LEGAL NEWS

Calcutta High Court Orders Resumption of MGNREGA in West Bengal

• In a landmark ruling, the Calcutta High Court has directed the Centre to restart MGNREGA operations in West Bengal from August 1, 2025.

• The scheme was suspended in March 2022 due to alleged irregularities and violations of central norms under Section 27 of the Act.

• The Division Bench, led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, asserted that no central welfare scheme should be stalled indefinitely.

• The court clarified that ongoing investigations into previous mismanagement should not obstruct the public’s right to livelihood.

• The revival of MGNREGA is expected to restore job opportunities for over 25 million rural workers in the state.

• This decision is being hailed as a major civil rights victory and a critical move toward economic and social justice.

• The judgment underlines the importance of separating past lapses from future entitlements and responsibilities.

• Legal and social advocates have welcomed the ruling as a turning point for transparency and accountability in welfare schemes.

• The court’s stance reinforces the principle that public interest and livelihood rights must remain central to welfare governance.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Refugee Day 2025 observed on June 20

• World Refugee Day observed every year on June 20, World Refugee Day acknowledges the courage and perseverance of refugees worldwide.

• The 2025 theme, “Solidarity with refugees”, focuses on fostering unity and standing with displaced communities globally.

• The observance began in 2001 to mark 50 years of the 1951 Refugee Convention, a key document safeguarding refugee rights.

• Initially recognized as Africa Refugee Day, it gained international status in 2000 when the UN General Assembly adopted it as World Refugee Day.

• India has not signed the 1951 Convention or its 1967 Protocol and currently does not have a national legal framework for refugee protection.

• On this occasion, the World Health Organization (WHO) renewed its commitment to assisting over 123 million forcibly displaced individuals around the world.

• WHO emphasized that healthcare access is a fundamental human right, essential for refugee dignity, protection, and social inclusion.

• The day also acts as a global platform to increase awareness, support advocacy, and build empathy for people forced to flee their homes.

AWARDS

Ram Bahadur Rai Receives Padma Bhushan for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism

• Renowned journalist Ram Bahadur Rai was honoured with the Padma Bhushan at a special ceremony held at the IGNCA office, as he couldn’t attend the official function at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

• The award was handed over by Shri Satpal Chauhan, Director General of the Ministry of Home Affairs, on behalf of the Government of India.

• The accolade consisted of a signed citation from the President of India and the official Padma Bhushan medal.

• Shri Rai was praised for his role as an intellectual leader and guiding force in Indian journalism, inspiring generations of media professionals.

• He currently leads as the Chairman of the IGNCA Trust and also serves as the Chancellor of SGT University in Gurugram.

• With more than 40 years of experience in the field, Rai has significantly influenced India’s cultural and journalistic landscape.

• His career began with Hindustan Samachar, and he later took on prominent editorial roles at Jansatta, Navbharat Times, and other influential publications.

• Rai’s lifelong dedication reflects his mission to revive and strengthen India’s intellectual tradition through meaningful journalism.

Animated Film ‘Desi Oon’ Gains Global Acclaim for Indian Animation

• Desi Oon, directed by Suresh Eriyat, won the Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Festival in France.

• The film also bagged the Best Film award at WAVES 2025, a top Indian festival for animation and design held in Mumbai.

• Desi Oon has been shortlisted at Cannes Lions 2025 in the Film Craft Lions category, bringing further international attention.

• Director Suresh Eriyat credited the WAVES win for energizing the Create in India movement in the creative industries.

• WAVES 2025 forms a part of the broader Create in India initiative, spotlighting excellence in animation and digital design.

• The Create in India Challenge, launched by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, aims to identify and showcase top Indian creative talent.

• The film’s global success marks a breakthrough moment for Indian animation on the international stage.

• Recognition at Cannes and Annecy demonstrates the growing appeal of Indian storytelling and design in global media spaces.

• Desi Oon stands as a strong example of how Indian content can thrive under platforms promoting innovation and cultural expression.

NATIONAL NEWS

India Holds First National Consultation on Gender Budgeting

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development hosted the first-ever National Consultation on Gender Budgeting on June 19 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

• The event brought together officials from 40 central ministries, 19 states, and representatives from UN Women and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

• Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi launched the Gender Budgeting Knowledge Hub, a new digital platform to support stakeholders at both central and state levels.

• The consultation aimed to strengthen gender budgeting efforts, share innovations, and encourage cross-sectoral learning.

• For FY 2025–26, the gender budget allocation stands at ₹4.49 lakh crore, marking a 37% increase from the previous year.

• This surge reflects a deepening commitment to gender equality through targeted public finance and inclusive policymaking.

• The event also reviewed 20 years of gender budgeting in India, highlighting achievements and identifying ongoing challenges.

• A draft Training Manual on Gender Budgeting was presented as a key resource for building capacity and promoting practical understanding of gender-focused financial planning.

INDEX AND RANKING

India Drops to 71st Rank in Energy Transition Index 2025

• India ranked 71st in the 2025 Energy Transition Index, falling from 63rd place in the previous year.

• Sweden secured the top spot, followed by Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Switzerland in the global top five.

• Despite the decline, India showed strong progress in energy efficiency, regulatory improvements, and clean energy investments.

• Among major economies, India and China led in advancing energy access and transition readiness.

• The report highlighted India's gains in reducing energy intensity, lowering methane emissions, and drawing increased investments in renewables.

• China ranked 12th, the US 17th, while Pakistan stood at 101st among the 118 countries assessed.

• The Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2025 report, developed with Accenture, evaluated countries on five readiness pillars: political will, finance, innovation, infrastructure, and human capital.

• Global clean energy investment hit USD 2 trillion in 2024, yet emissions rose to a record 37.8 billion tonnes, driven by growing energy demand from AI, data centers, electrification, and cooling needs.