June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)

POLITY
Article 311(2)(c)
⇨ Allows government to terminate employees
June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) deemed security threats without inquiry, under
certain high-level approval.
Contents
Quota In Minority Institutions
Constitution and Legislature.....................1
⇨ Madras High Court ruled religious and
Bodies....................................................... 14
linguistic minority institutions exempt from
Miscellaneous...........................................30 oslo
Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other
Backward Class reservation rules.
Constitution and Legislature
⇨ Government cannot force these institutions to
offer reservations.
Article 3
⇨ State government cannot limit minority
⇨ Parliament can legislate on state formation,
institution status duration.
boundary changes; must consult affected states
⇨ Minority status remains unless National
via President's recommendation.
Commission for Minority Educational
Institutions revokes on valid grounds.
Article 370
⇨ First Division Bench allows minority
⇨ 2019 Supreme Court upheld removing Jammu
institutions to admit up to 50% from their
and Kashmir's special status, confirming no
minorities based on merit; rest must be
retained sovereignty post-1947 accession.
merit-based without counting minorities who
⇨ Designated as a temporary, transitional
qualify on merit.
provision in the Constitution's Part XXI.
⇨ Right to Education Act, 2006's Section 2(d)
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exempts minority institutions under
Article 35A
Constitution Article 30(1) from 'private
⇨ Allows Jammu and Kashmir Assembly to
educational institution' definition.
define state's permanent residents and their
rights.
Notifying Minority
⇨ Central government designates communities
Article 142
as minorities per National Commission for
⇨ Empowers Supreme Court to ensure complete
Minorities Act, 1992's Section 2(c).
justice in ongoing cases; used broadly, scope
⇨ In 1993, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists,
defined across multiple judgments.
and Zoroastrians (Parsis) declared minorities.
⇨ Jains designated as minority community in
Article 200
2014.
⇨ Governor's options after receiving a passed
bill: assent, withhold, refer to President, or
Constitutional Provisions Related to
return for reconsideration.
Minorities
⇨ Article 29: Rights to preserve distinct
Article 299
language, script, or culture.
⇨ Deals with contracts made by Union or State
⇨ Article 30: Minorities can establish/administer
in President's or Governor's name; no immunity
educational institutions; restricted to 9654469135
from law for government in contractual
religious/linguistic minorities.
disputes.
⇨ Article 350-B: Post-1956 Constitutional
Amendment creates Special Officer for
Article 355
Linguistic Minorities role to safeguard their
⇨ Central government can intervene in states to
constitutional protections.
address internal or external threats; part of
Constitution's emergency provisions.
Basic Structure Doctrine

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⇨ Doctrine limits Parliament's amendment
powers to protect India's Constitution's 'Basic
Structure'.
⇨ Supreme Court's 1973 Keshavananda Bharati
judgment recognized 'Basic Structure', not
explicitly mentioned in Constitution.
⇨ Key features include supremacy, secular
nature, separation of powers.
⇨ District Judiciary's independence deemed
part of this structure by recent Supreme Court
judgment.
Money Bill
⇨ Defined under Article 110(1), includes
taxation, appropriation of funds; only
introduced in Lok Sabha.
⇨ Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject, only
recommend changes.
⇨ President must endorse, cannot reject.
Preventive Detention
⇨ Detains individuals based on reasonable
apprehension of threat to public order.
⇨ Detention without trial.
⇨ Article 22(1) and 22(2) of the Constitution
protect against arbitrary arrest, not applicable
under preventive detention (Article 22(3)).
⇨ Maximum detention period without trial is
three months, extendable with high court
judges' board approval.
⇨ Permitted under various laws including Code
of Criminal Procedure, Narcotic Drug and
Psychotropic Substance Act 1985, Unlawful
Activities (Prevention) Act.
⇨ Police can arrest without warrant under Code
oslo
of Criminal Procedure Section 151 to prevent
cognisable offences.
⇨ Supreme Court mandates preventive
detention as a last resort.
Right to Silence
⇨ Based on Article 20(3) of the Constitution,
prohibits self-incrimination in criminal
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proceedings.
⇨ Not applicable under Customs Act, 1962 or
Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 as the
person is not an accused.
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⇨ Supreme Court in Nandini Satpathy v. P.L. Dani
emphasized rights within police stations.
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Right To Walk
⇨ Punjab implemented mandatory footpaths
and cycle tracks on all roads, including National
Highways Authority of India (NHAI) roads.
Personality Rights
⇨ Protects personal identity markers like name,
voice, signature, images under privacy and
property rights.
⇨ No explicit statute, inferred from right to
privacy and property rights.
Reservation for Locals in Private Sector
⇨ Punjab and Haryana High Court invalidated
Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates
Act, 2020 as unconstitutional.
⇨ Violates Part III (Fundamental Rights) and
Constitutional Morality by discriminating based
on state of residence.
⇨ Similar laws in Andhra Pradesh since 2019.
Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
⇨ Proposes same civil laws for all Indian citizens
on personal matters.
⇨ Mentioned in Article 44 (Directive Principles
of State Policy) of the Constitution.
⇨ Currently, religious communities follow
codified personal laws.
⇨ Goa uses Portuguese Civil Code of 1867 as
UCC.
Pleasure of the Governor
⇨ Article 164 states Ministers hold office at the
Governor's pleasure, implying dismissal only on
Chief Minister’s advice.
⇨ "Pleasure of the Governor" signifies the Chief
Minister’s authority over ministers' tenure.
Sessions of the Parliament
⇨ Article 85: President summons Parliament, no
more than six months between sessions.
⇨ President can prorogue or dissolve the House
of the People (Lok Sabha).
⇨ Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs
decides session timings, formalized by
President.
⇨ Minimum of two sessions annually due to
six-month rule.
2

⇨ No fixed parliamentary calendar; typically
three sessions: Budget (January-April/May),
Monsoon (July-August), Winter
(November-December).
Special Session of Parliament
⇨ Summoned by President under Article 85(1)
for specific occasions.
⇨ Term "special session" not defined in
Constitution.
⇨ Usual procedural devices like question hour
may be unavailable.
No Confidence Motion
⇨ Article 75(3): Council of Ministers collectively
responsible to Lok Sabha.
⇨ No Confidence Motion outlined in Lok Sabha
Rule 198.
⇨ Requires support of 50 MPs to initiate.
⇨ If passed, government must resign; if defeated,
government continues.
⇨ 27 motions since independence; recent 28th
motion defeated.
Tribunals
⇨ Introduced in Constitution by 42nd
Amendment Act, 1976.
⇨ Article 323-A covers Administrative Tribunals,
Article 323-B covers other matters.
⇨ Tribunals for taxation, foreign exchange,
industrial issues established under Article
323-B by Parliament and state legislatures.
⇨ Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985,
established tribunals under Article 323-A.
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⇨ No hierarchy in Administrative Tribunals,
possible hierarchy in Article 323-B tribunals.
Anti-Defection Law
⇨ Tenth Schedule added by 52nd Amendment
Act, 1985.
⇨ Legislators disqualified for defection by
House's Presiding Officer.
⇨ Exceptions include party mergers with
two-thirds agreement.
⇨ Decision by Chairman or Speaker is final.
WHIP
⇨ Written directive to party members on voting
behaviour.
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⇨ Issued by designated party official, often
called a chief whip.
Adjournment Sine Die
⇨ House adjourned without set date for
resumption by the presiding officer.
⇨ Different from summoning or prorogation,
which are presidential powers.
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Parliamentary Privileges
⇨ MPs and certain participants like the Attorney
General and Union Ministers enjoy specific
rights and immunities.
⇨ Breach of these privileges is punishable under
parliamentary law.
⇨ Privileges are outlined in Article 105
(Parliament) and Article 194 (state legislatures).
⇨ No comprehensive law codifying all privileges
has been enacted.
⇨ MPs immune from arrest in civil cases 40 days
before and after parliamentary sessions or
committee meetings.
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⇨ Parliament exclusively determines breaches or
contempt, not the courts.
⇨ Privilege breach concerns must be raised with
the Chairman or Speaker's consent.
Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
⇨ Constituted annually as one of three Financial
Parliamentary committees; others are
Estimates Committee and Committee on Public
Undertakings.
⇨ Reviews government spending as authorized
by Parliament, based on Comptroller and
Auditor General (CAG) reports.
⇨ Membership rules and functions are set by
parliamentary procedures.
⇨ Comprises 15 to 22 members; no more than
15 from Lok Sabha and up to 7 from Rajya
Sabha.
⇨ Ministers are excluded from membership.
⇨ Established in 1921 following Montague
Chelmsford Reforms.
Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)
⇨ Ad-hoc body established for specific
objectives and duration.
3

⇨ Formed via motion passed in one house and
agreed by the other; membership and subjects
decided by Parliament.
⇨ Not a court of law; cannot impose penalties.
⇨ Role is to examine public issues and
recommend actions to Parliament.
⇨ Recommendations are not binding on
government.
⇨ Dissolved after completing its task or term.
Parliamentary Secretariat
⇨ Each House of Parliament has its own
secretarial staff, as mandated by Article 98.
⇨ Functions include secretarial assistance,
recording proceedings, preparing research
materials, and serving committees.
⇨ Recruitment and conditions of service
regulated by Parliament; posts common to both
Houses may be created.
⇨ Speaker and Chairman can create new posts,
with Class I or II posts requiring Union Ministry
of Finance consultation.
⇨ Secretariat divided into services like
Legislative, Executive, Administrative, and
Verbatim Reporting.
⇨ Secretary-Generals rank equivalent to
Cabinet Secretary but lower in precedence.
Lok Sabha Secretariat
⇨ Speaker has ultimate control.
⇨ Secretary General acts as Administrative
Head.
⇨ Governed by Lok Sabha Secretariat
(Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules,
1955.
Rajya Sabha Secretariat
⇨ Chairman has administrative control.
⇨ Secretary General is Administrative Head.
⇨ Governed by Rajya Sabha Secretariat
(Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules,
1957.
Panel of Vice-Chairpersons
⇨ Chosen by the Rajya Sabha Chairman.
⇨ Can preside over the House in the absence of
Chairman or Deputy Chairman, with equivalent
powers.
⇨ Holds office until a new panel is nominated.
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⇨ If no vice-chairperson is available, another
member as determined by the House presides.
⇨ Cannot preside when Chairman or Deputy
Chairman’s position is vacant.
⇨ Rajya Sabha Chairman recently formed an
all-women panel of vice-chairpersons.
Committee of Privileges oslo
⇨ Consists of 15 members in Lok Sabha and 10
in Rajya Sabha, nominated by the Speaker or
Chairman.
⇨ Rajya Sabha committee headed by the deputy
chairperson.
⇨ Examines breaches of privilege of the House,
its members, or committees.
Ethics Committee of Lok Sabha
⇨ Members appointed by the Speaker for one
year.
⇨ Monitors members' ethical and moral conduct,
examines misconduct cases.
⇨ Complaints against members require another
MP’s referral, evidence, and an affidavit, except
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if self-reported.
⇨ Does not review complaints from media
reports or subjudice matters.
⇨ Committee reports to the Speaker; House
decides on report discussion.
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
(ACC)
⇨ Appoints key Government of India positions.
⇨ Includes the Prime Minister (Chairman) and
Minister of Home Affairs.
⇨ Excluded ministers-in-charge of concerned
ministries since July 2016.
⇨ Recently appointed Jaya Verma Sinha as
Chairperson of the Railway Board.
Cabinet Committees in India
⇨ Comprise various committees including
Economic Affairs, Security, Parliamentary 9654469135
Affairs, and others.
⇨ All chaired by the Prime Minister, except
Parliamentary Affairs and Accommodation.
⇨ Parliamentary Affairs chaired by the Defence
Minister from 2014-2024.
4

⇨ Prime Minister formed new committees on
Employment & Skill Development and
Investment & Growth in 2019.
Cabinet Secretary (CS)
⇨ Appointed by the ACC based on
seniority-cum-merit.
⇨ Administers Government of India (GoI)
business and transaction rules.
⇨ Heads the Civil Services Board.
⇨ Recently extended for another year.
16th Finance Commission
⇨ Constituted under Article 280(1) by the
President.
⇨ Chaired by Arvind Panagariya, with other
members pending notification.
⇨ Aims to address fiscal imbalances between the
central and state governments.
⇨ Recommendations effective for five years
starting April 1, 2026.
All India Judicial Service (AIJS)
⇨ Centralizes recruitment for district and
additional district judges.
⇨ Proposed in the 14th Law Commission Report
of 1958.
⇨ Included in the Constitution via the 42nd
Amendment, 1976 under Article 312.
⇨ Implementation pending legislative decision.
Dual Citizenship
⇨ Allows legal citizenship in multiple countries.
⇨ Offered by countries like the United States,
Finland, and Israel.
⇨ Prohibited in India; alternative offered
through the Overseas Citizenship of India
program, excluding migrants from Pakistan and
Bangladesh.
Rule 176 and Rule 267
⇨ Rule 176 allows short-duration discussions up
to two-and-a-half hours.
⇨ Rule 267 permits suspension of the
predetermined agenda with Chairman's
approval.
Doctrine of Promissory Estoppel
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⇨ Legal doctrine preventing withdrawal from
agreements lacking formal consideration.
⇨ Used to enforce contracts or claim
compensation for non-performance.
National Party Status
⇨ Aam Aadmi Party recognized as India's ninth
national party after Gujaratoslo
elections.
⇨ Criteria include winning 2% of Lok Sabha seats
or being recognized as a state party in four
states.
⇨ Entitles to a reserved symbol, single proposer
for nominations, and additional campaign
benefits.
Star Campaigners
⇨ Nominated by political parties for specified
campaigning periods.
⇨ Must be registered with the Chief Electoral
Officer and Election Commission within a week
of election notification.
⇨ Recognized parties allowed 40 campaigners;
unrecognized registered parties allowed 20.
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Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)
⇨ Consists of a control unit and a balloting unit,
powered by an alkaline battery.
⇨ Manufactured by Electronics Corporation of
India Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited.
⇨ First used in 1982 in Kerala; utilized
nationwide in 2004 Lok Sabha elections.
⇨ Can record up to 2,000 votes.
Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)
⇨ Provides voters with a printed slip to verify
their cast vote.
⇨ Paper slip visible for seven seconds in the
voting compartment.
⇨ Deemed necessary for voting transparency by
the Supreme Court in 2014.
Custodian of Enemy Property for India 9654469135
⇨ Manages properties designated as
enemy-owned following wars.
⇨ Expanded definition in 2017 includes legal
heirs and successors, regardless of nationality.
⇨ Operates under a quasi-judicial capacity and
Civil Procedure Court guidelines.
5

