<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1700662171787" alt="Supreme Court to hear pleas challenging sedition law's validity in January" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the sedition provision in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in January.
This move comes months after the Centre introduced bills in Parliament aimed at replacing colonial-era penal statutes, including proposing the repeal of the sedition law. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud stated that an appropriate bench would be constituted to address the matter.
The apex court appointed advocates Prasanna S and Pooja Dhar as nodal counsel to assist in compiling case laws and other statutory material before the scheduled hearing.
<a href="https://policharcha.com/article/nation/55170bcb-3aba-4c2a-9fa3-75d470a9f823/disagreeing-with-centre-sc-refers-sedition-law-to-constitution-bench" target="_blank">Despite the Centre's request to defer the reference of petitions to a larger bench due to ongoing parliamentary proceedings, the court declined</a> , emphasising that any new law resulting from the proposed bills would not have retrospective application.
The sedition law, Section 124A of the IPC, remains in force, and even if the proposed bill becomes law, it would likely have prospective, not retrospective, effect.
The court previously affirmed the constitutional validity of Section 124A in the 1962 Kedar Nath Singh versus State of Bihar case, where it was challenged on the grounds of violating the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
The court highlighted that, at that time, there was no challenge asserting that Section 124A violated Article 14 (equality before law) of the Constitution. In response to this, the court suggested that the pleas be heard by a bench of at least five judges, considering the 1962 decision was made by a Constitution Bench.
On August 11, the Centre introduced three bills in the Lok Sabha to replace the IPC, CrPC, and the Indian Evidence Act, proposing the repeal of the sedition law and introducing a new provision with a broader definition of the offense.
Last year, the Supreme Court temporarily suspended the sedition law and directed the government to re-examine it. All ongoing sedition law proceedings across the country were put on hold, pending the government's review. The sedition law was incorporated into the penal code in 1890, long before India gained independence.

SC to hear pleas challenging sedition law's validity in January

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1697573791504" alt="Supreme Court rules against same-sex marriages and civil unions – Key Takeaways" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

In a significant verdict, a five-judge Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud unanimously decided against recognising same-sex marriages and declined to allow civil unions for non-heterosexual couples.
The bench, comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Ravindra Bhat, Hima Kohli, and P S Narasimha, delivered a 3-2 majority verdict rejecting these requests.
<ins>Background</ins>
The ruling, handed down on Tuesday, has sparked widespread debate and disappointment within the LGBTQ+ community, as it denies legal recognition and rights to same-sex couples in India.
The verdict was a response to a petition asking the Supreme Court to reinterpret marriage laws, replacing the term “man and woman” with “spouses,” and to challenge gender-restrictive provisions of the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
<ins>Key Takeaways</ins>
<ins>Fundamental Right to Marry</ins>: All five judges, including the CJI and Justice Kaul, who advocated for civil unions, unanimously agreed that there is no fundamental right to marry under the Constitution.
<ins>Special Marriage Act Amendments</ins>: The judges also agreed that amending the Special Marriage Act to include gender-neutral language for same-sex marriages was not feasible. The CJI stated that such an amendment would interfere with the legal framework for interfaith and inter-caste couples and constitute "judicial lawmaking," breaching the separation of powers.
<ins>Individual Opinions</ins>: Four out of five judges, including CJI Chandrachud, Justice Kaul, Justice Bhat, and Justice Narasimha, provided individual opinions. Justice Bhat, Justice Kohli, and Justice Narasimha formed the majority, advocating against same-sex marriages. The CJI and Justice Kaul wrote minority opinions, supporting the extension of civil unions to same-sex couples.
<ins>Civil Union Rights</ins>: The bench acknowledged the Centre’s commitment to form a high-level Cabinet committee to examine rights that can be granted to non-heterosexual couples. These rights might include joint bank accounts, spousal benefits in provident funds, pensions, medical decision-making abilities, and inheritance rights.
<ins>Adoption Guidelines</ins>: The minority view, presented by CJI Chandrachud and Justice Kaul, struck down specific guidelines by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) that barred same-sex or unmarried couples from jointly adopting a child. The CJI argued that such restrictions were discriminatory and failed to recognise the ability of same-sex couples to provide a nurturing environment for children.
The ruling has elicited mixed reactions, sparking conversations about the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in India and the need for comprehensive legal reforms to ensure equality and recognition for all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation.

