The Supreme Court is considering using its exceptional power under Article 142 of the Constitution to quash FIRs against students involved in NEET-UG paper leak protests. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated that FIRs naming only students would be quashed, while those involving serious criminal antecedents would be decided after discussion. Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta informed the court that police investigation would focus on 2,873 individuals with "serious criminal backgrounds" identified at the protest site. The court emphasized protecting students' right to peaceful protest under Article 19, while also allowing action against criminal elements, and plans to form a high-powered panel to examine protest issues.
The Supreme Court is considering invoking Article 142 to quash FIRs against students involved in NEET-UG protests.
FIRs against students without serious criminal antecedents are likely to be quashed, upholding their right to peaceful protest under Article 19.
Delhi Police will focus its investigation on 2,873 individuals identified with serious criminal backgrounds at the protest site.
Exam Points
Supreme Court invoked Article 142 for 'complete justice'.
Students' right to peaceful protest under Article 19 (freedom of speech and assembly) upheld.
Delhi Police identified 2,873 persons with 'serious criminal backgrounds' at protest sites.
A new report challenges claims that Bihar's alcohol ban has not reduced violence against women and has cost the state significant revenue. The article argues these contentions are incorrect and incomplete, stating that crime data often only reports severe violence, missing many instances. Studies indicate a substantial decrease in intimate partner or spousal violence against women in Bihar since the ban, preventing over 21 lakh cases of violence. While the ban has resulted in state revenue losses (estimated at 14% of state revenue), these must be balanced against long-term economic gains from improved public health, safety, and wellbeing. Health economic evaluations are crucial to fully assess the ban's impact and consider alternatives like rationing systems.
Bihar's alcohol ban has led to a substantial decrease in intimate partner and spousal violence against women.
Claims of the ban not reducing violence are based on incomplete crime data, which often underreports less severe violence.
While the ban has resulted in state revenue losses, these are offset by long-term economic gains from improved public health and safety.
Exam Points
The Lancet Regional Health (2024) study concluded the ban prevented over 21 lakh cases of violence.
A 2019 estimate in the International Journal of Drug Policy linked alcohol use in India to an average loss of 1.45% of GDP.
The report 'Macro Perspective of Bihar's Development Achievements, Unfinished Agenda...and the Way Forward' was discussed.
The Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh outlines a vision for the country's development by July 2024, focusing on renewed democracy, human rights, and inclusion. The article highlights Bangladesh's journey from a one-party rule to a multi-party democracy, emphasizing the role of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in strengthening democratic institutions. Key aspects include ensuring freedom of speech, expression, and assembly, and protecting the rights of all citizens, especially minorities. The vision also stresses the importance of religious harmony, equitable distribution of resources, and fostering regional and global engagement for sustainable development. The ultimate goal is to build a democratic society founded on knowledge, peace, and justice.
Bangladesh aims for renewed democracy, human rights, and inclusion by July 2024.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is highlighted for its role in strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring freedoms.
The vision emphasizes protecting the rights of all citizens, including minorities, and promoting religious harmony.
Exam Points
Shahadat Shadhim, Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, authored the article.
The article refers to the period leading up to July 2024 for development goals.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is mentioned as the Father of the Nation.
The U.S. has accused India of being a 'top enabler' of China's tariff evasion, alleging that India imports Chinese goods, makes minor modifications, and re-exports them to the U.S. at lower tariffs. While Chinese imports are a significant part of Indian manufacturing, India's import profile is shifting towards intermediate goods, supporting domestic assembly and full-scale manufacturing. The article argues that India must resist potential U.S. pressure and avoid compromising its industrial and strategic autonomy, citing past instances where India conceded to U.S. demands on tariffs for motorcycles, shrimp feed, frozen food, and oil imports. Safeguarding efficient supply chains is crucial for India's ambition to become a global manufacturing power.
The U.S. accuses India of enabling China's tariff evasion by re-exporting modified Chinese goods.
India's import profile is shifting towards intermediate goods from China, supporting its domestic manufacturing.
India has a history of conceding to U.S. pressure on trade issues, including tariffs on various goods and oil imports.
Exam Points
U.S. accused India among ~40 countries as 'top enablers' of China's tariff evasion.
India cut motorcycle tariffs from 60%-75% to 40% in 2018.
Shrimp feed import duties were slashed in the February 2024 Budget.
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