The Centre is gathering support for the constitutional procedure to remove Allahabad High Court Judge Justice Varma, following a Supreme Court-appointed inquiry committee's recommendation. The Monsoon Session of Parliament, extended to August 21, will address this. The case stems from a fire incident at Justice Varma's residence in March, which led to the discovery of burnt currency notes. Justice Khanna had recommended his removal, initiating the process for a higher judiciary member. The procedure requires a motion in Parliament, supported by 100 members in Lok Sabha or 50 in Rajya Sabha, followed by a three-member committee investigation.
The Centre is initiating the constitutional procedure to remove Allahabad High Court Judge Justice Varma.
A Supreme Court-appointed in-house inquiry committee recommended his removal after a fire incident at his residence revealed burnt currency notes.
The Monsoon Session of Parliament, starting July 21, will consider the motion for his removal.
Exam Points
Monsoon Session of Parliament is scheduled from July 21 to August 21.
A motion for removal of a judge requires support from 100 Lok Sabha members or 50 Rajya Sabha members.
The procedure involves a three-member committee investigation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing Ghana's Parliament, stressed the critical role of the Global South's voice for contemporary world progress. He received Ghana's highest state honour, 'The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana', symbolizing enduring friendship between India and Africa. Modi highlighted the changing world order, the rise of the Global South, and the need for credible reforms in global governance to address complex crises like climate change, pandemics, and terrorism. He also proudly mentioned the African Union's permanent membership in the G-20 during India's presidency, underscoring Africa's rightful place at the global high table.
PM Modi advocated for the Global South's crucial role in shaping contemporary world progress during his address to Ghana's Parliament.
He emphasized the need for global governance reforms to tackle new and complex crises, including climate change and pandemics.
India played a key role in securing permanent membership for the African Union in the G-20 during its presidency.
Exam Points
PM Narendra Modi addressed Ghana's Parliament.
PM Modi received Ghana's highest state honour: 'The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana'.
The African Union became a permanent member of the G-20 during India's Presidency.
The Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is facing criticism due to concerns about the wrongful exclusion of voters, particularly migrant voters. Critics argue that the short duration for verification makes it difficult for migrant populations to be included. The Representation of the People Act, 1950, states that "a person ordinarily resident shall not by reason of absence be ordinarily resident thereafter," implying that long-term migrants should be treated as ordinary residents. The issue is further complicated by the significant number of voting-age population and electoral dynamism in states like Bihar, making careful curation essential to prevent disenfranchisement.
The ECI's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is under scrutiny for potential exclusion of migrant voters.
The Representation of the People Act, 1950, defines "ordinarily resident" status, which should apply to long-term migrants.
The process of electoral roll curation is complex, especially with significant migrant populations and dynamic voter bases.
Exam Points
The ECI is conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The Representation of the People Act, 1950, governs the definition of "ordinarily resident."
Bihar showed significant electoral dynamism in the 2024 general election.
The article argues that socialism and secularism are intrinsic to the Indian Constitution's spirit, not mere additions from the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. It criticizes the RSS's call to remove these words, viewing it as an assault on the Republic's foundational vision. The Preamble, Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 38, 39, 41-43), and Fundamental Rights (Articles 14-16, 25-30) all reflect these values. The Basic Structure Doctrine, established in Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), affirms that these principles are inviolable. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's speeches also reinforce equality as the foundation of these values, making them inseparable from India's democratic fabric.
Socialism and secularism are foundational values deeply embedded in the Indian Constitution, not just additions from the 42nd Amendment.
The Preamble, Directive Principles of State Policy, and Fundamental Rights explicitly enshrine these principles.
The Basic Structure Doctrine, established in 1973, protects these core constitutional values from alteration.
Exam Points
The words "socialist" and "secular" were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
The Basic Structure Doctrine was introduced in 1973 by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case.
Fundamental Rights like Articles 14, 15, 16, 25-28, 29, 30 reflect socialist and secular principles.