SC rules against same-sex marriages and civil unions – Key Takeaways

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1697117599548" alt="NorthEast Express derailment leaves deep impact on passengers and locals" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

In a stark scene of destruction, the aftermath of the North East Express derailment in the nondescript town of Raghunathpur, Buxar district, Bihar, paints a haunting picture.
Coaches lay strewn on both sides of the track, some several feet away, forming a twisted, serpentine pattern. Shattered window panes serve as chilling reminders of the accident's impact.
Vijay Kumar, the guard of the Kamakhya-bound train, recounted the terrifying experience. "I was busy with my paperwork when the driver suddenly applied brakes. This was followed by a few jerks, and I fainted. Later, I found myself in the adjoining fields, where villagers were sprinkling drops of water on my face," he said, nursing minor injuries sustained during the incident.
With passengers successfully rescued, efforts have shifted to the daunting task of restoration. The area had been cordoned off, and villagers watched as massive cranes and metal-cutting machinery operate. Though many fear it might be days before the tracks are fit for traffic. Despite concerns, railway officials assure a swifter restoration process.
==========
Also Read - <a href="https://policharcha.com/article/nation/ec926576-849c-4b93-9d0b-575cd4770fa2/northeast-express-tragedy-track-fault-identified-as-cause-of-derailment" target="_blank">NorthEast Express tragedy – Track fault identified as cause of derailment</a>&nbsp;
==========
Mahendra Yadav, a passenger from Madhepura district, shared his traumatic experience. "Suddenly, all of us started getting tossed off our berths by a force that none of us could fathom," he said tearfully, expressing gratitude for the swift response of local residents who assisted in rescuing passengers before official help arrived.
In a neighbouring coach, Mohd Nasir and Abu Zahid, both residents of Kishanganj district, were caught unaware in their sleep. Nasir, fortunate to survive with minor injuries, recalled the jolt that threw him off his berth. Sadly, his friend Abu Zahid did not make it. "It took a while before I could understand what had happened," Nasir said, his shock evident.
The incident occurred at around 9:53 pm on Wednesday when 23 coaches of the train, enroute to Assam from Delhi, derailed near Raghunathpur station, leaving a lasting impact on the passengers and the community.

NorthEast Express derailment leaves deep impact on passengers and locals

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1695909771490" alt="Delhi HC raises concerns over proliferation of 'dummy schools' impacting genuine students" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

