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After 40 Years, Toxic Waste at Union Carbide Factory in  Bhopal to Be Disposed The Historic Step Towards Cleanup After four decades , the toxic waste materials at the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, are finally set to be disposed of. This monumental action follows an order from the Madhya Pradesh High Court and represents a significant effort to mitigate the aftermath of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy , the world's worst industrial disaster . The process of packing toxic waste has commenced under stringent safety measures, with supervision by officials from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) . The Bhopal Gas Tragedy and the Principle of Absolute Liability On the night of December 2-3, 1984 , a massive leakage of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas from Union Carbide's pesticide plant resulted in the death of thousands and left a trail of long-term health and environmental repercussions. In response to th...

Justice V Ramasubramanian Assumes  Charge as Chairperson of  National Human Rights Commission The esteemed former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, Justice V Ramasubramanian , assumed charge as the new Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on December 25, 2024. Alongside him, Justice (Dr.) Vidyut Ranjan Sarangi joined as a Member of the NHRC. Their appointments were confirmed by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu , on December 21, 2024. Inaugural Address: Upholding India’s Human Rights Legacy In his first address as Chairperson, Justice Ramasubramanian highlighted India’s ancient tradition of human rights , citing the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar , who espoused the principles of justice, equality, and human dignity long before these concepts gained global recognition. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to promote and protect human rights effectively. A Distinguished Legal Career: Justice V Ramasubramanian Early L...

 The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX): India’s Leap into Advanced Space Technology Introduction The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised to make history with the launch of its latest mission, the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) . Scheduled for liftoff on December 30, 2024, at 10:00:15 PM IST , this mission aims to demonstrate and perfect the technology required for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of spacecraft. Using the PSLV-C60 rocket , SpaDeX is another significant milestone in India’s rapidly advancing space exploration capabilities. Mission Overview The SpaDeX mission is designed to test and validate critical technologies for autonomous orbital docking . The mission involves two small spacecraft: SDX01 (The Chaser): Tasked with approaching and docking with the other spacecraft. SDX02 (The Target): Designed to serve as a docking partner in a controlled low-Earth orbit. This experiment is vital for India’s ambitions in satellite servicing, human ...

      Farmers’ Protest: Supreme Court Raises Concern Over          Dallewal’s Health and Punjab Government's Role The Supreme Court of India has raised significant concerns over the deteriorating health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal , who has been on a fast-unto-death since November 26 at the Khanouri border. The court has taken a strong stance against both the resistance from certain farmer groups and the Punjab government's apparent inaction in addressing the situation. Who is Jagjit Singh Dallewal? Jagjit Singh Dallewal is the convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) . He began his fast-unto-death to press the Central government to accept the farmers' demands, which include a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. Supreme Court’s Intervention The top court has repeatedly directed the Punjab government to ensure medical aid is provided to Dallewal, emphasizing that a person’s life must take preced...

Tax Deduction at Source (TDS): Understanding the System, Challenges, and a Call for Reform Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) is a system under Indian tax laws where the payer deducts tax before making payments to the recipient. It ensures that the government collects taxes in advance, rather than waiting for individuals to pay their dues at the end of the year. While TDS helps in preventing tax evasion and ensuring regular revenue flow for the government, it has sparked debates due to its complexity and the burden it imposes on taxpayers. Recently, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a review of this system, claiming it violates fundamental rights and disproportionately affects smaller earners. What is TDS? Under TDS, tax is deducted at the time of making payments such as salaries, contractual fees, rents, commissions, and other taxable income. The deducted amount is then deposited with the government and adjusted against the recipient’s tot...

