LEGAL NEWS

Supreme Court Broadens Public Trust Doctrine to Include Artificial Lakes

• The Supreme Court, in the Swacch Association v. State of Maharashtra (2025) case, expanded the Public Trust Doctrine to safeguard artificial waterbodies, including Nagpur’s historic Futala Lake.

• The doctrine treats the government as a trustee of natural and cultural resources, ensuring they are preserved for public benefit and sustainable use.

• It aims to uphold intergenerational equity, ensuring that environmental resources remain protected for future generations.

• Originating in Roman law and developed under English Common Law, the doctrine became part of Indian jurisprudence through judicial interpretation.

• The principle gained formal recognition in M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath (1997), where leasing forest land for private gain was deemed a breach of public trust.

• It draws constitutional strength from Article 21 (Right to Life) and Article 48A (State’s duty to protect the environment).

• Over time, courts expanded its scope—covering urban parks (M.I. Builders, 1999), lakes (Intellectuals Forum, 2006), and coastal areas (Fomento Resorts, 2009).

• The recent judgment emphasised that artificial lakes, too, possess ecological and cultural value, making their protection a constitutional and moral obligation.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Slovenia’s Bled Named Among Best Tourism Villages 2025

• The UN Tourism agency selected Bled, Slovenia, as one of the Best Tourism Villages 2025 for its sustainable and inclusive tourism practices.

• Bled gained global recognition for maintaining its natural charm—featuring the iconic lake, island church, and medieval castle.

• The town’s model focuses on eco-friendly tourism that benefits the local community while preserving cultural heritage.

• With this honor, Bled became Slovenia’s fourth village to receive the award, joining Solcava, Radovljica, and Bohinj.

• The award ceremony was held in Huzhou, China, celebrating 52 selected villages from 65 countries.

• Bled’s approach balances heritage protection and modern tourism, encouraging responsible and mindful travel.

• The UN initiative behind the recognition aims to revive rural areas through tourism that boosts local economies and safeguards cultural identity.

Ayodhya’s Deepotsav Sets New Guinness World Record

• Uttar Pradesh created a Guinness World Record by illuminating over 26.17 lakh earthen lamps across 56 ghats in Ayodhya during the 9th Deepotsav.

• The main celebration at Ram Ki Paidi showcased Ayodhya’s devotion and festive spirit through a spectacular sea of glowing diyas.

• A grand Maha Aarti by 2,128 Vedic scholars filled the air with sacred chants along the Saryu River, marking a spiritual highlight.

• CM Yogi Adityanath described the lighting of diyas as a symbol of faith’s victory over darkness after centuries.

• Extending the celebration statewide, over 1.51 crore diyas were lit across Uttar Pradesh, spreading the message of light and harmony.

• A captivating laser and drone show narrated the Ramayana’s story, adding a modern touch to the traditional event.

• Around 1,100 Indian-made drones created mesmerizing visuals in the night sky, blending technology with tradition.

SPORTS

Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana Win ICC Player of the Month Awards – September 2025

• Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana were honoured as the ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for September 2025 for their stellar international performances.

• Abhishek shone in the Asia Cup T20I, amassing 314 runs in seven matches at an average of 44.85 and an explosive 200 strike rate.

• His form earned him the Player of the Tournament title and a career-best 931 ICC T20I batting rating points, a record high post–Super Fours.

• He edged past Kuldeep Yadav and Brian Bennett to clinch the men’s honour.

• Meanwhile, Smriti Mandhana dominated the home ODI series against Australia, scoring 58, 117, and 125 in consecutive games.

• Mandhana’s 308 runs in four ODIs with a 77 average and a 135.68 strike rate included a record-breaking 50-ball century in the third ODI.

• She surpassed Tazmin Brits and Sidra Amin to win the women’s award, continuing ICC’s Player of the Month initiative, started in January 2021 to honour global cricket excellence.

India Creates History with AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualification

• India qualified for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 for the first time through competition, marking a historic milestone.

• The team defeated Uzbekistan 2–1 in Bishkek, winning both group matches and topping Group G to seal their spot.

• The tournament will be hosted by China in 2026, featuring Asia’s best young women footballers.

• India’s last participation came in 2005, when teams entered without a qualification phase.

• This achievement highlights major progress in Indian women’s football, reflecting years of steady development.

• With this, India’s U-17, U-20, and senior women’s teams have all earned spots in their respective AFC Asian Cups.

• The AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup, a biennial championship organized by the Asian Football Confederation, serves as a key platform for emerging talent.