System of Judges Appointment in India
⇨ President appoints Supreme Court judges
consulting the Chief Justice of India and
necessary judges.
⇨ High Court judges appointed after consulting
the Chief Justice of India, Governor, and the
High Court's Chief Justice.
⇨ The Collegium System involves a committee
for judicial appointments and transfers.
Electoral Bonds (EB)
⇨ Recently abolished by Supreme Court.
⇨ Introduced in Union Budget 2017-18 as
interest-free bearer instruments to improve
political funding transparency.
⇨ Issued by specified banks, purchasable via
cheque or digital payments.
⇨ Donated within a fixed timeframe, converted
into cash through political parties' notified bank
accounts.
⇨ Donor anonymity maintained, promoting
transparent donations to political parties.
⇨ Valid for only 15 days, available for purchase
during 10 designated days in specific months.
⇨ Political parties must submit annual income
tax returns under Section 13A of the Income
Tax Act, 1961; electoral bonds exempt from this
Act.
Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP),
2023
⇨ President of India approved the Digital
Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023.
⇨ Initiated after the Supreme Court declared
privacy a fundamental
oslo right in K.S. Puttaswamy
vs. Union of India (2017).
⇨ Follows the Justice Srikrishna Committee's
draft proposal of 2018 by the Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology.
⇨ Regulates digital personal data processing,
balancing protection rights and lawful
processing needs.
⇨ Establishes obligations for Data Fiduciaries
9654469135
and rights for Data Principals, with financial
penalties for violations.
⇨ Applicable to data processed in India and data
processed abroad for transactions in India.
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⇨ Requires consent for data processing, with
parental or guardian consent for minors and
individuals with disabilities.
⇨ Excludes data used for personal/domestic
purposes or publicly disclosed by the Data
Principal.
⇨ Permits international data transfer, except to
countries restricted by the central government.
⇨ Establishes the Data Protection Board of India
as a civil court to enforce the act, with Board
members appointed for two years, renewable.
⇨ Appeals against the Board's decisions to be
made to the Telecommunications Dispute
Settlement and Appellate Tribunal.
⇨ Sets penalties up to Rs 250 crore for various
breaches, including failures in child data
protection, security measures, and breach
notifications.
Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023
⇨ Replaces the Press and Registration of Books
Act, 1867.
⇨ Governs the registration of periodicals
containing public news or comments, excluding
books and academic journals.
⇨ Allows online registration for periodicals
through the Press Registrar General and
specified local authorities.
⇨ Requires prior approval for reproducing
foreign periodicals in India.
⇨ Online declarations for printing presses,
moving away from the previous District
Magistrate declaration requirement.
⇨ The Press Registrar General can suspend
periodical registration for 30 to 180 days for
infractions like misinformation or publication
discontinuity.
⇨ Imposes penalties for publishing unregistered
periodicals or not submitting annual statements
on time.
⇨ Sets protocols for the registration and
reproduction of foreign periodicals.
⇨ Mandates digital news platforms to register
under the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and
Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.
⇨ Defines the role of the Press Registrar General
of India, responsible for issuing registration
certificates, maintaining a register, and
overseeing periodical management.
6

Cinematograph (Amendment) Act 2023
⇨ Amends the Cinematograph Act 1952 to
enhance anti-piracy measures.
⇨ Aligns with the Copyright Act, 1957 and the
Information Technology Act, 2000.
⇨ Appoints Nodal Officers from the Central
Board of Film Certification and the Ministry to
address piracy complaints.
⇨ Allows original copyright holders or
authorized persons to file piracy complaints.
⇨ Enables Nodal Officers to conduct hearings to
assess the validity of complaints from
non-authorized individuals.
⇨ In related news, the Bihar Cabinet has
requested Special Category Status for Bihar.
Advocates (Amendment) Act, 2023
⇨ Amends the Advocates Act, 1961, repealing
sections concerning touts from the Legal
Practitioners Act, 1879.
⇨ Defines touts as those securing legal work in
exchange for payment.
⇨ Enables high courts and district judges to
compile and publish lists of touts.
⇨ Restricts listed touts from entering court
premises.
Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2024
⇨ Amends Electricity Rules, 2005 to allow
specific consumer groups and those with Energy
Storage Systems to own and operate their
transmission lines without a license.
⇨ Stipulates that tariffs must be katya124905@gmail.com
cost-reflective,
without revenue gaps except in natural
calamities.
Point of Presence (PoP) Regulations 2023
⇨ Issued by the Pension Fund Regulatory and
Development Authority to regulate interactions
for National Pension System subscribers.
⇨ Requires a single registration for entering the
National Pension System.
⇨ Designates Points of Presence as initial
contact points within the NPS architecture.
⇨ Authorizes Point of Presence Service
Providers branches to serve as collection points.
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⇨ Allows banks and non-bank entities to
function as Points of Presence for onboarding
NPS subscribers.
Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002
⇨ Consolidates and amends law for cooperative
societies with inter-state objectives.
⇨ Applicable to all cooperatives not confined to
one state.
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⇨ Requires registration under the Central
Registrar appointed by the Central
Government.
⇨ Societies can create bye-laws aligned with this
act for internal governance.
⇨ Central Registrar must prepare amalgamation
or reorganisation schemes for cooperative
banks on Central Government's directive, with
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approval, following
the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
Multi-State Cooperative Societies
(Amendment) Act, 2023
oslo
⇨ Introduces a Cooperative Election Authority
for election oversight in multi-state societies.
⇨ Establishes a Cooperative Rehabilitation,
Reconstruction, and Development Fund
financed by profitable multi-state cooperatives,
excluding companies under the Companies Act,
2013.
⇨ Permits state cooperative societies to merge
into multi-state cooperatives, subject to state
laws.
⇨ Mandates cooperative ombudsman and
information officers' appointment.
⇨ Ensures representation of women and
Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) on
boards.
Cooperative Societies
⇨ Defines a cooperative as a voluntary
association for common economic interests.
⇨ States have jurisdiction over cooperatives,
except for inter-state cooperatives governed by
the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act,
2002.
⇨ Central registrar manages administrative and
financial controls.
7

⇨ Maharashtra leads with 567 cooperatives,
followed by Uttar Pradesh (147) and New Delhi
(133).
⇨ Multi-State Cooperative Societies
(Amendment) Bill, 2022, passed to amend the
2002 Act.
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Nari Shakti Vandan [Constitution (106th
Amendment)] Act, 2023
⇨ Establishes one-third reservation for women
in Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and the National
Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi assembly.
⇨ Allocates one-third of SC/ST reserved seats to
women.
⇨ Act's provisions activate post-delimitation
following the next census.
⇨ Female reservation provisions to expire after
15 years unless extended by Parliament.
⇨ Allows for periodic rotation of reserved seats
post-delimitation.
⇨ Legislative representation remains unchanged
until current assemblies and Lok Sabha dissolve.
⇨ Originally introduced as Constitution (128th)
Amendment Bill.
Chief Election Commissioner and other
Election Commissioners (Appointment,
Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act,
2023
⇨ Receives presidential assent, replacing the
1991 Election Commission Act.
⇨ Responds to Supreme Court's directive in
Anoop Baranwal v Union of India for
transparent appointments via a selection
committee including the Prime Minister, Chief
Justice of India (CJI), and Leader of the
Opposition.
⇨ Establishes a Search Committee, led by the
Minister of Law and Justice, to nominate
candidates.
⇨ President appoints the Chief Election
Commissioner (CEC) and Election
Commissioners (ECs) on the Selection
Committee's recommendation.
Salaries and service conditions for CEC and
⇨oslo
ECs equated to those of the Cabinet Secretary.
⇨ Retains constitutional provision for CEC
removal similar to a Supreme Court Judge, with
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ECs removable only upon CEC
recommendation.
97th Constitutional Amendment Act 2011
⇨ Recognizes forming cooperative societies as a
fundamental right (Article 19).
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⇨ Introduces a new Directive Principle of State
Policy on promoting cooperative societies
(Article 43-B).
⇨ Adds Part IX-B, "The Cooperative Societies,"
to the Constitution (Articles 243-ZH to 243-ZT).
⇨ Authorizes Parliament and state legislatures
to legislate on multi-state and other cooperative
societies, respectively.
⇨ Supreme Court ruling in Union of India vs
Rajendra Shah (2021) limits Part IXB's
application to Multi-State Cooperative
Societies.
Places of Worship Act, 1991
⇨ Prohibits the conversion of any place of
worship and maintains the religious character as
of 15 August 1947.
⇨ Excludes Ayodhya's disputed structure due to
ongoing litigation.
Indian Penal Code (IPC)
⇨ Drafted by Thomas Babington Macaulay,
enacted in 1860, effective from 1862.
⇨ Underwent several post-independence
amendments, complicating the code.
⇨ Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 proposed to
replace IPC, removing sedition (Section 124A)
and introducing terrorism and organised crimes
as offences.
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC)
⇨ First enacted in 1882, significantly amended in
1898, 1923, and 1955.
⇨ Law Commission of India's 41st report led to
CrPC 1973.
⇨ Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023
proposed to replace CrPC.
⇨ Allows bail for first-time offenders after
one-third of the maximum sentence served.
⇨ Permits electronic mode for all trials, inquiries,
and proceedings.
8

⇨ Police can request medical examinations in
certain cases, mandates forensic investigations
for serious crimes.
⇨ Allows collection of personal identifiers from
individuals, irrespective of arrest status.
Evidence Act, 1872
⇨ Enacted to consolidate evidence laws for
judicial decisions.
⇨ Bhartiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 to replace Indian
Evidence Act, 1872.
⇨ Standardises admissibility of electronic or
digital records.
⇨ Treats electronic information as oral evidence.
⇨ In joint trials, a proven confession affects all
relevant accused.
Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952
⇨ Empowers central and state governments to
appoint commissions for public inquiries.
⇨ Central government can inquire into matters
from List I and III, states from List II or III of
Schedule VII.
⇨ Commissions have civil court powers.
⇨ Recent commission appointed to investigate
violence in Manipur.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act,
2013
⇨ Aims to ensure workplace equality and
freedom from sexual harassment, in line with
Vishaka judgment (1997).
⇨ Covers all women, regardless of employment
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status, at any workplace.
⇨ Defines workplace harassment, includes
physical, verbal, and visual harassment.
⇨ Employers must establish an Internal
Complaints Committee (ICC); a Local
Complaints Committee (LCC) is for workplaces
with fewer than 10 workers.
⇨ Complaints must be filed within 3 months,
extendable by 3 months.
⇨ Non-compliance by employers results in a fine
up to ₹50,000, increasing with repeat offences.
PoSH Act
⇨ Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition
and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH) highlighted by
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the Supreme Court for "serious lapses" and
"uncertainty" in its implementation.
⇨ Defines sexual harassment as unwelcome
physical, verbal, or non-verbal sexual conduct,
including advances, requests for sexual favours,
and exposure to pornography.
⇨ Covers all women employees, regardless of
employment type or awareness of the principal
employer.
9654469135
⇨ Expands 'workplace' definition to include
various organisational types and non-traditional
settings.
⇨ Applicable to all public and private sectors
across India.
⇨ Mandates formation of an Internal Complaints
Committee (ICC) for employers with over 10
employees, led by a senior female employee and
including an NGO worker.
⇨ Requires creation of a local committee for
complaints from women in firms with fewer
than 10 employees or the informal sector.
⇨ Employer must file an annual report detailing
oslo
sexual harassment complaints and actions
taken.
Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP)
(Amendment) Act, 2021
⇨ Specifies conditions under which abortion is
legal: advice of one medical practitioner up to
20 weeks, two practitioners from 20 to 24
weeks for specific risks, and medical board
advice beyond 24 weeks for substantial foetal
abnormalities.
Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO) Act, 2018
⇨ Aims to confiscate properties of economic
offenders fleeing the country to evade
prosecution, or who refuse to return, with
offences valued at minimum Rs. 100 crore.
⇨ A special court can declare someone a fugitive
economic offender and order confiscation of
crime-related properties, benami properties,
and others, both domestically and abroad.
⇨ Confiscated properties vest in the central
government, managed and disposed of by an
appointed administrator.
Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)
9

