LEGAL NEWS

Government constitutes 23rd Law Commission for legal reforms

• President Droupadi Murmu has approved the formation of the 23rd Law Commission of India, which will operate from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2027.

• The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body established through a notification by the Government of India’s Ministry of Law & Justice (Arjun ram meghwal).

• The Commission is tasked with conducting legal research and providing recommendations to the government.

• Although the Commission’s recommendations are influential, they are not legally binding on the government.

• Historically, the first Law Commission was set up by the East India Company in 1833 under Lord Macaulay’s leadership, and it drafted key legal codes.

• During colonial rule, the initial Law Commission created the Penal Code in 1837, the Limitation Law in 1842, and the Scheme of Pleading and Procedure in 1848.

• Three additional Law Commissions were established before India gained independence.

• In independent India, the first Law Commission was established in 1955 with M.C. Setalvad as its chairman.

• The Law Commission’s primary role is to research legal issues and propose reforms based on its terms of reference.

IMPORTANT DAYS

National Nutrition Week in India observed from September 1 to September 7.

• National Nutrition Week in India is observed each year from September 1 to September 7.

• The theme for 2024’s National Nutrition Week is "Nutritious Diets for Everyone".

• This annual event aims to raise awareness about nutrition and promote healthier eating habits.

• The observance of National Nutrition Week began in India in 1982.

• The week-long celebration focuses on enhancing national health through education and awareness.

• The initiative underscores the importance of a balanced diet and its role in overall well-being.

STATE NEWS

Rajasthan government has approved 33 percent reservation for women in police force

• The Rajasthan government approved a 33% reservation for women in the police force by amending the State Police Subordinate Services Rules, 1989.

• This decision aims to increase the number of women in the police force and enhance sensitivity in handling cases related to women.

• The move is expected to create more employment opportunities for women in law enforcement.

• Historically, the representation of women in Indian police forces has been gradually improving.

• As of January 1, 2022, women comprised 11.7% of the total state police force.

• Police recruitment and gender balance improvements are primarily managed by State Governments and Union Territory Administrations.

• The Constitution of India under Article 15(3) allows for special provisions to be made for women and children.

• Article 16(2) supports equality of opportunity in public employment, reinforcing the importance of fair representation in the police force.

• The amendment reflects ongoing efforts to align with constitutional principles and enhance gender equity in law enforcement.

• The state government has also decided to add the names of especially abled children and siblings and the dependent parents in the pension payment order (PPO) of the government employees.

• The state government has also decided to amend Rules 67 and 87 of the Rajasthan Civil Services Pension Rules, 1996.

• The government also made an announcement of giving a 5 per cent additional allowance to pensioners of 70 to 75 years of age.

Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board host 2024 Swachh Vayu Diwas

• The 5th International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, known as Swach Vayu Diwas, was celebrated in Jaipur on 7 September 2024.

• The event coincided with the 4th meeting of the Apex Committee of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), chaired by Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav.

• The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies was established by a UN General Assembly resolution on 19 December 2019, with the first observance held on 7 September 2020.

• In India, this day is marked as Swach Vayu Diwas.

• The 2024 theme for Swach Vayu Diwas is “Invest in Clean Air Now.”

• The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board hosted this year's event in Jaipur, also known as the Pink City.

• The day is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting actions to improve air quality.

• The celebration aims to encourage investment and initiatives for cleaner air and better environmental health.

SPORTS

Sheetal and Rakesh create history by becoming Jammu and Kashmir's first Olympic medallists

• Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar won bronze in the mixed team compound archery event at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

• They are the first athletes from Jammu and Kashmir to achieve Olympic medals.

• Sheetal Devi scored 703 points, securing second place in the individual compound ranking round.

• Together, Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar set a new world record in mixed compound archery with a score of 1399.

• Sheetal Devi, born on January 10, 2007, in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, overcame a congenital condition called phocomelia to excel in archery.

• Despite her disability, Sheetal Devi learned to shoot arrows with her feet, gaining national and international recognition.

• The duo’s achievements mark a significant milestone for archery in their region.

Sharath and Manika to lead Indian team at Asian championships

• Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra will lead the Indian table tennis teams at the 27th Asian Table Tennis Championships.

• The event is scheduled to take place in Astana, Kazakhstan from October 7 to 13.

• Sharath Kamal will captain the Indian men's table tennis team, while Manika Batra will lead the women's team.

• The championships will showcase top players from across Asia.

• The Indian team has been selected by the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) for this prestigious tournament.

• The 27th Asian Table Tennis Championships will feature leading table tennis talents from the continent.

Preeti Pal and Harvinder Singh will be the country's flag bearers in the closing ceremony of the Paris Paralympic Games.

• Preeti Pal and Harvinder Singh will represent India as flag bearers at the closing ceremony of the Paris Paralympic Games.

