Commission and State Information Commissions. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies) Dimensions of the Article: Central Information Commission (CIC) Functions of CIC State Information Commission Issues Highlighted by the SC […]
In defence of India’s noisy democracy
Context: China’s developmental pathway over the last century has been spectacular and this has lead to a rise in the comparison with India and questioning the need to bring a change in India’s democratic system. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Constitutional Provisions) Mains Questions: Comparisons of India’s system of democracy with China is not only […]
Should only elected legislators be eligible for CM post?
Context: The sudden exit of Tirath Singh Rawat as Chief Minister of Uttarakhand because he was not elected as a legislator within six months, has led to thickening speculation about the fate of West Bengal’s CM Mamata Banerjee who is another unelected Chief Minister. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Constitutional Provisions, Union and State Executive) […]
Fresh stirrings on federalism as a new politics
Context: Between vaccine wars, heated debates over the Goods and Services Tax (GST), personnel battles like the fracas over West Bengal’s Chief Secretary, and the pushback against controversial regulations in Lakshadweep there is an increased focus on federal structure in India. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Constitutional Provisions, Basic structure of the Constitution, Federal Structure) […]
WB resolution to set up Legislative Council
Context: The West Bengal Assembly passed a resolution to set up Legislative Council with a two-thirds majority. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Constitutional Provisions, Legislature, Bicameralism) Dimensions of the Article: About State Legislative Council – Vidhan Parishad Creation of a Legislative Council for a State Who can abolish a legislative council? About State Legislative Council […]
Draft anti-trafficking bill
Context: The Ministry of Women and Child Welfare invited suggestions and comments for its Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2021. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Government Policies and Initiatives, Issues arising out of the design and implementation of schemes) Dimensions of the Article: Constitutional & legislative provisions related to Trafficking in India […]
Beggars should also work for country: Bombay HC
Context: The Bombay High Court said that homeless people and beggars should also work for the country as everything cannot be provided to them by the state. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Constitutional Provisions, Government Policies and Interventions, Issues arising out of the design and implementation of the policies) Dimensions of the Article: Criminalization of […]
SC: Cannot fix time limit in defection pleas
Context: The Supreme Court put on hold a petition to frame guidelines for fixing time limits by which the Speakers of Parliament and the Assemblies should decide defection petitions against MLAs. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Constitutional Provisions, Legislature and Elections, Executive, Separation of Powers) Dimensions of the Article: What is Defection (Aaya Ram Gaya […]
SC on promotion of PwDs
Context: The Supreme Court said that a disabled person can avail the benefit of reservation for promotion even if he or she was recruited in the regular category or developed the disability after gaining employment. Relevance: GS-II: Social Justice (Welfare Schemes, Government Policies and Interventions, Social Empowerment, Issues Relating to Development), GS-II: Polity and Governance, […]
Méndez’s anti-torture vision and India
Context: Launched in June 2020, the ‘Principles on Effective Interviewing for Investigations and Information Gathering’, dubbed the ‘Méndez Principles’, were developed through a comprehensive, expert-driven consultative process. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Constitutional Provisions and Historical Underpinnings, Government Policies and Interventions), GS-II: International Relations (Important International Treaties and Agreements) Dimensions of the Article: About Méndez […]