The Delhi High Court has expressed serious concerns about the unchecked growth of so-called "dummy schools," which it believes is having an adverse impact on students who genuinely meet the "local education" criteria.
These dummy schools are allowing potentially ineligible candidates to secure seats under the Delhi state quota, raising questions about the fairness and transparency of the admission process.
The High Court has taken action by issuing notices and seeking responses from various authorities, including the Delhi government, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Directorate General of Health Services, Delhi University (DU), and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU).
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on November 29.
The court's concerns were raised during a hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the eligibility criteria used by DU and GGSIPU for allotting MBBS or Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) seats under the Delhi State Quota (DSQ).
The PIL, filed by Rajeev Aggarwal, contends that the concept of "dummy schools" aims to provide a "virtual platform to students to show that they have migrated to Delhi after passing the 10th-grade exam with the sole purpose of somehow availing the benefit of Delhi state quota seats, which otherwise ought to be allocated amongst the bonafide residents of NCT of Delhi."
Delhi government's standing counsel, Santosh Kumar Tripathi, claimed that there was no such concept as "dummy schools" in Delhi.
====================
Also Read - <a href="https://policharcha.com/article/nation/ce91be19-2d6d-415f-8c3d-529a5d85df64/neetpg-cutoff-lowered-to-zero-a-controversial-move" target="_blank">NEET-PG 2023 cut-off lowered to Zero: A controversial move</a>&nbsp;
====================
However, the High Court, led by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula, expressed its prima facie view that the uncontrolled growth of dummy schools actively disadvantages students who genuinely fulfill the local education requirement by allowing otherwise ineligible students to obtain seats under the DSQ.
Under the existing criterion, only candidates who have completed their 11th and 12th-grade education in a recognised school located in Delhi, referred to as "local education," are considered eligible for state quota seats.
The petitioner's counsel argued that Delhi's unique criterion, which relies solely on the local education requirement, has paved the way for the proliferation of "dummy schools" across the national capital. These dummy schools, he contended, are detrimental to students who genuinely meet the local education requirement under the DSQ.
"Dummy schools" are essentially virtual platforms established in collaboration with private schools and coaching institutes. They are recognised as schools by the CBSE, even though they do not engage in day-to-day education or maintain physical campuses. These schools enroll students residing outside Delhi, enabling them to exploit the DSQ benefit illegitimately.
Advocate Augustine Peter, representing the petitioner, also presented evidence to the court, including the websites of two coaching institutes offering "dummy school" facilities.
The issue of "dummy schools" raises critical questions about the integrity of the admission process, especially for students genuinely seeking educational opportunities in Delhi, and the court's decision on this matter will likely have far-reaching implications.

Delhi HC raises concerns over proliferation of 'dummy schools' impacting genuine students

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1695368825346" alt="Delhi HC clarifies legal stand on marital status & sexual relationships" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

In a recent ruling, the Delhi High Court has addressed the legal implications of sexual relationships between consenting adults who are already married to other partners. The court's decision highlights the complex interplay between marital status and legal protection in cases involving sexual relations.
Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma presided over the case and emphasised that when an unmarried person is deceived into a sexual relationship under the false promise of marriage by someone who is legally eligible for marriage, it may constitute an offense of rape. However, a different standard applies when the victim is already married to another individual and, therefore, not legally eligible to marry someone else.
The judge stated, "Thus, the protection and remedies available under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) cannot be extended to a victim who was not legally entitled to marry the person with whom she was in a sexual relationship."
The court clarified that Section 376 of the IPC comes into play when the victim can demonstrate that they were misled into a sexual relationship by someone legally eligible to marry them. This clarification arose from a case involving two individuals who were cohabiting in a live-in relationship while still legally married to their respective spouses.
In this particular case, the woman alleged that the man engaged in sexual relations with her under the false pretext of marriage. The FIR was filed under various sections of the IPC. The court considered a "live-in relationship agreement" between the parties, where the complainant had agreed not to file an FIR or any claim against the man.
It was revealed that the woman was already married, and her divorce case was pending in court. She claimed that the man had initially represented himself as unmarried and promised to marry her. When she discovered his existing marriage, he swore an affidavit stating his intention to obtain a divorce and marry her, though he contested the authenticity of the affidavits.
Ultimately, the court quashed the FIR, asserting that the man could not have legally married the woman due to her existing marital status. Therefore, her belief in his promise of marriage was not valid, as she was ineligible to marry him because of her existing marriage.
Justice Sharma also stressed the importance of distinguishing between the legality and morality of such relationships. The court emphasised that as long as the choices of consenting adults do not violate existing legal frameworks, courts should not impose moral judgments on them.
This ruling provides clarity on the legal parameters governing sexual relationships involving individuals with existing marital commitments and underscores the significance of legal eligibility for marriage in such cases.

