BOOKS AND AUTHORS

Sam Pitroda’s New Book ‘The Idea of Democracy

• Prominent author Sam Pitroda has penned a new book titled "The Idea of Democracy," delving into the contemporary landscape of democracy and its potential hurdles in nations like India and the United States.

• The book launch saw the presence of Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal and other distinguished figures from the literary realm.

• Pitroda's work navigates the paradox of democratic achievement juxtaposed with its dwindling liberalism.

• It offers a comprehensive examination of democracy's essence, its mechanisms, the fundamental values it must embody, and the influences and safeguards crucial for upholding liberal democracy.

• The objective of the book is to initiate dialogues, especially among the younger generation, regarding the significance of democracy and the role they can undertake in ensuring its sustenance and flourishing in the forthcoming era.

LAW AND AMENDMENTS

The line between ‘judicial activism’ and ‘judicial overreach’ highlighted by former CJI Ranjan Gogoi

• Former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi underscored the distinction between 'judicial activism' and 'judicial overreach' during his keynote address on the 76th Foundation Day of the Gauhati High Court.

• He emphasized the judiciary's duty to discern when to act as a catalyst for change and when to uphold the status quo.

• Gogoi highlighted the necessity for judicial systems to evolve with the evolving times, a trend recognized globally. He elucidated that while judicial activism serves as a peacemaker, judicial overreach acts as a trespasser.

• The former CJI cautioned that while 'bold' judicial activism may intend well, it carries the risk of unintended consequences, potentially complicating legal certainty.

• Gogoi noted the transformative impact of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the legal landscape, converting the judiciary from a passive dispute resolver into an active agent for societal transformation. However, he acknowledged PIL as a double-edged sword.

• On one hand, PIL has catalyzed historic advancements in areas such as environmental conservation, human rights, and governmental accountability. On the other hand, the broad scope of PIL can sometimes be perceived as judicial overreach, encroaching on realms traditionally within the purview of the legislative and executive branches and undermining political morality.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Health Day 2024 celebrated on April 4

• Each year, on April 7th, the world commemorates World Health Day, marking the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO).

• In 2024, the theme is "My Health, My Right,".

• This theme spotlighting the inherent human entitlement to high-quality healthcare, education, and access to information.

APPOINTMENTS

Love Kumar (IPS) appointed as Inspector General in SPG

• Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Love Kumar has been appointed as the Inspector General (IG) in the Special Protection Group (SPG) for a period of two yyears.

• In according to an official notification issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

• Ine Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved this proposal from the Office of the Secretary (Security), Cabinet Secretaria.

Peter Pellegrini is the winner of presidential elections in Slovakia.

• Peter Pellegrini defeated opposition candidate Ivan Korcok.

• Peter Pellegrini is a close ally of Prime Minister Robert Fico.

• While Peter Pellegrini got 53% of the vote, Korcok received 47% votes.

• Peter Pellegrini currently serves as Parliament speaker.

• In September 2023, parliamentary elections were won by Fico’s leftist Smer (Direction) party.

• Peter Pellegrini will succeed Zuzana Čaputová, who announced she would not seek re-election.

• In Slovakia, President chooses the Prime Minister after parliamentary elections.

• President swears in the new government and appoints Constitutional Court judges.

• Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe.

• Poland borders it to the north and Ukraine borders it to the east.

• Hungary borders it to the south, Austria borders it to the west and Czech Republic borders it to the North West.

• Its capital is Bratislava and type of government is unitary parliamentary republic.

AWARDS

Miraj’s Sitars and Tanpuras Awarded Geographical Indication Tags

• The small town of Miraj in Maharashtra’s Sangli district is known for its craftsmanship in making musical instruments, particularly sitars and tanpuras.

• These instruments have now been awarded the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tags, recognizing their unique origin and quality

• The GI tag denotes the product comes from a particular geographical area, and often enhances its commercial value.

• The tradition of making sitars and tanpuras in Miraj goes back more than 300 years, with over seven generations of craftsmen having worked towards making these string instruments.