LEGAL NEWS
Supreme Court (SC) highlighted that Union has not implemented its Commitments to tackle Trafficking
• Supreme Court noted that the Union Government has not fulfilled key commitments from the Prajwala vs. Union of India (2015) case to curb human trafficking, especially sex trafficking.
• Government had promised to create an Organized Crime Investigative Agency (OCIA) and form a committee under the Ministry of Women & Child Development for a comprehensive trafficking legislation.
• The legislation was to focus on prevention, victim rescue, rehabilitation, and protection but has not been fully implemented.
• The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection, and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018 was introduced in Parliament but later lapsed due to inaction.
• NIA Act Amendment (2019): SC pointed out that while the 2019 amendment empowers NIA to investigate trafficking, it does not address the critical issues of victim protection and rehabilitation.
• Rising Trafficking Cases: Over 10,000 human trafficking cases were reported in India from 2018-2022 (National Crime Records Bureau).
• Sex Trafficking: Sex trafficking remains one of the most prevalent and profitable forms of human trafficking in India, ranking third after arms and drug trafficking.
• Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA): The ITPA, 1956, remains a key statutory tool to combat trafficking for prostitution and related crimes.
• Article 23 of the Indian Constitution prohibits trafficking in human beings, providing a legal safeguard.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs runs an anti-trafficking unit to assist states in enhancing law enforcement and trafficking responses.
• India has signed MoUs with countries like Bangladesh to combat trafficking and ratified the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNCTOC).
Supreme Court on Article 300A: Property Rights
• Article 300A Overview: Guarantees protection against property deprivation except by legal authority.
• The right to property was moved from a fundamental right (Articles 19, 31) to a constitutional right under Article 300A via the 44th Amendment (1978).
• Courts stress that property cannot be taken without due process of law, ensuring fairness.
• Arbitrary property demolitions are against Article 300A, requiring lawful procedures.
• Government actions must be proportionate, reasonable, and legally sound.
• Ensures transparency in administrative decisions, especially in urban development projects.
• Land Acquisition Act, 2013: Provides fair compensation and rehabilitation for acquired land, safeguarding citizens' rights.
• Principles of Natural Justice: Calls for transparency and fairness in decisions related to property rights.
• Current Challenges: Slum demolitions and urban evictions often lack adequate procedural safeguards, affecting vulnerable communities.
• Disputes over land compensation and delays in property-related cases contribute to a growing judicial backlog.
IMPORTANT DAYS
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas 2024 observed on15 November
• Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is observed on 15th November to honor tribal freedom fighters.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jamui, Bihar to mark the occasion.
• 150th Birth Anniversary: The day also kicks off the celebrations for Bhagwan Birsa Munda's 150th birth anniversary.
• Modi unveiled a coin and postal stamp dedicated to Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
• PM Modi inaugurated projects worth over ₹6,640 crore for tribal welfare and infrastructure development.
• Bhagwan Birsa Munda is revered as a deity by tribal communities across India.
• Birsa Munda fought valiantly against British colonial oppression.
• He led the tribal resistance movement against exploitative colonial practices.
STATE NEWS
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declared six police station areas in Manipur as "disturbed areas.
• Jurisdiction of six police stations in Manipur has been declared as “disturbed areas” by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• These areas are now governed under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958.
• Earlier, 19 police stations had been excluded from AFSPA, but six of them are now back under its jurisdiction.
• The decision follows recent attacks on civilians, which have escalated tensions.
• Over 230 people have died in violent clashes in Manipur over the past 18 months.
• AFSPA has been reimposed in police stations of Sekmai, Lamshang, Lamlai, Jiribam, Leimakhong, and Moirang.
• The AFSPA order will remain effective until March 31, 2025.
• Under AFSPA, armed forces gain special powers to search, arrest, and enforce law and order in "disturbed areas."
APPOINTMENTS
Arvinder Singh Sahney has been appointed Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation
• Arvinder Singh Sahney appointed as Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) effective November 13.
• Sahney succeeds V. Sathish Kumar, who held the additional charge after S.M. Vaidya’s tenure ended.
• Prior to this role, Sahney was the Petrochemical Vertical Head at National Oil Marketing Company.
• He brings over 30 years of experience in the refining and petrochemical industries.
• Sahney has worked across five of IOC’s nine refineries during his career.
• Indian Oil Corporation is a Maharatna PSU established in 1959.
• IOC is the largest commercial oil company in India, headquartered in New Delhi.
AWARDS
Winners of the 2024 SaMaPa awards have been announced.
• 2024 SaMaPa Awards winners announced, including Nityanand Haldipur, Shashi Vyas, Kamalini Dutt, Harish Tiwari, and Bashir Aarif.
• The awards will be presented at the 20th SaMaPa Sangeet Sammelan.
• The event will be held from November 22 to 24 at the Kamani Auditorium.
• SaMaPa Awards recognize individuals for their significant contributions to Indian art and culture.
• Shashi Vyas will receive the 'Kala Vardhan' Samman for his outstanding impact on the arts.
• Harish Tiwari is honored with the 'Sangeet Tejasvi' Samman for his work in Hindustani classical music.
• Nityanand Haldipur will be awarded the 'SaMaPa Vitasta' Samman for his lifelong dedication to Hindustani classical music.
SPORTS
Arshdeep Singh became India's second-highest wicket-taker in men's T20Is.
• Arshdeep Singh becomes India's second-highest wicket-taker in men's T20Is with 92 wickets in 59 innings.
• He maintains an economy rate of 8.34 in T20Is.
• Arshdeep is just four wickets short of Yuzvendra Chahal, the top wicket-taker for India in T20Is.
• He surpassed Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the third T20I against South Africa.
• Bumrah has taken 89 wickets from 69 innings at an economy rate of 6.27.
• Arshdeep’s milestone highlights his growing impact in India’s T20I bowling lineup.
NATIONAL NEWS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the first Bodoland Mahotsav in New Delhi.
• The first Bodoland Mahotsav inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 15 in New Delhi.
• The two-day festival focuses on language, literature, and culture to promote peace and foster a vibrant Bodo society.
• The Mahotsav aims to unite the Bodo people across Assam, West Bengal, Nepal, and Northeast border regions.
• Theme: "Peace and Harmony for Prosperous Bharat" highlights the cultural, educational, and linguistic richness of the Bodo and neighboring communities.
• Cultural Heritage: The event seeks to showcase Bodoland's cultural, linguistic, ecological, and tourism potential.
• The Mahotsav celebrates the progress and resilience since the Bodo Peace Accord of 2020.
• The Bodo Peace Accord ended decades of conflict, inspiring similar peace efforts in other regions.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024
• Guru Nanak Jayanti, or Gurupurab, was celebrated with religious fervour in India and across the world on November 15.
• It marks the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru.
• This year marks the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
• Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the founder of Sikhism and laid its spiritual foundation.
• He taught the mantra "Ek Onkar," emphasizing the equality of all human beings.
• Guru Nanak’s principles include "Naam Japo, Kirat Karo, and Vand Chhako" – focus on meditation, honest work, and sharing with others.
• Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 on the full moon day of Kartik, in Talwandi (now in Pakistan).
• The Guru Granth Sahib is the holy scripture of Sikhism, containing the teachings of Guru Nanak and other Gurus.
• Global Celebrations: Guru Nanak Jayanti, or Gurupurab, is celebrated with devotion by Sikhs worldwide.
