1. SECTION 45 OF THE PMLA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Supreme Court granted bail to former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, citing prolonged pre-trial incarceration and trial delays as grounds to bypass stringent bail conditions under the Section 45 of the PMLA. 

Section 45 of the PMLA

• About: It stipulates that bail is not ordinarily granted for offences under this law, emphasizing that bail is an exception rather than the rule.
• Mandatory Hearing: The provision mandates that the public prosecutor must be heard in all bail applications, and if opposed, the court must apply a stringent twin test.
• Granting Bail: The twin conditions for granting bail include: 

o Reasonable grounds to believe the accused is not guilty; and 

o Assurance that the accused will not commit any offence while on bail.

• Comparison with Other Laws
• Similar bail restrictions are found in laws dealing with serious offences, such as Section 36AC of The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, Section 37 of The NDPS Act, and Section 43D(5) of the UAPA.

o UAPA's Bail Provision: Under the UAPA, bail is restricted for offences related to terrorism unless the public prosecutor is heard, or the court finds prima facie evidence to believe the accusation is true.

Crucial Exception of Section 45 of PMLA

• Special Exception for Vulnerable Groups: Section 45 includes an important exception allowing bail for women, minors, or those who are sick or infirm, subject to the Special Court's direction.
• Mirroring Other Laws: This exception is consistent with exemptions in other Indian laws, such as the Indian Penal Code, concerning women and minors.
• Preeti Chandra Case (2023): The Delhi High Court cited the case of Preeti Chandra v. Directorate of Enforcement, emphasizing the application of the exception for women under Section 45.
• Clarification by Court: The court rejected the Enforcement Directorate's argument that the accused's social status should impact bail eligibility, affirming that the exception applies universally, provided there is no flight risk or threat to witnesses.

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2. NANDINI SAHAKAR SCHEME (Syllabus GS Paper 2 – Gov. Policies)

Context: Recently, the Minister of Cooperation informed the Rajya Sabha about the Nandini Sahakar Scheme.

Nandini Sahakar Scheme

• About: It is a women focused framework of financial assistance, project formulation, hand-holding and capacity development.
• Purpose: Aimed at assisting women cooperatives in undertaking business model-based activities under the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
• Framework: Provides financial assistance, project formulation, hand-holding, and capacity development specifically for women-focused initiatives.
• Funding: No minimum or maximum limit on financial assistance for projects by women cooperatives.
• Interest Subvention:

o 2% subvention on term loan interest for new and innovative activities.

o 1% subvention on term loan interest for all other activities, reducing borrowing costs for women cooperatives.

• Eligibility:
• Cooperative Society: Must be operational for at least three months to apply for credit linkage for infrastructure term loans.
• Women Cooperatives: Registered under any State/Central Act or have at least 50% women as primary members.

Significance:

• Socio-Economic Improvement: Enhances the socio-economic status of women through targeted support.
• Entrepreneurial Support: Fosters entrepreneurial dynamism in women through cooperative ventures.
• Comprehensive Assistance: Integrates business plan formulation, capacity development, credit, subsidy, and interest subvention from other schemes.

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3. JUANG TRIBE (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Indian Society)

Context: The Juangs of Jajpur have become the fifth Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in the country and second in the state to get habitat rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.

Juang Tribe

• Homeland: The Juang tribe resides exclusively in Odisha, particularly in Juang Pirh, Keonjhar.
• Divisions: The Juang are divided into two groups: Hill (Thaniya) and Plain (Bhagudia) Juang.
• Traditional Attire: Originally known as Patuas due to their leaf skirt attire, they now prefer clothing from local markets.
• Relationship with Paudi Bhuinyas: They share a symbiotic relationship with the Paudi Bhuinyas, another PTG group in their vicinity.
• Ancestral Connection: According to common folklore, the ancestors of the Bhuinyas and Juang were brothers.
• Language: Juang (Mundari)
• Major Occupation: Cultivation, Shifting Cultivation, Hunting, Food Gathering.
• Village Structure: Juang villages are uni-clan in nature.
• Mandaghar: The mandaghar, a traditional youth dormitory, is central to village life and is where changu dances are performed.

Habitat Rights

• About: These are granted under the Forest Rights Act and provide communities with rights over their customary territories, cultural practices, livelihood means, biodiversity knowledge, and protection of their natural and cultural heritage.
• Objective: Habitat rights help safeguard traditional livelihoods and ecological knowledge.
• Empowerment of PVTG Communities: Habitat rights empower Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) to access government schemes and initiatives to develop their habitats.
• Specific Legal Provision: Section 3(1)(e) of the Forest Rights Act, 2006: Habitat rights are specifically granted to PVTGs under section 3(1)(e) of The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
• PVTG Classification: PVTGs are a sub-classification of Scheduled Tribes in India and are considered more vulnerable than regular Scheduled Tribes.

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4. HOMO FLORESIENSIS (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: A microscopic examination of 700,000-year-old miniature human arm and dental fossils has resolved the debate on the origins of Homo floresiensis.

