- STATES
ASSAM GOVERNMENT TABLES BILL TO REPEAL 89 YEAR OLD MUSLIM MARRIAGE LAW
- Repeal of Historical Laws:
- The Assam government introduced a bill to repeal the Assam Moslem Marriages and Divorces Registration Act of 1935.
- Precedent: The Law Commission of India has periodically recommended the repeal of obsolete laws.
- For example, the Repealing and Amending Acts (2017, 2019) were passed to remove old and redundant laws from the statute books.
- Marriage and Divorce Registration: The new bill focuses on the registration of marriages and divorces by government officials instead of Qazis (Islamic scholars).
- This shift underscores the ongoing debate about the role of religious and civil authorities in personal laws, particularly in the context of uniform civil codes.
- Child Marriage Prevention: The repeal aims to prevent the misuse of the old law that could allow underage marriages.
- The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 serves as the legal framework to prevent child marriages in India.
- The Act supersedes earlier laws and sets a precedent for legislative action to protect minors from early marriages.
- This highlights the government’s focus on preventing child marriages, which is a critical issue in the broader context of women and children’s rights. The proposed changes indicate a move towards greater regulation of religious practices by the state, particularly in how marriages and divorces are registered. This ties into larger discussions about secularism, governance, and the regulation of personal laws in India
2. BILATERAL
NOT NEUTRAL, INDIA ON THE SIDE OF PEACE, SAYS MODI IN UKRAINE
- India’s Diplomatic Balance in the Russia-Ukraine War:
- India’s Position on Ukraine Conflict: India has maintained a neutral stance at international forums like the UN, abstaining from resolutions critical of Russia’s actions. However, India emphasizes peace and humanitarian aid.
- Diplomatic Engagement: Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kyiv, following his Moscow trip, is a significant diplomatic move, highlighting India’s role in peacebuilding and its efforts to mediate the conflict.
- Strategic Diplomacy: India’s diplomatic efforts focus on maintaining a balance between its strategic partnerships with Russia and the Western bloc.
- Strategic Opportunity: India’s potential role in facilitating dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, along with its involvement in Ukraine’s reconstruction, positions India as a key player in global diplomacy.
- Global Perception: India’s balancing act is closely watched by major powers like the U.S. and Russia, which influences India’s strategic decisions.
- Humanitarian Aid and Development Cooperation: India is involved in providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine and exploring development cooperation in sectors like agriculture and technology.
- Energy Security: The discussion on India’s oil imports from Russia underscores the importance of energy security and the geopolitical implications of energy trade.
3. SOCAIL ISSUES
SHRC FOR PROBE INTO VIOLATION OF RIGHTS IN KERALA FILM INDUSTRY
- Human Rights Violations: The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has raised concerns regarding alleged human rights violations within the Malayalam film industry.
- These concerns were highlighted in the K. Hema Committee report, which was released recently.
- The SHRC has instructed the Chief Secretary and the State Police Chief to evaluate the findings of the report, review the complaints received, and provide a detailed explanation within two weeks.
- State Human Rights Commission (SHRC)
- The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) is a statutory body constituted in states under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
- It consists of a chairperson and two members:
- Chairperson: A retired Chief Justice or Judge of a High Court.
- Members: One member should be a serving or retired Judge of a High Court or District Judge with at least seven years of experience as a District Judge.
- The other member should have knowledge or practical experience in human rights.
- Appointment
- The Chairperson and members are appointed by the Governor based on the recommendations of a committee consisting of:
- The Chief Minister (as the Chairperson).
- The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
- The Minister in charge of the Department of Home Affairs in the state.
- The Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly.
- Tenure and Removal
- The Chairperson and members hold office for a term of five years or until they attain the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.
- They can be removed by the President on similar grounds and in the same manner as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
- Functions and Powers
- Inquiry: The SHRC can inquire into complaints of violations of human rights by a public servant or negligence in the prevention of such violations.
- Review: It reviews the safeguards provided under the Constitution or any law for the protection of human rights and recommends measures for their effective implementation.
- Research and Awareness: It undertakes and promotes research in the field of human rights, spreading human rights literacy among various sections of society, and encouraging the efforts of NGOs and institutions working in the field of human rights.
- Visit: The SHRC can visit jails or other institutions where persons are detained to study the living conditions and make recommendations.
- Investigation: The SHRC has its own investigating staff headed by a Director General of Police (DGP) for conducting inquiries into complaints. It can also utilize the services of any officer or investigation agency of the Central or State Government.
- Reporting: The Commission submits annual or special reports to the state government on the protection and promotion of human rights, and the reports are laid before the state legislature.
- Limitations: The SHRC’s jurisdiction is limited to matters concerning human rights violations related to state subjects. It cannot investigate cases that have been already considered by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
4. POLITY
RETROSPECTIVE EFFECT OF BNSS CLAUSE ON DETENTION
- The Centre that Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) would apply retrospectively (crime was registered prior to July 1)
- Section 479 – Detention of Undertrial Prisoners:
- Maximum Period for Detention: Section 479 of the BNSS specifies the maximum period for which an undertrial prisoner can be detained.
- Retrospective Effect: The Centre has stated that this section will apply retrospectively. This means that it will apply even to crimes registered before the enactment of the BNSS, ensuring that no undertrial prisoner can be detained beyond the period specified in this law.
- The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is part of the set of three new criminal laws introduced in India to replace the older colonial-era laws such as the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act.
- These new laws aim to modernize and Indianize the criminal justice system
5. INTERNATIONAL
GOVERNMENT EYES ARMING YOUTH WITH JAPANESE LANGUAGE TO TAP JAPAN JOBS
- Addressing Skill Gaps: The Indian government is exploring the inclusion of Japanese language training as part of a broader skill development initiative. This is in response to Japan’s substantial labor shortage, particularly due to its aging population.
- Employment Opportunities: The initiative targets niche areas with high demand in Japan, potentially creating job opportunities for up to four lakh (400,000) skilled Indian workers. Jobs in Japan are reported to be high-paying, making this an attractive prospect for Indian youth.
- Economic Diplomacy: Enhancing language and vocational skills not only aids in securing employment but also strengthens bilateral ties between India and Japan, contributing to broader economic and strategic cooperation.
- Focus on Vocational Skills: The move underscores the importance of vocational and skill-based education, highlighting that degrees alone are not sufficient in the current job market. This aligns with the government’s broader strategy to equip the youth with diverse skills for global employment.
- Global Workforce Integration: This initiative could place Indian professionals in critical positions within the Japanese economy, further integrating India’s workforce into the global labor market.
ONE LINER
- International Turmeric Conference 2024 held at Mumbai
- Indian Air Force (IAF) Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari has launched the first comic book in a series dedicated to IAF heroes
