The Supreme Court has directed political parties in Bihar to assist the Election Commission (EC) in re-enrolling voters excluded from the draft electoral roll for the upcoming Assembly elections. The court emphasized the urgency, with the claims-and-objections stage ending on September 1, though an extension might be considered if there's an "overwhelming response." Voters can file claims online using Aadhaar or 11 other specified documents as proof of identity. The EC expressed disappointment with political parties' lack of initiative, noting that a significant portion of the excluded 65 lakh voters are either deceased, migrated, or duplicate entries.
The Supreme Court directed political parties to actively assist the Election Commission in re-enrolling excluded voters in Bihar.
Voters can file claims and objections online, using Aadhaar or other specified documents for identity proof.
The court highlighted the lack of initiative from political parties in assisting voters, despite the deadline for claims approaching.
Exam Points
The Supreme Court order was issued on Friday, regarding the Bihar Assembly election electoral roll.
Voters can use Aadhaar or any of 11 indicative documents listed by the EC as proof of identity.
The claims-and-objections stage for the electoral roll ends on September 1.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent two-day visit to India was deemed productive, signaling a potential reset in bilateral ties. Key outcomes included agreements to resume border trade at three points, restart direct flights, expand Kailash Manasarovar yatra slots, and relax visas. Discussions also covered lifting Chinese export restrictions on fertilizers and rare earth products. Both sides committed to expediting the resolution of the 3,500 km India-China border, building on the 2005 agreement. While India appears ready to move past the Galwan clashes, concerns persist regarding China's deepening ties with Pakistan and its stance on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to India aimed at normalizing relations after a four-year military standoff.
Agreements were reached on resuming border trade, direct flights, Kailash Manasarovar yatra, and visa relaxation.
Both nations committed to expediting the boundary resolution process, building on the 2005 agreement.
Exam Points
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India for the 24th Special Representatives talk on the boundary question.
The visit aimed at normalizing relations after a four-year military standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
India and China agreed to expedite boundary resolution for the 3,500 km India-China border.
The Supreme Court modified its earlier "harsh" August 11 order that mandated the capture and confinement of all stray dogs in Delhi and adjoining districts. The revised directive now requires civic authorities to sterilize, deworm, and immunize stray dogs before releasing them back to their original localities, aligning with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. Dogs infected with rabies or exhibiting aggressive behavior are to be housed permanently in separate shelters. The court also directed the establishment of dedicated feeding zones and expanded the matter to a pan-India issue, emphasizing a balanced approach to public safety and animal welfare.
The Supreme Court modified its previous order regarding stray dogs, deeming the initial directive to capture and confine them as "too harsh."
The new order mandates sterilization, deworming, and immunization of stray dogs before their release back to their original areas.
Dogs with rabies or aggressive tendencies are to be permanently housed in separate shelters, not released.
Exam Points
The Supreme Court modified its August 11 order on stray dogs on Friday.
The modification aligns with Rule 11(19) of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Article 51A(g) of the Constitution of India imposes a fundamental duty on citizens to have compassion for living creatures.
The Tribal Council of Little Nicobar has accused the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration of falsely claiming that the forest rights of tribal people under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, were "identified and settled" for the ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar mega infrastructure project. This alleged misrepresentation led to forest clearances for the project, which includes a transshipment port, airport, power plant, and township. The council asserts that no consent was given and FRA rights have not even been initiated. The administration, however, issued a certificate in 2022 claiming settlement, and previously argued that the Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act of 1956 (PAT56) superseded FRA requirements, allowing the administrator full authority to divert forest land.
The Great Nicobar mega infrastructure project faces controversy over the alleged false settlement of tribal forest rights.
The Andaman and Nicobar administration is accused of misrepresenting that tribal rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, were settled.
The Tribal Council of Little Nicobar denies giving consent and states that the FRA process has not been initiated.
Exam Points
The Great Nicobar mega infrastructure project is valued at ₹72,000 crore.
The Forest Rights Act (FRA) was enacted in 2006.
The Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act (PAT56) was enacted in 1956.
Nepal has voiced strong objections to the recent decision by India and China to resume border trade through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand. Nepal considers this move "unexpected and unacceptable" because the Lipulekh Pass is situated within the contested Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura region, which Nepal claims as its own territory. Despite the strong disapproval from a leading member of Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli's party, Kathmandu has indicated that this development will not be allowed to disrupt ongoing dialogue with India. The decision was made during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent visit to Delhi.
India and China agreed to restart border trade through the Lipulekh Pass.
Nepal strongly objects to this decision, as Lipulekh Pass is part of a territory it claims (Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura region).
Despite the objection, Nepal intends to continue dialogue with India.
Exam Points
The border trade is to be restarted through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand.
Nepal claims the Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura region.
The decision was made during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Delhi on August 18 and 19.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a draft Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) for various subjects, which significantly emphasizes the inclusion of Indian knowledge systems and "ancient wisdom." This initiative, currently open for stakeholder feedback, has drawn criticism from non-BJP-ruled states concerned about "saffronisation" of the curriculum. Examples include Kautilya's Arthashastra in commerce, traditional Indian beverages in chemistry, and ancient Indian concepts of atom in physics. While the National Education Policy promotes multidisciplinary education, the LOCF primarily prioritizes single-major pathways, potentially limiting broader interdisciplinary exploration.
The UGC's draft curriculum framework (LOCF) aims to integrate Indian knowledge systems and ancient wisdom across various academic disciplines.
The framework includes specific examples like Kautilya's Arthashastra in commerce and traditional Indian beverages in chemistry.
The initiative has sparked debate, with some states expressing concerns about the "saffronisation" of education.
Exam Points
The University Grants Commission (UGC) released the draft Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF).
The LOCF suggests including Kautilya's Arthashastra in commerce education.
V.D. Savarkar's Indian War of Independence is included in the reading list for 'Bharatiya Struggle for Independence'.
Read more
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.