It is all about Current Affairs December Month 2021, you can get here every update about Current Affairs December Month 2021.
Govt. appoints a three-member panel to review the EWS quota
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment appointed a three-member committee to revisit the criteria for 10 % reservation for economically weaker sections ( EWS ) in educational institutions and Government jobs, after a rap from the Supreme Court in November.
The panel comprises former Finance Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey; Member Secretary, Indian Council of Social Science Research, V.K. Malhotra; and Principal Economic Adviser to the Government of India, Sanjeev Sanyal. It has been given three weeks’ time to complete its work.
6 lakh Indians renounced citizenship
More than six lakh Indians renounced citizenship in the past five years, the Ministry of Home Affairs ( MHA ) informed the Lok Sabha. This year, till September 30, 1,11,287 Indians gave up their citizenship.
According to a Global Wealth Migration Review report, in 2019, India came second only to China when it came to high net worth individuals ( HNIs ) leaving the country. As many as 7,000 HNIs left India in 2019.
- Current Affairs December Month 2021
Bombay HC grants Sudha Bharadwaj bail
The Bombay High Court granted bail to human rights activist Sudha Bharadwaj, more than three years after she was arrested in the Bhima Koregaon caste violence case. The court, however, rejected the bail petitions of eight co-accused in the case.
The co-accused are Rona Wilson, Varavara Rao, Sudhir Dhawale, Surendra Gadling, Shoma Sen, Mahesh Raut, Vernon Gonsalves, and Arun Ferreira. They are all lodged at Taloja Central Jail.
Ms. Bharadwaj was taken into custody by the Pune police on October 27.2018.
The 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence refers to violence during an annual celebratory gathering on 1 January 2018 at Bhima Koregaon to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon. The violence and stone-pelting by the crowd at the gathering resulted in the death of a 28 – year old youth and injury to five others.
The annual celebration, also called the Elgar Parishad convention, was organized by retired justices B. G. Kolse Patil and P. B. Sawant. Justice PB Sawant claimed that the term ” Elgar meant loud invitation or loud declaration GIPH
Battle of Bhima Koregaon: The 1818 Battle of Koregaon is of importance for Dalits. On 1 January 1818, 800 troops of the East India Company’s Bombay Presidency Army, with a large number of Mahars predominant among them, defeated a numerically superior (28,000) force of the Peshwa Baji Rao II.
Ambedkar led the first commemoration ceremony here. Since then, on 1 January every year, Ambedkarites gather at Bhima Koregaon to celebrate their victory against the upper caste Peshwa regime of the Maratha Empire, whom they see as their oppressors.
- Current Affairs December Month 2021
SC pushes for council on judicial infrastructure
The Supreme Court orally said courts cannot wait on the whims and fancies of the Government but needs a proper mechanism for funding the development of judicial infrastructure.
A Bench led by Justice DY. Chandrachud gave Additional Solicitor General K.M. Natraj three weeks to consult with the Government and come back with a ” line of thinking on the issue.
” Why cannot you think of constituting a sort of council on judicial infrastructure? We are least interested in retaining control of the council. The benefit of having a senior judge or Chief Justice on it would be that they are in the know of things. The composition can be of the Union Minister for Law and Justice, the Secretary, Finance, etc. The States can also be represented, ” the Bench told the law officer.
The court said the Center should meet with the finance and law Secretaries of the States to know the status of disbursement of AV funds for the judiciary in each State.
CJ of India NV . Ramana has been vocal in pushing the proposal for establishing the National Judicial Infrastructure Corporation to uniformly improve judicial facilities and access to justice.
Chief Justice Ramana suggests one central agency with a degree of autonomy, for overseeing infrastructure development of subordinate courts in India of a total of 1981.98 crores sanctioned in 2019-20 under the Centrally Sponsored Union Territories for development of infrastructure in the courts, only 284.9 crores was utilized by a combined five States, rendering the remaining 91.36% funds unused.
This is one of the reasons why the Chief Justice of India, NV . Ramana recently proposed the creation of a National Judicial Infrastructure Authority of India ( NJIAI ), which will take control of the budgeting and infrastructure development of subordinate courts in the country.
The proposed NJIAI could work as a central agency with each State having its own State Judicial Infrastructure Authority, much like the National Legal Services Authority FIRE (NALSA) model. It has also been suggested that the Chief Justice of India could be the patron-in-chief of the NJIAI, like in NALSA, and one of the Supreme Court judges nominated by the Chief Justice could be the executive chairman.
But, unlike NALSA which is serviced by the Ministry of Law and Justice, the proposed NJIAI should be placed under the Supreme Court of India, the source said. ” In the NJIAI there could be a few High Court judges as members, and some Central Government officials because the Center must also know where the funds are being utilized, ” the source said.