⇨ Regulates foreign donations to prevent
adverse effects on internal security.
⇨ Enacted in 1976, amended in 2010 to enhance
control over foreign donations.
⇨ Applicable to all associations, groups, and
non-governmental organizations intending to
receive foreign donations.
⇨ Mandatory registration under FCRA, valid for
five years and renewable upon compliance.
Model Prisons Act 2023
⇨ Prepared by the Ministry of Home Affairs to
replace the British-era Prisons Act of 1894 and
focus on inmate reformation and rehabilitation.
⇨ Includes punishment for the use of prohibited
items like mobile phones, establishment of
high-security and open jails, and measures
against criminal activities of hardened criminals.
⇨ Provisions for legal aid, parole, furlough, and
premature release for good conduct.
⇨ Prisons and detainees are a state subject; the
act serves as a guideline for states to adopt.
Bureau of Police Research and Development
(BPRD)
⇨ Established in 1970 to modernise police
oslo
forces, functioning under the Union Home
Ministry.
⇨ Replaced the Police Research and Advisory
9654469135
Council formed in 1966.
⇨ Acts as a national think tank for police
research and development.
⇨ Oversees the National Police Mission created
in 2008, headquartered in New Delhi.
Prisons Act 1984
⇨ Originated from the 1836 "Prison Discipline
Committee" recommendations by Lord
Macaulay.
⇨ Defines "prison" as any designated detention
space, excluding police custody and subsidiary
jails.
Constitutional Provisions for Prisons
⇨ Prisons and detainees fall under the State List,
with administration vested solely in state
governments.
⇨ Model Act is intended as a guideline for state
adoption.
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Model Prison Manual 2016
⇨ Aims to standardize laws, rules, and
regulations across prisons.
⇨ Adopted by only 11 states and Union
Territories.
Government of National Capital Territory of
Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023
⇨ Amends Government of National Capital
Territory of Delhi Act, 1991.
⇨ Excludes "Services" from the Delhi Assembly's
jurisdiction.
⇨ Establishes National Capital Civil Services
Authority, comprising the Chief Minister, Chief
Secretary, and Principal Home Secretary (last
two appointed by the Central Government).
⇨ Authority advises the Lieutenant Governor on
services including transfers, postings, and
disciplinary matters, with decisions based on
majority votes.
⇨ Empowers the Lieutenant Governor to make
final decisions on matters including the
Authority's recommendations.
⇨ Overrides a Supreme Court decision granting
Delhi government control over administrative
services.
2023 Supreme Court Verdict
⇨ States that the elected Government of the
National Capital Territory of Delhi has
legislative and executive powers over "Services"
under Entry 41, List II of the 7th Schedule.
⇨ Requires the Lieutenant Governor to act on
the advice of the Council of Ministers of Delhi
regarding matters within their legislative
authority.
Article 239AA
⇨ Introduced by the 69th Amendment Act,
1991, based on the S Balakrishnan Committee's
recommendations.
⇨ Grants Delhi a Legislative Assembly with
powers to legislate on State List or Concurrent
List subjects, excluding police, public order, and
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land.
⇨ In disputes between the Lieutenant Governor
and Ministers, the issue is referred to the
President.
10

Ordinance
⇨ Defined as a temporary law enacted by the
State or Central Government without
legislature approval.
⇨ Governed by Article 123 and Article 213,
detailing presidential and gubernatorial
ordinance powers respectively.
⇨ Has the same force as an Act but is temporary,
expiring 6 weeks after the legislature
reconvenes.
⇨ May lapse earlier upon withdrawal by the
President/Governor or disapproval by both
legislative houses.
⇨ Only issued on matters within the legislative
competence of Parliament or a state legislature.
J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2023
⇨ Modifies the J&K Reorganisation Act of 2019.
⇨ Increases legislative seats from 107 to 114.
⇨ Reserves seven seats for Scheduled Castes
and nine for Scheduled Tribes.
⇨ Replaces the term "weak and underprivileged
classes" with "other backward classes" as
defined by the Union Territory of Jammu &
Kashmir.
⇨ Legislative Assembly to include up to two
members from the Kashmiri migrant community
(including one woman) and one member
representing displaced persons from
Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA)
⇨ Enacted in 1968 to ensure the availability of
crucial services.
⇨ Prohibits strikes by employees in essential
services, not excused by bandhs or curfews.
⇨ Covers services in public conservation,
sanitation, water supply, hospitals, national
defence, and sectors like petroleum, coal,
electricity, steel, fertiliser, banking.
⇨ Includes communication and transportation
services under its scope.
⇨ Applies regardless of excuses like bandhs or
curfews.
⇨ Allows states to define their own essential
services and enforce ESMA accordingly.
⇨ Central government may invoke ESMA during
national disruptions, particularly in railways.
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Mediation Act 2023
⇨ Defines mediation to include various forms
like pre-litigation, online, community mediation,
and conciliation.
⇨ Establishes the Mediation Council of India,
consisting of a chairperson, two full-time
members, three ex-officio members
oslo
(including
the Law Secretary and Expenditure Secretary),
and a part-time industry member.
⇨ Allows foreign nationals as mediators.
⇨ Mediation proceedings limited to 120 days,
extendable to 180 days by mutual agreement.
⇨ Excludes enforcement of settlements from
international mediations.
⇨ Settlements from mediation are binding and
enforceable like court judgments, challengeable
on fraud or inappropriateness for mediation
grounds.
Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 2023
⇨ Extends the Pharmacy Act, 1948 to the Union
Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
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⇨ Recognizes pharmacists registered under the
Jammu and Kashmir Pharmacy Act, 2011 as
registered under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
⇨ Emphasizes regulation of pharmacy practice
and education by the Pharmacy Council of India
and respective state councils.
Telecommunications Act 2023
⇨ Replaces the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the
Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the
Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act,
1950.
⇨ Requires prior central government
authorization for telecommunication services,
network operations, and radio equipment
possession.
⇨ Assigns spectrum primarily by auction; allows
administrative allocation for national security,
disaster management, and specified public 9654469135
services.
⇨ Amends the Telecom Regulatory Authority of
India Act to set professional experience
requirements for the Chairperson and
members.
11

⇨ Introduces user protection measures like
consent for messages and a Do Not Disturb
register.
⇨ Permits message interception, monitoring, or
blocking for national security and public order.
⇨ Excludes over-the-top platforms from
regulation.
⇨ Renames Universal Service Obligation fund to
Digital Bharat Nidhi, earmarked for telecom
research and development.
Post Office Act, 2023
⇨ Replaces the Indian Post Office Act, 1898.
⇨ Grants postal officers the authority to
intercept, open, or detain mail for national
security, public safety, or other specified
reasons.
⇨ Exempts the Post Office from liability except
as prescribed by rules.
⇨ Appoints the Director General of Postal
Services as the head of India Post.
Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment)
Act, 2023
⇨ Amends the Coastal Aquaculture Authority
Act 2005 to enhance regulation of coastal
aquaculture activities.
⇨ Clarifies ambiguities, bringing all coastal
aquaculture under the Act's purview.
⇨ Registration under the Act now serves as valid
permission under Coastal Regulation Zone
Notification, eliminating the need for multiple
clearances.
⇨ Adds new functions to the Coastal
AquacultureosloAuthority's role.
⇨ Decriminalizes illegal coastal aquaculture
operations, introducing fixed penalties instead.
⇨ Allows establishment of hatcheries, nucleus
breeding centres, and broodstock multiplication
centres in no-development zones and buffer
zones.
⇨ Bans antibiotics and harmful
pharmacologically active substances in coastal
9654469135
aquaculture.
Livestock Importation Act 1898
Enables the Central Government to regulate,
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restrict, or prohibit the import of potentially
infected livestock.
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⇨ Empowers Customs officers to enforce
government regulations.
⇨ Allows State Governments to make rules for
managing imported livestock.
⇨ Last amended in 2001, modifying livestock
product definitions and incorporating
provisions of the Customs Act 1962.
⇨ The proposed Livestock Products Bill, 2023
was withdrawn due to concerns from animal
activists; existing legislation continues to apply.
UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities)
Regulations, 2023
⇨ Issued by the Ministry of Education,
superseding the 2019 regulations.
⇨ Aims to enhance focus on quality, excellence,
and strengthening the research ecosystem in
higher education.
⇨ Follows previous notifications in 2010, 2016,
and 2019.
⇨ Deemed to be University status under UGC
Act 1956 allows institutions to offer their own
degree programs, equivalent to regular
universities.
⇨ Benefits include increased funding, better
faculty recruitment, and flexible admissions
policies.
⇨ Eligibility for Deemed University status
includes top rankings in the National
Institutional Ranking Framework and high
grades from the National Assessment and
Accreditation Council.
Registration of Birth and Death (Amendment)
Act, 2023
⇨ Amends the Registration of Birth and Death
Act 1969.
⇨ Births and deaths registration falls under the
Concurrent List, allowing both Parliament and
state legislatures to legislate.
⇨ Mandates the Registrar General of India to
maintain a national database of registered
births and deaths.
⇨ Requires Chief Registrars and Registrars to
contribute to and maintain state-level
databases.
⇨ Introduces provisions for electronic
certificates and linkage with Aadhaar.
12

Central Goods and Services Tax (Second
Amendment) (CGST) Bill, 2023
⇨ Amends the CGST Act, 2017, affecting the
Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal
(GSTAT).
⇨ Changes qualifications for GSTAT members to
include advocates with 10 years’ experience in
indirect taxation.
⇨ Raises the minimum age for appointment to
GSTAT to 50 years.
⇨ Increases the retirement age for the president
of GSTAT from 67 to 70 years, and for members
from 65 to 67 years.
⇨ Positions GSTAT as the second appellate
authority within the GST framework for
disputes under CGST and State GST Acts.
Competition (Amendment) Act (CAA) 2023
⇨ Amends the Competition Act, 2002.
⇨ Expands the definition of combinations to
include transactions valued above Rs 2,000
crore.
⇨ Reduces the approval time for combinations
from 210 days to 150 days.
⇨ Revises the definition of control as the ability
to exert material influence over management or
strategic decisions.
⇨ Extends cartel provisions to include "Hub and
Spoke Arrangements," making non-competing
companies liable for facilitating
anti-competitive agreements.
Competition Act 2002
⇨ Replaces the Monopolies and Restrictive
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Trade Practices (MRTP) Act, 1969.
⇨ Establishes the Competition Commission of
India (CCI) to prevent anti-competitive
practices.
⇨ Prohibits anti-competitive agreements, abuse
of dominant positions, and combinations
detrimental to competition in India.
Competition Commission of India (CCI)
⇨ Established under the Competition Act, 2002,
overseen by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
⇨ Comprises a Chairperson and 2 to 6 members
appointed by the Central Government.
⇨ Terms last 5 years or until age 65, with
eligibility for reappointment.
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June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
⇨ Authorized to investigate agreements,
combinations, and dominance issues affecting
competition.
Inter-Services Organisation (Command,
Control & Discipline) Bill, 2023
⇨ Armed Forces operate under distinct acts:
Army Act 1950, Navy Act 1957, Air Force Act
1950. 9654469135
⇨ Diverse acts challenge discipline in
Inter-services Organisations (ISOs) like
Andaman and Nicobar Command, Defence
Space Agency.
⇨ ISOs also include joint training facilities like
National Defence Academy, National Defence
College with multi-service personnel.
⇨ Bill authorises ISO Commander-in-Chief to
discipline personnel.
⇨ ISO Bill 2023 retains existing Service Acts,
Rules, Regulations.
Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill,
oslo
2023
⇨ Passed in Lok Sabha to enhance ease of living
and business.
⇨ Decriminalises approximately 180 offences
across 42 laws in sectors like environment,
agriculture, media.
⇨ Transforms fines into penalties, obviating need
for judicial prosecution.
⇨ Eliminates all offences, penalties under Indian
Post Office Act 1898.
Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and
Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023
⇨ Amends Offshore Areas Mineral
(Development and Regulation) Act, 2002.
⇨ Introduces composite licence for exploration
and production rights.
⇨ Production lease under composite licence
valid for 50 years.
⇨ Establishes non-lapsable Offshore Areas
Mineral Trust for fund management under
Public Account of India.
⇨ Grants atomic minerals exploration,
production licences only to government or
government companies.
13

Mines and Minerals (Development and
Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023
⇨ Passed recently, amends Mines and Minerals
(Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
⇨ Follows comprehensive amendments in 2015,
2016, 2020, and 2021 introducing sector
reforms.
⇨ Establishes District Mineral Foundation and
National Mineral Exploration Trust.
⇨ Removes distinctions between captive and
merchant mines; eases mineral concessions
transfers.
⇨ Allows private sector to mine lithium,
beryllium, niobium, titanium, tantalum,
zirconium.
⇨ Grants central government auctioning powers
for mining lease and composite licence of
critical minerals like gold, silver, copper.
Cinematography (Amendment) Bill, 2023
⇨ Passed recently by both houses.
⇨ Introduces new certification categories,
including three age-based 'UA' categories: 'UA
7+', 'UA 13+', 'UA 16+'.
⇨ 'A' or 'S' certificates require separate
certificates for TV or other prescribed media.
⇨ Film certificates to have perpetual validity.
⇨ Omits section 6(1) preventing Centre's
revisional powers on already certified films.
⇨ Prohibits unauthorised recording and
exhibition of films, making it a punishable
offence.
Bodies
oslo
GST Council
⇨ Constitutional body under Article 279A (1) via
101st Constitutional Amendment Act.
⇨ Recommends GST rates to Union and States
under Article 279A (4).
⇨ GST rates mutually decided by States and
Center at GST Council Meeting.
⇨ Quorum requirement of one-half of total
9654469135
members for meetings.
⇨ Decisions based on a majority of not less than
three-fourths of weighted votes of members
present and voting.
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⇨ Central government vote weightage is
one-third, states together two-thirds of total
votes cast.
⇨ Supreme Court in Union of India vs Mohit
Minerals Pvt Ltd ruled GST Council
recommendations not binding on Centre or
States.
⇨ GST Council Office in New Delhi, Revenue
Secretary as Exofficio Secretary.
⇨ Composition:
• Union Finance Minister– Chairperson.
• Union Minister of State, in-charge of Revenue
or finance– Member.
• State Government nominated finance,
taxation or other Minister – Members.
• Vice-Chairperson selected by members from
amongst themselves [Article 279A (3)].
National Commission for Minority Educational
Institutions (NCMEI)
⇨ Statutory body established by NCMEI Act,
2004.
⇨ Quasi-Judicial body with powers of a Civil
Court.
⇨ Ensures rights of religious minorities to
establish and administer educational
institutions under Article 30, Constitution of
India.
⇨ Linguistic Minorities not covered under
NCMEI Act, 2004.
⇨ Headed by a chairman from a religious
minority community, former High Court Judge.
⇨ Three members nominated by Central
Government.
⇨ Roles: adjudicatory, advisory, and
recommendatory.
National Commission for Minorities (NCM)
⇨ Autonomous body established by National
Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.
⇨ Advises central and state governments on
minority communities' welfare and
development.
⇨ Consists of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson
and five members, all from minority
communities.
⇨ Seven total members nominated by Central
Government from persons of eminence, ability,
and integrity.
14