The article highlights the need to transform India's Parliament Library and Reference, Research, Documentation and Information Service (LARRDIS) into a proactive research hub. Despite its efficiency, LARRDIS is currently reactive and operates in isolation, limiting its capacity for anticipatory policy analysis. To improve lawmaking quality and accountability, LARRDIS should emulate global best practices from services like the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) and Argentina's Scientific Office for Legislative Advice (OCAL). This involves fostering partnerships with academic institutions, think tanks, and experts, and delineating its mandate, users, and protocols. Such a reform is crucial for bridging information asymmetry and strengthening public trust in parliamentary processes.
Parliament's LARRDIS needs to evolve from a reactive service to a proactive research hub for better lawmaking.
Current limitations include operating in a silo, minimal partnerships, and lack of anticipatory policy analysis.
Global models like EPRS and OCAL demonstrate how parliamentary research services can collaborate with external institutions.
Exam Points
LARRDIS stands for Parliament Library and Reference, Research, Documentation and Information Service.
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) provide guidelines for parliamentary research services.
Examples of international services include European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) and Argentina's Scientific Office for Legislative Advice (OCAL).
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved 10 capital acquisition proposals worth ₹1.05 lakh crore, exclusively through indigenous sourcing. This decision, the first after Operation Sindoor, aims to enhance the armed forces' capabilities and boost indigenous design and development. Approved procurements include Armoured Recovery Vehicles, Electronic Warfare Systems, Integrated Common Inventory Management System, Surface-to-Air Missiles, and Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) systems for the Indian Army. Naval procurements like Moored Mines and Mine Counter Measure Vessels were also cleared to mitigate risks to maritime assets.
The DAC approved indigenous defence procurement worth ₹1.05 lakh crore for 10 capital acquisition proposals.
The move aims to enhance the operational preparedness of the armed forces and promote indigenous design and development.
Key procurements include Armoured Recovery Vehicles, Electronic Warfare Systems, and Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) systems.
Exam Points
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is chaired by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Total procurement value is ₹1.05 lakh crore.
Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) systems worth ₹30,000 crore were approved for the Indian Army.
The first batch of three Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the U.S. is scheduled for delivery to India by July 15, with another batch expected by November. This follows a recent India-U.S. Defence Ministers' dialogue where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh discussed ongoing defence cooperation with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Singh also emphasized India's right to pre-empt cross-border terror attacks and sought timely delivery of General Electric engines for the Tejas light combat-Mk1A aircraft, along with setting up a production unit for jet engines in India. The Apache induction is part of the Indian Army's Aviation Corps modernization.
The first batch of three Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the U.S. will be delivered to India by July 15.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh discussed defence cooperation and timely delivery of GE engines for Tejas aircraft with his U.S. counterpart.
India reiterated its right to pre-empt and deter cross-border terror attacks.
Exam Points
Apache AH-64E attack helicopters are being procured from the U.S.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
General Electric engines are for the Tejas light combat-Mk1A aircraft.
Despite a Supreme Court ruling on May 23 to "progressively reduce" the deputation of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) within two years, the Union Home Ministry continues to appoint IPS officers to senior posts. The Supreme Court, in the Sanjay Prakash & Others versus Union of India case, recognized Group A officers of CAPFs as "Organised Services" and mandated the reduction of IPS deputation posts, particularly in Senior Administrative Grade and Inspector-General ranks. Currently, 20% of DIG and 50% of IG posts in CAPFs are reserved for IPS officers, leading to stagnation for CAPF officers who face significantly longer promotion timelines.
The Union Home Ministry continues to appoint IPS officers to senior CAPF posts, despite a Supreme Court order to reduce such deputations.
The Supreme Court ruled that Group A officers of CAPFs are "Organised Services" and mandated a progressive reduction of IPS deputation posts within two years.
A significant percentage of DIG (20%) and IG (50%) posts in CAPFs are currently reserved for IPS officers.
Exam Points
Supreme Court ruling on May 23 mandated "progressively reduce" IPS deputation to CAPFs within two years.
The case is Sanjay Prakash & Others versus Union of India.
20% of DIG posts and 50% of IG posts in CAPFs are reserved for IPS officers.
