The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Malayalam actor Siddique in a sexual assault case lodged against him following the publication of the Justice Hema Committee report highlighting sexual abuse and exploitation in the Kerala film industry
About Anticipatory Bail:
It is the bail granted to a person in anticipation and apprehending arrest.
Under Section 438 of CrPC, any individual who discerns that he may be tried for a non-bailable offense can apply for anticipatory bail.
The application shall be made to the High Court or Sessions Court, where the crime is alleged to be committed.
Anticipatory Bail is bail before the arrest, and the police can't arrest an individual if the Court has granted anticipatory Bail.
It is meant to be a safeguard for a person who has false accusation or charges made against him/her, most commonly due to professional or personal enmity, as it ensures the release of the falsely accused person even before he/she is arrested.
Bail:
It is a judicial release of an accused person from custody on the condition that the accused person will appear in court at a later date.
Sections 436 to 439 of the Criminal Procedure Code deal with the concept of Bail.
Under the CrPC, bail can be granted to an accused person either by a police officer or by a judicial magistrate.
Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC):
It provides procedures for administering criminal law in India.
It was enacted in 1973 and became effective on 1 April 1974.
Topic: Statutory Bodies
2. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Why in the news?
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognisance of the death of two students due to electrocution while cleaning the water tank of a government-run hostel in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh.
The NHRC issued a notice to the Chief Secretary and the Director-General of Police calling for a detailed report by two weeks.
About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):
It is a statutory body established in 1993, under the provisions of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
It is responsible for the protection and promotion of “rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants”.
Composition:
It comprises a Chairperson, five full-time Members, and seven deemed Members.
Its chairperson is a retired chief justice of India or a judge of the Supreme Court.
Its chairperson and members are appointed by the President on the recommendations of a six-member committee consisting of:
Prime Minister (head)
Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
Leaders of the Opposition in both the Houses of Parliament
Union Home Minister
Term and removal:
They hold office for a term of three years or until they attain the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.
The President can remove them from the office under specific circumstances.
Role of National Human Rights Commission:
Investigation: Investigating complaints or failure of any public official regarding the rights violation, either suo moto or after receiving a petition. Eg: Suo moto cognizance of Sonbhadra tribal killing in UP and sent a fact-finding mission.
Prevention and Safeguard: Monitoring the living conditions of the inmates in prisons and to make recommendations thereon. Reviewing statutory safeguards or treaties for the protection of human rights.
Research and promotion: Promoting research and encouraging NGOs in the field of human rights. While making an inquiry into the complaints, the commission enjoys the powers of a civil court. It also studies treaties and other international instruments on human rights and makes recommendations for their effective implementation.
Intervention: It intervenes in any proceeding involving any allegation of violation of human rights pending before a court with the approval of such court.
Commission has awarded 11 cr compensation (recommendation) between 2012-17.
Human rights: It reviews the factors, including acts of terrorism that inhibit the enjoyment of human rights and recommend appropriate remedial measures.
Awareness: It spreads human rights literacy among various sections of society and promotes awareness of the safeguards available for the protection of these rights through publications, the media, seminars and other available means.
Working with NGOs: It encourages the efforts of non-governmental organizations and institutions working in the field of human rights.
Topic: Government Agencies
3. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Why in the news?
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested 26 accused persons from Pune, Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, following a crackdown on a major cybercrime network at 32 locations.
According to the CBI, the cybercriminals were involved in a range of illicit activities, including impersonating tech support services and approaching victims, especially in the United States, claiming that the victims’ systems had been hacked.
About Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):
It is the premier investigating police agency in India.
It provides assistance to the Central Vigilance Commission and Lokpal.
It functions under the superintendence of the Deptt. of Personnel, Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances, which falls under the prime minister’s office.
However, for investigations of offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act, its superintendence vests with the Central Vigilance Commission.
It is also the nodal police agency in India which coordinates investigations on behalf of Interpol Member countries.
Its conviction rate is as high as 65 to 70% and it is comparable to the best investigation agencies in the world.
Historical Background:
During the period of World War II, a Special Police Establishment (SPE) was constituted in 1941 in the Department of War of British India to enquire into allegations of bribery and corruption in the war related procurements.