⇨ Each member serves a three-year term.
CBI Director
⇨ Appointed under Delhi Special Police
Establishment Act (1946) and Lokpal and
Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
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⇨ Appointment made by Centre on
recommendation by a three-member
Appointment Committee.
⇨ Committee comprises Prime Minister, Leader
of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, and Chief
Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge
nominated by him.
⇨ Leader of single largest party included if no
recognised Leader of the Opposition.
⇨ Tenure fixed at 2 years by Central Vigilance
Commission Act 2003.
General Consent to CBI
⇨ Approval given by state governments to CBI
under DSPE Act, 1946.
⇨ Necessary as jurisdiction of these agencies
confined to Delhi and Union Territories.
⇨ Withdrawal of consent has prospective effect
only on new enquiries.
⇨ Courts can order CBI investigations despite
withdrawal of consent.
⇨ Withdrawal bars CBI from registering new
cases within that state.
⇨ Tamil Nadu recently withdrew general consent
to CBI.
Director General of Police (DGP) Appointment
⇨ Appointments based on Supreme Court's
judgment in Prakash Singh vs Union of India
(2006).
⇨ State government selects DGP from top three
senior officers empaneled for promotion.
⇨ Names sent to Union Public Service
Commission (UPSC) to form a three-member
panel including UPSC, central and state
government representatives.
⇨ In 2018, Supreme Court order held any
conflicting state or central rule/legislation
suspended.
oslo
⇨ Punjab Police Amendment Bill, 2023, passed
by Punjab assembly amends Punjab Police Act,
2007, allowing state to bypass UPSC
empanelment.
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June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
Lokpal
⇨ Statutory body under Lokpal and Lokayuktas
Act, 2013.
⇨ Aims to implement obligations of United
Nations Convention Against Corruption
9654469135
(UNCAC).
⇨ Lokpal consists of a Chairperson and up to
eight Members, half being judicial Members.
⇨ Fifty percent members from Scheduled Castes
(SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward
Classes (OBCs), Minorities, and Women.
⇨ Appointed by the President on
recommendations of a Selection Committee:
Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha,
Leader of the Opposition, Chief Justice of India
or nominee, and an eminent jurist.
⇨ Chairperson and Members serve five years or
until age 70, whichever is sooner.
⇨ Salary of Chairperson equal to Chief Justice of
India; Members equal to Supreme Court Judges.
⇨ Post-tenure, Chairperson and Members
ineligible for reappointment.
⇨ Jurisdiction includes corruption allegations
against Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of
Parliament, Union government officials (Groups
A to D), and heads and officers of entities
funded by or established by the Centre; receives
foreign contributions above ₹10 lakh.
⇨ Exceptions: Prime Minister relating to specific
areas, judiciary, armed forces, state government
employees unless involved with Union affairs.
Lokayukta
⇨ Established by state legislation under Lokpal
and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
⇨ State-level anti-corruption authority
investigating corruption among state public
servants.
⇨ Maharashtra first state to establish Lokayukta
in 1971, followed by Odisha.
Zonal Councils
⇨ Statutory bodies under States Re-organisation
Act, 1956.
⇨ Divided India into five zones with a council for
each: Northern, Central, Eastern, Western,
Southern.
15

⇨ Serve as forums for resolving issues between
Centre and States, and among States.
⇨ Union Home Minister chairs each council.
⇨ Members include Chief Minister, two
Ministers from each state, and two members
from Union Territories in the zone.
⇨ North-Eastern Council created by
North-Eastern Council Act, 1971, includes eight
northeastern states.
Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons
with Disabilities
⇨ Established under Section 74 of Rights of
Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
⇨ Under Department of Empowerment of
Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social
Justice and Empowerment.
⇨ Includes one Chief Commissioner and two
assisting Commissioners.
⇨ Investigates, on own initiative or otherwise,
rights deprivations of persons with disabilities.
Press Information Bureau (PIB)
⇨ Nodal government agency for media
communication.
⇨ Established in 1919, made permanent in 1923.
⇨ Placed under the Department of Information
and Broadcasting in 1941, named Press
Information Bureau in 1946.
⇨ Part of the Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting post-1947.
⇨ Recently celebrated centennial anniversary.
Registrar-General & Census Commissioner of
India oslo
⇨ Established in 1961 under the Ministry of
Home Affairs.
⇨ Manages demographic surveys including
Census of India and Linguistic Survey of India.
⇨ Registrar-General usually a Joint
Secretary-level civil servant, also acts as Census
Commissioner.
⇨ Under Census Act, 1969.
9654469135
National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
⇨ Constituted in 1995 under Legal Services
Authorities Act, 1987.
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June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
⇨ Provides free legal services to weaker
sections; organizes Lok Adalats for dispute
resolution.
⇨ Chief Justice of India is Patron-in-Chief;
second senior-most Supreme Court judge is
Executive Chairman.
⇨ State Legal Services Authorities and High
Court Legal Services Committees at state and
High Court levels respectively; District and
Taluk Committees at district levels.
Supreme Court Legal Services Committee
(SCLSC)
⇨ Statutory body under section 3A of Legal
Services Authorities Act, 1987.
⇨ Provides free legal services to economically
disadvantaged and marginalized.
⇨ Chaired by a sitting Supreme Court judge;
Chief Justice of India is Patron-in-Chief.
Bar Council of India (BCI)
⇨ Statutory body established by Parliament
under the Advocates Act, 1961.
⇨ Regulates the Indian bar, prescribing
standards of professional conduct and
etiquette.
⇨ Exercises disciplinary jurisdiction over the bar.
⇨ Sets legal education standards and grants
recognition to universities for law degrees that
qualify for advocate enrollment.
⇨ Section 29 of the Advocates Act mandates
only BCI-enrolled advocates may practice law.
⇨ Recently, BCI allowed foreign lawyers and law
firms to practice in India, excluding court
appearances, through the 'Bar Council of India
Rules for Registration of Foreign Lawyers and
Foreign Law Firms in India, 2021'.
Railway Board in India
⇨ Executive arm of the Ministry of Railways.
⇨ Handles daily administration of Indian
Railways.
⇨ Chaired by a senior Indian Administrative
Service (IAS) officer.
⇨ Oversees passenger and freight train
operations.
Commission of Railway Safety (CRS)
⇨ Acts as railway safety authority in India.
16

⇨ Handles safety of rail travel and operations;
statutory functions include inspectorial,
investigatory, and advisory roles.
⇨ Headquartered in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
⇨ Under administrative control of the Ministry
of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to avoid conflict of
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interest with the Ministry of Railways.
Capacity Building Commission (CBC)
⇨ Established in 2021 as part of Mission
Karmayogi.
⇨ Independent body with executive and financial
autonomy.
⇨ Three-member commission supported by an
internal secretariat; Secretary heads the
secretariat.
⇨ Members from diverse sectors: private,
academia, public, and civil society.
⇨ Focuses on enhancing the performance and
efficiency of the civil service.
Economic Advisory Council to the Prime
Minister (EAC-PM)
⇨ Non-constitutional, non-statutory,
independent body advising the Prime Minister.
⇨ Provides advice on economic and related
issues, either suo motu or upon referral.
⇨ Issues include inflation, microfinance, and
industrial output.
⇨ NITI Aayog acts as the nodal agency for
administrative, logistic, planning, and budgeting
needs of EAC-PM.
National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG)
⇨ Established in 2014 under the Ministry of
Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
⇨ Governed by a body headed by the Cabinet
Secretary.
⇨ Objectives include improving governance,
policy reforms, and capacity building.
⇨ Provides training for civil servants and
technocrats from India and developing
countries.
⇨ Functions as a national repository for good
governance
oslo
practices, initiatives, and
methodologies.
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development (NABARD)
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⇨ Established in 1982 by the NABARD Act,
1981, following the recommendation of the B.
Sivaraman committee.
⇨ Functions transferred from the Reserve Bank
of India (RBI) and the then Agriculture
Refinance and Development Corporation.
9654469135
⇨ Administered by the Ministry of Finance,
entirely governed by the Government of India.
⇨ Acts as the national development bank for
fostering rural prosperity through both financial
and non-financial interventions.
⇨ Provides refinance to rural lending
institutions, loans to Farmer's Producer
Organisations, and Primary Agriculture Credit
Societies (PACS).
⇨ Supports initiatives like the Self Help Groups
Bank Linkage Programme (SHGBLP), Livelihood
and Enterprise Development Programme
(LEDP), and Kisan Credit Card scheme.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
⇨ Established in 1992 as a statutory body under
the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act,
1992.
⇨ Aims to protect investors' interests, promote
and regulate the securities market.
⇨ Functions include quasi-legislative,
quasi-judicial, and quasi-executive roles.
⇨ Conducts inspections, inquiries, and audits of
stock exchanges, mutual funds, intermediaries,
and self-regulatory organizations.
⇨ Holds civil court powers under the Code of
Civil Procedure, 1908.
⇨ Can suspend trading, prohibit dealings in
securities, suspend stock exchange
office-bearers, and impound proceeds of
transactions under investigation.
Quality Council of India (QCI)
⇨ Established in 1997 by the Department for
Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT)
and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, with
industry collaboration.
⇨ Registered as a non-profit under the Societies
Registration Act XXI of 1860.
⇨ Operates through bodies like the National
Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies
(NABCB) and National Accreditation Board for
Testing & Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
17

⇨ Governed by a 38-member council
representing government, industry, and
consumers.
⇨ Chairman appointed by the Prime Minister
based on industry recommendations.
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
(CBIC)
⇨ Known previously as the Central Board of
Excise and Customs (CBEC), established under
the Central Boards of Revenue Act, 1963.
⇨ Subordinate to the Department of Revenue,
Ministry of Finance.
⇨ Headed by a Chairman with six additional
members.
⇨ Manages policies on levy and collection of
Customs and Excise duties, Goods & Services
Tax, and oversees prevention of smuggling.
Insurance Regulatory and Development
Authority of India (IRDAI)
⇨ Established as an autonomous statutory body
under the IRDA Act, 1999.
⇨ Apex body supervising and regulating the
insurance sector, under the Ministry of Finance.
⇨ Headquartered in Hyderabad, consisting of a
Chairman, five full-time, and four part-time
members.
⇨ Insurance sector is the 10th largest globally,
growing from $11.1 billion in 2001 to $91
billion in 2021.
⇨ Insurance Penetration has increased from
2.7% in 2000 to 4.2% in 2021.
⇨ Surety Bonds expanded by relaxed IRDAI
norms to mitigate
oslo risk and increase market
availability.
⇨ Insurance Information Bureau of India (IIB) set
up in 2009, maintains a repository and analytics
of sector information.
Bima Vahak Guidelines (BHG)
⇨ Issued by IRDAI to establish a women-centric
distribution channel enhancing insurance
9654469135
inclusion.
⇨ Aims for improved accessibility and
availability of insurance across India.
Part of IRDAI's strategy for its 'Insurance for
⇨katya124905@gmail.com
All' goal.
www.meritnest.com
June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development
Authority (PFRDA)
⇨ Set up under the PFRDA Act, 2013, under the
Ministry of Finance.
⇨ Headquartered in New Delhi, consisting of a
Chairperson and up to six members, at least
three being full-time.
⇨ Regulates National Pension System (NPS) and
applicable pension schemes.
Investor Education and Protection Fund
Authority (IEPFA)
⇨ Established under the Companies Act, 2013,
within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
⇨ Administers refunds of unclaimed dividends,
matured deposits, and promotes investor
education and protection.
⇨ Initiatives include 'Fundoo' mascot, 'Niveshak
Didi' with India Post Payment Bank, and
'Niveshak Sarathi' for financial literacy.
Financial Intelligence Unit India (FIU IND)
⇨ Established in 2004 as the central national
agency.
⇨ Responsible for receiving, processing,
analyzing, and disseminating suspect financial
transaction information.
⇨ Reports directly to the Economic Intelligence
Council (EIC), led by the Finance Minister.
Financial Stability and Development Council
(FSDC)
⇨ Constituted in 2010 based on the Raghuram
Rajan Committee's 2008 recommendations.
⇨ Aims to strengthen financial stability, enhance
inter-regulatory coordination, and promote
sector development.
⇨ Not a statutory body; no separate funding.
⇨ Chaired by the Union Finance Minister;
sub-committee led by the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) Governor.
⇨ Can invite experts; recently held its 27th
meeting.
Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO)
⇨ Corporate fraud investigating agency,
operational since 2015.
⇨ Operates under the Ministry of Corporate
Affairs.
18