Plastic pollution, particularly microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), is identified as a major public health threat in India, the world's largest plastic waste generator. These substances infiltrate human bodies, causing hormonal disruption, reproductive dysfunction, and chronic diseases like cancer and metabolic disorders. Studies show microplastics in 89% of Indian blood samples and EDCs like BPA, phthalates, and PFAS are linked to reduced sperm count, impaired egg quality, and increased disease risk. Despite policies, inconsistent enforcement and lack of comprehensive regulations for low-dose EDC effects persist. The article calls for science-driven regulation, biomonitoring, public awareness, and systemic change to address this staggering health burden.
Microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) from plastic waste are infiltrating human bodies, causing severe health issues.
India, as the largest plastic waste generator, faces a significant public health emergency due to these pollutants.
EDCs like BPA, phthalates, and PFAS are linked to hormonal disruption, reproductive problems, cancer, and metabolic disorders.
Exam Points
India is the world's largest generator of plastic waste.
A 2024 study reported microplastics in nearly 89% of blood samples in India.
EDCs include Bisphenol A (BPA), Phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DBP), and PFAS.
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has launched the BHARAT study ('Biomarkers of Healthy Aging, Resilience, Adversity, and Transitions') to establish India-specific healthy ageing parameters. This initiative aims to map physiological, molecular, and environmental indicators of ageing in the Indian population, addressing the current reliance on Western data which may not be optimal for Indians. The study will create a comprehensive database including genomic, proteomic, metabolic, and environmental biomarkers. Utilizing AI and machine learning, BHARAT seeks to identify early warning signs of age-related changes, enabling proactive interventions and improving the quality of lawmaking and healthcare for India's diverse population.
The BHARAT study by IISc aims to establish India-specific biomarkers and parameters for healthy ageing.
It seeks to address the inadequacy of Western-centric ageing data for India's diverse population.
The study will create a comprehensive database of genomic, proteomic, metabolic, and environmental indicators.
Exam Points
BHARAT stands for 'Biomarkers of Healthy Aging, Resilience, Adversity, and Transitions'.
The study is launched by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
Parkinson's disease cases in India are predicted to increase by 168% by 2050.
Tamil Nadu's health sector, despite ranking high in health indicators, faces significant challenges including workforce vacancies, strained resources, and a lack of granular data. The state has achieved notable success in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and has implemented innovative programs like 'Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam' for doorstep healthcare. However, a substantial number of posts for doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff remain vacant. The article emphasizes the need for a robust information system, improved infrastructure, and better financial and administrative support for the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation and Organ Transplant Authority to sustain and enhance the state's health achievements.
Tamil Nadu's health sector has achieved high rankings in health indicators but struggles with workforce vacancies and resource strain.
Innovative programs like 'Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam' have improved healthcare access and outcomes.
Significant challenges include a large number of vacant posts for medical staff and a lack of granular data for effective policy-making.
Exam Points
Tamil Nadu ranks high in health indicators.
'Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam' is a key scheme in Tamil Nadu for doorstep healthcare.
The state has reduced maternal mortality ratio (MMR) from 54.4 per 1,00,000 live births (2020-2024) to 32.4.
The article discusses the Supreme Court's clarification on legislative powers in the context of the Nandini Sundar and Ors. versus State of Chhattisgarh case (July 5, 2011). While the SC had ordered Chhattisgarh to cease using Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Maoist activities, the State subsequently enacted the Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Forces Act, 2011. A contempt petition was filed, but the SC rejected it, affirming that a State legislature has plenary powers to pass laws, even to remove the basis of a judgment, as long as the Act is not ultra vires the Constitution. The Court emphasized the doctrine of separation of powers, stating that a law can only be struck down on grounds of legislative competence or constitutional validity, not as an act of contempt.
The Supreme Court clarified that a State legislature has plenary powers to pass laws, even if they address issues previously subject to judicial orders.
The Court rejected a contempt petition against Chhattisgarh's Act, emphasizing that a law cannot be deemed contempt unless it violates the Constitution.
The doctrine of separation of powers dictates that legislatures can pass laws, and courts can only strike them down based on constitutional validity or legislative competence.
Exam Points
The case discussed is Nandini Sundar and Ors. versus State of Chhattisgarh (July 5, 2011).
The Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Forces Act, 2011, was enacted by the State.
The Supreme Court cited Indian Aluminium Co. versus State of Kerala (1996) on maintaining the delicate balance between sovereign functionaries.
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