Later on it was formalized as an agency of the Government of India to investigate allegations of corruption in various wings of the Government of India by enacting the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.
The CBI is not a statutory body but derives its power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
Its establishment was recommended by the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962–1964).
Type of Cases handled by the CBI:
Anti-Corruption Crimes - for investigation of cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Public officials and the employees of Central Government, Public Sector Undertakings, Corporations or Bodies owned or controlled by the Government of India.
Economic Crimes - for investigation of major financial scams and serious economic frauds, including crimes relating to Fake Indian Currency Notes, Bank Frauds and Cyber Crime, bank frauds, Import Export & Foreign Exchange violations, large-scale smuggling of narcotics, antiques, cultural property and smuggling of other contraband items etc.
Special Crimes - for investigation of serious and organized crime under the Indian Penal Code and other laws on the requests of State Governments or on the orders of the Supreme Court and High Courts - such as cases of terrorism, bomb blasts, kidnapping for ransom and crimes committed by the mafia/the underworld.
Suo Moto Cases - CBI can suo-moto take up investigation of offenses only in the Union Territories.
The Central Government can authorize CBI to investigate a crime in a State but only with the consent of the concerned State Government.
The Supreme Court and High Courts, however, can order CBI to investigate a crime anywhere in the country without the consent of the State.
International Relations
Topic: Europe
4. Germany
Why in the news?
Germany has introduced temporary land border controls along all nine of its neighbouring countries.
Germany already had temporary border controls with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland. However, now the border controls extended to France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
About Germany:
It is a country in Central Europe.
It lies between the Baltic and North Sea to the north and the Alps to the south.
Its sixteen constituent states have a total population of over 82 million in an area of 357,569 sq. km., making it the most populous member state of the European Union.
It borders:
Denmark to the north
Poland and Czechia to the east
Austria and Switzerland to the south
France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands to the west.
Its capital and most populous city is Berlin and its main financial center is Frankfurt. The largest urban area is the Ruhr.
It is the seventh-largest country in Europe.
The forested uplands of central Germany and the lowlands of northern Germany are traversed by the Rhine, Danube and Elbe rivers.
Significant natural resources found here include iron ore, coal, potash, timber, lignite, uranium, copper, natural gas, salt, and nickel.
Topic: East Asia
5. Taiwan
Why in the news?
The U.S. President approved $567 million in defense assistance for Taiwan, the White House said, as China ramps up political and military pressure on the self-ruled island.
While the U.S. does not officially recognise Taiwan diplomatically, it is Taipei’s key partner and major provider of weapons.
About Taiwan:
It is a country in East Asia.
It is bordered by:
People's Republic of China (PRC) to the northwest
Japan to the northeast
Philippines to the south
It has an area of 35,808 sq. km., with mountain ranges dominating the eastern two-thirds and plains in the western third, where its highly urbanized population is concentrated.
The largest metropolitan area is formed by Taipei (the capital), New Taipei City, and Keelung.
With around 23.9 million inhabitants, Taiwan is among the most densely populated countries.
The main island, known historically as Formosa, makes up 99 percent of its area, across the Taiwan Strait from the southeastern coast of mainland China.
The East China Sea lies to its north, the Philippine Sea to its east, the Luzon Strait directly to its south and the South China Sea to its southwest.
Smaller islands include the Penghu Islands in the Taiwan Strait, the Kinmen, Matsu and Wuqiu islands near the Chinese coast, and some of the South China Sea islands.
Geography
Topic: Rivers
6. Vishwamitri river
Why in the news?
Less than a month after Vadodara witnessed devastating floods, the city was on edge yet again with a swollen Vishwamitri river approaching the danger-mark.
As heavy rain in the city and the catchment areas led to rapid swelling of the river, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation began evacuating people from low-lying areas and sounded an alert for residents.
About Vishwamitri river:
Originating from Pavagadh in the Panchmahal District of Gujarat, the Vishwamitri River flows mainly through the west of the city of Vadodara.
The name of this river is said to have been derived from the name of the great saint Vishwamitra.
Two other tributaries namely Dhadhar and Khanpur merge into it before it amalgamates with the Gulf of Khambhat.
Human settlement dating back to 1000 B.C has been found on the bank of river Vishwamitri which ascertains the existence of the Stone Age Era.