⇨ Granted statutory status under Section 211 of
the Companies Act, 2013.
⇨ Primary investigative agency for white-collar
frauds and crimes.
⇨ Takes cases referred by the Central
Government or initiated by the SFIO Director
with written justification.
⇨ Exclusive investigative authority once a case is
assigned.
⇨ Headquartered in New Delhi with regional
offices in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and
Kolkata.
National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA)
⇨ Statutory body established under Section 132
of the Companies Act, 2013, in 2018.
⇨ Monitors compliance with Auditing Standards,
oversees service quality of professions.
⇨ Regulates accounting standards and auditing
profession.
⇨ Led by a chairperson and up to 15 members
appointed by the Central Government.
⇨ Has civil court powers to investigate
professional misconduct by chartered
accountants or firms.
Financial Services Institution Bureau (FSIB)
⇨ Replaced the Bank Board's Bureau (BBB),
operates under the Department of Financial
Services (DFI).
⇨ Led by a chairman nominated by the central
government.
⇨ Includes Secretaries of the DFI, the chairman
of the Insurance Regulatory andkatya124905@gmail.com
Development
Authority of India (IRDAI), a deputy governor of
the RBI.
⇨ Three part-time members from banking and
three from insurance.
⇨ Identifies manpower capabilities, recommends
appointments for state-run financial services
institutions.
Directorate of Enforcement (ED)
⇨ Financial investigation agency established in
1956, under the Department of Revenue,
Ministry of Finance.
⇨ Enforces the Foreign Exchange Management
Act, 1999 (FEMA), and the Prevention of Money
Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).
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June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
⇨ Also covers the Fugitive Economic Offenders
Act, 2018, and the Conservation of Foreign
Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling
Activities Act, 1974 (COFEPOSA).
⇨ Director's tenure and extensions governed by
the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.
⇨ Recent Supreme Court ruling invalidated the
third extension of the current ED chief,
affirming9654469135
a maximum of three annual
extensions.
PMLA Appellate Tribunal
⇨ Established under Section 25 of the
Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002, by
the Central Government.
⇨ Comprises a Chairperson and two other
Members, appointed for five years or until age
65, whichever comes first.
⇨ Hears appeals against orders of the
Adjudicating Authority and related authorities.
⇨ Part of India’s commitment to international
conventions against money laundering.
oslo
⇨ Enforcement Directorate and Financial
Intelligence Unit-India are key agencies for
implementing PMLA.
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
⇨ Premier intelligence and enforcement agency
for anti-smuggling.
⇨ Operates under the Central Board of Indirect
Taxes and Customs, Ministry of Finance.
⇨ Established in 1957, headquartered in New
Delhi.
Operation Black Gold
⇨ Involved the seizure of an alloy containing
16.67 kg of gold and 39.73 kg of silver in Delhi.
⇨ The alloy was valued over Rs 10 crore.
Operation “Kachchhap”
⇨ Conducted by the Directorate of Revenue
Intelligence (DRI).
⇨ Recovered 955 live baby turtles from various
species including Indian Tent Turtle and Indian
Flapshell Turtle.
⇨ Part of DRI’s environmental protection and
illegal wildlife combat efforts.
National Productivity Council
19

⇨ Established in 1958 as an autonomous
organization.
⇨ Operates under the Department for
Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade,
Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
⇨ Promotes sustained innovation-led
productivity in economic, environmental, and
social sectors.
⇨ Member of the Tokyo-based Asian
Productivity Organisation (APO), with India as a
founding member.
Central Consumer Protection Authority
(CCPA)
⇨ Established in 2020 under the Consumer
Protection Act, 2019.
⇨ Regulatory body under the Ministry of
Consumer Affairs.
⇨ Led by a Chief Commissioner with two
commissioners focusing on goods and services
respectively.
⇨ Aims to promote, protect, and enforce
consumer rights as a class.
Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL)
⇨ Established in April 2001 for guaranteed
clearing and settlement in various financial
markets.
⇨ Provides non-guaranteed settlement for
specific derivatives and cross-currency
transactions through CLS Bank.
⇨ Promoted by major Indian banks including
State Bank of India and ICICI Bank.
⇨ Recognized as a Qualified Central
Counterparty by the Reserve Bank of India in
2014.
⇨ Operates a Trade Repository for
Over-the-Counter (OTC) derivatives reporting.
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
⇨ Initiative of the Reserve Bank of India and
Indian Banks’ Association under the Payment
and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
⇨ Operates as a "Not for Profit" company for
retail payments and settlement systems.
⇨ Headquartered in Mumbai, promoted by ten
major banks including State Bank of India and
Citibank.
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June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
⇨ Operates systems like National Financial
Switch and Immediate Payment System.
⇨ Offers services like Bharat Bill Payment
Interface and Unified Payments Interface.
NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL)
⇨ Wholly-owned subsidiary of National
Payments Corporation of India.
oslo
⇨ Focuses on helping other countries establish
efficient and secure payment systems.
⇨ Recently facilitated a partnership agreement
for implementing the Rupay Domestic Card
Scheme in the UAE.
District Mineral Foundation (DMF)
⇨ Established as a non-profit trust under the
Mines and Minerals (Development and
Regulation) Amendment Act 2015.
⇨ Aims to benefit people and areas affected by
mining-related operations.
⇨ Funded by contributions from mineral
concession holders, managed at the district
level under state jurisdiction.
katya124905@gmail.com
⇨ Functions and composition are prescribed by
the respective State Government.
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)
⇨ Established in 1963 under the Ministry of
Commerce & Industry to enhance skills in the
external trade sector.
⇨ Granted "Deemed to be University" status in
2002.
⇨ Recognized by the National Assessment and
Accreditation Council as Grade ‘A’ institution in
2005 and 2015.
⇨ Recently celebrated its 60th Foundation Day
on its Diamond Jubilee.
Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate
Exit (C-PACE)
⇨ Operated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs
(MCA). 9654469135
⇨ Aims to streamline the company strike-off
process.
⇨ Located at the Indian Institute of Corporate
Affairs, Manesar, Haryana.
⇨ Reduces registry burden, ensures hassle-free
and timely company removals.
20

National Economic Offence Records (NEOR)
⇨ Central repository for all economic offences.
⇨ Shares data with central and state intelligence
and enforcement agencies.
⇨ Project coordination by the Central Economic
Intelligence Bureau with support from the
National Informatics Centre.
⇨ Uses application programming interface
software for data migration, minimizing manual
interference.
Unique Economic Offender Code
⇨ Alpha-numeric, system-generated code.
⇨ Issued when police or central agencies report
to NEOR.
⇨ Linked with Aadhaar for individuals or PAN for
oslo
companies.
katya124905@gmail.com
⇨ Facilitates swift multi-agency probes without
waiting for chargesheets.
⇨ Provides a comprehensive profile of offenders.
Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)
⇨ Established in 1970 under the Ministry of
Textiles.
⇨ Operates as a Public Sector Undertaking
under the Companies Act 1956.
⇨ Engages in trade, procurement, and export of
cotton.
⇨ Governed by the Textile Policy 1985.
⇨ Conducts price support operations when
market prices fall below government-set
minimum support prices.
⇨ Also undertakes commercial purchases to
meet the domestic textile industry's raw
material needs during lean seasons.
Coconut Development Board
⇨ Statutory body established in 1981.
⇨ Functions under the Ministry of Agriculture
and Farmers Welfare.
⇨ Headquarters in Kochi, Kerala with regional
offices in Bangalore, Chennai, Guwahati, and
Patna.
⇨ Launched 'Hello Naariyal' Friends of Coconut
Trees call centre for coconut harvesting and
plant management assistance.
National Turmeric Board
⇨ Newly constituted in Telangana.
www.meritnest.com
June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
⇨ Chairperson to be appointed by the Centre.
⇨ Focuses on turmeric cultivation and trade
enhancement.
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)
⇨ Grown in tropical and subtropical climates like
India, Indonesia, USA, and southern Europe.
⇨ Requires temperatures of 20-35°C and annual
rainfall over 1500 mm.
⇨ Thrives in well-drained sandy or clay loam
soils with a pH of 4.5-7.5, rich in organic matter.
⇨ Contains bioactive compounds like curcumin,
known for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
properties. 9654469135
Turmeric Trade
⇨ India is the largest producer, consumer, and
exporter of turmeric.
⇨ Main production states are Maharashtra,
Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
⇨ Controls over 62% of global turmeric trade.
⇨ Major export markets include Bangladesh,
UAE, USA, and Malaysia.
⇨ Expected market value to reach $1 billion by
2030.
Rubber Board of India
⇨ Statutory organisation under the Rubber Act,
1947.
⇨ Functions under the Ministry of Commerce
and Industry.
⇨ Led by a Chairman with 27 members
representing the rubber industry.
⇨ Headquarters in Kottayam, Kerala.
⇨ Manages rubber statistics, promotes
marketing, and undertakes labour welfare.
Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council
(GJEPC)
⇨ Apex body for the Indian gem and jewellery
industry.
⇨ Sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce &
Industry.
⇨ Promotes international market entry and
export of Indian gems and jewellery.
⇨ Headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Kimberly Process (KP)
21

⇨ Established in 2003 to prevent conflict
diamonds trade.
⇨ India is a founding member and chaired the KP
in 2008.
⇨ Joint initiative by governments, diamond
industry, and civil society.
katya124905@gmail.com
⇨ Has 55 members representing 82 countries
including the European Union with 28 members.
Rough Diamonds
⇨ Diamonds in their natural state, pre-cut or
polished.
⇨ India primarily imports rough diamonds and
exports polished ones.
National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC)
⇨ Constituted by the Department for Promotion
of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in 2020.
⇨ Advises on creating a robust ecosystem for
nurturing innovation and startups in India.
⇨ Aims to foster sustainable economic growth
and large-scale employment.
⇨ Headed by the Union Ministry of Commerce
and Industry.
⇨ Includes ex-officio and non-official members
from diverse startup ecosystem roles, such as
successful founders, veterans, investors,
incubators, and industry representatives.
Khadi and Village Industries Commission
(KVIC)
⇨ Statutory body under the Ministry of Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises.
⇨ Responsible for planning, promoting,
organizing, and implementing development
programs for Khadi and other village industries.
⇨ Works in rural areas, coordinating with other
rural development agencies as needed.
Standing Committee on Statistics (SCOS)
⇨ Established by the Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation (MoSPI), replacing
the Standing Committee on Economic Statistics
(SCES).
Broad mandate to review frameworks and
⇨oslo
results of all surveys by the National Statistical
Office.
⇨ Final approval of survey publications rests
with the National Statistical Commission.
www.meritnest.com
June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
Agricultural and Processed Food Products
Export Development Authority (APEDA)
⇨ Established in 1986.
⇨ Operates under the Ministry of Commerce
and Industry.
9654469135
⇨ Headquarters located in New Delhi.
⇨ Serves as an apex export trade promotion
active body.
⇨ Manages activities across 14 product
categories including fruits, vegetables,
processed items, animal, dairy, poultry products,
and cereals.
⇨ Supports exporters with assistance and
schemes like Trade Infrastructure for Export
Scheme (TIES) and Market Access Initiative
(MAI).
⇨ Chairman appointed by the Central
Government.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
⇨ Established in 1929 as a registered society
under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
⇨ Functions as an autonomous organisation
under the Department of Agricultural Research
and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture
and Farmers Welfare.
⇨ Headquartered in New Delhi.
⇨ Acts as the apex body for research and
education in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries,
and animal sciences nationwide.
⇨ Recently hosted the International Research
Conference on ‘From research to impact:
Towards Just and Resilient Agri-Food Systems’
with CGIAR Gender Impact Platform.
Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research (CGIAR)
⇨ Established in 1971.
⇨ Comprises a strategic partnership of donors
supporting 15 international research centres.
⇨ Works with government, civil society
organisations, and private businesses.
⇨ Focuses on transforming food, land, and water
systems amid climate crisis.
National Cooperative Organics Ltd (NCOL)
⇨ Established under the Multi State Cooperative
Societies Act, 2002 in 202.
22

⇨ Headquartered in Anand, Gujarat.
⇨ Aims to provide a platform for farmers
engaged in natural farming.
⇨ Manages marketing for organic products both
domestically and internationally.
⇨ Allocates 50% of profits from organic product
sales directly to member farmers.
⇨ Promoted by the National Dairy Development
Board.
⇨ Handles the entire supply chain including
aggregation, certification, production, testing,
procurement, storage, processing, branding,
packaging, labeling, and marketing.
Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Ltd (BBSSL)
⇨ Established in 2023 under the Multi-State
Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.
⇨ Focuses on providing certified, scientifically
prepared seeds nationwide.
⇨ Contributes to traditional seed conservation,
promotion, and research.
⇨ Ministry of Cooperation recently unveiled
BBSSL’s Logo, Website, and Brochure.
Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
⇨ Statutory organisation constituted under
Section 3(1) of the repealed Electricity (Supply)
Act, 1948, continued under Section 70 of the
Electricity Act, 2003.
⇨ Operates under the Ministry of Power's
administrative control.
⇨ Aims to ensure reliable 24*7 power supply of
adequate quality to all consumers.
⇨ Formulates the National Electricity Plan every
five years for
oslo optimal resource use in power
generation.
⇨ Located in New Delhi with up to 14 members,
including the Chairperson, who serves at the
central government's pleasure.
⇨ Chairperson acts as the Chief Executive,
steering power sector development.
⇨ Advises on the National Electricity Policy,
devising short-term and long-term electricity
9654469135
development plans.
⇨ Designated authority for cross-border
electricity trade.
katya124905@gmail.com
National Electricity Plan (NEP)
www.meritnest.com
June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
⇨ Central Electricity Authority notified the
2022-32 NEP.
⇨ Mandated by the Electricity Act, 2003 to
prepare and notify NEP every five years
following National Electricity Policy.
⇨ NEP reviews the previous five years
(2017-22), details plans for the next five years
(2022-27), and outlines prospective plans for
2027-32.
⇨ First NEP notified in 2007.
⇨ Past decade saw electricity demand grow at a
CAGR of approximately 4.1%; projected to grow
at 7.18% CAGR next five years.
EV Battery Standardization
⇨ No current standardisation for electric vehicle
batteries in India.
⇨ Central Electricity Authority proposed battery
standardization to enhance EV-to-grid charging.
⇨ Operates under Electricity Act, 2003, which
superseded the 1948 Act.
Indian Renewable Energy Development
Agency (IREDA)
⇨ Specialised non-banking finance agency for
the renewable energy sector, formed in 1981.
⇨ Public Limited Government Company,
registered as a Non-Banking Financial
Institution.
⇨ Notified as a “Public Financial Institution”
under section 4 ‘A’ of the Companies Act, 1956.
⇨ Registered as a Non-Banking Financial
Company with the Reserve Bank of India.
⇨ Provides financial assistance for projects on
new and renewable energy sources and energy
efficiency.
Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)
⇨ Not-for-profit company established in 2011
under Section-25 of the Companies Act 1956.
⇨ Operates under the Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy.
⇨ Sole Central Public Sector Undertaking
dedicated to the solar energy sector.
⇨ Established to aid the implementation of the
National Solar Mission and achieve its targets.
Energy Transition Advisory Committee (ETAC)
23

