IMPORTANT DAYS
National Youth Day 2025 observed on January 12.
• National Youth Day is observed annually on January 12 to honour the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
• The day is also known as Rashtriya Yuva Diwas, celebrated since 1985.
• The Government of India officially declared January 12 as National Youth Day in 1984.
• Swami Vivekananda, born on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata, was a renowned philosopher and spiritual leader.
• He founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897, inspired by his guru Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
• Vivekananda passed away at the age of 39 in 1902.
• On January 11, 2025, the Viksit Bharat Young Leader’s Dialogue and National Youth Festival were inaugurated by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
• Over 3,000 young leaders from across India participated in discussions and creative events at Bharat Mandapam.
LEGAL NEWS
Section 152 of BNS should not become a proxy for sedition
• The Rajasthan High Court’s recent judgment in Tejender Pal Singh v. State of Rajasthan (2024) emphasized worries about the potential abuse of Section 152 of the BNS to stifle lawful dissent and its potential abuse as a substitute for sedition laws. Although Section 152 does not explicitly reference sedition, its broad and vague language could be interpreted in a way that criminalizes legitimate dissent, much like the now-controversial Section 124A (sedition) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860.
• Section 152 (BNS) criminalizes acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, including inciting rebellion or promoting separatism. While it does not explicitly use the term “sedition,” it covers similar ground with broader language. This section 152 increases the potential penalty to life imprisonment or up to seven years, along with a mandatory fine, making it potentially more stringent.
• Section 124A (IPC) specifically criminalizes acts that bring hatred or contempt towards the government, termed as sedition. It focuses on inciting disaffection against the government. It prescribes a punishment of life imprisonment or a minimum of three years in prison, along with a possible fine.
• Case Overview and Court's Observations:
✓ In this case, a Sikh preacher, Tejender Pal Singh, sought to quash an FIR filed against him after posting a Facebook video in which he expressed sympathy for the pro-Khalistani leader, Amritpal Singh. The charges against him were under Sections 152 and 197 of the BNS.
✓ The Court noted that Section 152 of the BNS is similar to Section 124A of the IPC, which historically dealt with sedition, and emphasized the need for careful application to ensure it does not infringe upon freedom of speech and expression. It clarified that for Section 152 to apply, there must be a clear and direct connection between the speech and a potential threat to national security, and it should be used as a "shield" to protect national security, not as a "sword" to suppress dissent.
✓ Regarding Section 197 of the BNS, the Court explained that mere critical expression, if it does not incite violence or hatred, should not fall under its ambit. In this case, the Court reviewed the video and concluded that while the language used in the Punjabi video might be direct and could be perceived as offensive, there was no malicious intent behind it. The video’s message centered around equality and unity among Indian citizens and did not promote rebellion or separatism.
✓ As a result, the Court quashed the FIR, ruling that no offense under either Section 152 or Section 197 of the BNS had been committed by the petitioner. This judgment is significant in emphasizing the protection of free speech while cautioning against overreach in the application of laws like Section 152.
• The Supreme Court should set precise guidelines for applying Section 152 to ensure a balance between protecting national security and safeguarding freedom of speech, as done in past landmark cases such as Balwant Singh v. State of Punjab (1995), Kedar Nath Singh v. State of Bihar (1962), and Javed Ahmad Hazam v. State of Maharashtra (2024) highlights the importance of establishing a causal link between speech and its consequences. Enforcement authorities should be required to demonstrate a direct and significant link between the speech and its impact, with courts actively monitoring cases to prevent misuse of the law against legitimate dissent.
• The Supreme Court should establish clear guidelines defining the terms in Section 152 to prevent abuse, as it did in D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal.
NATIONAL NEWS
Maha Kumbh Mela started on 13 January in Prayagraj with Amrit Snan.
• Maha Kumbh Mela began on January 13 in Prayagraj with the sacred Amrit Snan.