Homo floresiensis

• Nickname: The species is informally known as "The Hobbit" due to its small stature, reminiscent of the fictional creatures created by J.R.R. Tolkien.
• Name meaning: 'human from Flores' - sometimes referred to as Flores Man
• Discovery Date: They was first discovered in 2003 during an excavation led by archaeologist Mike Morwood.
• Habitat: They lived in Liang Bua cave on the island of Flores, Indonesia. Fossils have also been found at Mata Menge, further east on the island.
• Time: Approximately 100,000 to 50,000 years ago.
• Species named in: 2004
• Characteristics

o Unique Appearance: They had a very small skull, definite brow ridge, short legs, and large, flat feet.

o Important Fossils: Notable fossils include the partial skeleton of a female, known as Liang Bua 1, and fragmentary remains of at least 13 other individuals.

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5. EMPLOYMENT-LINKED INCENTIVE SCHEME (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Union Minister has urged for the prompt implementation of the Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, introduced in the Union Budget 2024-25.

Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme

• About: It is designed to facilitate job creation, and provide incentives to employers and employees.
• Aim: The ELI Scheme aims to create over 2 crore jobs within two years, significantly enhancing employment opportunities and livelihoods across the country.
• Announcement: The Union Budget 2024-25 introduced three schemes under the Employment-Linked Incentive initiative, as part of the Prime Minister’s package of five schemes and initiatives.
• Nodal Agency: Ministry of Labour and Employment
• Focus on Youth: These schemes are designed to facilitate employment, skilling, and other opportunities for 4.1 crore youth over a five-year period.
• Financial Allocation: A central outlay of Rs. 2 lakh crore has been allocated for these schemes to achieve the set objectives.

Provisions of the ELI Scheme

• Financial Incentives for Hiring: Companies receive financial rewards for hiring new employees, reducing labor costs compared to automation investments.
• Eligibility and Incentive Structure: The scheme applies to various sectors with specific eligibility criteria and structured incentives based on the number of new hires.
• Monitoring and Compliance: Participating companies must adhere to regular monitoring and verification processes and provide necessary documentation to claim incentives.
• Special Provisions for SMEs: The scheme includes specific measures for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), addressing their unique challenges and promoting their role in job creation.

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6. PM-KUSUM (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Agriculture)

Context: A report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reveals that the PM KUSUM scheme has reached only 30% of its targets after six years.

PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Uttham Mahabhiyan)

• About: It  envisages income generation for farmers from their infertile land with the establishment of solar power plants.

o While the farmers can sell the power generated from the solar plants to the power distribution companies, the solar pumps can also be installed for irrigation of agricultural land.

• Origin: It was launched in 2019 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• Aim: To help farmers access reliable daytime solar power for irrigation, reduce power subsidies, and decarbonise agriculture. 
• State wise targets or fund allocation is not made under PM-KUSUM as it is a demand driven scheme.

Three Components

• Component A: 10,000 MW of Decentralized Ground Mounted Grid Connected Renewable Power Plants of individual plant size up to 2 MW.
• Component B: Installation of 14 lakh standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps of individual pump capacity up to 7.5 HP.
• Component C: Solarisation of 35 Lakh Grid-connected Agriculture Pumps of individual pump capacity up to 7.5 HP.

Report of Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)

• The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) conducted surveys in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh.
• The scheme has achieved only 30% of its targets after six years, with the 2026 deadline approaching.
• States like Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh are leading in implementation.
• Farmers who switched to solar water pumps report satisfaction due to easier daytime irrigation and fewer power cuts.
• An example from Aterna village in Haryana highlights the scheme's positive impact on farming efficiency.
• Financial Recommendations

o The CSE suggests allowing farmers to pay for solar pumps in instalments to enhance financial viability.

o The central government should increase financial support to states to cover rising solar module costs post-Covid.

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7. BANKING LAWS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 - Economy)

Context: Union Finance Minister of India tabled the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha, introducing critical changes to key banking regulations.

Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024

• About: It introduces the ability for depositors to nominate up to four nominees simultaneously and successively.

Features:

• To enable the transfer of unclaimed dividends, shares, and interest or redemption of bonds to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), allowing individuals to claim transfers or refunds from the fund, thus safeguarding investors' interests.
• Amendment: Amendments to sections 18, 24, 25, and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act and section 42 of RBI Act: 

o It will revise the reporting dates for the submission of statutory reports by banks to the RBI from reporting Friday to the last day of the fortnight, month, or quarter. 

