Oxford Lauds PRAGATI Platform

Oxford Lauds PRAGATI Platform A recent study by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School (SBS) has lauded the PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) infrastructure monitoring system, recognizing its transformative role in improving governance and expediting infrastructure development in India. Findings of the Study The study evaluated the impact of PRAGATI on

E-Daakhil Portal

E-Daakhil Portal Overview The E-Daakhil portal, launched by the Department of Consumer Affairs, is a nationwide initiative designed to provide an online mechanism for consumers to file complaints and seek redressal for disputes under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The portal is now operational across all states and union territories, with the latest launch in Ladakh in November 2024.

Citizen Participation Towards Good Governance

Why in the News? The MyGov platform has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of citizen engagement in governance. About MyGov Platform Launch: Initiated by the Prime Minister, MyGov serves as a citizen engagement platform that collaborates with various government bodies and ministries. Purpose: It aims to involve citizens in policy formulation and gather public

Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024

Overview: The Lok Sabha recently passed the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, aimed at modernizing and replacing the 90-year-old Aircraft Act of 1934. This new legislation seeks to enhance the regulatory framework governing civil aviation in India. Key Features of the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024 Regulatory Framework: The Bill retains the existing regulatory structure and most provis

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar was recently presented for the first time in 2024 by the President of India, highlighting distinguished contributions in the field of science and technology. This new set of awards was introduced by the government after the scrapping of previous science awards, aiming to recognize and encourage excellence across various domains of scientific research. Categories an

Dark Tourism

Recent Context In light of the recent landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, which led to significant loss of life and damage, authorities have cautioned against "dark tourism" in the affected areas. This practice can disrupt essential rescue operations, underscoring the ethical considerations surrounding tourism in sites of tragedy. Types of Dark Tourism Dark Fun Factories Features:

Governance in Delhi: Authority of the Lieutenant Governor

The recent Supreme Court ruling clarified the role of the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) of Delhi regarding the nomination of aldermen to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Background on Aldermen Definition: Aldermen are officials who serve on local governing bodies, often with specialized knowledge in areas such as urban planning and public health. Nominations: In India, aldermen ar

Understanding the Auditing of Local Bodies

Why is it in the News? The International Centre for Audit of Local Governance (iCAL) was recently inaugurated in Rajkot, Gujarat. This marks a significant step towards setting global standards for auditing local governance bodies in India. About iCAL Objective: iCAL is established as a collaborative platform aimed at setting global standards for local governance audits. Functions:

The Delhi Urban Land and Immovable Property Records Bill, 2024

The Delhi Urban Land and Immovable Property Records Bill, 2024, aims to create a unified system for managing urban land and immovable property records in Delhi. This system will be overseen by the Delhi Urban Land and Immovable Property Records Authority (DULIPRA), chaired by Delhi's Lieutenant Governor (L-G). The bill addresses the current fragmented approach to land record management by cons

Sampoornata Abhiyan

What is Sampoornata Abhiyan? Sampoornata Abhiyan (Campaign for Total Development) is an initiative launched by NITI Aayog aimed at driving comprehensive development in select districts and blocks across India. It is part of the broader Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP). Objectives Achieve Saturation in Key Indicators: The campaign focu

Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill, 2024

The Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill, 2024, aims to address the rising threat of Naxalism in urban areas by empowering the government and law enforcement agencies to combat unlawful activities and organizations linked to Naxal groups. Current Context: Urban Naxals: These are individuals allegedly supporting the Naxalite movement from urban areas, providing various forms of

Kanwar Yatra Case: Supreme Court Extension and Key Considerations

Background of the Case Directive Issued: On July 17, 2024, the Muzaffarnagar district police in Uttar Pradesh issued a directive requiring eateries and shops along the Kanwariya pilgrimage route to display the names of their owners and employees. This measure aimed to prevent confusion among Kanwariyas, who follow a strictly vegetarian diet. Challenge: The directive was challenged in the S