Similarly, in the State Judicial Infrastructure Authority, he said, in addition to the Chief Justice of the respective High Court and a nominated judge, four to five district court judges and State Government officials could be members.
- Current Affairs December Month 2021
U.P. reports most UAPA arrests
U.P. Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of arrests under the stringent Unlawful Activities ( Prevention ) Act ( UAPA ), 1967 followed by Jammu and Kashmir, and Manipur, according to data tabled by the Government in the Rajya Sabha.
Uttar Pradesh recorded 361 UAPA arrests, Jammu and Kashmir 346, and Manipur 225 in 2020. Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said in a written reply that as per the Nityana National Crime Record Bureau’s report, ” the number of persons arrested under the Unlawful Activities ( Prevention ) Act in the years 2019 and 2020 are 1,948 and 1,321 respectively “. In another reply, Mr. Rai said that since 2016, 7,243 were arrested under UAPA. Of those, only 212 were convicted and 286 were acquired.
The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020 passed by Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha
• The bill proposes the establishment of a national registry and registration authority for all clinics and medical professionals serving in the field. It will help in maintaining a database of all clinics and medical professionals serving in the field.
• State governments will appoint registration authorities for facilitating the registration process. The registration will be valid for five years and can be renewed for a further five years.
•It seeks to regulate and supervise Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) clinics and ART banks, prevent misuse, adopt safe and ethical practices, and so on.
• The bill proposes the constitution of a national board. The board will set minimum standards of physical infrastructure, laboratory, diagnostic equipment and expert manpower to be employed by clinics and banks.
* It further seeks stringent punishment for those practicing sex selection, sale of human embryos or gametes, or found running agencies, rackets, and organizations for such practices in violation of the law.
Current Affairs December Month 2021
• Rights of a child born through ART:
A child born through ART will be deemed to be a biological child of the commissioning couple and will be entitled to the rights and privileges available to a natural child of the commissioning couple.
Silent about or Excludes single men, cohabiting heterosexual couples, and LGBTQ + individuals
” commissioning couple ” means an infertile married couple who approach an assisted reproductive technology clinic or assisted reproductive technology bank for obtaining the services authorized of the said clinic or bank *
The Bill shows a progressive attitude by allowing married heterosexual couples and a woman above the age of marriage to use ARTs however, it excludes single men, cohabiting heterosexual couples, and LGBTQ + individuals and couples from accessing ARTs. * LGBTQ + stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning), and others. The ” plus ” represents other sexual identities including pansexual, intersex, and asexual.
• The Bill seems to violate: 1. Article 14 of the Constitution 2. Right to Privacy ( In the Puttaswamy case, the Supreme Court held that ” the sanctity of marriage, the liberty of procreation, the choice of family life and the dignity of being concerned all individuals irrespective of their social status and were aspects of privacy ) 3. Court’s direction to the States to take positive steps for equal protection for same-sex couples ( Navtej Singh Johar vs Union of India, 2018 ).
The House also passed the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2020 with amendments.
The proposed Bill was earlier passed by the Lok Sabha but the Rajya Sabha had referred it to a Select Committee. It will now go back to the Lok Sabha for approval surrogacy as a practice where a woman gives birth to a child for an intending couple with the intention to hand over the child after the birth to the intending couple.
Dedicated cyber crime police stations were opened in most of the 15 districts in Delhi
Police officers, however, said that the project will be a success only when the required manpower is deployed and they are well-trained to handle such cases. victims of cybercrime would come to the police stations to lodge their complaints but were not taken seriously as there were more ” serious cases ” to work on .
Current Affairs December Month 2021
Delhi pollution: SC gives Govt. 24 hours to take ‘ serious action Graded Response Action Plan ( GRAP )
In pursuant to the Supreme Court’s order in the matter of M. C. Mehta vs. Union of India ( 2016 ) regarding air quality in the National Capital Region of Delhi, a Graded Response Action Plan has been prepared for implementation under different Air Quality Index ( AQI ) categories namely, Moderate & Poor, Very Poor, and Severe.
• A new category of ” Severe + or Emergency ” has been added. • The Plan was notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change in 2017. • It institutionalized measures to be taken when air quality deteriorates.
The plan is incremental in nature – therefore, when the air quality moves from ” Poor ‘ to ‘ Very Poor ‘ . the measures listed under both sections have to be followed. It prevents PM10 and PM2.5 levels from going beyond the ‘ moderate ‘ national AQI category.
Bill to extend the tenure of ED, CBI chiefs passed in LS
The government introduced two Bills in the Lok Sabha that seek to extend the tenures of the directors of the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate ( ED ) up to a maximum of five years, amid protests from Opposition members, who said that the Bills were against the Supreme Court observations on the matter, and were being brought in to harass Opposition leaders from such agencies.