India’s Economic Wheel Didn’t Move Without a Push from  Dr. Manmohan Singh Introduction India's remarkable economic transformation post-liberalization cannot be narrated without highlighting the contributions of Dr. Manmohan Singh. His impactful journey began long before he became the 13th Prime Minister, with his pivotal role in steering the country out of economic crises and laying the groundwork for sustained growth. Navigating the 1991 Economic Crisis Dr. Manmohan Singh rose to prominence as Finance Minister under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao during one of India’s most challenging periods—the 1991 balance of payments crisis. The country was on the brink of economic collapse, but Singh’s visionary policies helped avert disaster. Liberalization and Economic Reforms: Singh dismantled the License Raj, significantly reducing government control over industries and enabling private enterprises to thrive. Trade Reforms: Import tariffs were slashed, and the economy moved t...

Stage IV GRAP Revoked as Delhi's Air Quality Improves; Vigilance on Stage I-III Measures Intensified Introduction In a significant relief for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced the revocation of Stage IV ('Severe+') measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to improved air quality. However, strict adherence to measures under Stages I, II, and III has been emphasized to prevent further deterioration. Improvement in Air Quality Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) showed notable improvement, reaching 369 ('Very Poor') on December 24, compared to a peak of 401 ('Severe') recorded on December 16. This positive change was attributed to favorable meteorological conditions, including improved wind speed, as forecasted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). Measures Under Stage IV ('Severe+') The Stage IV mea...

Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces The Supreme Court of India has suggested that the Union Government develop a comprehensive policy addressing the construction of feeding rooms and childcare facilities  in public places. This move aims to ensure that nursing mothers and their children can access basic amenities in a dignified and private manner, reinforcing their fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution. SC Encourages Policy Formulation A bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna  and Justice N Kotiswar Singh  highlighted the absence of a structured framework to address this pressing issue. The court advised the Centre to propose a policy that could then be implemented across the states, scheduling the next hearing for December 10, 2024.   The apex court emphasized that before issuing formal directions, it was crucial to understand the Centre’s perspective on implementing the petitioner’s demand for childcare and feedi...

Supreme Court Puts Order on Hold: Balwant Singh Rajoana's Mercy Plea to be Heard on November 25   In a significant turn of events, the Supreme Court of India put on hold its earlier directive requiring the President of India to decide on the mercy petition of Balwant Singh Rajoana, a death-row prisoner convicted for the 1995 assassination of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. The court, responding to the Centre's request, will now hear the matter on November 25, 2024. Background: The Case of Balwant Singh Rajoana Balwant Singh Rajoana, a member of the Babbar Khalsa militant group, was sentenced to death for his role in the 1995 assassination of Beant Singh , who was killed in a bomb explosion in Chandigarh. Rajoana has been in prison for nearly 29 years , much of this time on death row.   The assassination was a high-profile incident, reflecting the volatile political environment in Punjab during the 1990s. Beant Singh was targeted for his efforts to combat militancy...

Supreme Court Calls for Clarity on Menstrual Hygiene Policy Implementation in Schools The Supreme Court has voiced concerns regarding the ground realities of menstrual hygiene in Indian schools , urging the Centre to address discrepancies and inefficiencies before implementing a comprehensive policy. The plea highlights the dire need for menstrual hygiene management (MHM)  for girls aged 11 to 18, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds.   Judicial Directive: Address Ground Realities A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Pankaj Mithal directed Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati to clarify issues raised by the petitioner and provide a response by December 3. The Court emphasized the importance of a data-driven approach , urging the government to assess the ground situation accurately.   Policy Overview and Gaps    The Union Government has formulated the National Policy on Menstrual Hygiene for School-Going Girls , which outlin...

Delhi High Court Grants Bail to Former Bank Manager  Accused of Defrauding Woman of ₹13 Crores  The Delhi High Court has granted bail to Varun Vashista , a former bank manager accused of embezzling over ₹13 crores from a customer’s account while working at ICICI Bank's Vikas Puri branch. The bail was approved by Justice Amit Mahajan on November 12, 2024, after considering the evidence and facts of the case.   Details of the Case The allegations against Vashista stem from his role as a branch manager. The complainant and her husband had entrusted him with managing their investments, amounting to ₹13.5 crores, between 2019 and 2023.   The complainant discovered in January 2024 that nearly ₹12 crores had been **siphoned off** from her account. Key allegations include:   - Creation of Fake Fixed Deposits: The accused reportedly created fraudulent fixed deposit accounts in the complainant’s name.   - Misappropriation of Funds: Funds were tr...

