1. Assam Accord
Context:
The Assam government has decided to implement most of the recommendations made by a high-powered committee appointed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to enforce Clause 6 of the Assam Accord (1985).
What is the Assam Accord?
The Assam Accord was signed in 1985 between the Government of India, the Government of Assam, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP). The Assam Accord aimed to address the issue of illegal migration in Assam.
In 1986, a new department named “Implementation of Assam Accord Department” was created to oversee the application of its provisions.
Key Point: Cut-off Date
The Accord set March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for citizenship. People who entered Assam before midnight on this date would be recognized as Indian citizens. Those who came after were considered foreigners. This date was also used for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Clause 6 of the Assam Accord
Clause 6 emphasizes providing constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards to protect the cultural, social, and linguistic identity of the Assamese people. This clause ensures that the heritage of the Assamese people is preserved and promoted.
2. Kerala’s Business-Centric Reforms
Context:
Kerala has topped the rankings in two business-related categories and seven citizen-centric reforms, according to the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Business-Centric Reforms
Kerala performed well in facilitating utility permits for businesses and simplifying the process of paying taxes.
Citizen-Centric Reforms
The state excelled in several areas, including:
- Online single-window systems.
- Simplified processes for issuing certificates by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
- Issuing certificates by the Department of Revenue.
- Providing utility permits.
- Public distribution systems (Department of Food and Civil Supplies).
- Improvements in the transport sector.
- Running employment exchanges.
3. Africa Urban Forum (AUF)
Context:
African bureaucrats and development experts recently met in Ethiopia for the first African Urban Forum (AUF).
What is the Africa Urban Forum?
The AUF is a continental platform established to promote sustainable development in African human settlements. It was created by the African Union Commission and its member states in 2022 to address the challenges and opportunities of Africa’s rapid urbanization.
Focus Areas of the Forum:
- Promoting African urban solutions in line with Agenda 2063.
- Understanding urbanization trends to drive structural transformation.
- Managing rapid urbanization for economic and social development.
- Finding ways to finance urbanization for economic transformation.
- Encouraging institutional and political reforms in urban development.
4. National Exit Test (NExT)
Context:
The National Exit Test (NExT) will apply to AYUSH graduates from the 2021-2022 batch.
What is NExT?
The National Exit Test (NExT) is a mandatory test for medical graduates in India. It is required for licensing and enrolling in State or National Registers after completing a one-year internship.
This test is necessary for those seeking to practice as medical professionals in disciplines under the Indian system of medicine.
Legislation:
The NExT is conducted under the provisions of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) Act 2020 and the National Commission for Homeopathy (NCH) Act 2020.
5. Law Commission of India
Context:
The Union government recently announced the constitution of the 23rd Law Commission of India starting from September 1.
What is the Law Commission?
The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body formed by the government to suggest legal reforms. Although it is an ad hoc body, it plays a critical role in ensuring that Indian laws remain relevant and fair. The Law Commission acts as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice.
History:
- The first pre-independence Law Commission was established in 1834 by the British Government, chaired by Lord Macaulay.
- The first post-independence Law Commission was established in 1955, led by M.C. Setalvad.
- There have been 22 Law Commissions since independence. The current (22nd) Law Commission is chaired by Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi.
How is the Law Commission Formed?
A new Law Commission is created when the Union government passes a resolution for its formation after the previous one expires. Once the President approves, the government selects a chairperson, typically a retired Supreme Court judge.
Composition:
The Law Commission is usually headed by a Chairperson and consists of legal experts, academicians, and senior advocates. Members serve a three-year term and focus on areas of legal reform.
Functions and Role:
- Reviewing outdated laws and recommending amendments or repeal.
- Proposing new laws to address emerging legal challenges.
- Simplifying legal processes for better public understanding.
- Suggesting reforms in the judiciary to improve efficiency and reduce delays.
Important Recommendations:
- The 170th report (1999) recommended simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies to improve governance.
- The 262nd report proposed the abolition of the death penalty except for terrorism-related offenses.
- Recent recommendations cover sensitive issues like hate speech, the Uniform Civil Code, and data protection.