LEGAL NEWS

Supreme Court Verdict on Scheduled Caste Status and Religious Conversion

• The Supreme Court of India ruled that Scheduled Caste (SC) status is limited only to Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists.

• The Court held that if a person converts to another religion, including Christianity, they lose SC status.

• This decision upheld an earlier judgment of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

• The Court clarified that anyone professing the Christian faith cannot legally be treated as a member of a Scheduled Caste.

• The verdict was delivered by a bench of Justice P.K. Mishra and Justice Manmohan.

• It was also ruled that such persons cannot claim protection under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

• The judgment is based on the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.

• The Court highlighted Clause 3 of the Order, stating it is strict and applies to everyone, regardless of caste by birth.

NATIONAL NEWS

Five New Rail Reforms Announced Under “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” Initiative

• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced five new reforms under the “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” programme.

• The ticket cancellation rules have been revised: cancellation more than 72 hours before departure will attract a minimum fixed charge.

• If cancelled 72 to 24 hours before departure, 25% fare deduction will apply.

• If cancelled 24 to 8 hours before departure, passengers will get only 50% refund, while no refund will be given if cancelled within 8 hours.

• Counter tickets can now be cancelled at any railway station in India, improving passenger convenience.

• Passengers can now modify their boarding station up to 30 minutes before departure, unlike earlier rules linked to chart preparation.

• Railways have introduced single-stack and double-stack wagons for better vehicle transportation efficiency.

• In EPC contracts, bidders must now have at least 20% prior experience in similar railway works, along with 2% fixed bid security, and bid capacity checks for projects above ₹10 crore.

Seven Empowered Groups Formed to Manage Impact of West Asia Conflict

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the creation of seven empowered groups to tackle the long-term effects of the West Asia conflict.

• A “Team India” strategy has been stressed, urging states to work in close coordination with the Centre.

• These groups will focus on crucial areas like fuel, gas, fertilisers, supply chains, and inflation control.

• India reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only effective solution for peace restoration in West Asia.

• The government has maintained continuous engagement with key stakeholders such as Iran, Israel, and the United States to support de-escalation.

• Concerns were raised about the supply of essentials like crude oil, natural gas, and fertilisers, which may impact the economy.

• The importance of self-reliance was highlighted as the best long-term strategy to face future global disruptions.

• Citizens were advised to stay alert, while states were directed to take strict action against hoarding and black marketing, and efforts are underway to arrange alternate crude oil and gas sources.

India’s Coal Reserves and Key Reforms in the Coal Sector

• Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy stated that India has the world’s 5th-largest coal reserves.

• He said these reserves can support India’s energy needs for nearly 60–70 years.

• The government has introduced multiple coal sector reforms over the last few years.

• The coal block allocation system has been made more transparent and streamlined.

• Coal continues to remain India’s major energy source, especially for power generation.

• Nearly 74% of India’s electricity is produced through coal-based thermal power plants.

• India is currently the second-largest coal producer and also the second-largest coal consumer globally.

• Coal exploration and domestic production efforts are being expanded, along with faster approvals and a focus on environmental sustainability.

STATE NEWS

Tripura Launches State-Level 100-Day TB Campaign in Agartala

• A state-level 100-day TB campaign was launched in Agartala on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day.

• World TB Day is observed every year on 24 March to raise awareness against tuberculosis.

• The campaign was organised by Tripura’s Health and Family Welfare Department in partnership with the National Health Mission (NHM).

• It was inaugurated at Kathiyababa Ashram, Nagichherra, to strengthen TB awareness and control efforts.

• The campaign stressed early detection and timely treatment, as TB is a curable disease.

• Screening tests were promoted as essential for achieving the target of a TB-free state and nation.

• TB was described as a “silent killer”, capable of spreading within families and communities.

• Tuberculosis is an airborne infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, mainly affecting the lungs, treated with medicines for 6–12 months, and India currently has about 2.6 million TB patients.

AWARDS

NCW Honours Sikkim Entrepreneur Shova Rai for Women Empowerment

• Entrepreneur Shova Rai from Sikkim was honoured by the National Commission for Women (NCW) in New Delhi.

• She was felicitated during an awareness programme for her contribution to women entrepreneurship and empowerment.

• The event was organised in collaboration with GLOW Foundation and Mahila Haat to spread awareness about government schemes.

• Special emphasis was placed on supporting women entrepreneurs from Sikkim and the Northeast region.

• Shova Rai received a Certificate of Appreciation, signed by Vijaya Rahatkar.

• Her success story began with a small home-based catering business, reflecting strong determination.

• She later pursued professional hairstyling training in Mumbai, overcoming financial and personal struggles.

• The programme encouraged continued participation in women-led initiatives and aimed to strengthen support systems for women entrepreneurs nationwide.

SPORTS

Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 to be Held in Chhattisgarh

• Chhattisgarh will host the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 from 25 March to 3 April.

• The Games will be organised across three cities: Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Surguja.

• Around 6,000 participants, including nearly 2,300 athletes, are expected to take part.

• The event aims to provide a national platform for tribal sports talent and promote indigenous athletes.

• Sports like Archery, Athletics, Football, Hockey, Swimming, Weightlifting, Wrestling, and Kabaddi will be included.

• Mallakhamb will also be featured to highlight traditional Indian sports culture.

• Since more than 32% of Chhattisgarh’s population is tribal, the state is considered an ideal host.

• Mallakhamb and Kabaddi will be showcased as demonstration disciplines to promote indigenous sporting heritage.