1. (SyllabANTICIPATORY BAIL us: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Delhi Police booked IAS probationer Puja Khedkar for allegedly faking her identity to fraudulently exceed the permissible limit in the civil services exam. She has since applied for anticipatory bail in a Delhi Court.

Anticipatory Bail 

• Definition: Under Section 438 of the Criminal Procedure Code, anticipatory bail allows an individual to seek bail in anticipation of being accused of a non-bailable offense.
• Purpose: It serves as a safeguard for those facing false accusations due to personal or professional conflicts, ensuring their release before arrest.
• Application Process: To obtain anticipatory bail, one must approach the Court of Sessions or the High Court, citing Section 438 of the Criminal Procedure Code and presenting a valid reason for the request.
• Court's Discretion: The court grants anticipatory bail based on various conditions and the specifics of the case, ensuring that if arrested, the individual will be released promptly.
• Conditions for Granting Anticipatory Bail:

o The individual must be available for police questioning as required.

o The person must not threaten, bribe, or influence anyone involved in the case.

o The individual must not leave India without the court's prior permission.

Other Types of Bail

• Interim Bail: “Interim” bail entailing temporary release can be granted under compelling circumstances and grounds, even when regular bail would not be justified. Intolerable grief and suffering in the given facts, may justify temporary release, even when regular bail is not warranted.
• Statutory/Default Bail: Also known as compulsive bail, is provided under Section 167(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code to accused against detention during inordinate delay in completion of investigation.

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2. INDIA AGAINST ILO’S REPORT (Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: India is likely to raise a complaint against the UN agency over its India Employment Report 2024, released in March this year.

International Labour Organisation (ILO)

• About: It is the United Nations agency for the world of work.
• Mandate: Its mandate is to advance social and economic justice through setting international labour standards.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• Parent organization: Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
• Members: The ILO has 187 member states: 186 out of 193 UN member states plus the Cook Islands. (India is a founding member).

India Employment Report 2024:

• About: It is the third installment of a regular publication by the Institute for Human Development focusing on labor and employment issues.
• Partnership: International Labour Organization (ILO)
• Focus: The report delves into the critical issue of youth employment, analyzing its challenges amidst evolving economic, labor market, educational, and skills landscapes in India.

Issue

• Criticism of ILO Model: A Union Labour Ministry of India said the “model” ILO had used to assess the employment scenario in India was not suitable and India has its own assessment of the situation.
• Youth Unemployment Statistics: The report prepared by the ILO and the Institute of Human Development (IHD) said India’s youth account for almost 83% of the unemployed workforce and the share of youngsters with secondary or higher education in the total unemployed youth has almost doubled from 35.2% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2022.
• Data Discrepancy: The government said data used by the ILO are different than the data used in the country.

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3. DEFAMATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: A Delhi court has upheld a month-long prison sentence awarded to social activist Medha Patkar (70) by another court in a criminal defamation case filed by Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena.

 Defamation

• Definition: Any false statement published or spoken deliberately, intentionally, knowingly with the intention to damage someone’s reputation.
• Categorisation: Defamation is categorised into two types libel and slander. 

o Libel is an untrue defamatory statement that is made in writing.

o Slander is an untrue defamatory statement that is spoken orally. 

o According to Indian Law libel and slander, both are considered to be criminal offences. 

o Such statements are to be made in public to constitute defamation. 

• Types: Defamation is an offence under both the civil and criminal law.
• Civil defamation: In civil defamation, false statements must be made without consent and cause damage to reputation. The statements must be defamatory, target a specific person or class, and be published in oral or written form to a third party 

o Defenses include truth, fair comments, and privileged statements. 

o Civil defamation allows for monetary compensation.

• Criminal defamation: Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code defines defamation and its exceptions. 

o Section 499:  Whoever, by words either spoken or intended to be read, or by signs or by visible representations, makes or publishes any imputation concerning any person intending to harm, or knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm, the reputation of such person, is said, except in the cases hereinafter excepted, to defame that person.

o Section 500: Punishment for defamation- simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

• Exceptions: Exceptions are provided under Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code, including truth made for public good, opinions about public servants, and statements made in public interest. 
• Constitutionality: Defamation laws in India have faced controversy regarding their compatibility with the right to free speech guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution. 