Also in the beginning of the Christian era, a small township was developed on a mound on the banks of this river which later came to be known as Ankotakka (currently known as Akota) while the mound is popular as Dhantekri.
The Vishwamitri River was key to the settlement of Vadodara.
This river system includes three major tributaries: Vishwamitri, Dhadhar and Jambuva. All the three tributaries originate from Pavagadh hills and Jambughoda forests.
This river system includes the Sayaji Sarovar on the Vishwamitri River near Ajwa, and the Dev Dam on the Dhadhar Branch.
Its flow is from East to West in between two large perennial rivers Mahi and Narmada.
Its banks are home to a lot of places of historical importance like Chhatri, Pratappura Sarovar, Old Bridge, Suspension Bridge, Boat House.
It is a home to the mugger or marsh crocodiles which is one of the threatened reptile species in India and legally protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
In spite of heavy pollution and large human disturbances the presence of the crocodile in large numbers indicates the unique ecological significance of this river.
Science
Topic: Viruses
7. Marburg virus
Why in the news?
Rwanda says eight people have died so far from the Ebola-like Marburg virus, just days after it declared an outbreak of the deadly hemorrhagic fever that has no authorized vaccine or treatment.
The Marburg virus originates in fruit bats and spreads between people through close contact with the bodily fluids.
About Marburg virus:
It was firstly discovered in 1967 in Marburg, Germany, after lab workers were exposed to infected green monkeys from Uganda.
It is a zoonotic RNA virus from the Filoviridae family, like Ebola.
Its natural reservoir is the African fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus).
It spread through contact with infected bats or animals, and human-to-human transmission via blood or bodily fluids.
Symptoms:
Early symptoms: Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, rash, nausea, and diarrhea.
Severe symptoms: Liver failure, shock, hemorrhaging, and multi-organ failure.
Case fatality rate varies between 24% to 88%, depending on the outbreak.
There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for its treatment presently.
Supportive care includes fluids, oxygen, and blood transfusions to improve survival.
Economy
Topic: Balance of Payments
8. Current Account Deficit (CAD)
Why in the news?
India’s current account deficit (CAD) widened marginally to $9.7 billion (1.1% of GDP) in Q1 FY25 from $8.9 billion (1% of GDP) in the year-earlier period and a surplus of $4.6 billion (0.5% of GDP) in Q4FY24, as per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data.
“The widening of CAD on a year-on-year basis was primarily due to a rise in merchandise trade deficit to $65.1 billion in Q12024- 25 from $56.7 billion in Q12023-24,” the RBI said.
About Current Account Deficit (CAD):
It occurs when the value of a country's imports of goods and services is greater than its exports.
CAD and fiscal deficit together make up twin deficits that can impact the stock market and investors.
A lower CAD can boost investor sentiment and make the country's currency more attractive to investors.
A surplus in the current account indicates that money is flowing into the country, which can boost foreign exchange reserves and the value of the local currency.
Negative Effects of CAD on Economy:
Weaker Currency: When a country's imports exceed its exports, it can cause a decrease in demand for its currency, leading to a weaker currency value (depreciation).
This can make imports more expensive, leading to higher inflation and a reduction in purchasing power.
Debt Accumulation: If a country is unable to finance its current account deficit with foreign investment, it may need to borrow to cover the gap.
This can lead to an increase in debt levels, which can further harm the economy.
Ways to moderate Current Account Deficit:
Encourage Exports: Increasing exports is one of the most effective ways to reduce CAD. The government can provide incentives for export-oriented industries, streamline export procedures and regulations, and negotiate better trade agreements with other countries.
Promote Import Substitution: Encouraging domestic production of goods that are currently being imported can help to reduce the trade deficit. This can be achieved by providing incentives for domestic manufacturers and by imposing tariffs or import duties on certain goods.
Improve Productivity and Competitiveness: Improving the productivity and competitiveness of the domestic economy can help to increase exports and reduce the trade deficit. This can be achieved through various measures such as investments in infrastructure, technology, and education.
Topic: Capital Market
9. Insider Trading
Why in the news?
In a bid to tighten the noose on insider trading, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) decided to expand the definition of “connected persons” who have access to price sensitive information.
