Category: Featured Editorials

Context: AFSPA revoked in Meghalaya and restricted in parts of Arunachal Pradesh after 27 years. What is AFSPA? 1)The AFSPA gives power to army and central forces deployed in “disturbed areas” to kill anyone acting in contravention of law, arrest and search any premises without a warrant and provide cover to forces from prosecution and… Continue reading Armed Forces Special Powers Act: Revoked in Meghalaya.

Context: The significant move came amid the nationwide outrage over the series of incidents of sexual assault of minor girls, like the one in Kathua. What is an ordinance? 1) Article 123 of the Constitution deals with the ordinance making power of the President. 2) It is a device to be used in when the… Continue reading Ordinance passed for providing death penalty for rape of children below 12 years

Context: Group of Opposition MPs have submitted a notice for Chief Justice Dipak Mishra’s impeachment to the Rajya Sabha Chairman. Significance: It is the first time a sitting Chief Justice will face an impeachment notice in India’s constitutional history. Present Status of the impeachment motion: The law does not require the CJI to withdraw from… Continue reading Impeachment of CJI:

Context: Recently the Supreme Court observed that  Public Interest Litigation(PIL) has become an “industry of vested interests” rather than a powerful tool to espouse the cause of the marginalised and oppressed. What is a Public Interest Litigation? 1) Public Interest Litigation (PIL), means a legal action initiated in a court of law for the enforcement… Continue reading Misuse of Public Interest Litigations

Context: A 10-step guidance to increase support for breastfeeding in health facilities has been recently released. Background: 12th, April, 2018: The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF issued new ten-step guidance to increase support for breastfeeding in health facilities that provide maternity and newborn services. 1991: The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding strengthens the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative… Continue reading WHO and UNICEF issues new global guidance to promote breastfeeding in health facilities

Context: A draft of the National Forest Policy (NFP), 2018 has been recently released. Background: 1952: First National Forest Policy of independent India took effect. 2018: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released a draft National Forest Policy, 2018. Environment ministry has sought comments and suggestions from all stakeholders by 14 April, 2018. Once finalized,… Continue reading Draft National Forest Policy (NFP), 2018: An Overview

Context: The India State of Forest Report (ISFR), 2017 has been recently released. Background: 12th February, 2018: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has released the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), 2017 and it is 15thsuch report in the series. Know more about Forest Survey of India  The spatial information given in… Continue reading India State of Forest Report (ISFR): an overview

Context: Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli had recently paid a three-day visit to India. Background: 6th April, 2018: Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli arrived in India on a three-day visit from 6th to 8th Significance of the visit: Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s visit is in line with the tradition of a Nepalese premier visiting India… Continue reading Prime Minister of Nepal’s visit to India: significant and fruitful

Context: A new amendment Bill for Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 has been recently approved by the Union Cabinet.  Background: 28th January, 1993: The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 was enforced. Please note: Human rights are standards that allow all people to live with: Dignity, Freedom, Equality, and Justice. 12th October, 1993: The National… Continue reading Protection of Human Rights (Amendments) Bill, 2018