Delhi HC clarifies legal stand on marital status & sexual relationships

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1694511172384" alt="Indian schools shine as finalists in prestigious World’s Best School Prizes 2023" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Two Indian schools, The Riverside School in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and Snehalaya English Medium School in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, have emerged as finalists in the annual World’s Best School Prizes 2023, unveiled in London on Tuesday. These prestigious awards celebrate outstanding schools worldwide for their exceptional contributions to education and society, especially in the challenging context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Riverside School, located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has earned recognition as a finalist in the “Innovation” category for its pioneering and student-centric approach to education. The school's innovative "I CAN pedagogical model" and the introduction of the "Feel, Imagine, Do, Share (FIDS)" program, an online training platform adopted by schools worldwide, have set it apart. The platform has reached an impressive 2 million children through the Design for Change School, while Riverside has conducted extensive workshops, training over 1,000 government schoolteachers in the FIDS framework, further propagating the program's principles.
Snehalaya English Medium School, situated in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, has secured its place as a finalist in the “Overcoming Adversity” category. This remarkable institution has transformed the lives of marginalised children, including those living with HIV/AIDS and the offspring of sex workers, who face systemic discrimination. The school has been successful in recruiting students from challenging backgrounds by engaging with village leaders who hosted meetings with parents to address concerns openly. Beyond delivering quality education, the school empowers its students to become socially aware and accepting, learning from changemakers, international volunteers, teachers, leaders, and social workers.
The winners of the five prizes, spanning Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives, will be selected by an expert Judging Academy based on rigorous criteria and revealed in November. The recipients will share a total prize pool of USD 250,000, with each winner receiving USD 50,000.
In addition to the traditional awards, T4 Education, the organisation behind the World’s Best School Prizes, has introduced a new “Community Choice Award” this year. Open to the top three finalists in all five categories, this award will be presented to the school that garners the most public support through a voting process. The winner of the Community Choice Award will gain membership to T4 Education’s innovative Best School to Work program, designed to certify schools for their culture and enhance their working environment, thus attracting and retaining top-notch educators.
Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes, commended the exceptional contributions of the Indian schools and their vision, leadership, and culture. He urged governments worldwide to learn from their expertise as the global education landscape grapples with ongoing challenges.
The World’s Best School Prizes were established in 2022 to showcase exemplary schools worldwide that are making a tangible difference in the lives of their students and communities, sharing best practices and innovative approaches to education. This recognition underscores the significant impact of Indian schools in the international education sphere.

Indian schools shine as finalists in prestigious World’s Best School Prizes 2023

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1694509376152" alt="Over 2.5 lakh homes electrified under Saubhagya Scheme in Uttarakhand" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

In a significant achievement, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Tuesday that the state has successfully provided electricity connections to over 2.5 lakh households under the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana – SAUBHAGYA scheme. This milestone marks a significant step towards ensuring universal access to electricity in the state.
Chief Minister Dhami emphasised the commitment of the double-engine government in Uttarakhand to illuminate every household, with the ambitious target of achieving 100 percent electrification throughout the state.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 25, 2017, on the birth centenary celebration of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, the SAUBHAGYA scheme aims to achieve comprehensive household electrification. It seeks to provide electricity connections to all un-electrified households in rural areas and all economically disadvantaged households in urban areas across the country.
In a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, it was highlighted, "The double-engine government is committed to lighting every house by achieving the target of 100 percent electrification in the state. Under the Saubhagya scheme in the state, electricity connections have been given to more than 2.5 lakh households."
This achievement not only underscores the state's dedication to improving the quality of life for its residents, but also aligns with the broader national agenda of electrifying every corner of the country, ensuring access to basic services and opportunities for all. The successful implementation of the SAUBHAGYA scheme in Uttarakhand is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the government and the steadfast commitment to development and progress.

