LLP NewsWeekly November 2024 Part 1 (PDF)

NEWSWEEKLY NOVEMBER PART1 03 November 2024 - 09 November 2024 COMPILED BY LEGAL LEARNING PROGRAM 4 follow @llpclat on telegram  Table of Contents National Affair’........ccccssssseseressseseeeees TL Economy & Finance..........sccsesseesees 26 Compar...

NEWSWEEKLY NOVEMBER PART1 03 November 2024 - 09 November 2024 COMPILED BY LEGAL LEARNING PROGRAM 4 follow @llpclat on telegram  Table of Contents National Affair’........ccccssssseseressseseeeees TL Economy & Finance..........sccsesseesees 26 Comparison of India and US Presidential RBI’s Repatriation Of Gold.....c.ccecccccccccteeteeeees 26 ELC CTION Lo. c cece cece ces ce cee cee sees eects cesseseeeeeeseeseees I Science & Technology eeeseccsssesecceeeseeeee 7 Centralised Asset Liquidation Auction Platform '2 Geoengineering to Combat Global Warming... 27 Civil Registration System (CRS) Mobile Application > Differential Rotation of the SUN........0ccccccc000- 28 Recognising the Economic Value of Unpaid Work RNA Editing....c.cccccccecceeccecceececcseescessesstetteeseessees 28 UN INGIQ coveecccccccccecccceccscscceccesecscsevsceseeceeviveveceeeeces 3. India’s National Large Solar Telescope Project India Joins ARIN-AP Steering Committee....... fo erteeeeeseisensseeeesssssnneacenesssnnnnceeeennnnnnsaneeennsnnnenee 29 Indian Children Lack Dietary Diversity... 5 Legal Affairs.....cccscsssseeseresseseeseeeeeeseees 29 PM-Vidhyalaxmi Scheme vecccecccccscossscsssesssecsssveee 7 SC Upholds UP Madarsa Act 2004.....0.c0000- 29 PM Vishwakarma Yojand....ccccccccccccccceceeeeceeees 7 LMV Licence for Transport Vehicles...........++.+. 30 Namo Drone Didi c.c.c.c.ccccccececcecceee cette teeeeseteeeeees 7 Inheritance Norms in Hindu Succession Act, LDS oocccecccececcsescccsceccssessseteesesesceseenseseseeseseseseseets 3] Conserving Protected Areas in Indid................: & Census 2025 9 Limit on Private Property Acquisition.............- 32 International AffAIrS.......1..cccccessseseees 12 Sporting ALPAIIS -voeeesveeeernererneerrneree oe Greenhouse Gas Bulletin 2023 D India’s Formal Bids to Host the Olympics.......- 34 COP-16 of Convention of Biological Diversity. 14 Miscellaneous Affairs soccer 34 Asia Pacific Climate Report 2024..ccc.ccceecsee0000 15 India’s First Biomanufacturing Institute........... 34 First Global Tree ASSCSSMENL-............00.-000.00.-5.. 16. Nabhimitra Application..........c0ccccceceeterieie 35 Mount Lewotobi....c..c.ccccccccececccccccceccsescceeecsees 16 Ballon d’Or Award 2024... 33 Balfour Declaration.....0.0....c0ccc0ccccccescseeeseseseeees 17 Ayurveda Day 2024 vices 33 First Asian Buddhist Summit............................. 17 National Unity Dy....ccccceccscetetetesteeseesestenenes 36 World Cities Report 2024....ccccccccccsscssssssecsssvvees 18 States Formation DGy......ccccccccccccccceceeteeesseeeseees 37 World Solar Report.....c..cccccccccccsvevesvevevevesceeees 19 50" Foundation Day Of CIL usc... 37 Protected Planet Report 2024....c.cccccccceccceeeeee 20 ~~ DCGI's New Regulations for Imported Cosmetics sess sesesueesesseeseesusescsesessessessesesescsssessescseseessesceseeees 39 G20 Pandemic Fund.........0..cc0c0cccccceccecsecseessees 21 MAHASAGAR.oocccsscsssssssssesvssssssseeeesvsvesstseeeessees 39 Climate Change Impact on Small Island Developing States.o.ccccccccccccecescscsesvscstscssessesveneees 22 Adoption Awareness Month 0.0.0... eee 39 New Secretary General of World Agriculture Digital Population ClOCK.........c.c:cceeeeeeeeeeee 39 POPU ooo cccccccecccccssee cesses ceseceececesceseescuseesestaeeesaaes 24 Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR........cccccccccccececceeeeeees 40 Al Preparedness Index cccccccccccccccccccssetscteesseses 25° Exercise Garud ShAKti.......0.0.000ccccccccceceececeseees 40 VINBAX 2024 ooo. ccccccececeeceesecensesersteerenserseneneeners 40  National Affairs The United States is all set to elect the country’s next President in its 2024 general election, with voting through the Electoral College scheduled for 5th November, 2024. Electoral College System in the US: About: It is the system used in US presidential elections to formally elect the president and vice president. The citizens cast their votes not directly for the president, but for a group of electors chosen by each candidate's political party in each state. These electors then convene to formally cast their votes for president and vice president in a process known as the Electoral College. Emergence: It was a settlement in the US Constitution, balancing between a direct popular vote and selection by Congress for electing the president. Composition: |t has 538 electors in total. A candidate needs a majority of 270 electoral votes to win the presidency. Impact of Electoral College: A candidate who wins the national popular vote may still lose the presidency if electors vote against the citizens’ choice in the Electoral College. This has occurred five times in US history, including in the 2000 and 2016 elections, where the winner of the popular vote lost the Electoral College. Indian Presidential Election Different from the US Presidential Election: Electoral College Composition: The President is elected through an electoral college system made up of: e Elected Members of Parliament (MPs): This includes all elected members from both Houses of Parliament, namely the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). e Elected Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs): This includes elected members from the Legislative Assemblies of all States and Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry. Nomination Process: A candidate must file a nomination along with a signed list of 50 proposers and 50 seconders. These proposers and seconders must be drawn from the electoral college members. Voting Process: In the presidential election Voters from the electoral college do not vote for a party candidate but instead write the names of candidates on the ballot paper in order of preference. This system allows voters