UPSC EXAM QUIZ 19.07.2024

Explanation:

• Supreme Court of India has directed States and High Courts to submit comprehensive reports on the establishment and functioning of gram nyayalayas.
• This directive comes amidst concerns about the slow implementation of these rural courts.

Supreme Court's Concerns Regarding Gram Nyayalayas

• Slow Implementation: The Gram Nyayalyas Act of 2008 was meant to de-clog courts and decentralise administration. It was emphasised that the purpose of gram nyayalayas was to improve access to justice, but there are currently only about 450 out of the required 16,000 set up, with only around 300 functioning.
• Pending Cases: With over four crore cases pending in trial courts, the lack of functional gram nyayalayas contributes to the backlog, preventing the de-clogging of the judicial system.
• Access to Justice: The Supreme Court is concerned that the slow establishment of gram nyayalayas hampers the goal of providing speedy and affordable justice to rural citizens.
• Lack of Reporting: States and High Courts have failed to submit the required affidavits detailing the status of gram nyayalayas, reflecting a lack of compliance and commitment.

Explanation:

• The main opposition party submitted a breach of privilege notice against the Prime Minister for making “derogatory” remarks against the former vice president and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Breach of Privilege

• When any individual or authority undermines any of the privileges, rights, and immunities, either of the Members individually or of the House in its collective capacity, the offence is called a breach of privilege and is punishable by the House.
• Additionally, any actions that disrespect the House's authority or dignity, like ignoring its orders or insulting its members, committees, or officers, are considered breaches of privilege.

Explanation:

Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) of the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change reprimanded the Odisha government for building walls, without approval, in forest land that will be part of the proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri.

Forest Advisory Committee (FAC)

• It is a statutory body which was constituted by the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980.
• It comes under the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
• The FAC evaluates industrial projects which require forest land for their activities.
• The committee may or may not approve a project and can give an approval for forest land to be diverted, after imposing certain conditions.
• In the recent case, satellite pictures showed that the agency tasked with the project had already built a wall without waiting for approval by the FAC.

Explanation:

• Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) at the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), launched the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) Portal.
• The portal's primary objective is to ensure beneficiaries have access to complete information about all schemes.
• It aims to enhance transparency and facilitate easier access to skill development opportunities across India.

SIDH

• SIDH is integral to India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at leveraging digital technologies for skill development.
• Its primary goal is to enhance transparency and provide detailed information about government schemes to beneficiaries.
• The portal offers education aligned with industry needs, career opportunities, and support for entrepreneurship, catering to the aspirations of millions of Indians seeking better prospects.

Explanation:

• Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated Asia's first health research-related "Pre-clinical Network Facility" under CEPI at THSTI, Faridabad.
• CEPI selected BRIC-THSTI for its BSL3 pathogen handling capabilities, making it Asia's first and the 9th globally.
• The facility includes a large experimental Animal Facility accommodating 75,000 mice and other species.
• Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary DBT, Dr. K. Shrinath Reddy, and Dr. Kathikeyan, Director THSTI, were present at the event.

Inauguration of G-HUMIC Facility

• The Genetically Defined Human Associated Microbial Culture Collection (G-HUMIC) facility was also inaugurated.
• G-HUMIC is designed to support research institutions, universities and industries with genetically characterized pathogen-free animal and microbial cultures.