Over 2.5L homes electrified under Saubhagya Scheme in U’Khand

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1694462219339" alt="Over 1.67 cr cases settled in third National Lok Adalat, easing legal backlog" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

In a significant stride toward easing India's legal backlog, more than 1.67 crore cases were settled during the third National Lok Adalat of the year. This massive effort to expedite justice was organised across the country, except for Delhi and Manipur, according to a statement.
Under the guidance of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the leadership of Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, who also serves as the executive chairman of NALSA, legal services authorities nationwide orchestrated the National Lok Adalat.
The cases resolved encompassed approximately 32.27 lakh pending cases and about 1.35 crore pre-litigation cases. The total settlement amount in these cases is estimated to be a substantial Rs 1223.90 crore. This achievement not only alleviates the burden of pending cases in courts but also aims to curtail future litigation, as per the NALSA statement.
The Lok Adalat addressed a wide range of cases, including those involving compoundable offences, revenue cases, bank recovery cases, motor accident claims, matrimonial disputes (except divorce cases), cheque bounce cases, labour disputes, and various civil cases. Notably, a considerable number of recovery matters pertaining to financial institutions, banks, government bodies, and private service providers were handled as pre-litigation cases and successfully resolved.
Justice Kaul actively supervised the entire process and progress of the Lok Adalat, emphasising the need for swift and affordable access to justice. He underscored the importance of enhancing institutional participation to facilitate justice for the people.
The NALSA highlighted that Lok Adalats have proven to be not only an efficient alternative for dispute resolution but have also made substantial contributions to reducing the burden on the courts swiftly and cost-effectively. Justice Kaul provided essential directives to NALSA for the future course of upcoming National Lok Adalats, emphasising the crucial role these initiatives play in the country's legal landscape.

Over 1.67 cr cases settled in third National Lok Adalat, easing legal backlog

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1694279542221" alt="Special drive in Delhi to add transgenders, sex workers, homeless women in voters' list" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

The Office of Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer has initiated the process of setting up special enrollment camps to include transgender individuals, sex workers, and vulnerable women in the voters' list, in preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls scheduled for next year.
Currently, transgender voters are referred to as "Third Gender" in the electoral roll, which is not in accordance with the Transgender Persons (Protection Right) Act, 2019. In compliance with the Act, they may be referred to as "Transgender," as stated in the communication issued by the CEO office.
To promote inclusiveness in the electoral process, district election officers have been recommended to begin the process of mapping transgender individuals in the city to identify and enroll those who may have been left out of the electoral rolls. It is also recommended to include transgender individuals in the electoral process through outreach activities and awareness campaigns to encourage their participation in elections.
According to the 2011 Census, the transgender population in the city was 4,213; however, only slightly over 1,100 were enrolled as voters. Currently, there is no estimate of their actual population in the city.
These recommendations stem from the first meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Inclusive Election (NACIE) held earlier this year in June. Officials cited several barriers to the participation of sex workers in elections, including a lack of address proof, rejection of forms by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) due to the mobility of sex workers, and their inability to leave their surroundings to vote, among other factors.
To address these challenges, district election officers have been asked to hold enrollment camps in areas with sex worker communities. Additionally, the electoral office plans to collaborate with NGOs to ensure the electoral participation of sex workers, destitute women, those living in shelter homes or nari niketan, and homeless individuals through a multifaceted strategy.
These efforts aim to foster greater inclusivity and representation in the electoral process and ensure that marginalized communities have a voice in shaping the future of Delhi.

Special drive in Delhi to add transgenders, sex workers, homeless women in voters' list

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1694027140025" alt="Discuss repatriation of Indian kids taken away by child agencies abroad: Retired judges to G20 leaders" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