to express their preferences rather than a single choice. Vote Value Calculation: The voting system assigns different values to votes cast by MPs and MLAs: e Value of an MP's vote: Each MP, whether from the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha, has a fixed vote value of 700. e Value of an MLA's vote: The value of each MLAs vote is determined by dividing the population of the State by the number of MLAs in its legislative Assembly, and the quotient achieved is further divided ma - by 1000. E.g., Uttar Pradesh has the highest vote value for each MLA at 208 while Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest at 8. “> Winning Quota: The candidate needs to secure 50% of the total votes cast + 1 to win. This differs from general elections where a simple majority is sufficient. e Note: Vote value reduced from 708 to 700 due to the absence of a legislative assembly in Jammu and Kashmir. «> Related Constitutional Provisions for India’s President Article 54: Election of President Article 55: Manner of election of President. Article 56: Term of office of President Article 57: Eligibility for re-election. e Article 58: Qualifications for election as President “> Indian and US Presidents are Similar in Functioning: Head of State: Both serve as the ceremonial head of state, representing the nation at official functions and diplomatic events. “+ Election Process: Both are elected to serve in their respective roles, though the methods of election differ (indirect in India, direct in the US). Veto Power: Both have the authority to veto legislation passed by their respective legislative bodies. Emergency Powers: Both can declare a state of emergency and assume special powers, although the nature and extent of these powers vary. “+ Diplomatic Role: Both presidents have the power to negotiate treaties and represent their countries in international relations. “+ Ceremonial Duties: Both perform various ceremonial duties, including the inauguration of new laws, the granting of honours, and the hosting of foreign dignitaries. «The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) plans to create a centralised platform for auctioning of assets under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). * Auction of assets will be conducted via the eBKray platform which has been operating auctions for mortgaged assets under the SARFAESI Act, 2002 for the past five years. “+ eBKray platform is managed by PSB Alliance Private Limited which is a consortium of 12 public sector banks. «» The platform will serve as a single listing point for all assets in liquidation cases, requiring detailed asset information from liquidators. “+ IBBIis a statutory body established under the IBC 2016 to oversee and regulate the insolvency and bankruptcy processes in India. * IBA is a representative body of the banking sector in India, established in 1946. * IBC is a legislative framework enacted in India in 2016 to streamline the process of insolvency and bankruptcy for individuals, partnership firms and companies. “» The Union Home Minister launched the Civil Registration System (CRS) mobile application to integrate technology with governance. * |t is developed by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RGCCI) which is responsible for conducting the decadal census in India. “+ The application will streamline the registration process for births and deaths, ensuring a hassle-free experience by allowing citizens to register these vital events at any time, from anywhere, and in their state's official language. “+ About CRS: The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023 mandates digital registration of all births and deaths in India from 1st October 2023, through the Centre’s portal. It will serve as a single document for verifying date of birth for services like school admissions, ye*, government jobs, and marriage registration. A centralised database will aid in updating the National Population Register (NPR), ration cards, property ye *, registration, and electoral rolls. NPR data, first collected in 2010 and updated in 2015, includes details on 119 crore residents and is a +. °, precursor to the National Register of Citizens under the Citizenship Act, 2019. ma - “+ When it was first set up in Fontainebleau (France), it was the first international environmental union. Its objective was to promote international cooperation and provide scientific knowledge and tools to aid conservation action. “It established the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 1964. “It also played a huge role in the formation of major international conventions such as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, the World Heritage Convention and the Convention on Biological Diversity. *» In 1980, partnering with the UNEP and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the IUCN published the World Conservation Strategy, a document which helped define the concept of ‘sustainable development’ and shaped the global conservation and sustainable development agenda. In 1992, in light of the growing environmental concerns, the United Nations granted official observer status ye+, to the IUCN. Currently, the IUCN is the biggest and most diverse environmental network. +< India became a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 1969 through the Ministry Do, of Environment & Forests. Working: The IUCN convenes the IUCN World Conservation Congress every four years. +. +, The Congress brings together its various members, who vote on recommendations and set the agenda for ye, the global conservation efforts. “ The chief governing body of the IUCN is the IUCN Council, that guides the organisation in between the Congress sessions. “+ The members elect Commission Chairs who serve for a four-year term. “+ The IUCN’s Secretariat is in Gland, Switzerland. “* The Secretariat is headed by a Director-General. “+ The IUCN has 8 regional offices and other offices in over 50 countries. Leaders for Nature India (LfN) «» Leaders for Nature (LfN) is a business biodiversity network initiated in the Netherlands by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2005. *» LfN engages multinationals to work towards greening the economy. “+ In 2012, LfN launched its second network in India. * Since 2014, IUCN India and IUCN National Committee of the Netherlands, together with their partners Cll — ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development, Hivos, and the Wildlife Trust of India, have been actively running the LfN network in the country. *» LfN’s vision is that by 2050, businesses in India will have implemented solutions to reduce their ecological impacts, resulting in a net positive impact on natural capital; collectively creating an Indian economy that values, conserves and restores nature. “+ Dr. Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes, who has been leading the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), will soon step into a new role as the Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum (WAF) in November 2024. Background: Dr. Hughes brings over 30 years of experience in agricultural research aimed at helping ye*, developing regions. She earned her PhD from Reading University and has worked directly in the field in places like Ghana, focusing on sustainable agriculture, improving food supplies, and supporting rural communities. Much of her work has helped vulnerable regions in Africa and Asia, where food security and rural development are key challenges. “* Key Achievements at ICRISAT “+ While leading ICRISAT, Dr. Hughes oversaw several important accomplishments: Africa Food Prize (2021): ICRISAT was recognized for its positive impact on agriculture in Africa. «> Hosting Indian Prime Minister (2022): During ICRISAT’s 50th anniversary, the institute’s work in dryland agriculture received attention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “ G20 Summit Participation (2023): ICRISAT’s presence in global agricultural discussions was elevated. “> UN International Year of Millets: Hughes co-chaired efforts promoting millet cultivation to boost food security and resilience to climate change. “* Former Union Minister and Rajya Sabha member Suresh Prabhu was nominated to the World Agriculture Forum (WAF) Board.  World Agriculture Forum (WAF) The World Agricultural Forum (WAF) was created in 1997 in St Louis, Missouri, to respond to the perceived need for a cross-cutting (Industry, Government, Academic, NGO, Farmers, Practitioners, Institutions), neutral and senior-level forum to promote and drive agriculture development. The WAF World Congresses are held every two years and in a similar vein, occasional regional events. The World Agricultural Forum is a not-for-profit public benefit corporation established for charitable, educational and scientific purposes under Section 501 (c) (3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Based in St Louis, Missouri “a2, The Al Preparedness Index (AIP!) measures a country’s readiness to adopt Al technologies. The index considers four key metrics: 1. Digital infrastructure 2. Human capital 3. Technological innovation 4. Legal frameworks The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released the Al Preparedness Index for 2023, ranking countries based on these criteria. Top Countries Most Prepared for Al. According to the IMF, the top 10 countries most prepared for Al in 2023 are: Singapore — Score: 0.80 PRWN> United States United Kingdom Germany France AM Canada Australia ON Sweden 9. Netherlands 10. Finland Singapore leads with the highest score, having invested heavily in Al capabilities. It also has the fastest workers in adopting Al skills. India’s Position: India ranks 72nd out of 174 countries, with an Al Preparedness Index rating of 0.49. Despite this lower ranking has the highest percentage of Al users. About 45% of respondents reported using ChatGPT. The country is home to 338 Al startups, indicating a growing interest in Al technologies. Comparison with Other Emerging Markets: In comparison to India, other emerging markets like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka rank lower. Bangladesh has a score of 0.38 and is ranked 113th. Sri Lanka has a score of 0.43, placing it at 92nd. China, while an emerging market, has a better ranking of 31st with a score of 0.63. Consumer Awareness of Al: Consumer awareness of Al tools varies globally. In India and the United Arab ue+, Emirates, over 90% of consumers are familiar with ChatGPT. Awareness in China and Saudi Arabia exceeds 80%. This high level of awareness indicates a strong interest in Al technologies among consumers in these regions.  Economy & Finance The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has repatriated 102 tonnes of gold from the Bank of England (BoE) and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). According to the RBI's “Half Yearly Report on Management of Foreign Exchange Reserves” gold held domestically stands at 510.46 metric tonnes in September 2024. e India’s total gold reserves held by the RBI amount to 854.73 metric tonnes. e According to the World Gold Council (June 2024), India ranks 8th in terms of sovereign gold holdings while the US tops the list. India’s gold holdings amount to 840.76 metric tonnes comprising 9.57% of its forex reserves. e Other countries ahead of India in terms of gold holdings are Germany, Italy, France, Russia, China, and Japan. Why is India Repatriating Gold: Reducing Geopolitical Risks: Countries prefer holding their gold reserves ye*, domestically to protect it from potential foreign sanctions or restrictions that could freeze or restrict access to assets held abroad. e E.g., Due to sanctions by the US and allies amid the Ukraine war, Russia’s access to USD 300 billion in gold and foreign exchange reserves has been frozen. Increasing Market Confidence: Gold is seen as a “safe haven” asset, especially in emerging markets, and having it within national borders can boost public confidence in the financial