LEGAL NEWS:

Supreme Court expressed disappointment at inadequate implementation of Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016 across states

 RPwd Act was enacted to give effect to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

 Act covers 21 disabilities including physical and intellectual disabilities, mental illness, blood disorders, neurological conditions etc.

 It was said by the apex court that:

• All states should fulfil their obligations under RPwD act at the earliest including appointing state commissioners, creation of state funds etc.

• State governments should frame appropriate rules for functioning of authorities under RPwD act.

• MoSJ&E should establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms ensuring better compliance and implementation of the Act.

Denying Women Child Care Leave (CCL) is violation of Constitution:

 Supreme Court observed that where the state is the employer of a working mother, it cannot be ignorant of her responsibilities at home while serving the state.

 It said that Participation of women in workforce is a constitutional entitlement protected by Article 15 of the Constitution.

 It further directed the government of Himachal Pradesh to review its policies on CCL concerning working mothers, especially mothers of children with special needs.

Supreme Court asked the Government to act on Fast-Moving Consumer Goods firms using misleading advertisements:

 SC issued Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements and requested Union Ministries to detail the actions taken to combat deceptive advertising practices, which negatively impact public lives.

 Misleading advertising is an advertisement which gives a consumer an incorrect understanding of the product or service.

 Under Consumer Protection Act 2019, an advertisementis misleading if it, Falsely describes a product/service, Gives a false guarantee to nature, quantity or quality of product/service, Represents unfair trade practice, or Deliberately conceals important information.

IMPORTANT DAYS

National Panchayati Raj Day 2024

 It is celebrated to commemorate the historic day when the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act came into force in 1993.

 This introduced three-tier system of local governance in India, with Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) at the village, block, and district levels.

 This day showcases the success stories of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in various aspects like education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and rural livelihood creation.

 It empowers villagers by providing them with a platform to voice their concerns, needs, and aspirations directly to their elected representatives.

 This day motivates to actively work towards addressing local challenges like poverty, sanitation, and environmental degradation.

World Immunization Week 2024 (24-30 April)

 The day also aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease.

 The global immunization community celebrates the lifesaving power of vaccines.

 The 2024 theme, Humanly Possible, celebrates 50 years of the World Health Organization’s Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI).

International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace

 Every year on April 24th, the world observes the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace.

 This significant occasion seeks to reaffirm the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, particularly the commitment to resolving disputes among nations through peaceful means.

NATIONAL & STATES AFFAIRS

India’s Largest Climate Clock Unveiled at CSIR HQ for Earth Day Celebration:

 This initiative underscores CSIR’s commitment to raising awareness about climate change and its adverse impacts.

 In celebration of Earth Day, the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) recently unveiled India’s largest Climate Clock at its headquarters in New Delhi.

India’s Gita Sabharwal Appointed as UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia

 The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has appointed Gita Sabharwal of India as the new UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia.

 He assumed her post is bringing with her nearly three decades of experience in development, supporting climate transition, sustainable peace, governance, and social policy, while leveraging digital technology and data to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UNFPA Report Highlights on India’s Population

 India maintains its status as the most populous country globally, its population to double in 77 years.

 Title of the report was “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope,”

 It also emphasis the urgency of addressing issues related to sexual and reproductive health and rights to mitigate inequalities.

A book was released by Goa Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai.

 The titled of the book was ‘Heavenly Islands of Goa’.

 It provides a mission to unveil the state’s rich natural heritage.

Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) scheme

 The Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) is a scheme under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India. Under the new umbrella scheme of RAN, the threshold of monthly income for benefit is ₹1,571 for rural and ₹1,605 for urban areas.

 The Delhi High Court has instituted a case regarding the grant of financial assistance under the Centre’s Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) scheme.

 The court observed that the threshold income to claim benefit under this scheme is prima facie “extremely low”.