Latest news with #MonsoonSession
India Today
2 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
Mamata Banerjee's fitness certificate for bete noire Dhankhar after shock exit
A day after Jagdeep Dhankhar stunned the political circles by resigning, citing health reasons, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday claimed that the 74-year-old is a healthy man and doing absolutely fine."I don't want to make any comment about this. Let's see what happens. He is a healthy man. I think his health is absolutely okay," Banerjee said of Dhankhar, with whom she had frequent run-ins during his tenure as West Bengal Governor from 2019 to Monday night, Dhankhar, in a surprising move, resigned as the Vice President, citing health concerns. The move came after he chaired the first day of the Monsoon Session in Rajya Sabha, which saw disruptions and subsequent adjournment. Even the harshest of his critics in the Opposition, with whom Dhankhar had frequent run-ins during his tenure and even moved to impeach him, said there was more to it than it met the the BJP amid a row over Dhankhar's resignation, Banerjee said, "First set your own house in order. Douse the fire inside your own house before you try to put it out elsewhere. Sort your own house first and no need to target Bengal."During Dhankhar's nearly three-year tenure as West Bengal Governor, his relationship with Banerjee was notably turbulent and frequently marked by public confrontations and political Dhankhar had actively used his official X handle to comment on state affairs, often criticising the ruling Trinamool Congress government, which led to Banerjee to block him on the platform. Banerjee had accused Dhankhar of overstepping constitutional boundaries and provoking unrest, while the-then Governor claimed he faced verbal attacks from ministers and 'indignities' in his RESIGNS AS VICE PRESIDENTDhankhar, who resigned on Monday, hours after chairing the first day of Monsoon Session in the Rajya Sabha, became the Vice President in August 2022 and was to complete his term in his resignation letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar said, "To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution."Under Article 67 of the Constitution, which deals with the term of office of the Vice President, the Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh will manage the day-to-day affairs until a new Vice-President is elected. On the other hand, Article 67(a) says that before the expiry of his term, the Vice-President may resign by submitting his resignation to the President in Murmu on Tuesday accepted Dhankhar's resignation. Following his exit, a vice presidential election is expected to be held soon.- EndsMust Watch IN THIS STORY#West Bengal#Mamata Banerjee#Parliament
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
New income tax bill to simplify tax filing for commoners, small businesses: Jay Panda
New Delhi: The new income tax bill will make filing taxes easier for common citizens and small businesses, said BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda, who chaired the Parliamentary Select Committee responsible for reviewing the legislation. Speaking to IANS, he emphasised that the new law, once passed, will simplify India's decades-old tax structure, cut down legal confusion, and help individual taxpayers and MSMEs avoid unnecessary litigation. "The current Income Tax Act of 1961 has undergone more than 4,000 amendments and contains over 5 lakh words. It has become too complex. The new bill simplifies that by nearly 50 per cent -- making it far easier for ordinary taxpayers to read and understand," Panda told IANS. He highlighted that the greatest beneficiaries of this simplification would be small business owners and MSMEs who often lack the legal and financial expertise to navigate complicated tax structures. 'Unlike large corporations that have access to tax consultants and legal advisors, MSMEs and common taxpayers struggle. A simpler law means fewer disputes and easier compliance,' he said. The Select Committee, under Panda's leadership, held 36 uninterrupted meetings over several months. It consulted more than a hundred stakeholders, including industry bodies and individual experts. Panda noted with pride that not a single meeting was postponed and no extension was sought, making this committee a rare example of efficient parliamentary functioning. The report, which includes over 300 recommendations, has been submitted well within schedule and is expected to be tabled during the current Monsoon Session. 'If passed, the new law could take effect from April 1 next year,' he added. Panda credited this success to bipartisan cooperation. "There was no political point-scoring. Every member focused on simplifying the tax law for the benefit of taxpayers. It was truly a team effort in the national interest," he told IANS. 'While the bill itself does not change tax policies -- which remain the domain of the Finance Bill and the Union Budget -- it lays a modern, simplified foundation that allows existing and future tax policies to be implemented more clearly and effectively,' he added. Panda also clarified that the committee did not propose any policy changes but ensured the legal structure accommodates all recent reforms and is accessible to every citizen. "Simplifying the law itself helps policy implementation and reduces confusion for both taxpayers and tax administrators," he said.
New Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Vice President pick likely from Backward class, someone 'neutral and seasoned'
NEW DELHI: A majority of NDA leaders, preferring to remain anonymous, citing political reasons, appeared more confident about electing an experienced, neutral and seasoned individual as the next Vice-President. They expressed that it would be someone representing a significant portion of the pichhara (backward) classes. Speaking to TNIE, in the premises of Parliament, several NDA MPs from both the Upper and Lower Houses, requesting anonymity, hinted at a strong possibility of candidate being from backward or extremely backward community. 'Jo bhi hoga aisa lagata hai picchare varg se hoga' (Whosoever it will be, as it appears now, he will be from the backwards classes). What exactly prompted Dhankhar to resign, however, remains one of the biggest political mysteries. Yet, speculation continues to swirl across the corridors of Parliament that either Bihar or West Bengal may be represented in the second-highest constitutional office -- potentially ushering in another political surprise. 'Ram Nath Thakur—Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare—is one of the prominent names doing the rounds as the most likely candidate,' a senior BJP source said. He further said, "Thakur is the son of the Bharat Ratna awardee and former (late) Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur and belongs to the Nai (barber) community, an ati-pichhara caste'. Nadda, BJP's current president's name is also doing the rounds. When questioned on how this could be feasible, noting that he occupies concurrent charge of the Health Ministry, a senior BJP source clarified that a cabinet reshuffle is likely after the Monsoon Session. He may resign from the post before being declared the Vice-Presidential candidate, and his ministry could be temporarily handed over to another cabinet minister as an additional charge. Dhankhar's resignation remains enigmatic, with reasons known only to him till date. But, there are, however, a few circulating theories -- including speculation of friction between him and the government on certain issues. This development has also brought Bihar CM Nitish Kumar back into political discussions. 'His (Nitish Kumar's) name has not come up only this time; it has been speculated for the last few years. But this does not seem to be happening,' said a senior JDU member, refusing to accept that this speculation carries a much possibility. Among the other names surfacing in the power corridors are senior BJP leader and former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje, present Bihar Governor Md. Arif Khan, former Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, and Harivansh, currently Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, who is managing the House in the wake of Dhankhar's resignation. 'Despite all these names, you know our government springs a surprise,' one senior BJP source cryptically remarked, hinting that a person from West Bengal may still be in consideration.
Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Jagdeep Dhankhar accepting Opposition notice to impeach Justice Varma rubbed Govt ‘wrong way'
With no word from the government on the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, barring an acknowledgement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday noon, what precipitated his sudden move is being attributed to two signature-collection drives to move a motion to impeach Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma for the alleged cash found in his premises. The first of these was by the Opposition which started two weeks ago but picked up momentum Sunday, to collect at least 50 signatures – the minimum needed to move a motion in the Rajya Sabha – to initiate the removal of Justice Varma. The government saw this as a move by the Opposition to undercut its own motion in this regard in the Lok Sabha, for which it had collected 145 signatures – the minimum for Lok Sabha is 100 – including those of the Opposition. Incidentally, in the run-up to the monsoon session, the Government had made it clear that it would move a motion to impeach the judge. The Modi government hoped that the removal of Justice Varma then would be by 'consensus' and not seen as partisan. (The motion to remove a judge can be initiated in either House.) An Opposition MP told The Indian Express that they were, however, determined to keep NDA members out of their Rajya Sabha initiative, to ensure that the ruling coalition didn't walk away with the anti-corruption plank on the matter. 'We did not want the government to have the moral high ground on the issue,' the MP said. Opposition sources said another reason was that they also wanted to raise the issue of Justice Shekhar Yadav, whose removal has been sought for controversial remarks at a VHP event, along with that of Justice Varma. As Monday morning came, and the Monsoon Session began, the Opposition was still trying to muster enough signatures to give a notice for the removal of Justice Varma. Around 1 pm, Dhankhar held a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) to decide the time and nature of discussions to be held in the Rajya Sabha. The meeting was inconclusive, with the Opposition seeking more time to decide on the government's suggestions. Dhankhar then said that another BAC meeting would be held later in the day, at 4.30 pm. By 3 pm, the Opposition submitted its notice for removal of Justice Varma to Dhankhar. At 3.12 pm, Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh tweeted: 'Today 63 Rajya Sabha MPs belonging to various Opposition parties submitted a notice of motion to the Chairman, Rajya Sabha, for the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma under the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968. A similar motion for the removal of Justice Shekhar Yadav had been submitted to the Chairman, Rajya Sabha, way back on Dec 13, 2024.' According to sources, the government was not too happy about Dhankhar accepting the motion, upstaging its own initiative in the Rajya Sabha. A frantic exercise began allegedly then to rustle up signatures of NDA MPs. There was confusion about the purpose of the move. Several BJP MPs told The Indian Express that the signatures were taken for 'impeachment' of Justice Varma. However, two of their counterparts from the NDA underlined that they had signed on 'blank papers', suggesting that the intention was not clear. Three Cabinet members told The Indian Express that the signatures were meant for a notice against Justice Varma. A minister added that the proceedings, however, 'will be in the Lok Sabha only'. 'But since the Chair (Dhankhar) has taken up the matter in the Rajya Sabha also, the presiding officers of both will form a three-member committee to probe the matter.' Shortly after the Opposition submitted its notice, Dhankhar came to the Rajya Sabha and announced around 4.05 pm Monday that he had received it. 