system. Economic Sovereignty: India’s gold reserves now exceeds 101% of the India's external debt which enhances India’s debt repaying capacity. Supporting Domestic Financial Markets: With gold physically present in India, the RBI has more flexibility to support gold-backed financial products in domestic markets. India’s government has promoted initiatives like Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) to reduce dependence on physical gold imports. Global Trend of Gold Repatriation: There has been a broader trend of central banks moving gold back to their home countries, especially over the past decade. e E.g., Venezuela brought gold back from US and European vaults in 2011 and Austria in 2015. Cost Savings: RBI typically pays insurance, transportation fees, custodial fees and vault charges to institutions such as the Bank of England or the Federal Reserve for holding their gold. Increasing Import cover: Import cover is a crucial trade indicator, reflecting reserves adequacy, which ue+, strengthened alongside the increase in foreign-exchange reserves. e Current foreign reserves are sufficient to cover 11.8 months of import. India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves Foreign exchange reserves are assets held on reserve by a central bank in foreign currencies, which can ye+, include bonds, treasury bills and other government securities. ma - India’s Forex Reserve includes Foreign Currency Assets, Gold reserves, Special Drawing Do+, Rights and Reserve Tranche position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). India’s foreign exchange reserves position in October, 2024 was estimated at USD 688.27 billion. ye, It includes: Foreign Currency Assets (FCA) of USD 598.24 billion Do+, e Gold worth of USD 67.44 billion e Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) of USD 18.27 billion e Reserve Tranche Position (RTP) of USD 4.32 billion. Foreign Exchange Rate Management Gold Standard (1870-1914): Currencies were directly tied to the value of gold. Each country held gold a reserves to back their currency. Stable exchange rates made international trade easier and predictable. * Bretton Woods System (1944-1971): It was established after World War II and its key features were: at e Fixed exchange rates with the US dollar as the reserve currency. e Other currencies were pegged to the dollar at a fixed rate. e The US dollar was, in turn, convertible to gold at a fixed price of USD 35 per ounce. > Current Scenario (Multiple Regimes - Post-1971): Market forces of supply and demand determine ate exchange rates with a variety of regimes. Floating Exchange Rate: A currency's value is determined by supply and demand in the foreign exchange ye+, market. Exchange rates fluctuate continuously and are not officially pegged or fixed to any other currency or commodity. Pegged Rates: A country ties its currency to a single strong currency (e.g., USD) or a basket of currencies. teaM Dollarization: Some countries completely abandon their own currency and adopt the US dollar aye oe (e.g., Ecuador). Science & Technolo A recent study proposes that spraying millions of tonnes of diamond dust annually into the Earth’s upper atmosphere could lower the planet's temperature by 1.6°C, helping to mitigate global warming. * This geoengineering approach suggests that diamonds could be more effective for Solar Radiation Current Scenario of Climate Change & Global Warming: Global temperatures are now approximately 1.2°C ate above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900) and are projected to reach 1.45°C in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions. > Current trends suggest that the 1.5°C warming limit established by the 2015 Paris Agreement is unlikely to at be achieved. * Achieving climate targets requires a substantial 43% reduction in emissions from 2019 levels by ate 2030, though current efforts may yield only a 2% decrease. Geoengineering: It refers to large-scale interventions aimed at altering the Earth's climate system (more ye*, specifically solar radiation management) to counteract the effects of global warming. Classification: It primarily involves two approaches namely SRM and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR). Do, SRM: SRM Involves deploying materials in space to reflect solar rays away from the Earth. This method, ye, while still conceptual, draws inspiration from natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions. ma - “+ For example, Mount Pinatubo’s 1991 eruption in the Philippines reportedly reduced Earth’s temperature by 0.5°C that year. “> CDR: Techniques include Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS), Direct Air Capture (DAC), and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), with the focus on long-term reduction of atmospheric Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. “CCS: It is the main CDR method in practice. It involves capturing CO, emissions from industries and storing it underground in suitable geological formations, effectively reducing emissions. * DAC: It involves extracting CO, directly from ambient air using large devices (often called "artificial trees") for storage or use. “+ DAC has greater potential benefits as it can address historical CO, emissions, though it also faces more significant challenges. “+ CCUS: Some captured CO, is repurposed in industrial processes, while the remainder is stored. “+ The Sun exhibits a unique rotational pattern called differential rotation, where different parts rotate at varying speeds. “» The Sun's rotation period varies by latitude, with the equator rotating in 26.5 days, the sunspot zone (16° north) in 27.3 days, and the poles in 31.1 days. “+ The Sun has a north and south pole, and rotates on its axis. However, unlike Earth which rotates at all latitudes every 24 hours, the Sun rotates every 25 days at the equator and takes progressively longer to rotate at higher latitudes. This is known as differential rotation. “+ Sunspots are areas that appear dark