• The Mela started on the day of Paush Poornima and is considered the largest spiritual and cultural gathering globally.
• Millions of pilgrims and tourists visit Triveni Sangam to take ritual dips in the holy waters.
• Triveni Sangam is the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
• Devotees will also observe the ancient Kalpvas tradition, in addition to the ritual bath.
• Kalpvas lasts for a month, ending on Magh Poornima, and is rooted in ancient beliefs.
• Maha Kumbh Mela will run until Mahashivaratri on February 26.
• This year’s Kumbh Mela is significant due to a rare celestial alignment, occurring once every 144 years.
• Kalpvas, mentioned in the Mahabharata, is a month-long spiritual practice observed during the Mela.
India joined the UN committee on big data for official statistics.
• India has become a member of the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD).
• The committee examines how Big Data can support monitoring and reporting on sustainable development goals.
• India will help shape global standards for utilizing Big Data and data science in official statistics.
• Big Data and advanced analytics are expected to transform how official statistics are produced and shared.
• India plans to modernize its statistical systems by integrating new data sources.
• These sources include IoT, satellite imagery, and private sector data.
• This collaboration aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of official statistical data.
APPOINTMENTS
Devajit Saikia and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia elected unopposed as secretary and treasurer, respectively, of BCCI.
• Devajit Saikia and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia were elected unopposed as secretary and treasurer of BCCI.
• Saikia, the current joint-secretary, was the sole candidate for secretary, while Bhatia, a former councilor, was the only candidate for treasurer.
• The election officer, A.K. Joti, officially appointed them during the Special General Meeting on January 12, 2025.
• Elections were necessary after Jay Shah and Ashish Shelar vacated their positions.
• Jay Shah resigned on November 30, prior to assuming the role of ICC chair on December 1.
• Ashish Shelar stepped down after becoming a Minister in Maharashtra’s cabinet last month.
• The appointments follow the vacancies created by their resignations and the need for new office-bearers.
President Zoran Milanovic of Croatia re-elected for a five year term
• Zoran Milanovic has been reelected as President of Croatia for a five-year term.
• He secured over 74% of the vote in the run-off election, according to the State Electoral Commission.
• Milanovic first became President of Croatia in 2020.
• He is supported by the opposition Social Democratic Party.
• Milanovic is known for his criticism of the European Union and NATO, despite Croatia being a member of both.
• His opponent views him as pro-Russian, a claim Milanovic denies.
• Milanovic has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• He has also criticized the military support provided by Western countries to Ukraine.
STATE NEWS
Madhya Pradesh CM launches Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission
• On 12th January 2025, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav launched the Swami Vivekanand Yuva Shakti Mission in Bhopal.
• The mission was launched on National Youth Day, celebrated annually on Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary since 1985.
• CM Yadav also inaugurated the world’s largest 3-D rangoli at Shaurya Smarak, Bhopal, featuring Swami Vivekananda.
• The mission aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s GYAN principle, focusing on the Poor, Youth, Farmers, and Women.
• The initiative is inspired by the teachings and principles of Swami Vivekananda.
• CM Yadav introduced the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission Portal during the event.
• The portal will provide essential information related to the mission for public access.
• A theme song for the mission was also launched alongside the portal.
• The mission aims to empower youth and encourage their participation in social and national development.
SPORTS
The first edition of the Kho Kho World Cup starts in New Delhi
• The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup began on 13th January 2025 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.
• Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India, inaugurated the event.
• The World Cup is organized by the Kho Kho Federation of India with support from the Indian Olympic Association.
• The tournament will take place from 13th to 19th January 2025 in New Delhi.
• Each team consists of 12 players, with 9 players participating in each match.
• The competition features 20 men's teams and 19 women's teams from various countries.
• The teams are divided into four groups for the tournament.
• The Indian men's team, led by Pratik Waikar, and the women's team, captained by Priyanka Ingle, represent India.