Quick Overview:
Recent developments in India’s governance, health, science, and social policy include calls for a National Judicial Policy and the possible revival of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), observance of World AIDS Day 2025 emphasizing HIV control under NACP-V, India marking Antarctica Day and 25 years of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), and Assam proposing a three-tier Scheduled Tribe classification. These updates highlight judicial reforms, public health achievements, scientific exploration, and social justice measures, all of which have implications for constitutional governance, policy-making, and UPSC/CLAT preparation.
1. Calls for a National Judicial Policy & NJAC
Why Needed:
Resolve divergent judgments across courts to reduce legal uncertainty and forum shopping.
Bridge access-to-justice gaps due to case backlogs (5+ crore cases), high costs, distance, and language barriers.
Address structural gaps: 33% of High Court judges’ posts vacant; district courts face infrastructure and IT challenges.
Standardize technology and case management, including e-filing and virtual hearings.
Promote judicial harmony while preserving independence.
Concerns:
One-size-fits-all approach may not suit diverse states.
Risk of executive influence affecting separation of powers.
Limited implementation capacity due to infrastructure and staff constraints.
Resistance from High Courts under Articles 214–226.
Poor judicial data for evidence-based policymaking.
NJAC Overview:
Established under the 99th Amendment, 2014; six-member body including CJI, two senior SC judges, Law Minister, two eminent persons.
Struck down in 2015 (Fourth Judges Case) due to threat to judicial independence.
Collegium vs NJAC:
Aspect
Collegium
NJAC
Primacy
Judiciary has complete control
Shared with executive and eminent persons
Transparency
Opaque, no published criteria
More diverse and transparent
Veto Power
None
Any 2 members could veto
Risk
Nepotism, secrecy
Political interference
Judicial Independence
Upheld as basic structure
Compromised, struck down
Efficiency
Informal, delays possible
Structured timelines possible
Strengthening Judiciary Measures:
Flexible national judicial policy balancing uniform standards with state-specific needs.
Institutionalize case management and timelines.
Transparent and timely judicial appointments.
Expand access to justice via regional courts, legal aid, mediation, and local language services.
2. World AIDS Day 2025 & NACP-V
Theme: “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.”
HIV/AIDS Overview:
HIV attacks CD4 cells, weakening immunity.
Transmission: Infected bodily fluids; not casual contact.
Symptoms: Fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, opportunistic infections.
Treatment: Lifelong ART.
National AIDS Control Programme (NACP):
Phase I–IV: Prevention, capacity building, reversal of epidemic, integrated care.
Phase V (2021–26): Rs 15,000+ crore, aligns with SDG 3.3 to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Achievements:
HIV prevalence dropped from 0.33% (2010) to 0.20% (2024).
New infections reduced by 49%; ART coverage increased.
India contributes only 5% of global new infections.
3. Antarctica Day & 25 Years of NCPOR
Antarctica Day: Commemorates the 1959 Antarctica Treaty; peaceful, scientific use; bans nuclear activities.
India’s Role: Consultative Party since 1983; operates research stations and participates in governance.
NCPOR:
Established in 1998, under MoES; manages Maitri, Bharati, Dakshin Gangotri (Antarctica), Himadri, Himansh (Arctic/Himalayan).
Leads polar and Southern Ocean research; new Maitri-II station approved.
Contributes to India’s Deep Ocean Mission and strategic research priorities.
4. Assam’s Three-Tier Classification of STs
Proposal:
ST (Plains): Existing plains tribes.
ST (Hills): Existing hill tribes.
ST (Valley): Six new communities — Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, Koch-Rajbongshi, Tea Tribes/Adivasis.
Purpose: Reorganize reservations without affecting existing quotas; separate state-level quotas, unified central ST list.
Constitutional Basis:
Article 342: President notifies STs; Parliament can amend.
Articles 15(4), 16(4), 46, 335: Ensure welfare, reservation, and administrative efficiency.
Judicial Validation: Supreme Court allowed sub-classification for equitable benefit distribution (State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh, 2024).
CLAT / Exam Relevance Summary:
Judiciary & NJAC: GS Paper 2; constitutional provisions (Articles 124, 217, 126, 128), judicial independence, basic structure, Collegium vs NJAC debate. PYQs: NJAC 2017 mains, 2019 prelims.
Health & NACP: GS Paper 2 (Government policies), GS Paper 3 (Health & Public Health); ART coverage, SDG 3.3. PYQs: HIV transmission, prevention 2010–2019.
Polar Science & NCPOR: GS Paper 3 (Science & Technology, Environment), GS Paper 2 (International Treaties); India’s Antarctic role, Deep Ocean Mission.
Assam ST Classification: GS Paper 2 (Social Justice, SC/ST issues, Reservation); Articles 15(4), 16(4), 46, 335; sub-classification legal precedents.