⇨ Formed by the Ministry of Petroleum and
Natural Gas.
⇨ Developed a road map for transitioning from
fossil fuels to green energy.
⇨ In its "The Green Shift" report, proposed
banning diesel-powered four-wheelers in cities
with over 10 lakh population by 2027, shifting
to electric and gas-fuelled vehicles.
⇨ Recommended a complete ban on internal
combustion engine two- or three-wheel vehicles
by 2035.
National Security Adviser (NSA)
⇨ Created in 1998, first to receive cabinet
status.
⇨ Presides over the National Security Council
(NSC).
⇨ Senior official on NSC and chief adviser to the
Prime Minister on national security and
international affairs.
National Security Council (NSC)
⇨ Established in 1998, oversees strategic
political, economic, energy, and security
concerns.
⇨ Comprises Strategic Policy Group (SPG),
National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), and
Secretariat.
⇨ SPG, chaired by Cabinet Secretary, integrates
inter-ministerial coordination.
⇨ NSAB provides long-term analysis on national
security.
⇨ Operates under the executive office of the
Prime Minister.
⇨ Members include Ministers of Home Affairs,
Defence, External Affairs, and Finance.
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
⇨ Highest decision-making body in Defence
Ministry on procurement, established
post-Kargil War in 2001.
⇨ Chaired by Defence Minister.
⇨ Members include Chief of Defence Staff and
service chiefs.
⇨ Decides on new policies and capital
acquisitions for the military and Indian Coast
Guard.
www.meritnest.com
June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
Defence Research and Development
Organization (DRDO)
⇨ Founded in 1958, headquartered in New
Delhi.
⇨ Grew from 10 to 52 laboratories, developing
defence technologies.
⇨ Under Ministry of Defence.
⇨ Develops strategic systemsoslo
like missiles,
aircraft, and electronic warfare systems.
⇨ Motto: "Balasya Mulam Vigyanam" (The
source of strength is science).
⇨ Undergoing review by a committee led by
Prof. K VijayaRaghavan.
Cantonment Board
⇨ Manages civilian population in cantonment
areas under the Cantonment Act of 2006.
⇨ Operates under the Union Defence Ministry.
⇨ Board includes elected and nominated
members, and ex-officio members like the
station commander.
⇨ Total of 66 cantonment boards in India.
⇨ Cantonments house both military and civilian
katya124905@gmail.com
populations.
National Cadet Corps (NCC)
⇨ Established under National Cadet Corps Act
of 1948.
⇨ Youth wing of Armed Forces, comprising Army,
Navy, and Air Force divisions.
⇨ Provides voluntary military training to
students.
⇨ Headquartered in New Delhi, divided into 17
Directorates at state level.
⇨ Offers three types of certificates based on
training duration.
Information Management and Analysis Centre
(IMAC)
⇨ Located in Gurugram, Haryana, serves as
National Maritime Domain Awareness centre.
⇨ Connects operational centres of Navy and 9654469135
Coast Guard.
⇨ Main centre for National Command Control
Communication and Intelligence System (NC3I).
⇨ Tracks commercial ships (white shipping).
Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean
Region (IFC-IOR)
24

⇨ Established in 2018 at IMAC, Gurugram.
⇨ Strengthens maritime security by sharing
maritime information.
⇨ Hosts International Liaison Officers from 12
partner nations including USA, UK, and
Australia.
National Investigation Agency (NIA)
⇨ Established post-2008 Mumbai attacks under
National Investigation Agency Act 2008.
⇨ Aims for excellence in counter-terrorism at
national level.
⇨ Operates under Ministry of Home Affairs'
proclamation.
⇨ Can handle terror-related crimes across states
without state permissions.
⇨ National Investigation Agency (Amendment)
Act, 2019 allows investigating offences
committed abroad.
National Technical Research Organisation
(NTRO)
⇨ Formed post-1999 Kargil conflict as technical
intelligence agency.
⇨ Reports directly to the Prime Minister's Office
and National Security Adviser.
⇨ Authorized for lawful interception and
monitoring of external communications.
⇨ Covered by The Intelligence Organisations
(Restriction of Rights) Act, 1985.
⇨ Develops technology in aviation, remote
sensing, cybersecurity, cryptology, strategic
monitoring.
Indo-Tibetan
oslo Border Police (ITBP)
⇨ Raised in 1962 post Sino-Indian War, under
CRPF Act.
⇨ Gained autonomy with Indo-Tibetan Border
Police Force Act, 1992.
⇨ Operates under Union Home Ministry.
⇨ Motto: “Shaurya-Dridhata-Karma Nishtha”
(Valour – Determination – Devotion to Duty).
⇨ Guards India's border with Tibet, involved in
9654469135
Anti Naxal Operations and UN missions.
⇨ Maintains 180 outposts along 3,488km border
from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in
Arunachal Pradesh.
katya124905@gmail.com
Karakoram Pass
www.meritnest.com
June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
⇨ Mountain pass between India and China in
Karakoram Range, at 5,540 m (18,176 ft).
⇨ Highest pass on ancient caravan route
between Leh, Ladakh and Yarkand, Tarim Basin.
⇨ Named 'Karakoram', meaning 'Black Gravel' in
Mongolic.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
⇨ Maritime law enforcement and search and
rescue agency established in 1977 by Coast
Guard Act, 1978.
⇨ Operates under Ministry of Defence.
⇨ Jurisdiction over territorial, contiguous zone,
and exclusive economic zone of India.
Commando Battalions for Resolute Action
(CoBRA)
⇨ Established in 2008 as a specialized unit
within the Central Reserve Police Force.
⇨ Personnel trained in guerrilla tactics and
jungle warfare.
⇨ Initially created to combat Naxalite
insurgency.
⇨ Deployed against various insurgent groups in
asymmetrical warfare within India.
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
⇨ India's premier central police force for internal
security, under Ministry of Home Affairs.
⇨ Established in 1939 as Crown Representative
Police.
⇨ One of the oldest Central Armed Police
Forces.
⇨ Participates in UN peacekeeping missions.
National Council of Educational Research and
Training (NCERT)
⇨ Autonomous organization set up by the
Government of India in 1961 under the
Societies Registration Act.
⇨ Advises Central and State Governments on
school education quality improvement.
⇨ As per the National Education Policy (NEP)
2020, NCERT develops National Curriculum
Frameworks (NCFs) for Early Childhood Care
and Education (ECCE), School Education, and
Adult Education.
⇨ Recently granted Deemed-to-be-University
status.
25

Deemed to be University Status
⇨ Eligibility: Top 100 in National Institutional
Ranking Framework (NIRF) for 3 continuous
years, or top 50 in any NIRF category; National
Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)
‘A’ grade with at least 3.01 Cumulative Grade
Point Average (CGPA) for 3 consecutive cycles.
⇨ Institutions with high standards in specific
areas receive autonomy to design syllabi and
courses.
⇨ University Grants Commission (UGC) Act,
1956 allows Central Government to declare
institutions as deemed universities on UGC's
advice.
UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities)
Regulations, 2023
⇨ Released by Ministry of Education (MoE).
⇨ Supersedes UGC (Institutions Deemed to be
Universities) Regulations 2019.
⇨ Aims to enhance quality, strengthen research,
and transform higher education landscape.
⇨ Regulations previously notified in 2010,
revised in 2016 and 2019.
National Research Foundation (NRF)
⇨ Replaces Science and Engineering Research
Board (SERB).
⇨ Led by Prime Minister, includes 10
directorates focused on various domains.
⇨ Board of 18 includes eminent Indian and
international scientists, senior government
functionaries, and industry leaders.
⇨ Registered
osloas a society, operates with an
independent secretariat.
⇨ Administrative Department is Department of
Science and Technology (DST).
⇨ Modeled on US National Science Foundation
(NSF).
⇨ Recently received presidential assent for
Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill,
2023.
9654469135
Science and Engineering Research Board
(SERB)
Statutory body under DST.
⇨katya124905@gmail.com
⇨ Chaired by Secretary to the Government of
India in DST.
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June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
⇨ Includes senior government officials and
eminent scientists.
⇨ Promotes basic research in science and
engineering, provides financial assistance.
⇨ Recently subsumed into NRF.
Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)
⇨ Autonomous Telecom R&D centre, established
in 1984 by the Department of
Telecommunications, Ministry of
Communications, Government of India.
⇨ Registered under the Societies Registration
Act, 1860 and as ‘public funded research
institution’ with the Department of Scientific
and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of
Science & Technology.
⇨ Headquarters: New Delhi.
TRINETRA Security System
⇨ Launched by C-DOT.
⇨ Integrates Security Information and Event
Management (SIEM), Security Orchestration
and Automated Response (SOAR), Data Loss
Prevention (DLP), User Entity and Behaviour
Analytics (UEBA), Multi-Source Threat
Intelligence.
⇨ Offers 24x7 near real-time cyber-security
monitoring and resolution of threats like Virus,
Malware, Ransomware, Spyware, etc.
Biotechnology Research and Innovation
Council (BRIC)
⇨ Apex autonomous society, centralizes
governance of biotech research in India.
⇨ Formed after rationalizing key autonomous
institutions under the Department of
Biotechnology.
⇨ Union Minister of State for Science &
Technology addressed the first-ever BRIC
Society meeting.
Indian Council of Social Science Research
(ICSSR)
⇨ Established in 1969 based on the
recommendation of Prof. V. K. R. V. Rao
Committee.
⇨ Autonomous organisation funded by the
Ministry of Education.
26

⇨ Supports social sciences research through
grants for projects, fellowships, international
collaborations, capacity building, surveys,
publications.
International Institute for Population Sciences
(IIPS)
⇨ Established in July 1956, originally as
Demographic Training and Research Centre,
re-designated in 1985.
⇨ Joint sponsorship of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, the
Government of India, and the United Nations.
⇨ Serves as a regional centre for Training and
Research in Population Studies for the ESCAP
region.
⇨ Declared a 'Deemed to be University' on
August 14, 1985, under Section 3 of the UGC katya124905@gmail.com
Act, 1956.
⇨ Under the administrative control of the
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,
Government of India.
Commission for Scientific and Technical
Terminology (CSTT)
⇨ Established in 1961 following a Presidential
order.
⇨ Created under clause (4) of Article 344 of the
Constitution of India.
⇨ Operates under the Department of Higher
Education, Ministry of Education, Government
of India.
⇨ Headquarters: New Delhi.
⇨ Primary function: Evolve and propagate
standard terminology, ensure widespread
distribution.
⇨ Collaborates with State Governments,
Universities, Regional Textbook Boards, and
State Granth Academies in developing scientific
and technical terminology and reference
material in Hindi and other Indian languages.
Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI)
⇨ Principal society in India for aeronautics,
aerospace, and aviation.
⇨ Facilitates interaction among professionals in
civil and military aviation and related agencies.
⇨ Inaugurated by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru in 1948,
who was also the first Patron-in-Chief.
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June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
⇨ Affiliated with All India Council For Technical
Education (AICTE), IITs, etc.
Indian Space Association (ISpA)
⇨ Apex, non-profit industry body for private and
public space industry in India.
⇨ Established in 2021.
⇨ Acts as a bridge between government and
private industry.
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)
⇨ Public sector unit under Department of Space,
formed in 2019.
⇨ Commercial arm of ISRO, replacing Antrix. 9654469135
⇨ Interfaces with industry, conducts commercial
oslo
negotiations, supports technology transfer.
⇨ Manages self-owned, procured, or leased
satellites; provides communication services and
remote sensing data, both domestically and
internationally.
Internet and Mobile Association of India
(IAMAI)
⇨ Not-for-profit industry body established in
2004 under Societies Registration Act, 1860.
⇨ Represents India's digital services industry,
with over 500 members.
⇨ Aims to expand online and mobile value-added
services.
⇨ Represents businesses to government,
investors, consumers, and stakeholders.
Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council
(DPCGC)
⇨ Self-regulatory body for Online Curated
Content (OCC) providers, under IAMAI.
⇨ Recognised and registered by Ministry of
Information & Broadcasting under IT
(Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media
Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
⇨ Includes an OCC Publishers Council and an
independent Grievance Redressal Board (GRB)
chaired by a retired judge.
⇨ Aims to balance viewer complaints and
free-speech content presentation.
Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI)
27