on the surface of the Sun. They appear dark because they are cooler than other parts of the Sun’s surface. “+ The Sun's core temperature is 15 million degrees K, and its surface temperature is 6,000 degrees K, creating a high-pressure gaseous state known as plasma. “» Despite extensive research, the underlying cause of differential rotation remains an unsolved puzzle for solar physicists. “+ Wave Life Sciences, a biotechnology company in the US, became the first company to treat a genetic condition by editing Ribonucleic acid (RNA) at the clinical level. * About: RNA editing is the process of modifying Messenger RNA (mRNA) nucleotides, after Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) creates MRNA but before it begins protein synthesis. “» mRNA is made up of portions called exons and introns. Exons eventually code for a protein whereas the introns are non-coding parts and are removed from the RNA before it’s used to make a protein. “+ Types: There are three types of RNA modifications i.e., addition, deletion, and substitution. Addition is when a nucleotide is inserted. Deletion is when one is removed while substitution refers to the replacement of one nucleotide with another. “+ Mechanism: The technique involves a group of enzymes called adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR). Scientists pair ADAR’s effects with a guide RNA (or gRNA) that guides ADAR to a specific part of ye*, the mRNA, where the ADAR does the designated job. Clinical Use: Wave Life Sciences used RNA editing to treat a-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), an inherited Do, disorder through a therapy dubbed as WVE-006. “+ RNA editing shows promise for treating Huntington's disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, obesity, Parkinson's disease, neurological conditions, heart diseases, and more. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) * Definition and Structure: RNA is a nucleic acid present in all living cells. “+ It is structurally similar to DNA but typically single-stranded. “+ Its backbone consists of alternating phosphate groups and ribose sugars, with bases adenine (A), uracil (U), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). “+ Types of RNA: Messenger RNA (mRNA): Carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): Forms the core of the ribosome's structure and catalyses protein synthesis. yeaM Transfer RNA (tRNA): Transfers amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis. yeoe  Regulatory RNAs: Play roles in gene expression regulation. Functional Significance: RNA plays essential roles in cellular processes like building cells, immune responses, and transporting amino acids. Role in Viruses: Certain viruses use RNA as their genetic material. India established the National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) in Ladakh. This project, led by Professor Annapurni Subramaniam, aims to enhance our understanding of solar activity. Project Overview: The NLST will be a two-metre class optical and near-infrared observational facility. It will ye*, investigate solar magnetic fields and their dynamics. The telescope will achieve a spatial resolution of 0.1- 0.3 arc-seconds. This precision is vital for studying the Sun’s behaviour. Location and Advantages: The NLST will be located at Merak, near Pangong Tso Lake, at an altitude of oe+, 4,200 metres. This high-altitude site is ideal for optical and near-infrared observations. It offers clear skies and high transparency. The gentle winds help maintain clarity and cool the instruments, which is crucial for effective solar observations. Connection to Other Projects: The NLST will complement the Aditya L1 satellite’s first space-based solar observatory. While the satellite is already operational, the NLST has faced delays. However, the telescope is expected to provide ground-based data that supports the satellite’s findings. Funding and Timeline: The project is estimated to cost over Rs 150 crore. It has faced nearly a decade of delays. However, with final approvals pending, the telescope could be operational in a few years. The Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor has prioritised this project in its ‘Mega Science Vision - 2035’ document. Legal Affairs The Supreme Court partially upheld the constitutional validity of the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004, overturning the Allahabad High Court ruling (March 2024) which declared it unconstitutional. However, the SC declared the Provisions pertaining to higher education (Kamil and Fazil) unconstitutional as they conflict with the University Grants Commission Act (UGC Act) 1956 which is governed by Entry 66 of List 1. Constitutional Validity: The Madrasa Act, 2004 effectively regulates the standards of education which Do+, aligns with the state’s obligation to ensure that students achieve a level of competency to participate actively in society. Legislative Competence: The Supreme Court affirmed that the Madarsa Act falls within the legislative Do, competence of the State Legislature, specifically under Entry 25 of List 3 (Concurrent List) of the Constitution. Religious Education vs Religious Instruction: The Court distinguished between religious education and religious instruction. e The Court in Ms. Aruna Roy vs Union of India, 2002 defined religious education as promoting communal harmony is permissible, while religious instruction, like mandatory worship, is prohibited in state-recognised institutions under Article 28. ma - “+ Immunity to Basic Structure: The constitutional validity of a statute cannot be challenged for the violation of the Basic Structure of the Constitution (Indira Nehru Gandhi vs Raj Narain Case, 1975), the statute must violate the Constitutional provisions pertaining to secularism to declare it unconstitutional. “* State Regulation: The Court stated that the state government can make rules under the Act to ensure madrasas teach secular education along with religious instruction, without violating