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4. FISCAL CONSOLIDATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Finance minister of India in her Budget speech, has said that from 2026-27 onwards, the endeavour would be to keep the fiscal deficit such that the central government debt is on a declining path as a percentage of GDP.

Fiscal Consolidation 

• About: It refers to a series of government policies aimed at diminishing deficits and restraining the accumulation of debt. These policies are typically assessed as a percentage of nominal GDP.
• Fiscal Deficit: It is the gap between the government's overall income (including taxes and non-debt capital receipts) and its total expenditure.
• Deficit Reduction Strategies: The reduction of deficits can be achieved through enhanced economic growth, resulting in increased revenues and reduced expenditures. Fiscal consolidation involves a dual approach of boosting income and trimming expenses.

Tax-GDP ratio gap for India

• Tax Buoyancy: The responsiveness of taxes to an increase in the GDP is termed as tax buoyancy. Increasing the tax-GDP ratio is crucial for revenue generation and to contain deficits. However, increasing the tax rates does not always result in a rise in tax revenue.
• Importance of Tax Administration: In the context of an emerging economy, ‘tax administration is tax policy.’ Therefore, widening the tax base and strengthening the digital infrastructure in tax administration are crucial for raising tax revenue.
• NK Singh FRBM Panel: NK Singh was the chairman of the FRBM panel which suggested the above-mentioned debt deficit targets. 
• The Singh panel also suggested an “escape clause” in the FRBM Act, on the basis of national security, war, national calamity, etc., and structural reforms in the economy resulting in fiscal implications.

  Importance of Fiscal Consolidation

  • Fiscal Rule: It is a constraint on fiscal policy through numerical limits on deficits.
  • Indian Fiscal Rule under FRBM Act: As per the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act envisions a fiscal deficit at 3% of GDP.
  • Post-Pandemic Fiscal Strategy: In the post-pandemic fiscal strategy, the fiscal glide path aims to reduce the fiscal deficit to below 4.5% of GDP by 2025-26.
  • General Government Debt Target: Fiscal rules envision general government debt to be 60% of GDP, with a 3:1 ratio between the Centre and the states.
  • Deficit Financing Patterns: The financing pattern of deficits includes three methods: seigniorage financing (monetary financing), internal bond financing, and external financing.
  • Predominant Financing Methods: In India, internal bond financing predominates, while in Sri Lanka, external financing of deficits is more common.

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5. PROJECT TIGER (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: A New Delhi-based rights group reported on International Tiger Day that Project Tiger will potentially displace at least 5.5 lakh Scheduled Tribes and other forest dwellers.

International Tiger Day

• About: It is dedicated to global efforts in protecting tiger habitats and raising awareness for tiger conservation.
• Origin: Established in 2010 during the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit, International Tiger Day was created to address the decline in tiger populations.

o A century ago, around 100,000 tigers roamed the wild, but today, there are only about 4,000 tigers remaining, highlighting the urgent need for conservation.

• Purpose: The day aims to inspire collective action against threats like poaching, habitat loss, human-tiger conflict, and illegal wildlife trade, using educational programs, media campaigns, and conservation activities.
• Significance: It emphasizes the critical need for conservation efforts to address threats such as habitat destruction and poaching.

Project Tiger

• Ministry: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Ministry of Environment.
• Launched in: 1973 for in-situ conservation of wild tigers in designated tiger reserves.
• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has an overarching supervisory role, performing functions as provided under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Expansion of Tiger Reserves: In 1973, there were only nine Reserves covering 9,115 sq. km.
• Current Status: Currently, there are 55 Reserves in 18 States, occupying 78,135.956 sq. km. This constitutes 2.38% of India's total land area. (Latest Tiger Reserve - Dholpur – Karauli Tiger Reserve)

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6. POLLUTION UNDER CONTROL CERTIFICATE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 - Env and Eco)

Context: The Supreme Court has overturned its 2017 directive requiring a valid pollution under control (PUC) certificate for the renewal of third-party insurance policies.

Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

• About: The PUC Certificate, often referred to as the pollution certificate, is a mandatory document for every vehicle owner in India.
• Legal Requirement: This certificate states that you can legally ride/drive a vehicle in India with respect to meeting environmental standards.
• Emission Levels Validation: It is a validation document that states that the vehicle’s emission levels are within the permissible levels set by the government.
• Compliance with Rules: All vehicles on Indian roads are required to possess a valid PUC certificate under the Central Motor Vehicles Rule 1989.
• Initial Exemption: Usually, a new vehicle is exempt from PUC in the first year. Following this, the vehicle has to undergo mandatory PUC tests at regular intervals to get a validity certificate.
• Validity Period: A PUC certificate is usually valid for a year from the date of issue.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to produce a PUC certificate can invite a fine of up to Rs 10,000 or six months of imprisonment or both under the Motor Vehicle Act.
• Licence Disqualification: The vehicle owner may also be disqualified from holding their licence for three months.
• Certificate Cancellation: If the vehicle is found to be emitting fumes beyond the prescribed limit, despite possessing a valid PUC certificate, the certificate will be cancelled. The vehicle owner will have to obtain a new PUC certificate within seven days.
• Applicability to All Vehicles: The PUC certificate rule is applicable to CNG-powered vehicles in addition to petrol and diesel vehicles.

2017 Order of Supreme Court

• Rising Pollution Levels: The 2017 order was passed in response to increasing pollution levels in Delhi.
• Court's Measures: The court implemented drastic measures to control the pollution levels.
• Insurance Policy Condition: The 2017 order required insurance companies to insure vehicles only if they had a valid PUC certificate at the time of insurance renewal.
• GIC's Objection: The General Insurance Corporation (GIC) argued that the order was made without their input or that of other insurance companies.
• Balance of Compliance: In May of this year, the court emphasized balancing vehicle compliance with PUC norms and ensuring insurance coverage.
• Notice Issued: A notice was issued addressing the need for vehicles to meet both PUC and insurance requirements.

Role of EPCA

• EPCA's Recommendation: The 2017 order was based on the recommendation of the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA).
• EPCA's Role: EPCA is a statutory body that assists the court on environmental and pollution-related issues.

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7. INS TABAR (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The Russian President recently welcomed Indian Navy personnel aboard INS Tabar, which is participating in Russia’s Navy Day celebrations. 

INS Tabar

• About: It is a stealth frigate built for the Indian Navy in Russia.
• Class and Commissioning: It is the third of the Talwar-class frigates of the Indian Navy, commissioned on 19 April 2004 in Kaliningrad, Russia.
• Capabilities: The frigate can handle air, surface, and sub-surface missions, operating either independently or as part of a larger naval task force.
• Fleet Assignment: INS Tabar is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, based in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command.
• Features

o Displacement: Fully loaded, INS Tabar has a displacement of 4,035 tons.

o Speed: The ship can reach speeds of 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph).

o Range: It has a maximum range of 4,850 nautical miles (8,980 km; 5,580 mi) at 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph) and a reduced range of 1,600 nautical miles (3,000 km; 1,800 mi) at 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph).

o Weapons and Sensors: The ship is equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors.

o Missile Armament: INS Tabar is the first Talwar-class vessel to be armed with supersonic BrahMos anti-ship cruise missiles and also equipped with Barak-1 missiles.

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8. NATIONAL POLICY FOR RARE DISEASES (NPRD) (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Health)

Context: Only four of the twelve Centres of Excellence (CoEs) for rare diseases have utilized the funds allocated by the Government of India under the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) over the past three years.