⇨ Established in 1985 under Companies Act,
1956 as a voluntary, self-regulatory non-profit
company.
⇨ Issues guidelines for advertising, including
recent guidelines on dark patterns and
greenwashing.
katya124905@gmail.com
⇨ Not a government body; focuses on
self-regulation to protect consumers.
⇨ Draft Guidelines to Prevent Greenwashing
and oversees advertising of environmental
claims.
Central Bureau of Communication
⇨ Government of India's nodal advertising
agency, under Information and Broadcasting
Ministry.
⇨ Headquarters in New Delhi; established in
2017 by integrating DAVP, DFP, and S&DD.
⇨ Conducts campaigns to educate on
government policies through various
communication channels.
⇨ Digital Advertisement Policy 2023 approved
to enhance digital media use for government
awareness.
Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
⇨ Statutory body under Ministry of Information
and Broadcasting, headquartered in Mumbai.
⇨ Regulates public exhibition of films under
Cinematograph Act 1952.
⇨ Certification by CBFC required for film
exhibition in India.
⇨ Appeals against CBFC decisions now directed
only to High Court following FCAT abolition in
2021.
National Health Authority (NHA)
⇨ Established 2019 as autonomous under
Society Registration Act, 1860.
⇨ Implements Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri
Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
⇨ Oversees National Digital Health Mission to
create National Digital Health Eco-system.
⇨ Replaced National Health Agency, attached to
Ministry
oslo
of Health and Family Welfare.
Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB)
⇨ Highest statutory body for drug technical
matters in India.
www.meritnest.com
June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
⇨ Established under Drugs and Cosmetics Act,
1940.
⇨ Part of Central Drugs Standard Control
Organization (CDSCO).
⇨ Advises Central and State Governments on
administration of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act,
9654469135
1940.
⇨ Carries out functions assigned by the Act.
Central Drugs Standard Control Organization
(CDSCO)
⇨ Statutory body under Drugs and Cosmetics
Act, 1940.
⇨ Central drug authority of India.
⇨ Functions under Directorate General of
Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family
Welfare.
⇨ Regulates drug imports, new drug approvals,
clinical trials.
⇨ Acts as Central License Approving authority,
oversees Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB)
meetings.
National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
⇨ Institute under Directorate General of Health
Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
⇨ Director is administrative and technical head,
part of Public Health sub-cadre of Central
Health Service.
⇨ Located in New Delhi.
⇨ Nodal agency for disease surveillance, control
of communicable diseases.
⇨ Coordinates outbreak investigations,
response actions.
⇨ Addresses Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR),
provides diagnostic support, builds technical
capacity.
National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority
(NPPA)
⇨ Established under Drugs (Prices Control)
Order, 1995.
⇨ Attached to Department of Pharmaceuticals,
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
⇨ Regulates drug pricing, ensures availability
and affordability.
⇨ Recently fixed ceiling price of 18 formulations
and retail price of 23 new drugs.
28

Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC)
⇨ Autonomous institution under Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare since 2009.
⇨ Publishes and updates Indian Pharmacopoeia
(IP).
⇨ Pharmacopoeia sets drug standards for
manufacture, stock, sale in India.
⇨ Recently became member of Pharmacopoeial
Discussion Group (PDG).
Pharmacopoeial Discussion Group (PDG)
⇨ Formed by US, EU, Japan in 1989, WHO joined
as observer in 2001.
⇨ Aims to harmonize pharmacopeial standards
among member countries/regions.
⇨ Reduces manufacturers' burden by
harmonizing analytical procedures and criteria.
Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)
⇨ Statutory body of Ministry of Women & Child
katya124905@gmail.com
Development.
⇨ Nodal body for adoption of Indian children,
monitors and regulates domestic and
international adoptions.
⇨ Designated Central Authority for
inter-country adoptions under Hague
Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993.
⇨ Mandated to frame regulations on
adoption-related matters as per Juvenile Justice
(Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
National Archives of India (NAI)
⇨ Established in 1891, originally in Calcutta
(Kolkata), as the Imperial Record Department.
⇨ Now the largest archival repository in South
Asia.
oslo
⇨ Relocated to New Delhi in 1911.
⇨ Operates as an attached office of the Ministry
of Culture.
⇨ Holds a vast collection of records, including
public records, private papers, oriental records,
cartographic records, and microfilms.
⇨ Access to these records is regulated by the
Public Records Rules of 1997.
National Culture Fund (NCF)
⇨ Established by the Government of India as a
Trust under the Charitable Endowment Act of
1890.
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June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
⇨ Functions as a distinct funding mechanism
from traditional sources for arts and culture in
India.
⇨ Aims to mobilize additional resources via
Public-Private Partnerships to support and
preserve India's tangible and intangible cultural
heritage.
⇨ Includes members from corporate and public
sectors, private foundations, and non-profit
organisations.
⇨ The Executive Committee is led by the
Secretary of the Ministry of Culture.
⇨ Donations receive tax benefits under the
Income Tax Act.
Prime Ministers' Museum and Library (PMML)
Society
⇨ Formerly known as the Nehru Memorial
Museum and Library, recently renamed.
⇨ An autonomous institution under the Ministry
of Culture.
⇨ Located in the historic Teen Murti campus
south of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
⇨ Dedicated to advancing9654469135
research on modern
and contemporary India.
⇨ The General Council, President, and
Vice-President are appointed by the Central
Government.
Viswa Bharati University
⇨ A Central Government-funded autonomous
university in Santiniketan, West Bengal.
⇨ Established in 1921 by Nobel Laureate
Rabindranath Tagore.
⇨ Renowned as a leading centre for visual arts
practice and research.
⇨ Granted the status of a Central University in
1951 by an act of the central government.
⇨ The President of India appoints the
Vice-chancellor.
Unique Identification Authority of India
(UIDAI)
⇨ Statutory under Aadhaar Act 2016.
⇨ Established under the Ministry of Electronics
and Information Technology (MEiTY).
⇨ Has regional offices, a data center, and tech
centers across the country.
29

⇨ Issues Unique Identification numbers (UID),
called “Aadhaar”, to all residents of India.
⇨ Consists of a Chairperson, two part-time
Members, and the Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) who is also the Member-Secretary.
⇨ Aadhaar is a 12-digit individual identification
number issued after a verification process.
⇨ Serves as proof of identity and address,
remains valid for life, and aids in accessing
various services.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
⇨ Standards development in India is largely
government-led with BIS as the National
Standard Body.
⇨ Established under BIS Act 2016.
⇨ Involved in standardization, marking, and
quality certification.
⇨ Administered by the Ministry of Consumer
Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
⇨ Minister of the administering ministry serves
as President of BIS.
Social Audit Advisory Body (SAAB)
⇨ First of its kind in India, set up in the National
Institute of Social Defence (NISD).
⇨ NISD functions under the Department of
Social Justice & Empowerment, Ministry of
Social Justice and Empowerment.
⇨ Guides the ministry in institutionalizing social
audits for its various schemes.
⇨ Promotes capacity building of members in the
Social Justice Cell of the Social Audit Units.
⇨ Recently held its first meeting.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA)
⇨ Established in 1927 with Sir Dorabji Tata as
the Founding President and Dr. A.G. Noehren as
Secretary General.
⇨ Registered as a Non-Profit Organisation under
the Societies Registration Act of 1860.
⇨ Governing body for the Olympic Movement
and the Commonwealth Games in India.
⇨ Oversees representation of athletes in the
Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian
Games, and other international competitions.
⇨ Recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs
and Sports.
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June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
⇨ Governed by a 32-member Executive Council,
headed by the President.
Miscellaneous
Anticipatory Bail
⇨ Bail granted in anticipation of arrest.
⇨ Under Section 438 of theoslo
Criminal Procedure
Code (CrPC), application possible if non-bailable
offence is feared.
⇨ Application made to High Court or Sessions
Court of crime locale.
⇨ Prevents arrest post grant; police cannot
arrest.
⇨ Safeguard against false accusations due to
enmity, ensuring pre-arrest release.
Bail
⇨ Judicial release from custody, ensuring court
appearance later.
⇨ Governed by Sections 436 to 439 of the CrPC.
⇨ Granted by police officer or judicial
magistrate.
katya124905@gmail.com
Statutory Bail or Default Bail
⇨ Right to bail when police investigation exceeds
specified custody time.
⇨ Enshrined in the CrPC.
⇨ Police produce suspect in court if 24-hour
investigation completion is unfeasible.
⇨ Police have 60 days for investigation, 90 for
severe crimes (death sentence, life
imprisonment, minimum 10 years).
⇨ Judicial remand not extendable beyond 60 or
90 days.
⇨ Court releases individual post-period if bail is
furnished.
⇨ Extended periods under special laws like
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
Act (180 days, extendable to one year).
⇨ Under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention)
Act, 90 days extendable by another 90. 9654469135
⇨ Includes police and judicial custody but not
house-arrest.
⇨ Must be actively claimed; not automatic
despite unmet deadlines.
Zero FIR
⇨ FIR registered regardless of offence location.
30

⇨ Obligates police to start investigation
immediately, jurisdiction no bar.
⇨ Later transferred to appropriate jurisdiction
police station.
⇨ Introduced post-Nirbhaya incident, 2012 by
Justice Verma Committee.
Section 124A of IPC
⇨ Sedition, curbs freedom of speech and
expression.
⇨ Drafted by Thomas Babington Macaulay,
1870, targeting the Wahabi movement.
⇨ After independence, sedition term removed
from Constitution, 1948.
⇨ Made a criminal offence in the new CrPC,
1973 by Indira Gandhi's government.
⇨ Punishable by up to life imprisonment or a
three-year term with fine.
⇨ Upheld by Supreme Court in Kedar Nath Singh
vs. State of Bihar.
⇨ Non-bailable, affects government job
prospects, passport possession, and court
presence requirements.
Expulsion of Lawmakers in India
⇨ Expulsion of an MP based on constitutional
and house rules.
⇨ Constitutional basis: MPs guilty of breach of
privileges or contempt can be suspended or
expelled.
⇨ Legal basis: Presiding Officer can order
withdrawal from House for order maintenance,
with expulsion for severe misconduct.
⇨ Under Representation of the People Act
(RPA), 1951: Disqualification for imprisonment
period plus six years if sentenced to two or
more years.
⇨ Election void leads to office vacation; Supreme
Court appeal available.
⇨ Tenth Schedule: Disqualification for defection.
⇨ Articles 102 (1) and 191 (1): Disqualifies
MPs/MLAs for profit office, unsound mind,
insolvency, or invalid citizenship.
Legal Basis of Remission
⇨ Supreme Court invalidated Gujarat
government's remission in Bilkis Bano case; trial
was in Maharashtra.
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June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
⇨ Section 432 of Criminal Procedure Code
(CrPC), 1973 allows government sentence
suspension/remission.
⇨ Section 433A requires 14 years imprisonment
before remission.
⇨ Article 72 and Article 161 empower President
and Governor respectively for remission.
oslo
Denotified, Nomadic and Seminomadic Tribes
(DNTs)
⇨ Originally labelled as criminals under the
Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 by the British.
⇨ Act repealed in 1952; communities declared
DNTs.
⇨ No Central list or constitutional recognition as
a group like Scheduled Castes/Tribes.
⇨ 2014: Bhiku Ramji Idate commission to
compile state-wise DNT lists, identify unlisted
communities, and recommend welfare
measures.
Special Category Status (SCS)
⇨ Introduced in 1969 by the 5th Finance
katya124905@gmail.com
Commission to aid disadvantaged states.
⇨ SCS granted preferential treatment, funding,
and reservations in local jobs and education.
⇨ Initial SCS recipients: Jammu & Kashmir,
Assam, Nagaland.
⇨ Eight more states later included.
⇨ No constitutional provision for SCS; ceased
following 14th Finance Commission's
recommendations.
Mitakshara Law
⇨ Governs Hindu family property succession;
based on Vijnaneswara's 12th century
commentary.
⇨ Codified in the Hindu Succession Act, 1956,
initially recognizing only males as heirs.
⇨ Applicable to non-Abrahamic faiths;
recognizes joint family property rights.
⇨ Coparcenary rights shared among male 9654469135
members; shares fluctuate with family changes.
⇨ 2005 amendment allowed women
coparcenary rights.
⇨ Prevalent across India, except regions
following Dayabhaga School.
Dayabhaga School of Thought
31