secularism. “* Minority Rights and Quality Education: The state should issue suitable directions to ensure that students studying in madrasas are not deprived of the quality of education that is made available by the State in other institutions. “+ Minority Rights: By upholding the Act, the court has reinforced the right of religious minorities to establish educational institutions under Article 30 of the Indian Constitution. “* Focus on Inclusivity: The court's directive to ensure that madrasa students can access quality education supports the integration of madrasa education within the broader educational framework of the state. UP Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004 “+ About: It is a legislative framework aimed at regulating and formalising madrasa education in the state of Uttar Pradesh. “It ensured that madrasas operate within a set of defined educational standards and norms. “+ Madarsa Education: It aimed to integrate religious education alongside the secular curriculum prescribed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), blending formal education with Islamic teachings. “+ Board of Madarsa Education: The Act led to the creation of the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education, which was tasked with overseeing and regulating madrasa education in the state. Examination: It provides for conducting exams for madrasa students, with courses ranging from the ye*, ‘Maulvi’ level (equivalent to Class 10) to the ‘Fazil' level. Reason for Allahabad HC Declaring UP Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004 Unconstitutional: Do+, Secularism: The Allahabad HC found that the Madarsa Act, 2004 violated secularism by making Islamic education compulsory at all levels while offering modern subjects as optional or absent. The government must provide secular education and cannot prioritize religious-based education over Do, modern education. * Violation of Fundamental Rights: Right to Education (Article 21A): The Act violated Article 21A, which mandates free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14. The court rejected the claim that traditional education with a nominal fee met constitutional obligations. e The Act violates Article 14 by creating discrimination between madrasa and mainstream school students. e The Act violates Article 15 by establishing a separate, unequal education system for madrasa students. Conflict with Central Law: The court found that the Madarsa Act, 2004 conflicted with the University ye, Grants Commission Act, 1956 (UGC Act). ** Only universities or institutions deemed to be universities under the UGC Act, 1956 have the authority to grant degrees. Indira Nehru Gandhi vs Raj Narain Case, 1975 “+ The Supreme court had used the Basic Structure doctrine for the first time in the Raj Narain case, 1975 to strike down a Constitutional Amendment. “+ The judges on the Raj Narain Bench had differentiated between an ordinary statute and a Constitutional Amendment. “* Constitutional amendments are tested against the basic structure doctrine, not ordinary legislation. * Then Chief Justice, A.N. Ray said that applying the Basic Structure doctrine to test the validity of a statute would amount to “rewriting the Constitution”. “» Other judges found the Basic Structure concept “too vague and indefinite to provide a yardstick to determine the validity of an ordinary law”. *» Note: The court, while noting that minorities have the fundamental right under Article 30 of the Constitution to establish and administer educational institutions to impart religious or secular education, said the right was “not absolute”.  “+ The Supreme Court ruled that a person holding a driving licence for a light motor vehicle (LMV) is also 4 entitled to drive a transport vehicle with an unladen weight upto 7,500 kg. “* The SC upheld its 2017 verdict, which also permitted LMV licence holders to drive transport vehicles under 7,500 kg gross weight. “» The 2017 decision was accepted by the Central Government, leading to amendments in the Motor Vehicles Rules, 2017. “+ As per Section 2(21) of The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a light motor vehicle is a transport vehicle, omnibus, motor car, tractor, or road-roller with a gross vehicle weight or unladen weight not exceeding 7,500 kilograms. “+ The SC verdict challenged the practice of insurance companies rejecting claims in accidents involving transport vehicles driven by those with LMV licence. “+ The Supreme Court upheld the inheritance provisions under the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 (HSA) emphasising on cultural norms and legislative consistency rather than viewing inheritance as a matter of gender inequality. «» Supreme Court's Observations: Not About Gender Justice: The SC judgment highlighted that after marriage, a woman becomes part of her husband's family, with corresponding rights to inheritance in that family. The court clarified that the inheritance laws should not be framed solely as a gender equality issue. Cultural Context: The court stressed that Hindu inheritance practices reflect deeply rooted cultural Do+, values. * Scientific and Logical Lineage: The court upheld the Act's “scientific and logical” framework, wherein property acquired by the woman from her parents or in-laws is returned to the source family in the absence of direct heirs, maintaining an ancestral lineage-based approach. * Need for Legislative Change: The court reiterated modifications to inheritance laws should be initiated and enacted by Parliament, the legislative body, rather than through judicial decisions. “+ This is because inheritance laws affect the entire society, and any changes must reflect a broad societal agreement and collective values, rather than being influenced by the concerns of a few individuals or specific disputes. “+ Role of Wills: The court underscored that a woman is free to distribute her property as she wishes through a will, emphasising individual autonomy within existing legal norms. “+ Previous Recommendations: While certain bodies, including the 174th Law Commission (2000) and the National Commission for Women, have recommended equal inheritance rights for men and women, these reforms depend on the views of the states and Union Territories. Hindu Succession Act, 1956 “+ About: It lays down a legal framework for the distribution of property when a Hindu individual dies intestate. “+ The Act establishes rules for determining heirs, their rights, and the division of property based on their relationships with the deceased. Applicability of Act: Hindus by religion, including Virashaivas, Lingayats, Brahmos, Prarthna Samajists, ue+, and Arya Samaj followers. Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains by religion. + The Mitakshara Law applies to the whole of India except West Bengal and Assam while Dayabhaga Law applies to West Bengal and Assam. “» Under Dayabhaga law, inheritance rights arise only after the forefathers' death, while Mitakshara grants property rights from birth. “+ In the Dayabhaga system, both male and female family members can be coparceners, while the Mitakshara system restricts coparcenary rights to male members only. “+ A coparcener is a person who can claim a right over ancestral property by birth. ma - “+ Distribution of Property: e Class I Heirs: A widow is entitled to one share of the property. o Sons, daughters, and mothers each receive an equal share. co Heirs in Class | include son, daughter, widow, mother, son of predeceased son, and daughter of a predeceased son among others e Class II Heirs: The property is divided equally if no Class | heirs exist. o Heirs in Class Il include father, son’s daughter's son, son’s daughter’s daughter, brother and sister among others. «> Agnates and Cognates: If no Class | or II heirs, property passes to paternal relatives (agnates) and other relatives (cognates). “> Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005: The 2005 amendment to Section 6 of the Act grants daughters coparcenary rights by birth, equal to sons, in property partitions arising from 2005. “> Inheritance Laws in Other Communities: Muslim: It is governed by Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1973. “» Christian, Parsi and Jews: In case of Christians, Parsis and Jews, the Indian Succession Act, 1925 is applicable. “ Key Provisions for Intestate (Without a Will) Succession Under HSA, 1956: For Hindu Women: If a Hindu woman dies without a will, her properties, including self-acquired assets are inherited first by her children and husband. “> If no husband or children exist, the property devolves upon the husband's heirs. Only in cases where there are no heirs of the husband does the property pass to the woman's parents or their heirs. *» When property is inherited from a source (e.g., parents, in-laws), it returns to that source family if she dies intestate without direct heirs. “+ For Hindu Men: When a Hindu man dies intestate, his property is divided equally among his wife, children, and mother. If none of these successors exist, the property devolves to the father. The Supreme Court in the Property Owners Association v State of Maharashtra Case 2024, set limits on the government's power to take over privately owned resources for public distribution. “+ The petitioners argued that private properties cannot be taken over by the state under the garb of constitutional schemes of Articles 39(b) and 31C of the Constitution. e Article 39(b) provides that the State shall aim to ensure the distribution of material resources to serve the common good. e Asper Article 31C, Articles 39(b) and 39(c) cannot be challenged by invoking the right to equality (Article 14) or the rights under Article 19 (freedom of speech, right to assemble peacefully, etc). * Key Highlights of the Verdict: Acquisition of Private Resources: Resources that are scarce or vital to community well-being should qualify for state acquisition and not all private properties. “+ “Public trust doctrine” where the state holds certain resources in trust for the public, might guide this determination. “ Tests for Resource Qualification: The court laid down two key tests i.e., a resource must be both “material” and “belong to or serve the community. “» The materiality of a privately owned resource and its community element must be assessed on a case-by- case basis. “+ Overturning Ranganath Reddy case 1977: The majority overturned the Sanjeev Coke ruling, 1982 which had upheld Ranganath Reddy case, 1977 argument in the Ranganath Reddy case that all private property could be deemed "material resources of the community" for redistribution. e The lone dissenter Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia argued for broader legislative discretion in defining “material resources” of the community. * Restriction on Article 39(b): The court cautioning against a wider interpretation of Article 39(b) that would undermine property rights under Article 300A. e Article 300A: No person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law. “+ Private to Community Resources: SC outlined five ways of turning private resources into community material resources: Nationalisation, Acquisition, Operation of law, Purchase by the state and Donation by the owner. Constitutional Provisions Related to Right to Property ma - » Article 31: The original Article 31 (a fundamental right) dealt with the right to property, but it was repealed ate (44th Amendment Act, 1978) and replaced by Article 300A (constitutional right). « 15t Amendment Act, 1951: The 1st Amendment Act, 1951 incorporated Articles 31A and 31B into the Constitution, along with the Ninth Schedule. “+ Articles 31A: It gave the state competence to acquire property or alter rights in property without it being challenged on grounds of inconsistency with fundamental rights. * Article 31B: It ensured that laws included in the Ninth Schedule could not be struck down, even if they conflicted with fundamental rights. “+ Ninth Schedule: It contains a list of central and state laws which cannot be challenged in courts. E.g., land reform laws. “ 25" Amendment Act, 1971: It inserted Article 31C to protect state laws aimed at resource distribution under Article 39(b) and (c) from constitutional challenges. «+ The Amendment barred the courts from reviewing the State’s actions, even if they were arbitrary or irrational. “ 42" Amendment Act, 1976: It expanded the scope of Article 31C to include all Directive Principles. e This provision protects qualifying laws from being struck down under Articles 14 and 19 if they genuinely serve public welfare through resource redistribution. 