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

 The Supreme Court recently upheld the West Bengal government’s suit against the Union of India regarding the registration and investigation of cases by the CBI. The State challenged the CBI's operations in the State after revoking its general consent in 2018, alleging constitutional overreach and a violation of federalism. This case was filed under Article 131 of the Constitution,

Coalition Government

The recent 2024 General Elections for the Lok Sabha led to the formation of a coalition government at the center. This outcome occurred because no single political party won a clear majority in the Lower House of Parliament, necessitating collaboration among multiple parties to form a functioning government. About Coalition Government Definition: A coalition government is a political arra

National Litigation Policy

The National Litigation Policy, recently approved by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, aims to address the significant burden of pending court cases involving the government. Here’s a summary of the policy's key points and its significance: About the National Litigation Policy Objective: The policy seeks to transform the government into an efficient and responsible

NOTA

The concept of NOTA (None of the Above) in Indian elections provides voters with an option to formally reject all candidates and express their dissatisfaction with the electoral choices. Here’s a concise overview based on your details: Introduction and Purpose Introduced: NOTA was introduced in the 2013 Assembly elections and the 2014 General Lok Sabha elections, following a Supreme

Good governance day

Context: Good Governance Day is being celebrated on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 25th December. Origin: 2014 Governance involves decision-making and effective implementation. Good Governance occurs when power is utilized responsibly to foster a nation's development. This concept dates back to ancient times, with figures like Chanakya discu

Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

Context: Prime Minister of India has inaugurated Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar. About: Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, conceptualised in 2003 under the visionary leadership of the then Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has today evolved as one of the most reputed global forums for business collaboration, knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships for

Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)

Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) is the pool of funds generated by 5% Universal Service Levy that is charged upon all the telecom fund operators on their Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR). This fund is deposited in the Consolidated Fund of India and is dispatched on the approval of the Indian Parliament. The USOF comes under the Indian Telegraph Act 1885. The act was amended in 2003 to give

Civil Society and Associated issues

The anti-communal and progressive civic space is under the most serious attack by various restrictions in India. What are the issues faced by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)? A free civic space is the space where CSOs can operate without undue interference from the state or other actors. India is a diverse and vibrant civil society but the constitutional freedom is under siege which

Interim Budget vs Vote-On-Account

An interim budget serves as a framework for managing provisional expenditures over a short duration, usually spanning a few months, until a new government takes office at the central level. An interim budget generally includes the current state of the economy, plan and non-plan expenditures and receipts, changes in tax rates, revised estimates of the curren

Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956

Recently the Kerala High Court ruled that a customer in a brothel can be charged under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. What is the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956? Human trafficking – Forced or illegal transfer of people for the purpose of labour or other illegal activities. Under Article 23 (1) of Indian constitution, trafficking in human beings or

Clean energy target by Himachal Pradesh

The Himachal Pradesh government made 2 major decisions recently. All government offices have been prohibited from purchasing petrol or diesel vehicles since January 1. Simultaneously, under another scheme, people will be paid Rs 20,000 per month if they donate 3 bighas of land for the construction of a solar power plant. These decisions have been taken to make Himachal Prades

Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC)

Recently, Department of Justice have announced nomination of Supreme Court judge Justice BR Gavai as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC). Constituted under - Section 3A the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 which states that the Central Authority (NALSA) shall constitute the committee. Legal Services Authorities Act was constituted i

Water Governance

Water Governance poses one of the biggest challenges in modern-day India that looks out for definitive solutions. Every place and every community have their unique stories and problems associated with water, wherein the governance addresses complications of the governor than the benefits of the governed. How this scare water resource is to be allocated? How to generate livelih

Seperate Toilets for women in district courts

Nearly 1/5th of the district courts in India lack separate toilets for women, according to a report published by the Centre for Research and Planning of the Supreme Court recently. The Centre for Research and Planning will serve as a bridge between academic research, legal and judicial education and the judicial systems.