According to the decision ratified by the board, a connected person would now include “a firm or its partner or its employee in which a ‘connected person’ is also a partner,” and “a person sharing household or residence with a ‘connected person.”
About Insider Trading:
It is the buying or selling of a publicly-traded company’s shares/debt papers by someone who has confidential information about that shares/debt papers.
It is defined as a malpractice wherein trade of a company’s securities is undertaken by people who by virtue of their work have access to the otherwise non-public information/confidential information which can be crucial for making investment decisions.
When insiders, e.g. key employees or executives who have access to the strategic information about the company, use the same for trading in the company’s stocks or securities, it is called insider trading.
An insider is a person who possesses either access to valuable non-public information about a corporation or ownership of stock equaling more than 10% of a firm’s equity. This makes a company’s directors and high-level executives insiders.
Mechanism to prevent insider trading:
According to SEBI Promoters will be held responsible for violation of insider trading norms, if they possess unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI) regarding the company without any “legitimate purpose”.
Legitimate purpose – Sharing of the UPSI by an insider with partners, collaborators, lenders, customers, suppliers, merchant bankers, legal advisors, auditors, insolvency professionals or other advisors or consultants, provided that such sharing has not been carried out to evade or circumvent the prohibitions of these regulations.
The Kotak committee has recommended flow of unpublished price sensitive information (UPSI) shall be considered for ‘legitimate purpose’, and not an offense under the SEBI (Insider Trading) for those who:
is part of the promoter group.
has a nominee director on the board.
The information should be pursuant to a formal agreement in accordance with the Insider Trading Regulations.
Government Schemes
Topic: Trade
10. Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme
Why in the news?
In a significant development for exporters, the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said exporters will continue to benefit from the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme.
According to a DGFT notification, for Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) units, the RoDTEP scheme is extended by a year and they will continue to benefit from the scheme till September 30 next year.
About Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme:
It has emerged as a critical tool in supporting India's exporters.
It became operational on 1st January 2021 replacing the existing export incentive scheme, Merchandise Exports from India (MEIS).
This change was prompted by a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling that determined the MEIS scheme's violation of WTO regulations due to its provision of export subsidies for a broad spectrum of goods.
The rebate under the scheme is allowed, based on the allowed percentage of FOB (Freight On Board) value of exports and issued in the form of a transferable duty credit/electronic scrip (e-scrip), the details of which are maintained in a digital ledger by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
The RoDTEP Committee operates within the Department of Revenue.
Its primary responsibility is to review and recommend ceiling rates for different export sectors under the RoDTEP Scheme.
Its primary objective is to provide comprehensive support to exporters by remitting duties and taxes incurred during the production and distribution of exported products.
It covers taxes, duties, and levies at the central, state, and local levels, which are not refunded through any other existing mechanisms.
Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT):
It is responsible for implementing the Foreign Trade Policy or Exim Policy with the main objective of promoting Indian exports.
It is an attached office of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and is headed by the Director General of Foreign Trade.
It has been assigned the role of "facilitator".
Topic: Digitalization
11. National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM)
Why in the news?
The National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM), which aims to digitize municipal services across the country, would have new modules such as online booking of community centers and registration of properties.
The NUDM, launched in 2021 aimed to institutionalize a citizen-centric and ecosystem-driven approach to urban governance and service delivery across all cities and towns in India by 2024. The Union Budget for 2024-25 allocated ₹1,450 crore for the programme. However, it is yet to get the Cabinet nod.
About National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM):
It was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) along with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY).
It creates a shared digital infrastructure for urban India, working across the three pillars of people, process, and platform to provide holistic support to cities and towns.
It institutionalizes a citizen-centric and ecosystem-driven approach to urban governance and service delivery in 2022 cities by 2022, and across all cities and towns in India by 2024.
The shared digital infrastructure will consolidate and cross-leverage the various digital initiatives of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, enabling cities and towns across India to benefit from holistic and diverse forms of support, in keeping with their needs and local challenges.
NUDM has articulated a set of governing principles, and inherits the technology design principles of the National Urban Innovation Stack (NUIS).
The principles in turn give rise to standards, specifications, and certifications, across the three pillars of people, process, and platforms.
NUIS will strengthen the capacity of the urban ecosystem to solve complex programs at speed and scale by unlocking the power of urban data.
Online Classes
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