44" Amendment Act, 1978: Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31, which protected the right to acquire, hold, and Do, dispose of property, were abrogated meaning it removed the Right to Property from the list of fundamental rights. e Property became a constitutional right under Article 300A in Chapter IV of Part XII. Related Judicial Interpretation Sankari Prasad Case, 1957: The Supreme Court upheld the 1st Amendment Act, ye, 1951 affirming Parliament's exclusive authority to amend the Constitution under Article 368 and ruling that amendments affecting fundamental rights are not restricted by Article 13(2). e Article 13(2) provides for judicial review which helps invalidate laws conflicting with fundamental rights. “» Bella Banerjee Case, 1954: The Supreme Court ruled that the government was required to pay just compensation in cases of compulsory property acquisition. Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973: SC clarified that constitutional amendments are not subject to the ue+, restrictions of Article 13(2) meaning that Parliament could amend the Constitution, including altering or removing provisions related to the right to property. Minerva Mills Case, 1980: Expansion of the scope of Article 31C to include all Directive Principles Do+, was struck down by the Supreme Court. e SC also struck down provisions that prevented judicial scrutiny of Article 31C, reinforcing the principle of constitutional checks and balances. Waman Rao Case, 1987: It was held that constitutional amendments and laws in the Ninth Schedule before ye+, the Kesavananda Bharati case remain protected from judicial challenge. However, anendments added after the case are subject to judicial review based on the basic structure doctrine. Vidya Devi Case, 2020: SC held that forcibly dispossessing a person of private property without due ye*, process violates both human rights and the constitutional right under Article 300A.  Sporting Affairs India’s Formal Bids to Host the Olympics * The Indian Olympic Association (OA) submitted a formal Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), expressing the nation's desire to host the 2036 Olympic Games. “> India’s bid aligns with the lOC’s sustainability policy, which encourages using existing infrastructure and minimal new construction to lower costs and reduce the carbon footprint. “* Only three Asian countries have ever hosted the Olympics- China, South Korea and Japan, with Japan hosting the games twice in 1964 and 2020. * lOA is registered as a Non-Profit Organisation under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. “+ It governs the Olympic Movement and Commonwealth Games in India; oversees athletes’ participation in Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and related multi-sport events. “*+ The lOC is a non-governmental international organisation based in Lausanne, Switzerland that came into existence in 1894. «» The lOC aims to ensure the regular holding of the Olympic Games and foster Olympism and the Olympic movement. Miscellaneous Affairs India’s First Biomanufacturing Institute * India's first Biomanufacturing Institute, the "BRIC-National Agri-Food Bio-Manufacturing Institute" (BRIC- NABI), was inaugurated in Mohali.  About BRIC-NABI: It is formed by merging National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) and te the Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB), combining expertise in biotechnology and bioprocessing to scale up agri-tech innovations. It aims to boost India’s agri-food sector through advanced biotechnology, enhancing agricultural R&D for high-yield crops, disease-resistant crops, biofertilizers, and biopesticides to support sustainable practices. Launch of BioNest Incubation Center: The Center aids agri-food startups, bridging research and industry while empowering local youth, women, and farmers. BioE3 Policy: This policy will explore biomanufacturing applications in agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, and energy sectors, aligned with the eco-friendly goals of the BioE3 policy. The Nabhmitra application helped fishermen in the sea during cyclone Dana using the Vessel Communication and Support System. Nabhmitra allows real-time tracking of vessel positions, course and speeds, helping fishermen return safely to shore during adverse weather conditions like cyclones. It is an initiative of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying featuring indigenous transponder technology. It enables two-way communication which was not possible before induction of this technology beyond mobile coverage range. It was developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and is being implemented through NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), commercial arm of ISRO. Traditionally, authorities relied on Very High Frequency Radio Waves and phone calls to contact vessels but locating fishing boats in distant waters was difficult due to absence of mobile networks. Spanish footballers Rodri and Aitana Bonmati won the Ballon d'Or awards 2024 for the best male and ye*, female football players, respectively. Manchester City’s Rodri won his first Ballon d'Or, becoming the first Spanish player since 1960 to claim Do4, the men’s award. While FC Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati retained her Ballon d'Or title in women's football. +