Syllabus: GS-II

Subject: Judiciary and Tribunals

Topic: Judicial activism and PIL

Issue: PIL

Context: A PIL was filed by two Rohingya refugees before the Delhi High Court, flagging the “hate campaigns” on social media,referring to Rohingyas as “terrorists” and “infiltrators”.

Public Interest Litigation(PIL):

• The concept of PIL was designed to provide legal representation to previously unrepresented groups and interests.
• In India, Justice P.N.Bhagwati and Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer introduced the concept of PIL and hence referred to as pioneers of judicial activism.
• Relaxation of the traditional rule of ‘locus standi’(only that person whose rights are infringed alone can move the court for remedies).

Who can file a PIL?

• Individuals: Any Indian citizen or any public-spirited person including non-citizens residing in India with a genuine concern for public welfare can file a PIL.
• Organisations: Social organisations like NGOs, Trade unions and Public bodies including universities, hospitals can file PILs.

Landmark PIL case laws:

1. Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985)- Supreme Court recognized the right to life with dignity for slum dwellers and ordered the government to provide them with basic amenities.

2.   Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan(1997) – The Supreme Court issued guidelines to prevent sexual harassment at workplaces.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-II

Subject: Judiciary and Tribunals

Topic: Independence of Judiciary

Issue: Supreme Court-Diamond Jubilee

Context: The Supreme Court celebrated its Diamond Jubilee this year-75 years since the first sitting on January 28, 1950.

Supreme Court of India:

History:

• Regulating Act of 1773,provided for the establishment of a Supreme Court at Calcutta.
• Government of India Act 1935 provided for the establishment of a Federal Court, set up in 1937.
• Article 124 provided for the establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court.

Three principles which are the foundation for the Supreme Court according to the first CJI H.J.Kania(Mains)

1. Independence of judiciary
2. The interpretation of the Constitution not as a rigid body of rules but as a living organism.
3. To secure and retain the respect of citizens for the Supreme Court.

Criticism of being a “Polyvocal court”

• A polyvocal court is where different judges can express diverse and sometimes conflicting opinions on legal matters.
• Criticised as it leads to confusion and uncertainty.
• However, CJI Chandrachud says polyvocality is a strength , as it brings together diversity and respect of inclusion, resulting in a synthesis of ideas.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus:GS-III

Subject: Defence Technologies

Topic: Submarines – concept, types and projects

Issue: P-75I Submarines

Context: Germany has presented a proposal for sale of six advanced conventional submarines to India for the Navy’s P-75I procurement programme.

Project-75 (India) / P-75I

• It is a military acquisition initiative by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to procure six diesel-electric submarines for the Indian Navy.
• The deal is being progressed under the ‘strategic partnership’ where local manufacturers are to partner with foreign submarine manufacturers under a technology transfer.
• It is a follow-up to Project 75(Kalvari-class submarines) and improves upon its design and technology.
• Ships of Kalvari class(Prelims) – Kalvari,Khanderi,Karanj,Vela,Vagir,Vagsheer.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-III

Subject: Space Technology

Topic: Recent space missions

Context: ISRO to launch INSAT-3DS satellite soon.

Issue: INSAT series satellites

INSAT-3DS:

• It is an exclusive meteorological satellite for enhanced meteorological observations and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning.
• It provides continuity of services to the existing in-orbit INSAT-3D and 3DR satellites with enhanced capabilities.

Indian National Satellite System(INSAT) series

• It is a series of multipurpose geostationary satellites launched by ISRO to satisfy telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, and search and rescue operations.

Source: The Hindu

Take Away Notes:

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-III

Subject: Science & Technology (T)

Topic: Emerging Technologies

Context: Kakinada terminal will be India’s first, and possibly the world’s second, GBS LNG terminal, offering round-the-year operations.

GBS –Understanding Terminology

• GBS is described as a concrete structure with a ballast section at the bottom, which, when filled with gravel, makes the structure heavy enough to sink and sit on the seabed.
• GBS units rely on gravity for stability rather than being bolted or held by cables.

Advantages of GBS units:

• Safer working environment due to stability in sea wave volatility.
• No additional pressure on ports as it has an offshore landfall point.
• Longer economic life and potential relocation to new markets if needed.
• Attractive proposition for international financiers due to longer asset life and flexibility.

Comparison with other LNG terminals:

• GBS units are estimated to have lower project costs compared to floating storage regasification units (FSRUs), and land-based terminals due to fewer overheads like breakwater construction and ongoing dredging expenses.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus: GS-III

Subject: Financial Markets

Topic: Financial Institutions, organizations and committees.

Synopsis:

• Executive Directors (EDs) will replace General Managers and Directors (GMDs).
• The new ED structure mirrors that of PSU banks.
• The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) will select E.Ds.

Institution in News (Prelims):

Source: Indian Express