Minister of State for Personnel and Training Dr. Jitendra Singh introduced the Central Vigilance Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2021, and the Delhi Special Police Establishment (Amendment) Bill, 2021 to replace ordinances that had been brought in the recess period. The Bills replace the ordinances.
- Current Affairs December Month 2021
No move for e-voting, Rijiju tells Lok Sabha
There is no proposal to introduce electronic voting in the upcoming general elections, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju informed the Lok Sabha. In a written reply to an unstarred question by BJP member Dushyant Singh, who had asked the Law Minister if he was aware of an e-voting experiment using a smartphone-based app by the Telangana State Election Commission and if such a technology could be used for the general election, Mr. Rijiju replied in the negative.
In reply to another written question on judicial infrastructure, Mr. Rijiju informed the House that the Government had received a proposal for a National Judicial Infrastructure Authority of India from the Chief Justice of India for adequate infrastructure for courts.
Supreme Court comes to the aid of sex workers Budhadev Karmaskar vs. State of West Bengal and ors.
The Supreme Court has reiterated its direction to States and Union Territories to supply dry rations to sex workers identified by the Organization and district legal authorities without insisting on the production of identity documents like ration cards. National AIDS Control CIP “
The right to food has been recognized as a human right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Though there is some improvement in the situation caused by COVID – 19 pandemic, we are of the view that the constitutional obligation on the State Governments and Union Territories to provide basic amenities to the citizens of this country takes into its fold that the sex workers are entitled to be provided dry ration,” a Bench led by Justice L. Nageswara Rao recorded in a recent order.
The Court pointed out that it would be difficult for sex workers to produce proof of identity and asked the Government to reach out and provide them food.
Current Affairs December Month 2021
AIADMK MPs stall debate on Dam Safety Bill in Rajya Sabha
The Dam Safety Bill 2021 was moved in the Rajya Sabha but the debate could not be held because of disruptions from the Opposition parties. BJP’s ally AIADMK has decided to oppose the Bill whenever it comes up for debate. > This Bill was approved by the Lok Sabha in the Monsoon session.
There was a view among the Opposition parties that this Bill must be sent to a select committee, because of its wider implication. The Government, however, is in no mood to concede to the demand. The point of contention is four dams – Mullaperiyar, Parambikulam, Thunakkadavu, and Peruvaripallam – located in Kerala but owned, operated, and maintained by the Tamil Nadu Government.
The Dam Safety Bill was passed by Parliament amid strong objections from the Opposition. While it was passed by the Lok Sabha in August 2019, it was cleared by Rajya Sabha now. The Opposition sought that it be sent to the Parliamentary Standing Committee for further scrutiny. However, a motion to this effect was defeated in the House.
- Current Affairs December Month 2021
What is the Dam Safety Bill?
The Bill proposes to help all states and Union Territories adopt uniform dam safety procedures. It aims to ” provide for the surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of the specified dam for prevention of dam failure related disasters, and to provide for an institutional mechanism to ensure their safe functioning and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. ” A National Committee on Dam Safety with a three-year tenure, comprising the chairman of the Central Water Co.
The Supreme Court upheld the Government’s mandate to broaden three Himalayan highways, considered crucial by the Ministry of Defense ( MoD ) for quick troop build-up along the India – China border.
Name of the Judgment: Citizens for Green Doon & Ors Vs Union of India The three National Highways – Rishikesh to Mana, Rishikesh to Gangotri, and Tanakpur to Pithoragarh – act as feeder roads to the northern border with China. They are part of the Char Dham Highway project. The highways will now be developed in accordance with the double lane with paved shoulder ( DLPS ) system.
The verdict is based on an application filed by the MoD to modify the court’s September 8, 2020 order, which directed that mountain roads for the Char Dham project should be 5.5 meters in width in compliance with a 2018 circular of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The Ministry had gone on to amend its circular in December 2020, saying that ” for roads in hilly and mountainous terrain which act as feeder roads to the Indo – China border [ and ] are of strategic importance for national security, the carriageway width should be 7 m with 1.5 m paved shoulder on either side “.
Question-related with Current Affairs December Month 2021
Q Which High Court ordered the postponement of the State film awards ceremony?
The Orissa High Court directed the State Government to postpone the 31st Odisha State Film Awards 2019 Odia filmmaker Bobby Islam said two films selected for awards in several categories were remakes.
Punjab moves Supreme Court against extended BSF area
Punjab has filed a suit in the Supreme Court against the Centre’s move to increase the limits of the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force (BSF) from 15 km to 50 km along the India – Pakistan International Border.