• The announcement was made by Satya Prakash Sangwan, Chief de Mission of India's Paralympic team, on September 6.

• Harvinder Singh, a gold medal-winning archer, made history as the first Indian archer to win a Paralympic gold.

• Sprinter Preeti Pal is also a history-maker, being the first Indian woman to secure two Paralympic medals.

• Preeti Pal earned bronze in both the women’s T35 100m and 200m events.

• The Paris Paralympic Games, which started on August 28, are set to conclude on September 8.

• Harvinder Singh’s gold and Preeti Pal’s dual bronze medals highlight India’s significant achievements in the games.

• The closing ceremony will mark the end of a successful Paralympic campaign for India in Paris 2024.

Rahul Dravid to be appointed Rajasthan Royals head coach for IPL 2025

• Rahul Dravid will be the new head coach of Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2025.

• The former Team India captain and coach is set to join Rajasthan Royals next season.

• His tenure as the Indian cricket team coach is ending in June where he helped the Men in Blue win the 2024 T20 World Cup, their first ICC title since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

STATE NEWS

Himachal Assembly passes Bill barring MLAs disqualified under anti-defection law from pension

• The Himachal Pradesh Assembly has passed a bill to prevent disqualified members from receiving pensions.

• The new legislation is known as the Himachal Pradesh (Allowances and Pension of Members' (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

• This bill specifically targets six former Congress MLAs disqualified in February for defying party directives.

• The disqualification was due to their absence during crucial House discussions on cut motions and the budget.

• Himachal Pradesh is the first state to introduce such a bill affecting pensions under the Anti-Defection Act.

• The bill stipulates that individuals disqualified under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution will not receive pensions.

• This legislative move is a significant step in enforcing discipline and accountability among assembly members.

• The bill reflects a broader effort to address the consequences of defection and non-compliance with party whips.

MP Govt Unveils Brindavan Gram Scheme and Gita Bhavan Project

• The Madhya Pradesh government has introduced the 'Brindavan Gram' scheme to develop model villages focusing on cow conservation and rural progress.

• The initiative will establish cow shelters in each selected village.

• Under the Vrindavan Gram Yojana, one village per development block will be chosen for enhanced horticulture, medicinal farming, and increased milk production.

• The scheme will promote activities related to cow dung, including building cowsheds and encouraging sustainable practices.

• It will also support solar energy installations in all homes, community toilets, and sports grounds.

• The program will facilitate the collection of minor forest produce to support local economies.

• Geeta Bhawans will be set up in urban areas as ideological study centers, providing reading materials and fostering community engagement.

Star Health launched India’s first health insurance policy in Braille.

• Star Health and Allied Insurance has launched India's first health insurance policy in Braille.

• The policy aims to empower visually impaired individuals by providing them with accessible health insurance information.

• Designed for people with 40% or more disability, it addresses needs related to physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments.

• The initiative will also enable visually impaired individuals to work as health insurance agents.

• Training and up-skilling programs will support marginalized groups in becoming insurance agents and earning income from home.

• This new policy allows blind individuals to independently access and understand health insurance details.

• The Braille insurance policy was developed in collaboration with the National Association of the Blind (NAB).

• Star Health’s efforts include both providing accessible insurance and creating employment opportunities for the visually impaired.

Uttar Pradesh government bagged the "Top Achiever" status in two categories of BRAP 2022.

• Uttar Pradesh has earned the "Top Achiever" status in two business-centric and one citizen-centric category under BRAP 2022.

• This accolade highlights the state’s success in improving ease of doing business and reducing industrial bottlenecks.

• The reforms have streamlined administrative processes, facilitating easier business operations.

• Invest UP is the agency responsible for implementing the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) in Uttar Pradesh.

• A total of 352 reforms were recommended under BRAP 2022, all of which Uttar Pradesh has successfully implemented.

• Key reforms included enhancements in land administration and the transfer process.

• The state has digitized land records and established an online land allotment system.

• Uttar Pradesh has also simplified various laws and introduced online systems for license registration and renewal.

• These efforts reflect a significant improvement in the state's business environment and regulatory framework.

MISCELLANEOUS

10-day Onam festival started with Atham.

• The Onam festival commenced with the celebration of Atham, marking the start of the ten-day festivities.

• The festival at Thrikkakara Temple begins with a traditional ceremony called kodiyettam.

• The Athachamayam procession, featuring cultural displays and traditional art forms, took place in Thripunithura.

• Onam will culminate with the celebration of Thiruvonam.

• Key days in the Onam festival include Chithira, Chodi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, and Uthradom.

• Onam is celebrated throughout Kerala during the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam.

• The festival includes a series of cultural events and traditional activities leading up to the final day.

• The Atham celebration signifies the beginning of the vibrant and diverse Onam festivities in the region.