• Service Tenure: The proposed change aims to increase the service tenure of directors, with the exception of the chairman and whole-time directors, in cooperative banks from eight years to ten years.
• Board Membership Flexibility: Amendment in sub-section(3) of section16 of the Banking Regulation Act: To allow a Director of a Central Cooperative Bank to serve on the board of a State Cooperative Bank.
• Flexibility and Convenience: The amendment is designed to provide increased flexibility and convenience for depositors and their legal heirs, particularly concerning deposits, articles in safe custody, and safety lockers.
• Nomination Procedure: Successive nomination allows for multiple nominees listed in a specific order, with alternate nominees contacted if the primary nominee is unable to claim the funds.
• Allocation to Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF): The Bill proposes that unclaimed dividends, shares, interest, or redemption of bonds be allocated to the IEPF.
• Increase in 'Substantial Interest' Threshold: The Bill aims to raise the threshold defining 'substantial interest' in shareholding from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 2 crores.

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8. EWS RESERVATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Supreme Court has upheld a Bombay High Court order that nullified a Maharashtra government notification exempting private schools within one kilometer of a government or aided school from reserving 25% of pre-primary seats for underprivileged students under the Right to Education Act.

Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) Reservation:

• About: The 10% EWS quota was introduced under the 103rd Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2019 by amending Articles 15 and 16.
• Constitutional Amendments: It inserted Article 15 (6) and Article 16 (6) into the Indian Constitution.
• Purpose: It provides economic reservation in jobs and educational admissions for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
• Objective and Target Group: Enacted to support the welfare of the poor not covered by the existing 50% reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC).
• Scope: Allows both the Central and State governments to offer reservations to the EWS.
• Significance: The 10% quota aims to address educational and income inequality, helping economically weaker citizens gain access to higher education and public employment opportunities.
• Supreme Court on EWS quota: In Janhit Abhiyan v Union of India, SC by 3:2 majority upheld the 103rd Constitutional Amendment providing EWS reservation. With this, the Court extended the net of reservation benefits to include solely economic backwardness.
• Current reservation in India: ST - 7.5%, SC - 15% OBC - 27%, EWS - 10%

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9. PROTECTION OF CIVIL RIGHTS ACT 1955 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The government informed Parliament that Adivasis have now been included as persons professing the Hindu religion under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955. This change aims to enhance their legal protections.

Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (PCR Act)

• About: It aims to enforce the constitutional abolition of untouchability, as outlined in Article 17 of the Indian Constitution.
• State's Obligation: The Act highlights the state's duty to protect civil rights and prescribes punishments for those practicing untouchability or discrimination.
• Objective: To ensure that every citizen enjoys civil rights without obstruction, regardless of caste, creed, or race.
• Enforcement: The Act prescribes fines and imprisonment as punitive measures for prejudiced practices violating civil rights.

Key Provisions

• Definition: Civil rights are defined as any rights given by the abolition of untouchability under Article 17 of the Constitution.
• Definition of ‘Hindus’: The Act defines 'Hindus' broadly in its explanation to Section 3. It includes individuals professing the Buddhist, Sikh, Jaina religions, or any form of Hindu religion, including Virashaivas, Lingayats, Adivasis, followers of Brahmo, Prarthana, Arya Samaj, and the Swaminarayan Sampraday.
• Punishment for Religious Disabilities: Section 3 of the Act details the penalties for enforcing religious disabilities based on untouchability. It aims to prevent and penalize any actions that impose religious restrictions or discrimination.
• Punishment for Social Disabilities: Section 4 specifies the penalties for enforcing social disabilities on the grounds of untouchability. It addresses the prohibition and punishment of social discrimination linked to untouchability practices.
• Penalties: Practicing untouchability is punishable with imprisonment up to six months, a fine, or both.
• Attempt: Any attempt to commit an offence under the Act is punishable with the same penalties as the completed offence.
• Role of the PCR Act: It marks a commitment to abolishing untouchability, aiming to replace social exclusion with inclusivity and equal treatment.

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10. QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: The Prime Minister of India has paid tributes to all those who took part in the Quit India Movement under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership.

Quit India Movement

• About: It was a significant civil disobedience movement launched by the Indian National Congress in August 1942.
• Leadership: Mahatma Gandhi, the movement demanded an immediate end to British rule in India.
• Quit India’ Slogan: The slogan ‘Quit India’ was coined by Yusuf Meherally, a socialist and trade unionist who also served as Mayor of Mumbai.
• Strategy: The movement aimed to create mass nonviolent resistance and disrupt British administration through strikes, protests, and non-cooperation.
• Impact: Although the movement faced repression and was eventually suppressed, it marked a turning point in the Indian independence struggle and further weakened the British hold on India.
• Cripps Mission Failure: After the British failed to secure Indian support for the British war effort with Cripps Mission, Gandhi made a call to Do or Die in his Quit India movement.

• International Influence: Major outside support came from the Americans, as President Franklin D. Roosevelt pressured Prime Minister Winston Churchill to give in to some of the Indian demands.
• Conclusion of the Movement: The movement ended in 1945 with the release of jailed freedom fighters. Martyrs of this freedom movement include Mukunda Kakati, Matangini Hazra, Kanaklata Barua, Kushal Konwar, Bhogeswari Phukanani, and others.
• Commemoration: In 1992, the Reserve Bank of India issued a 1 rupee commemorative coin to mark the Golden Jubilee of the Quit India Movement.

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