Supreme Court Urges Comprehensive Rehabilitation Framework for Sex Trafficking Victims  Expressing Deep Concern Over Human and Sex Trafficking The Supreme Court of India has voiced grave concerns over the pervasive issue of human and sex trafficking, calling for urgent legislative action to establish a comprehensive rehabilitation framework for victims. A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Pankaj Mithal emphasized the sensitivity and importance of the matter, noting its implications on the fundamental rights to life, freedom, and personal security, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and children.   Human Trafficking: A Crime Against Humanity The court highlighted that human and sex trafficking dehumanize victims, leaving them vulnerable to severe physical and mental abuse. Victims are often subjected to:   - Physical and Mental Violence: Including life-threatening injuries and sexually transmitted diseases.   - Mental Health Issu...

Delhi’s Truck Drivers Voice Concerns Over Livelihood as  GRAP-III Restrictions Begin Amidst Rising Pollution Levels Truck Drivers Face Uncertain Future with GRAP-III As the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforces Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and the NCR, truck drivers are raising significant concerns over the impact of these new measures on their livelihoods. With restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, drivers fear an uncertain future, where loan repayments and daily expenses may become difficult to manage.  One truck driver voiced his apprehension, stating, “If our vehicles aren’t allowed into Delhi, how will we cover our expenses? We have EMIs to pay; where will the money come from?” Another driver acknowledged the importance of pollution control efforts but noted the hardships faced by those in the transportation sector. GRAP-III Measures: An Urgent Response to Severe Pollution Levels The enforcement of GRAP-II...

Supreme Court Reinforces Due Process: Curbing “Bulldozer Justice” with Strict Guidelines Background In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court of India has set out guidelines to curb arbitrary demolitions, commonly referred to as "bulldozer justice." This term has emerged from instances where properties of individuals accused of crimes have been demolished without following due legal process. The ruling responds to several petitions highlighting the destruction of residential and commercial properties without prior notice, which, according to petitioners, targets marginalized and minority communities. Key Principles Addressed The Supreme Court’s decision rests on critical constitutional principles, particularly the rule of law, separation of powers, and protection of individual rights . The Court emphasized that no person should be punished without due process and that arbitrary action by the executive undermines citizens’ trust in the justice system. Justice Gavai, in del...

Delhi Court Grants Bail to Chinese National in Vivo India  Money Laundering Case In a significant development in the Vivo India money laundering case, Delhi’s Patiala House Court on November 11 granted regular bail to Guangwen alias Andrew , a Chinese national and administrative manager at Vivo India, who was previously detained under charges of money laundering related to alleged proceeds of crime worth ₹20,000 crores . Guangwen had been in judicial custody since October 2023 and was released on bail under specific terms and conditions. Court’s Decision and Reasoning for Bail Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Kiran Gupta presided over the bail application, assessing the overall circumstances, including the period of custody, prior conduct, and existing evidence against Andrew. The court emphasized that although Andrew was employed at Vivo India, no substantial personal financial gain was reported in his accounts, apart from his legitimate salary. In granting bail, the court noted t...

Supreme Court on Pollution and Health: "No Religion Encourages Activities that Harm Public Health" In a recent hearing addressing rising pollution levels in Delhi, particularly following Diwali celebrations, the Supreme Court of India underscored that the right to live in a pollution-free environment  is a fundamental right enshrined under Article 21  of the Indian Constitution. Highlighting that no religious doctrine advocates for activities that compromise public health, the Court questioned the lack of effective enforcement of the firecracker ban in the capital. Supreme Court’s Emphasis on Public Health Over Festive Pollution A bench led by Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih reiterated that every citizen has a fundamental right to health and a clean environment, which cannot be compromised by pollution-causing festivities. “No religion encourages any activity that creates pollution or harms health,” remarked the bench, stressing that pollution affects every...