'A notice of motion under Article 271 (1) (b), read with Article 218 and Article 124, sub article 4 of the Constitution of India, along with Section 3 (1B) of the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, to constitute a statutory committee for removal of Justice Yashwant Varma, Judge of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad' had been submitted, the Vice President said. Dhankhar added that according to the Judges (Inquiry) Act, when notices of a motion are submitted on the same day in both Houses of Parliament, a committee to examine the charges is to be constituted by the Lok Sabha Speaker and Rajya Sabha Chairman together. Incidentally, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is yet to inform the House about the Justice Varma notice. So this move from Dhankhar, sources in the BJP said, was 'unexpected, shocking and confusing'. A top source in the government said: 'He did not even wait for our notice on the matter.' Interestingly, Dhankhar went on to also refer to the Opposition notice on removal of Justice Yadav of the Allahabad High Court. Without mentioning Justice Yadav by name, Dhankhar said that the confusion over the signatures in the notice submitted by the Opposition was the reason for the hold-up in the process, initiated in December. He added that he would get back to the House once the probe in the case was completed. This did not go down well with the government either, which has been trying to go easy on the Justice Yadav matter. Dhankhar then mentioned the case of the discovery of a wad of notes in the Rajya Sabha in February last year, allegedly from a seat belonging to MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi. Calling it a serious matter, Dhankhar said the matter would have to be dealt with, and that the floor leaders would have to help him in this. Around half-an-hour later, Dhankhar started the BAC meeting he had announced earlier in the day. But even as the Opposition came for it, no one from the government side – either J P Nadda, the Leader of the House, or Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and MoS, Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal – turned up. On Tuesday, speaking to journalists at Parliament House, Nadda said Rijiju and he had informed Dhankhar in advance that they would not be able to attend the meeting as they had another engagement. A source from the government said: 'After we informed the Chairman that the ministers would not be able to be present, he said he would wait for some time and carry on with the meeting.' Nadda also gave a clarification regarding his remarks 'Nothing will go on record, only what I say will go on record' in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, saying these were directed at the 'interrupting' Opposition MPs and not the Chair. After Dhankhar's resignation, the Congress had cited this 'insult' to the Vice President as one of the reasons behind his sudden move. On Tuesday, Congress leader Ramesh speculated in a post on X that 'something very serious' occurred between 1 pm and 4.30 pm, which prompted Nadda and Rijiju to skip the BAC 'deliberately', and said Dhankhar had taken 'umbrage' at this. Six hours after government representatives did not turn up for the BAC meeting, at 9.25 pm Monday, Dhankar posted his resignation letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu on the official X handle of the Vice President, saying he was stepping down due to medical reasons. The first official reaction from the BJP or the government was at 12.13 pm Tuesday, when PM Modi tweeted: 'Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health.'
Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
UPSC Key: Office of Vice-President, Keezhadi excavation and Impeachment of Judges
Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for July 22, 2025. If you missed the July 21, 2025 UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance, Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. What's the ongoing story: In a surprise late-evening development, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar announced Monday that he was stepping down from his post, two years to go for the end of his five-year tenure, citing health concerns. Key Points to Ponder: • What are the constitutional provisions regarding the office of the Vice-President of India? • How is the Vice-President of India elected? • What are the eligibility criteria for Vice-Presidential candidates? • Who performs the Vice-President's duties when the post falls vacant? • What are the powers and functions of the Vice-President of India, especially as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha? • What is the procedure for the removal of the Vice-President of India? • What happens when a Vice-President resigns mid-term, and how long does the new vice president serve in this scenario? • What is the term of office of Vice-President? Key Takeaways: • His resignation, addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, was with immediate effect, and hence it is unlikely that Dhankhar will be presiding over the Rajya Sabha in his capacity as its ex-officio Chairman Tuesday. While Opposition leaders speculated about the reasons for his resignation, coming on the first day of the Monsoon Session, there was no immediate reaction from the government. • 'To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution,' Dhankhar, 74, said in his letter to the President. From Express Network 'V-P quits mid-term: What's next' • Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation late on Monday night has created a rare mid-term vacancy in the country's second-highest constitutional office. He is only the third Vice-President in India's history to resign before completing his term, after V.V. Giri and R. Venkataraman—both of whom stepped down to contest presidential elections and were succeeded by Gopal Swarup Pathak and Shankar Dayal Sharma, respectively. • The Constitution does not provide for an acting Vice-President. However, since the Vice-President is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Deputy Chairman — currently Harivansh Narayan Singh — will preside over the House in his absence. • In the case of the President, the Constitution requires that a vacancy be filled within six months. But for a Vice-Presidential vacancy, there is no such fixed deadline. The only requirement is that the election be held 'as soon as possible' after the post falls vacant. • The Election Commission will announce the schedule. The poll is conducted under the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952. As per convention, the Secretary General of either House of Parliament is appointed as the Returning Officer, in rotation. • The elected candidate will serve a full five-year term from the date of assuming office — not just the remainder of Dhankhar's tenure Do You Know: • The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college made up of members from both Houses of Parliament — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha — including nominated members. Unlike in a presidential election, state legislatures do not participate. • Voting is held in Parliament House in New Delhi, by secret ballot, using the system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote. Each MP casts a vote by ranking candidates in order of preference. All votes carry equal value. • To be declared elected, a candidate must reach a required minimum number of votes — called the quota. This is calculated by dividing the total number of valid votes by two and adding one (fractions, if any, are ignored). If no candidate crosses the quota in the first round, the one with the fewest first-preference votes is eliminated, and their votes are transferred to the remaining candidates based on second preferences. The process continues until one candidate crosses the quota. • A person contesting for the post of Vice-President must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years old, qualified to be elected to the Rajya Sabha, and registered as an elector in any parliamentary constituency. They must not hold any office of profit under the central or state governments, except positions like President, Governor, or Minister. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍UPSC Issue at a Glance | Office of Vice-President of India: 5 Key Questions You Must Know for Prelims and Main Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (1) Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2013) 1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House. 2. While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice-President. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. (UPSC CSE 2022) Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance, Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Constitution of India —historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. Salient features of the Representation of People's Act. What's the ongoing story: While it did not accept the Supreme Court's suggestion to consider Aadhaar, Voter ID and ration cards as proof for its ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, the Election Commission, in a counter-affidavit filed in court on Monday, said it was its 'Constitutional authority' to determine whether the requirement of citizenship is fulfilled by electors, but citizenship of an individual will 'not terminate' on account of being held ineligible as an elector. Key Points to Ponder: • Read about the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Representation of the People Act, 1950. • What are the provisions related to citizenship in India? • Why is the Election Commission revising the electoral rolls in Bihar, and when have previous revisions occurred? • How does the Election Commission of India balance the need for maintaining updated electoral rolls with ensuring free and fair elections in the country? • What are the constitutional and legal mandates empowering the ECI to carry out SIR? • How does the current revision announced on June 24 differ from previous revision drives? • Compare the SIR measures in Bihar with the Assam NRC exercise. • What are the challenges and implications of requiring birth date/place proof for different age cohorts during roll revision? • What is the significance of linking electoral rolls with Aadhaar data? • How do periodic revisions of electoral rolls impact electoral participation, especially among marginalised communities in India? • What is the role of judicial oversight in electoral processes with specific reference to electoral roll revision? Key Takeaways: • On July 10, the Supreme Court, while hearing petitions voicing concerns over the SIR in poll-bound Bihar, declined to restrain the EC from proceeding with the SIR but suggested that the poll panel also consider Aadhaar, voter ID and ration cards for the purpose of updating the rolls. It said the EC could file a counter-affidavit by July 21 and the matter be listed for another hearing on July 28. • In its counter-affidavit, the EC said Aadhaar does not constitute proof of citizenship, and this has been held by various High Courts. 'Aadhaar has not been included in the list of 11 documents provided in the enumeration form, as it does not help in screening the eligibility under Article 326. However, this is not to say that Aadhaar cannot be used to supplement other documents to prove eligibility,' it said. • The EC also noted that there has been 'widespread issuance of bogus ration cards', and though Aadhaar-seeding has helped, problems still persist. The EC cited a press release issued by the government on March 7 that said the Centre had removed over 5 crore fake ration card holders. • The EC reiterated that the list of 11 documents was indicative and not exhaustive, so the Electoral Registration Officers could consider all documents presented by electors. • 'Under the SIR exercise, the citizenship of an individual will not terminate on account of the fact that he/ she is held to be ineligible for registration in the electoral rolls,' the EC said. • The EC said its powers to scrutinise the qualifications flowed from Articles 324 and 326, which pertain to its powers of superintendence over elections and electoral rolls, and the eligibility for electors. 'However, it is reiterated, that determination of non-eligibility of anyone under Article 326 will not lead to cancellation of citizenship,' it said. • Responding to the petitioners' argument that it was the Central government that was empowered to determine citizenship and not the EC, the Commission said when it came to inclusion in the electoral roll, it was well within its powers to ask for proof. • 'The exclusive powers of the Central Government under Section 9 [Citizenship Act, 1955] are confined to reviewing the acquisition of foreign citizenship and whether, based on such acquisition, citizenship of a person should be terminated. This is the scope and mandate of the prevalent laws in force,' it said. • As per its order, the EC has asked all those not on the 2003 electoral roll to submit documents as per their age. For individuals born before July 1, 1987, documents establishing their date and/ or place of birth are required; for individuals born between July 1, 1987 and December 2, 2004, documents for themselves and one parent are required; and for individuals born after December 2, 2004, documents for themselves and both parents are needed. While the EC had not specified the reason for this distinction, it said in its counter-affidavit that 'Section 3 [Citizenship Act] is the basis for segregation of age groups in the enumeration form'. Do You Know: • The ECI's stated reason for the SIR is the 'significant change' in the electoral rolls over time, with large-scale additions and deletions since the last intensive revision. It has attributed these shifts to rapid urbanisation, increased migration for education and livelihood, and the tendency of voters to register at new addresses without deleting their names from the rolls of their previous residence. Hence, duplicate entries have become increasingly common. • This isn't the first intensive revision of electoral rolls. Such exercises — in all or some parts of the country — have previously been undertaken in 1952–56, 1957, 1961, 1965, 1966, 1983–84, 1987–89, 1992, 1993, 1995, 2002, 2003, and 2004. However, the current revision announced on June 24 differs from previous drives in two key aspects, first reported by The Indian Express on July 10. • One, for the first time, the SIR — essentially a fresh preparation through door-to-door enumeration — places the burden of proof on already enrolled voters (on the question of citizenship) at the draft roll stage. Two, it disregards the 'sanctity' of the existing electoral roll — something the Election Commission (EC) had consistently instructed its officers to uphold in all earlier revisions. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Why is the Election Commission revising electoral rolls in Bihar, and when have revisions happened previously? 📍Revision of Bihar electoral rolls: Why, how Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (2) Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2017) 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. 2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections. 3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 3 only Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance, Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. What's the ongoing story: Cutting across party lines, 145 members of Lok Sabha and 63 of Rajya Sabha Monday gave notices to move a motion seeking the removal of former Delhi HC judge Justice Yashwant Varma, currently posted at Allahabad HC. Key Points to Ponder: • What is impeachment? • What are the constitutional provisions related to the judiciary? • What are the powers and functions of High Court judges? • What are the constitutional provisions and procedures governing the impeachment of High Court judges? • What are the grounds for impeachment of judges? • What does Article 218 of the Constitution of India say? • What is the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968, and what are its key provisions? • What is the role of the Supreme Court Collegium in the context of judicial accountability in India? Key Takeaways: • Justice Varma is at the centre of a row after a panel set up by the Supreme Court found credence in the allegations that wads of currency notes were discovered at his official residence when a fire broke out there on March 14. • Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh said, 'Today 63 Rajya Sabha MPs belonging to various Opposition parties submitted a notice of motion to the Chairman, Rajya Sabha, for the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma under the Judges (Inquiry Act, 1968). A similar motion for the removal of Justice Shekhar Yadav had been submitted to the Chairman Rajya Sabha way back on Dec 13, 2024.' • A notice for the removal of a judge has to be signed by not less than 100 members in the Lok Sabha and 50 in the Rajya Sabha, as per the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968. • Once the MPs submit the motion, the presiding officer of the House can either accept or reject it. If accepted, a three-member committee, comprising two judges and a jurist, will be constituted to probe the complaint and determine if it is a case fit for initiating the process of impeachment. • Dhankhar said that he had received a notice of motion under Article 217 (1B) and Article 124, sub-article 4 of the Constitution, along with section 31B of Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, to constitute a committee for removal of Justice Varma. 'It has been signed by more than 50 members of the Council of States, and thus it meets the numerical requirement of signing by members of Parliament for setting in motion the process for removal of a high court judge,' he said. • Dhankhar read out the specific provisions from the Judges Inquiry Act if a similar motion is presented in both Houses of Parliament on the same day. After Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal confirmed that over 100 members had submitted a motion in Lok Sabha, Dhankhar said that the relevant sections of (Judges Inquiry Act) will come into effect and the Secretary General will take necessary steps in this direction. • Under the Judges Inquiry Act if notices of motion are submitted for the removal of a judge on the same day in both Houses of Parliament, no committee shall be constituted unless the motion has been admitted in both Houses. Do You Know: • The Constitution states that a judge of a constitutional court can only be removed on two grounds: proved 'misbehaviour' and 'incapacity'. The procedure to be followed for removal is laid down in the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968. Once a motion for impeachment is adopted by either House, the Speaker/ Chairman has to constitute a three-member committee of inquiry. The committee is headed by the Chief Justice of India or a judge of the Supreme Court, and has a Chief Justice of any High Court, and a person who is in the opinion of the Speaker/ Chairman, a 'distinguished jurist'. • For an impeachment motion against an SC or HC judge to go through, at least two-thirds of those 'present and voting' in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha must vote in favour of removing the judge — and the number of votes in favour must be more than 50% of the 'total membership' of each House. If Parliament passes such a vote, the President will pass an order for the removal of the judge. • The process of impeachment of a judge of the Supreme Court is laid down in Article 124(4) of the Constitution of India. Article 218 says the same provisions shall apply in relation to a judge of the High Court as well. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Impeachment of judges Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (3) Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2020) 1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per the Judges (Inquiry) Act 1968. 2. The Constitution of India defines and gives details or what constitutes 'incapacity and proved misbehaviour' of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India.\ 3. The details of the process of impeachment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India is given in 4 the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. 4. If the motion for the impeachment of a Judge is taken up for voting, the law requires the motion to be backed by each House of the Parliament and supported by a majority of total membership of that House and by not less than two-thirds of total members of that House present and voting. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance and Indian history Mains Examination: General Studies-I: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. What's the ongoing story: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has not requested any 'revised report' on the Keezhadi (or Keeladi) excavations in Tamil Nadu, the Centre informed Parliament Monday, but said the report is 'under review' and as per suggestions of experts the nomenclatures of the three periods mentioned in it 'require change'. Key Points to Ponder: • Read about the Keezhadi (or Keeladi) excavations. • What are the findings from the site? • What is Sangam literature? • What is the significance of the Keezhadi excavations in understanding early urbanisation in South India? • Read about the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). • How does Sangam literature offer insights into early South Indian society? • What are the other recently excavated archaeological sites? Key Takeaways: • Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the time bracket of 8th-5th century BCE given for Period 1 in the report was 'not justified at all'. 