General Consent for the CBI
Context: Meghalaya has withdrawn consent to the CBI to investigate cases in the state, becoming the ninth state in the country to have taken this step. Relevance: GS II- Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: What is general consent? Which states have withdrawn consent, and why? What does the withdrawal of general consent mean? Central […]
Mekedatu Project
Context: Congress’ padayatra in Karnataka— Namma Neeru Namma Hakku — seeking early implementation of Mekedatu drinking water project culminated at a massive rally which appeared to set the party’s tone for the Assembly elections next year. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Intra-State Relations, Functions & responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues and challenges […]
Bhakra Beas Management Board
Context: Political parties in Punjab are up in arms over the Centre’s decision to amend the rules regarding appointments to two key positions on the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Relevance: GS II- Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Formation of BBMB Functions of BBMB What changes have been made to the BBMB rules? […]
History of the Kuki Insurgency in Manipur
Context: Just before the Assembly Elections started in Manipur on February 28, all insurgent groups associated with the Kuki tribes in Manipur said they will vote for the BJP. This comes days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that his party will end the Kuki insurgency problem in five years, if it is voted […]
Judiciary Needs More HC Judges: CJI
Context: Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana said there was a need to both increase the number of judges in High Courts and urgently fill existing vacancies. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Constitutional Provisions, Indian Judiciary) Dimensions of the Article: What is the Collegium System? Working of the Collegium System and NJAC Appointment procedure of […]
Insurgency Threat in Manipur
Context: Defence Minister, while addressing an election rally in Imphal West, called upon insurgency groups operating in Manipur to shun violence and come to the negotiating table. He said the Centre is ready to hold dialogue with them to bring lasting peace to the region. Relevance: GS II- Polity and Governance Dimensions of the article: Rise of […]
Fundamental Duties
Context: Recently, The Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and states in a writ petition seeking the enforcement of the fundamental duties of citizens as enshrined in the Constitution of India. The petition, argues that citizens have a duty to uphold the ideals of the country and to contribute to its growth and betterment, […]
Death Penalty
Context: A special court awarded the death penalty to 38 convicts and sentenced 11 others to life imprisonment until death, for the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts in which 56 persons were killed and over 200 injured. Special court termed it ‘rarest of rare’ case. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Constitution (Judiciary, Important Judgements) Dimensions of the Article: What […]
Krishna Water Dispute
Context: The Supreme Court asked if the States of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka could amicably settle their quarrel over the allocation of the Krishna river water. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Constitution (Inter-State relations, Functions & responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues and challenges of federal structure), GS-I: Geography (Water sources) Dimensions of […]
Mullaperiyar Dam Dispute
Context: After a statement by Kerala governor that the state will go ahead with the plan — and discussions with Tamil Nadu — to build a new dam in Mullaperiyar for the “safety of people”, the Tamil Nadu government issued a statement, strongly condemning the Kerala stand and calling it “contrary to the Supreme Court’s […]