The State has filed an original suit challenging notification issued by the Union Home Ministry extending the Central force’s area of jurisdiction, calling it a breach of the federal form of governance under the Constitution. Punjab said the notification issued under Section 139 of the Border Security Force Act, 1968 encroaches on a State subject in List II of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
The State said it was neither consulted nor kept in the know before the issuance of the notification in October > The notification was unilateral. It pointed out that earlier notifications from 1969 to 2014 had limited the BSF jurisdiction to 15 km from the International Border in Punjab. The State said many districts, towns, and villages of Punjab fell within the 50 – km radius and came within the jurisdiction of the State Government.
- Current Affairs December Month 2021
Odisha historians to study legal records
The Orissa High Court is considering roping in historians to study centuries-old legal records and carry out research on the judiciary. evolution of the State > The work of scanning and digitization of the legacy records is going on at the court’s Record Room Digitization Center ( RRDC ) through National PF Informatics Center Services Inc. ( NICSI ).
The Orissa High Court was established in 1948. Legacy records ( disposed of records ) were stored and preserved securely and access to such records remained convenient and less time-consuming for posterity.
Admiral Hari Kumar is Navy chief
Admiral R. Hari Kumar took charge as the 25th Chief of the Naval Staff from Admiral Karambir Singh, who retired after a LAW 41 – year career
Bill correcting drafting error in NDPS Act passed by LS
The Lok Sabha passed a Bill that corrects a drafting error in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Act retrospectively, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stating that the retrospective provisions were not ” substantive ” in nature.” Amendments with retrospective effect to the substantive part of criminal law is not permitted, but a clarificatory amendment that seeks to remove an obvious mistake is permitted, ” Ms. Sitharaman said, referring to the opinion of the Solicitor – General.
The NDPS Act, 1985, regulates the manufacture, transport, and consumption of • Premiere narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. In 2014, the Act was amended and the clause number of the definition of ” illicit activities ” changed. However, the section on penalties for financing such activities was not changed, so it continued to refer to the eater clause number of the definition.
- Current Affairs December Month 2021
India lays emphasis on UNCLOS
India remained committed to promoting a free, open, and rules-based order rooted in international law and undaunted by coercion, the Centre informed Parliament while reiterating support for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea ( UNCLOS ).
India also supported freedom of navigation and overflight, and unimpeded commerce, based on the principles of international law, reflected notably in the UNCLOS 1982. India is a state party to the UNCLOS.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea ( UNCLOS ), 1982 is an international agreement that establishes the legal framework for marine and maritime activities. India developed its maritime cooperation with regional partners in consonance with the Government’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region ( SAGAR ) , Mr. Bhatt said.
The steps taken include ‘ Mission-based Deployments of naval ships and aircraft to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness, promote maritime security and address contingencies that may arise, he stated.
What is Security and Growth for All in the Region ( SAGAR ) ?
Security and Growth for All in the Region ( SAGAR ) is India’s policy or doctrine of maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. The policy was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 12, 2015. Although no single official documentary has been published regarding the approach of SAGAR there have been several initiatives and numerous maritime events that can be considered a part of it.
It was in a keynote address to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) when Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated a vision for the SAGAR initiative by stating that “Our vision for the Indian Ocean Region is rooted in advancing cooperation in our region and to use our capabilities for the benefit of all in our common maritime home “.
Harnath Singh Yadav, BJP MP, called for the repeal of the Places of Worship Act to construct a Krishna temple in Mathura. Balia MP Ravindra Kushwaha said if the farm laws could be repealed, this law too could go. In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP has started a campaign for the Krishna temple.
The Places of Worship Act was brought in by the Narasimha Rao Government in 1991, which, while keeping the Ram Temple dispute outside the purview of this law, froze the status of places of worship as they were on August 15, 1947.
During Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Mr. Yadav said the then Government provided legal cover to foreign invaders who captured the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The law, he argued, violated the right to equality and life enshrined in the Constitution.
- Some more Current Affairs December Month 2021
NGT directs Hindalco, REL to pay 10 crores
A special bench of the National Green Tribunal has directed Hindalco Industries Limited and Raipur Energen Limited ( REL ) to pay 210 crores interim compensation for environmental clearance ( EC ) norms on the functioning of the open-cast mine in Sambalpur district.
The coal mine falls in an area designated as critically in the industrial cluster, having a score of more than 70 that requires extra mitigation measures for operating any polluting activity.
As per EC conditions, preparation of a progressive mine closure plan based on the quantum of coal extracted from the mining area was required and overburden generated was required to be backfilled. The entire mining area was required to be backfilled up to the ground level.
However, the companies allegedly violated the condition and dumped the overburden on agricultural fields, adversely affecting land fertility and resulting in soil contamination. Besides, the companies built an earthen bund by encroaching private land. The NGT directed Hindalco to deposit an interim compensation of 27.5 crores and 22.5 crores for REL to meet the compensation and cost of remediation.
It further directed that compensation for past violations and cost of remediation should be worked out and a restoration plan prepared by a six-member expert committee.