⇨ Based on Jimutuvahana's commentary on
Yagnavalkya Smriti.
⇨ Inheritance decided by spiritual benefit
principle.
⇨ Predominantly followed in Bengal and parts of
Assam.
⇨ Recognizes no sub-schools.
Sapinda Marriages
⇨ Delhi High Court upheld prohibition of
Sapinda marriages under the Hindu Marriage
Act (HMA), 1955.
⇨ Court noted unregulated partner choice could
legitimize incestuous relationships.
⇨ Section 5(v) of HMA prohibits Sapinda
marriages unless permitted by custom.
⇨ Sapinda relationship extends to the third
generation through the mother, fifth through
the father.
Consanguinity
⇨ Practice of marrying close relatives, prevalent
globally.
⇨ In social terms, marriage between blood
relatives; genetically, it's inbreeding.
⇨ Estimated 15-20% global population practices
oslo
inbreeding, notably in Asia and West Africa.
⇨ High inbreeding levels identified in India's
endogamous populations, e.g., Ashkenazi Jews,
9654469135
by CSIR Centre for Cellular and Molecular
Biology, Hyderabad.
Law Allowing Mining of Certain Minerals
⇨ India’s Parliament passed a law for auctioning
and mining lithium and other minerals.
⇨ Lithium removed from atomic minerals list,
allowing private company auctions.
⇨ Lithium discovered in Jammu and Kashmir,
with more reserves anticipated.
⇨ Minerals like titanium, beryl, niobium, and
zirconium now open for mining; previously
limited to state-run companies.
Fast Track Special Court (FTSC)
⇨ Centrally sponsored scheme to establish
FTSCs for timely case disposal related to rape
and the Protection of Children from Sexual
Offences Act (POCSO Act).
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June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
⇨ Started in October 2019, extended until
March 31, 2026.
⇨ Funded by Nirbhaya Fund, implemented by
the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law &
Justice.
Recusal By Judges
⇨ Judges can recuse from cases with potential
conflicts of interest to avoid bias perception.
⇨ Based on the principle 'Nemo judex in sua
causa' and the need for justice to be seen to be
done.
⇨ No codified rules in India for recusal; relies on
judge's discretion.
Narco Analysis Test
⇨ Involves injecting sodium pentothal to induce
a sedative state, neutralizing imagination.
⇨ Supreme Court ruled in Selvi & Ors vs State of
Karnataka & Anr (2010) against non-consensual
narco analysis, brain mapping, and polygraph
tests.
⇨ Narco analysis results not primary evidence;
material discovered via voluntary tests
admissible under Section 27 of the Evidence
Act, 1872.
⇨ Used in 2002 Gujarat riots and 26/11 Mumbai
terror attack cases.
Sodium Pentothal
⇨ Sodium pentothal, or sodium thiopental, is a
fast-acting anaesthetic used in surgery.
⇨ Part of the barbiturate class, acts as a central
nervous system depressant.
⇨ Dubbed "truth serum" for its supposed effect
on honesty.
Polygraph Test
⇨ Physiological test measuring vital signs
without substance injection.
⇨ Monitors blood pressure, pulse, respiration,
sweat gland activity, and blood flow during
questioning.
Brain Mapping Test katya124905@gmail.com
⇨ P-300 test maps brain activity, similar to a
polygraph.
⇨ Involves neuroimaging to produce enhanced
brain images.
32

Ranganath Mishra Commission
⇨ Officially named National Commission for
Religious and Linguistic Minorities.
⇨ Constituted to examine issues of linguistic and
religious minorities.
⇨ 2007 report proposed delinking Scheduled
Caste status from religion, making it
religion-neutral like Scheduled Tribes.
⇨ Recommended allowing Dalits who convert to
Islam and Christianity to avail Scheduled Caste
status.
Baijayant Panda Committee
⇨ Constituted by the Ministry of Defence as a
High-Level Expert Committee.
⇨ Aimed to review the National Cadet Corps
(NCC).
⇨ Tasked with suggesting measures to enhance
the contribution of NCC cadets to
nation-building.
Justice Balakrishnan Commission Report
⇨ Led by Former Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan.
⇨ Investigated whether Dalit converts to
religions other than Sikhism or Buddhism
should receive Scheduled Caste status.
⇨ Noted full compliance from only two Union
Territories and the states of Mizoram and Goa in
implementing CCTV directives.
Justice G. Rohini Commission
⇨ Established to sub-categorise Other
Backward Classes (OBC) caste groups.
katya124905@gmail.com
⇨ Submitted its report after nearly six years;
initially tasked for 12 weeks.
⇨ Examined the concentration of OBC benefits
among dominant castes.
⇨ Recommended redistributing benefits across
over 2,600 caste groups on the Central OBC list.
⇨ Report details remain undisclosed.
Radhakrishnan Committee
⇨ Set up in 2022 by the Ministry of Education.
⇨ Mandated to reform accreditation systems for
Higher Education Institutions.
⇨ Tasked with strengthening assessment
processes and drafting a road map for the
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June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
National Accreditation Council per the National
Education Policy, 2020.
Gita Mittal Committee
⇨ Established by the Supreme Court to oversee
relief and rehabilitation in the Manipur ethnic
violence case.
Kirit Parikh Committee
9654469135
⇨ Formed by the Ministry of Petroleum and
Natural Gas to review the domestic gas pricing
formula.
⇨ Recommendations led to revised guidelines
approved by the Cabinet Committee on
Economic Affairs.
⇨ Revised guidelines apply to nomination fields
of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and Oil India
Limited, among others.
Administered Price Mechanism Price
⇨ Indian government sets natural gas prices
under the Administered Price Mechanism.
oslo
⇨ APM gas price follows the modified
Rangarajan formula since November 1, 2014.
⇨ Affects gas from nomination fields awarded
before 1999.
Domestic Gas Pricing Guidelines, 2014
⇨ Establishes pricing for domestic gas based on
2014 guidelines.
⇨ Prices set every six months from averages at
four international hubs.
⇨ Formula considers the preceding 12 months
with a quarter lag.
Anuradha Bhasin’s Case 2020
⇨ Challenged the suspension of telecom services
in Jammu and Kashmir during the revocation of
Article 370.
⇨ Court ruled indefinite internet suspension
impermissible, highlighting the need for
proportionality and temporary measures.
⇨ Emphasised judicial review of suspension
orders.
Internet shutdowns related provisions in India
⇨ Governed by Temporary Suspension of
Telecom Services (Public Emergency & Public
Safety) Rules, 2017.
33

⇨ Allows temporary regional telecom
shutdowns for public emergency up to 15 days.
Ritu Chhabaria Judgement
⇨ Addresses the time limits for investigations
under Section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal
Procedure.
⇨ Establishes the accused's right to default bail
if investigation exceeds allotted time without
reference to case merits.
⇨ Recognised as an indefeasible right under
Article 21 of the Constitution.
Nabam Rebia case (2016)
⇨ Supreme Court ruled that the Governor must
convene Assembly for a floor test upon Cabinet
recommendation.
Supriyo @Supriya Chakraborty and Anr v.
Union of India Case
⇨ Supreme Court's 5-judge bench unanimously
refused legal recognition of same-sex marriages.
⇨ Judicial restraint exercised, leaving the
decision to legislature and executive.
⇨ All five judges recognized the need to
eliminate discrimination against same-sex
couples.
⇨ Majority of three judges insisted legal
recognition should come via legislation.
⇨ Civil Union is a legal status for same-sex
couples where marriage is not allowed,
providing partial recognition; first legalized in
1999 in Vermont, USA.
New Parliament House
⇨ Recently inaugurated as part of the Central
Vista development/redevelopment plan.
⇨ Central Vista, inaugurated in 1931, includes
Rashtrapati Bhavan, North and South Blocks,
old Parliament House, National Archives, India
Gate, and adjacent civic gardens.
⇨ New Parliament House offers over 150%
more seating capacity than its predecessor.
⇨ Original Parliament Building, a colonial-era
structure by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert
Baker, completed 1921-1927, inspired by the
Chausath Yogini temple, added two floors in
1956, housed the first elected Parliament in
1952.
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June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
Krishna Water Dispute
⇨ Dispute over equitable distribution of Krishna
River waters among Maharashtra, Karnataka,
Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
⇨ Original disputes from Andhra Pradesh's
formation in 1956, addressed by Krishna Water
Disputes Tribunal (KWDT) in 1973.
⇨ A second KWDT established in 2004 for water
reallocation; terms recently approved by the
Union Cabinet under the Inter-State River
Water Disputes Act, 1956.
⇨ Krishna River originates in Mahabaleshwar,
Maharashtra, second largest in peninsular India,
9654469135
traversing four states.
oslo
⇨ Features left and right bank tributaries
including Bhima, Musi, and Tungabhadra, with
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major hydro power stations like Koyna and
Nagarjuna Sagar.
Article 262 and Water Legislation
⇨ Article 262 allows Parliament to legislate on
inter-state river water disputes.
⇨ Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956, allows
states to request Central Government to refer
disputes to a tribunal.
⇨ River Boards Act, 1956, facilitates the
creation of river boards for river and valley
regulation and development.
OTT Regulation in India
⇨ OTT Platforms regulated under Information
Technology Act, 2000, Indian Penal Code, 1861,
and Indecent Representation of Women
(Prohibition) Act, 1986.
⇨ Government introduced Information
Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and
Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.
⇨ OTT Platforms provide direct internet access
to films and shows, termed as ‘publishers of
online curated content’ in India.
⇨ OTT viewership in India is significant and
growing, projected to reach 50 million by end of
2023, with mobile broadcasting driving new
content creation.
Crypto Regulation in India
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⇨ Cryptocurrency activities like exchange and
safekeeping fall under the Prevention of Money
Laundering Act, 2002.
⇨ Ministry of Finance's 2022 report proposes
creating a digital rupee and a framework for
private cryptocurrencies.
katya124905@gmail.com
⇨ Recommended establishing a Digital Currency
Regulatory Authority to oversee
cryptocurrency usage.
⇨ 2022 Union Budget classified
cryptocurrencies as "virtual digital assets" with
a 30% tax on transfers and 1% tax deducted at
source.
Global Regulation Initiatives
⇨ IMF-FSB Synthesis Paper endorsed at G20,
led by India, outlines risks and regulatory
framework for crypto assets, avoiding bans and
setting reporting, licensing for 2025.
⇨ Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation by the
European Union is the first cross-jurisdictional
framework for crypto regulation.
Drug Price Control in India
⇨ Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
includes medicines in the National List of
Essential Medicines 2022 for price control.
⇨ Drugs from the list fall under the Drug (Prices
Control) Order, 2013.
⇨ National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority
fixed retail prices for 23 formulations, revised
ceiling prices for 15 scheduled formulations.
Rat Hole Mining
⇨ Involves narrow pits in Meghalaya for coal
extraction using basic tools.
⇨ Banned by the National Green Tribunal in
2014 as unscientific and unsafe, but 2019
Supreme Court ruling allows it under specific
legal provisions.
⇨ Recently used for rescue operations in
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse.
Cannabis or Hemp Cultivation
Uttarakhand first Indian state to legalize
⇨oslo
cannabis cultivation in 2017.
⇨ Himachal Pradesh government legalized it for
non-narcotic uses like medicinal and industrial.
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June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024)
⇨ Permitted under Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, Section 10
(a) (iii) for fibre, seeds, and horticultural
purposes.
Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy
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(NDTCP), 2023
⇨ Released for public consultation by the
National Consortium.
⇨ Aims to strengthen the Indian deep tech
startup ecosystem.
⇨ Deep Tech involves technologies based on
scientific and engineering breakthroughs,
including Artificial Intelligence and Machine
Learning.
National Consortium and PM-STIAC
⇨ National Consortium, recommended by the
Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and
Innovation Advisory Council, proposes policies
for the deep tech startup ecosystem.
⇨ Chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to
the Government of India, includes diverse
stakeholders.
⇨ PM-STIAC oversees science and technology
domains, identifies challenges, and formulates
interventions with a roadmap focused on
sustainable development, including nine
national science missions.
Startup Guidelines for Research and
Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators
in Technical Textiles (GREAT)
⇨ Launched by the Ministry of Textiles to
develop the Technical Textiles startup
ecosystem.
⇨ Focuses on sub-segments like Bio-degradable
and Sustainable textiles, High-performance &
Specialty fibres, Smart textiles.
⇨ Provides grants to help individuals and
companies translate prototypes into
commercial technologies and products.
Robotics Policy Framework
⇨ Telangana is the first Indian state to launch a
state robotics framework.
⇨ Developed by the Emerging Technologies
Wing with the All-India Robotics Association,
academia, industry experts, and stakeholders.
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⇨ Aims to create a sustainable robotics
ecosystem.
Harit Sagar Guidelines
⇨ Released by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping &
Waterways as the Green Port Guidelines 2023.
⇨ Focuses on ecosystem dynamics in port
development, aligning with the 'Working with
Nature' concept.
⇨ Aims to minimize impacts on biotic
components of harbor ecosystems.
Use of Newspaper in Packaging
⇨ Prohibited under Food Safety and Standards
(Packaging) Regulations, 2018.
⇨ Newspapers are susceptible to contamination
due to environmental exposure.
⇨ Inks may contain harmful components like
Lead, Naphthylamines, aromatic hydrocarbon,
and Agonists for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor,
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posing health risks.
Framework for Submarine Cable Landing in
India
⇨ Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
released recommendations for a licensing
framework.
⇨ Simplifies the establishment of submarine
cable landing stations in India.
⇨ Submarine cables connect terrestrial telecom
networks globally.
⇨ Framework may grant 'Essential Services'
status to operations, with Environmental Impact
Assessment and Coastal Region Zone
clearances streamlined online via Saral Sanchar
portal.
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National Curriculum Framework for School
Education (NCF-SE)
⇨ Released by the Ministry of Education,
prepared by National Council of Educational
Research and Training.
⇨ Aims to transform school education with
updated curriculum and pedagogy.
⇨ Implements the 5+3+3+4 schooling structure
from National Education Policy 2020.
⇨ Led by a National Steering Committee chaired
by Prof. K Kasturirangan.
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National Higher Education Qualifications
Framework (NHEQF)
⇨ Introduced recently as part of regulatory
reforms from National Education Policy 2020.
⇨ Finalized by the University Grants
Commission.
Foreign Educational Institutions (FHEIs)
Recognition
⇨ University Grants Commission released draft
regulations for 2023.
⇨ Defines FHEIs as institutions recognized in
their home countries offering undergraduate or
higher programs.
⇨ Equivalence and recognition of degrees
contingent on physical attendance at
recognized FHEIs.
Framework for Health, Social, and Economic
Vulnerabilities (FEVR)
⇨ Developed by the World Health Organization,
World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and
European Investment Bank at the request of the
G20 task force. 9654469135
⇨ Aims to understand and mitigate health and
economic vulnerabilities from pandemics.
⇨ Guides policy decisions by identifying
systemic weaknesses.
Institutional Development Plan (IDP) for
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
⇨ Guidelines passed by the University Grants
Commission under National Education Policy
2020.
⇨ Emphasizes strategic development planning
tailored to the specific needs of each institution.
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