'For the earliest period in the present state of our knowledge we can, at the maximum, suggest it originates somewhere in pre-300 BC,' he said in an annexure attached with the response to a question by DMK MP T Sumathy. • Keezhadi is an ancient site in Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga district, about 12 km from Madurai. Over a decade ago, Amarnath Ramakrishna, ASI's then Superintending Archaeologist, led excavations at the site that unearthed evidence of a sophisticated urban society. • According to the Keezhadi report, carbon dating had revealed the objects to be over 2,160 years old, corresponding to the Sangam era in Tamil history. It classified the site's history into three periods — Pre-Early Historic (8th-5th century BCE), Mature Early Historic (5th-1st century BCE) and Early Historic (1st century BCE-3rd century CE). Do You Know: • Initiated in 2014 and led by archaeologist K Amarnath Ramakrishnaunder the ASI, the Keezhadi (or Keeladi) site revealed remnants of an advanced urban civilisation — brick structures, industrial furnaces, drainage systems, graffiti-marked pottery, and terracotta artefacts. • Ramakrishna submitted his final report in January 2023, concluding that the site dated back to between the 8th and 3rd century BCE, based on stratigraphic analysis and AMS-dated artefacts. • Notably, the findings — which include evidence of trade, such as carnelian beads, and literacy, in the form of Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions on potsherds — paint a compelling picture of a flourishing civilisation in South India dating back much further than previously believed. • The discoveries at Keezhadi are significant not only for Tamil Nadu, but for all of India, as they challenge long-standing historical narratives and offer proof that urbanisation may have developed parallelly in different regions of the Subcontinent. • Sangam Literature: Recognised as the earliest literature from South India, Sangam refers to a group of texts written in old Tamil. The corpus includes eight anthologies of poems, 10 idylls, a work on grammar, and 18 minor works. Altogether, there are about 2,381 poems by 473 poets and 102 poems by anonymous authors. While scholars are divided about the precise dates of the Sangam texts, there is a general understanding that they were composed between the third century BCE and the third century CE. The Sangam poems are classified into two types: akam and puram. While akam poetry focuses on love, puram poems explore subjects like war, death, community, and kingdom. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Knowledge Nugget: How is Keeladi excavation relevant for UPSC Exam? Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance, Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. Mains Examination: General Studies-I, II: Salient features of Indian Society,Constitution of India —historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure, Government policies and interventions. What's the ongoing story: On July 17, the Supreme Court affirmed that a woman from a tribal community has an equal right to her family's ancestral property. The Court struck down an order of the Chhattisgarh High Court, which in 2022, cited the absence of a specific customary law to deny inheritance rights to an appellant. Customary laws are generally unwritten conventions that govern the community affairs of tribal groups. Key Points to Ponder: • What are customary laws in tribal communities? • How do customary laws influence property rights among women? • What does Article 14 of the Constitution of India say? • Know about the Hindu Succession Act. • How does the recent Supreme Court judgement on tribal women's inheritance rights uphold the principle of equality provided under Article 14 of the Constitution? • What are the legal challenges in balancing tribal autonomy with women's rights in the context of the balance between customary laws and constitutional values? • The Hindu Succession Act does not apply to Scheduled Tribes. Read about the Uniform Civil Code debate in this context. • What legal and policy reforms are required for the empowerment of tribal women? Key Takeaways: • Last week, however, the SC took a more expansive view of the rights of women from these communities and laid down that their exclusion from inheritance rights was discriminatory. • Emphasising Article 14, which guarantees equality before the law, the SC pointed out that 'Customs too, like the law, cannot remain stuck in time'. They cannot be used to 'deprive others of their right,' the Court ruled. The case dates to 1992, when Dhaiya, a tribal woman in Chhattisgarh, sought the partition of her maternal grandmother's property and was denied multiple times — first by customary laws, and then by trial and appellate courts. The SC's order is a significant intervention in the debate on gender justice in tribal communities. • This is not the first time that the apex court has taken a strong stand in favour of inheritance rights of women from tribal groups. In December 2022, while hearing a case of a tribal woman from Odisha who sought a share in the compensation awarded for the acquisition of land belonging to her ancestors, the SC said, 'When the daughter belonging to the non-tribal is entitled to the equal share in the property of the father, there is no reason to deny such right to the daughter of the tribal community. Female tribal is entitled to parity with male tribal in intestate succession…'. • The bench had then advised the Centre to 'look into the matter and if required, to amend the provisions of the Hindu Succession Act (HSA).' The Act does not apply to Scheduled Tribes. The Indian Succession Act, 1925, too, gives states the power to exclude the tribals. Section 20 of the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act, 1949, allows the woman to inherit her father's property if she marries a man and makes him a ghar-jamai (resident son-in-law). The marriage, however, has to happen during the lifetime of the father. • Customary laws are important as a bulwark against forceful assimilation and homogenisation of tribal communities. At the same time, as the SC rightly pointed out in Dhaiya's case, 'collective ethos of the Constitution' ensures 'that there is no discrimination against women'. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Supreme Court upholds equal inheritance rights for tribal women Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests, Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests. What's the ongoing story: Manoj K Channan writes- 'Asim Munir's recent visit to Washington reaffirmed Pakistan's alignment with US strategic interests. Publicly endorsed by CENTCOM chief General Kurilla as a 'phenomenal partner,' Pakistan continues to position itself as a counterterrorism ally, despite its longstanding use of militant groups as foreign policy tools. These developments underscore the transactional nature of the US-Pakistan relationship, where tactical alignment often overshadows long-term strategic divergence.' Key Points to Ponder: • What is the history of India-US relations? • What are the areas of cooperation between India and the US? • What are the key developments in India-US relations in the various sectors? • How does the transactional nature of the US-Pakistan relations impact India's foreign policy? • What is the significance of strategic autonomy for India in its relations with the United States? • Read about NATO and QUAD. • What is the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)? What is the significance of NAM in the contemporary global order? • How does the transactional nature of the US-Pakistan relations impact India's foreign policy? • How should India respond to the US balancing its ties between India and Pakistan? Key Takeaways: • 'For India, this highlights the need for vigilance and independence in dealing with regional security issues, particularly as Washington continues to balance its ties with both Islamabad and New Delhi. India's approach must be practical, based on realism, and free from the historical baggage that hinders progress.' • 'The recent designation of The Resistance Front (TRF), a rebranded offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as a global terror organisation by the US represents more than just a counter-terrorism action. It sends a strategic message that connects with broader regional dynamics and internal shifts within Pakistan. The US has long utilised terror designations, military aid, and economic pressure as tools of influence. The timing of the TRF's listing — during backchannel meetings, changing alliances, and defence cooperation talks — should not be seen as coincidental.' • 'Implicit understanding between the US and Pakistan reflects an evolving relationship. Washington no longer views Islamabad solely through the lens of the Afghan conflict but instead as a flexible partner, willing to meet demands in exchange for support. The days of aid in exchange for loyalty are gone — now, cooperation is transactional, and Pakistan's leadership appears more than eager to cooperate' • 'For India, this situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The shifting alignment of US interests — sometimes favouring Pakistan, at other times leaning toward India — requires a clear and focused response. American support for Indian security remains strong, but it is not without conditions. Washington will prioritise its national interests above all, even if that means playing both sides in South Asia' • 'Whether it's counterterrorism cooperation, arms sales, or trade negotiations, New Delhi must assert its independence with Washington. American tariffs and weapons deals serve as tools of influence, often used to sway policy decisions or gain concessions. India's autonomy is crucial in these interactions, and it must remain focused on its national interests and avoid being manipulated into a state of dependency.' • 'Meanwhile, new alignments are starting to form. Russia and China are showing renewed interest in strengthening the Russia-India-China (RIC) alliance. Although this trilateral framework lacks the strength of NATO or QUAD, it serves as an essential counterbalance to Western influence. India should explore this space, not out of unquestioning loyalty, but to prevent undue pressure from any single power bloc.' • 'India must recognise that it is being watched, evaluated, and targeted by global powers who see it as both a partner and a pawn. In this environment, the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) gain renewed relevance. Not the NAM of the Cold War era, but a reimagined model — one that is pragmatic, flexible, and focused on issue-based cooperation rather than ideological loyalty.' • 'To navigate this complexity, India must also look inward. There is an urgent need to engage its neighbours, not as subordinates, but as equal stakeholders. The Subcontinent cannot afford to be shackled by its past. While historical wrongs and unresolved disputes persist, they must not define the future. The policy of strategic patience must be replaced with a strategic approach to problem-solving, one that values and promotes regional cooperation.' • 'India's path forward should be neither isolationist nor interventionist — it should be independent. We must assert our narrative, unfiltered by Western media, unpressured by superpower coercion, and unfazed by regional provocations.' Previous year UPSC Mains Questions Covering similar theme: What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC CSE 2020) 'What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India's National self-esteem and ambitions'. Explain with suitable examples. (UPSC CSE 2019) Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. What's the ongoing story: Dinshaw Pardiwala writes- 'As someone who has spent decades in the field of sports medicine, closely observing the physical and psychological toll elite sport takes on athletes, I am both encouraged and excited by the emphasis placed on sports science and technology in the upcoming National Sports Policy 2025. This is not just a policy — it's a paradigm shift.' Key Points to Ponder: • What are the key features of the National Sports Policy 2025? • What is the significance of the National Sports Policy 2025? • What is the significance of integrating sports science, sports medicine, and technology into India's athlete development system? • Know about the Sports Authority of India (SAI). • What could be the implications of the use of AI and real-time data dashboards in sports governance? • What other initiatives have been taken by the government to promote sports in Indian youth? Key Takeaways: • 'For the first time in our nation's sporting journey, we are embedding science, technology, and evidence-based medicine at the heart of athlete development. From injury prevention and biomechanics to mental conditioning and recovery, the policy envisions a system where performance is supported, not just expected.' • 'India has made great strides in global sports. But to compete consistently at the highest level, performance needs to be sustained by systems that are smart, adaptable, and medically sound. The National Sports Policy 2025 acknowledges this and integrates sports science, sports medicine, and cutting-edge technology as foundational pillars for the next decade of Indian sports.' • 'It gives me immense satisfaction as a medical practitioner to note that the new policy focuses on: Injury surveillance, prevention, and early intervention, which remain essential for athlete longevity; biomechanics and performance analytics to refine training and technique; nutrition and recovery science — areas where marginal gains often make the difference between podium finishes and missed opportunities; and mental health and cognitive conditioning, which, in today's high-pressure environment, are non-negotiable.' • 'The policy outlines that facilities for sports science and sports medicine will be established and upgraded at major training centres across the country. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has already begun enhancing sports science facilities and installing world-class recovery equipment at its regional centres and National Centres of Excellence, in partnership with the National Centre for Sports Science & Research.' • 'The policy also rightly champions technology as a tool for governance and performance monitoring. Platforms will be upgraded and restructured to improve the transparency and efficiency of various schemes. From AI-driven performance analysis to real-time dashboards, monitoring training loads and recovery metrics, technology will be harnessed not just to track, but to intervene early, predict outcomes, and course-correct when necessary.' • 'In a nutshell, the National Sports Policy 2025 is not just forward-thinking — it is vital. By embedding sports science and technology into the fabric of our sporting ecosystem, we are moving toward certainty — from passion alone to passion empowered by precision.' Do You Know: • The Union Cabinet has approved the National Sports Policy 2025, which aims to prepare the Indian sports ecosystem for the 2036 edition of the Games. • The policy focuses on making India a sports tourism destination by hosting major sporting events, integrating sports into school curricula through the National Education Policy 2020, building 'world-class systems for training, coaching and holistic athlete support', and strengthening 'sports manufacturing ecosystem'. • The policy is anchored on five key pillars: Excellence on the global stage, Sports for economic development, Sports for social development, Sports as people's movement, and Integrating with education (NEP,2020). Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍India outlines new sports policy: Focus on making country sports tourism destination, integration with National Education Policy, build 'world-class' systems Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. Mains Examination: General Studies II, III: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies, Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure. What's the ongoing story: The Supreme Court Monday saw sharp exchanges over some of the actions of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), with the court ticking off the agency, indicating that it should not be used for political battles, and saying that its 'officers are crossing all limits'. Key Points to Ponder: • Read about the Enforcement Directorate. • What are the powers and functions of ED? • How has the Enforcement Directorate's mandate evolved over time since its inception in 1956? What are the key laws enforced by the Enforcement Directorate, and how do they define its jurisdiction? • What are the concerns associated with operational independence of ED? • How does the Enforcement Directorate's role intersect with federal principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution? • Do you think the political misuse of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate impact democratic institutions and public trust in governance? Key Takeaways: • As Chief Justice of India B R Gavai presiding over a two-judge bench, which also included Justice K Vinod Chandran, made the observation, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta contended 'there is a concerted effort to create a narrative against an institution.' • The observations came in three matters, first involving summons against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah's wife B M Parvathi and Minister Byrathi Suresh in connection with alleged illegal allotment of sites by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), and the other over notices to some senior advocates for appearing before the agency in connection with cases allegedly involving their clients. • Taking up ED's appeal against the Karnataka High Court order quashing the summons to Parvathi and Suresh, CJI Gavai told Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, who appeared for the probe agency, 'Mr Raju, please don't ask us to open our mouth. Or we will have to pass very harsh comments. We have been saying since morning that we don't use this court as a political platform… Otherwise, we will have to make some harsh comments about ED… Unfortunately, I have some experience with ED in Maharashtra.' • Earlier in the day, the CJI bench took up two petitions. One of them sought the initiation of criminal contempt against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her remarks on the apex court's ruling in the teachers' recruitment scam case. The other was by the Karnataka Government challenging the quashing of a criminal case filed against BJP MP Tejasvi Surya for comments about the alleged suicide of a farmer. • In the first, CJI Gavai said, 'Don't try to politicise before the court; your political battle, you should fight somewhere else. List after 4 weeks.' • In the Tejasvi Surya case, while dismissing it, the court said, 'What is this? Don't politicise the matter. Fight your battles before the electorate.' Do You Know: • The ED was established on May 1, 1956, as the 'Enforcement Unit' under the Department of Economic Affairs within the Ministry of Finance for handling violations of exchange control laws under the now-repealed Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973 (FERA). Later on, it was renamed the Enforcement Directorate and was transferred to the administrative control of the Department of Revenue, and subsequently entrusted with the enforcement of a broader range of financial laws. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍As SC raps ED, a look at agency's powers, role and red lines UPSC Prelims Practice Question Covering similar theme: (4) Consider the following key Acts: 1. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) 2. The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) 3. The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA) 4. The Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA), 1974 Which of the above acts is the Enforcement Directorate empowered to enforce: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1 and 4 only (c) 2, 3and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Alawites: Residing primarily along Syria's Mediterranean coast, Alawites are the country's largest ethnic minority who served as the former President Bashar al-Assad's principal support base. Alawite areas have been a staging ground for last-ditch armed efforts by pro-Assad militias. Kurds: Like their counterparts in Iran, Iraq, and Turkey, Syrian Kurds fiercely guard their distinct ethnic identity. An (uncomfortable) modus vivendi with the Assad regime in 2012 gave them a semi-autonomous civil administration (Rojava) with an armed wing (Syrian Democratic Forces; SDF) in oil-rich northeastern Syria. Read more about it in 'Knowledge Nugget: From Alawites to Uighurs — Ethnic groups you must know for UPSC Exam' Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