National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 

• Launch: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, launched the NPRD in March 2021
• Objective: To manage rare diseases with a focus on prevention, early detection, and treatment.
• Free Treatment Facilities: The NPRD provides free treatment at designated ‘Centres of Excellence’ (CoEs) for patients with rare diseases.
• Salient Features of NPRD 2021:

o Categorization: Rare diseases are classified into three groups:

ü Group 1: Disorders amenable to one-time curative treatment.

ü Group 2: Diseases requiring long-term or lifelong treatment with relatively lower costs and documented benefits, requiring annual or more frequent surveillance.

ü Group 3: Diseases with available but challenging treatments due to high costs and lifelong therapy needs.

o Centres of Excellence (CoEs): These are designated for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of rare diseases and receive a one-time grant up to Rs 5 crore for infrastructure development if necessary.

o Financial Support for Patients: Financial support up to Rs 50 lakh is provided to patients for treatment at CoEs, excluding those covered by the Rashtriya Arogaya Nidhi (RAN).

o Rashtriya Arogaya Nidhi: RAN offers one-time financial assistance up to Rs 20 lakh for patients below the poverty line with Group 1 rare diseases, specifically for treatment at government hospitals with super specialty facilities.

o Promotion of Research and Development: NPRD promotes research and development for rare diseases, encourages local drug development, and aims to create an environment for affordable indigenous drug manufacturing.

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9. PARAKH (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Education)

Context: The Performance Assessment Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH) suggested to Include Class 9-11 performance for Class 12 results

PARAKH

• About: It has been launched as part of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 that envisaged a standard-setting body to advise school boards regarding new assessment patterns and latest research, and promote collaborations between them.
• Setup: Under NCERT. 
• Objective:

o To set norms, standards, and guidelines for student assessment and evaluation.

o Addresses disparities in scores among students enrolled with different state boards.

o To bring equivalence in academic standards among learners across recognized school boards in India.

o Intends to set up assessment guidelines to address score disparities among state boards.

• Four major areas of focus for PARAKH:

o Capacity Development in Competency Based Assessment

o Large-Scale Achievement Survey

o Equivalence of School Boards

o Holistic Progress Cards for the Foundational, Preparational, Middle and Secondary Stages.

Key Recommendations

• PARAKH recommends including performance from Classes 9th, 10th, and 11th in the final Class 12th report card.
• Weightage for Different Classes: The report suggests the following weightage: 15% for Class 9th, 20% for Class 10th, 25% for Class 11th, and 40% for Class 12th.
• Formative vs. Summative Assessment Weight: 

o Class 9th: 70% formative assessments, 30% summative assessments.

o Class 10th: 50% formative assessments, 50% summative assessments.

o Class 11th: 40% formative assessments, 60% summative assessments.

o Class 12th: 30% formative assessments, 70% summative assessments.

• Credit Allocation: PARAKH suggests that assessments be measured in terms of credits, with 40 credits available for Classes 9th and 10th each, and 44 credits for Classes 11th and 12th each.

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10. BOHAI GULF (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: UNESCO has recently added China's Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf (Phase II) to its World Heritage List. 

Bohai Gulf

• About: It is the innermost gulf of the Yellow Sea, located on the coast of Northeastern and North China.
• Also known as: Bohai Sea or Bo Hai for short; historically, it was called the Gulf of Chili or the Gulf of Pechili.
• Area: The gulf spans approximately 78,000 sq.km and is one of the busiest seaways in the world due to its proximity to Beijing, China's capital.
• Boundaries: It is enclosed by the Liaodong Peninsula to the northeast and the Shandong Peninsula to the south.
• Important Bays: The gulf's shores feature three renowned bays: Liaodong Bay, Bohai Bay, and Laizhou Bay.
• River Inflow: The Yellow River, China’s second longest river, flows into the Bohai Gulf.

Yellow Sea

• About: The Yellow Sea is a marginal sea of the western Pacific Ocean.
• Location: It lies between mainland China to the west and north, the Korean Peninsula to the east, and the Shandong Peninsula and Liaodong Peninsula to the south. It connects with the Bohai Sea to the northwest.

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