LEGAL NEWS

Supreme Court Reaffirms Judicial-Legislative Balance in Chhattisgarh SPO Case

• The Supreme Court of India recently ruled on a case involving the Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Forces Act, 2011.

• A contempt petition was filed, claiming the State violated the Court’s earlier directive on Special Police Officers (SPOs).

• The Court dismissed the petition, stating the law did not directly defy its 2011 ruling.

• This decision reinforces the balance between the judiciary’s authority and the legislative powers of the state.

• In July 2011, the Supreme Court ordered Chhattisgarh to halt the use of SPOs in anti-Maoist operations.

• The Court also directed the state to withdraw all firearms given to SPOs at that time.

• Additionally, it barred the Union government from funding the recruitment or deployment of SPOs.

• The Court had found that deploying undertrained and underpaid SPOs infringed upon Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.

• Article 14 ensures equality before the law, while Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.

• By dismissing the contempt plea, the Court acknowledged legislative discretion while maintaining its constitutional stance on fundamental rights.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Colombia and Uzbekistan Join Expanding Membership of New Development Bank

• Colombia and Uzbekistan have officially become members of the New Development Bank (NDB), raising its total membership to 11 nations.

• Founded in 2015 by BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—the NDB supports growth in developing economies.

• The institution focuses on funding sustainable infrastructure and development-oriented projects.

• During the 10th Board of Directors meeting, NDB President Dilma Rousseff reaffirmed the bank’s mission to empower the Global South.

• Rousseff stressed that science, technology, and innovation are vital for members to navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

• The NDB operates from its headquarters in Shanghai and continues to attract interest from emerging nations.

• Current member countries include Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Bangladesh, UAE, Egypt, Algeria, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

• To date, the bank has approved over 120 projects focused on sectors such as renewable energy, transport, sanitation, environmental protection, and digital infrastructure.

AWARDS

Veteran Scholar V. Vedachalam Honoured with Tamil Wikki Suran Award

• Celebrated epigraphist and archaeologist V. Vedachalam received the Tamil Wikki Suran Award, marking his 51st year in the field.

• At 75, Vedachalam expressed heartfelt thanks for the recognition of his lifelong contributions to archaeology and epigraphy.

• His archaeological journey began at Karur, the Chera Kingdom’s capital, where he helped reveal parts of an ancient fort wall.

• With academic roots in Tamil literature and archaeology, he dedicated his career to studying inscriptions and ancient sites.

• One of his most notable discoveries was a 2,000-year-old inscription on a ledge ceiling at Vikramangalam.

• Vedachalam was also among the earliest experts to recognize the significance of the Keeladi excavation site.

• He has authored 25 books and explored numerous heritage locations across India and internationally.

• His dual expertise as an epigraphist and archaeologist has greatly enriched the understanding of South Indian history and culture.

PM Modi Honoured with Brazil’s Highest Civilian Award for Strengthening Ties

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, Brazil’s highest civilian honour.

• The award was presented by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in recognition of Modi’s efforts to deepen India-Brazil relations.

• This marks PM Modi’s 26th international award from a foreign government since assuming office in May 2014.

• During his visit to Brasília, PM Modi outlined a target to increase India-Brazil trade to $20 billion within five years, up from $12.2 billion.

• The two countries agreed to broaden the Mercosur trade pact, enhancing market access and including more goods.

• PM Modi proposed introducing India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system in Brazil to promote digital cooperation.

• Key sectors identified for collaboration include agriculture, food processing, digital infrastructure, and space technology.

• The visit and honour reflect growing strategic and economic engagement between India and Latin America’s largest economy.

STATE NEWS

Haryana to Build Asia’s Largest Jungle Safari in Aravalli Hills

• Haryana is planning Asia’s biggest jungle safari, covering nearly 10,000 acres in the Aravalli Hills.

• The project is designed to promote eco-tourism while prioritizing wildlife conservation and biodiversity.

• It will feature diverse flora and fauna, with smart technologies enhancing visitor experience and conservation efforts.

• Eco-friendly practices will be integrated, making sustainability a core focus of the safari’s development.

• The initiative is expected to generate employment for local communities in tourism, hospitality, and allied sectors.

• Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, along with Union Minister Manohar Lal and Rao Narbir Singh, visited Gujarat’s Vantara for inspiration.

• Haryana’s Forest and Environment Department will spearhead the project, in collaboration with the Tourism Department.

• The safari is expected to draw both domestic and international tourists, positioning Haryana as a hub for sustainable tourism in India.