As India is set to host G20 Summit, nine retired judges have written to leaders of G20 nations for a compassionate solution in the form of repatriation of Indian children removed from their parents by state child agencies in western Europe, UK, US, Australia and New Zealand.
The signatories include Justice Ruma Pal, Justice Vikramajit Sen, Justice AK Sikri and Justice Deepak Gupta, formerly of the Supreme Court; Justice AP Shah, former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court; Justice S Muralidhar who was the Chief Justice of the High Court of Odisha; and Justice Manju Goel, Justice RS Sodhi and Justice RV Easwar, who sat in the Delhi High Court.
The retired judges said being cut off from the family and kin leads to isolation and loss of identity of Indian children placed with foster carers abroad, and demanded a discussion on the matter in the G20 Summit.
They said every year there are cases of children among expatriate families being removed from parental care by child protection authorities of the country of residence on grounds of abuse, neglect or risk of harm.
"Such children are placed in custody of the foreign child protection authority. While all children are entitled to kinship care when removed from parental custody, as these children have no extended family in the country of residence, they do not have that option," the letter said.
The retired judges suggested that return to a safe placement in the home country is a more humane and compassionate solution for such children than leaving them in foreign state custody for the entirety of their childhoods.
They also said that there appears to be a need for better understanding of cultural differences and provision of good quality translators in child protection proceedings in these countries.
The letter refers to cases in Norway and the United States of America where the Government of India has had to intervene. They also point to the ongoing cases with Germany and Australia, the latter resulting in the distraught mother taking her own life.
Priyadarshini Patil, a 40-year-old Indian-origin woman from Australia, was found dead in Karnataka last week. She was allegedly upset as the Australian authorities had separated her from her teenage children two years ago.
The signatories called for a compassionate consideration of the Indian government's request in the Germany case for a child's repatriation in the care of the Indian child welfare authorities.
"There is currently a tragic case concerning a baby of Gujarati-origin in foster care in Germany. The parental rights have been terminated and the Government of India has requested the child's repatriation in the care and protection of the Indian child welfare authorities. This is a solution that respects the German system's assessment of the parents, while enabling the child to at least preserve her nationality and heritage. We urge Germany to consider this request compassionately," the letter read.
The letter has been addressed to heads of states of G20 countries, and invitee states, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as international organisations like the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Health Organisation, World Trade Organisation, among others.

Discuss repatriation of Indian kids taken away by child agencies abroad: Retired judges to G20 leaders

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1691056451471" alt="Illegal Laboratory in California Uncovered with Bioengineered Mice to Carry COVID-19" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Fresno County authorities recently concluded a monthslong investigation into an illegal laboratory hidden in a rural California warehouse, revealing shocking discoveries of infectious agents, medical waste, and hundreds of bioengineered mice designed to carry the COVID-19 virus.
The unlicensed facility, located in Reedley, California, approximately 24 miles southeast of Fresno, was operated by Prestige Biotech, a Chinese medical company registered in Nevada. The company had been operating the lab since October 2022, assuming assets from the now-defunct Universal Meditech Inc. (UMI) and becoming its successor.
Prestige Biotech had no business license, operating clandestinely without the knowledge of the city officials. The investigation commenced in December 2022 when a code enforcement officer noticed suspicious activity near the vacant building.
Upon inspection in March, authorities discovered chemicals, suspected biological materials, bodily fluids, and hundreds of lab mice kept in inadequate conditions and overcrowded cages without food or water. These mice were genetically engineered to catch and carry the COVID-19 virus, a startling revelation.
Additionally, the facility contained medical devices, including COVID-19 and pregnancy tests, believed to have been developed on-site.
City officials' attempts to communicate with Prestige Biotech were met with non-compliance and a lack of information, leading to accusations of failure to comply with hazardous and medical waste disposal orders.
Authorities called in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) when they found around 30 freezers and refrigerators, some set to minus 80 degrees. The CDC detected at least 20 potentially infectious agents, including HIV, COVID, chlamydia, rubella, and malaria.
In April, under an abatement warrant, the city seized the mice and euthanized 773 of them, as nearly 180 were already dead. The investigation required collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies, including the FBI and county health department.
The revelations of this illegal laboratory raise significant concerns about public health and biosecurity, emphasising the need for stricter regulation and monitoring of such facilities. The investigation has exposed the potential risks associated with unlicensed and unregulated laboratories, urging authorities to bolster surveillance and oversight measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Illegal labin California uncovered with bio-engineered mice to carry COVID-19

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1647954439366" alt="Global Kashmiri Pandit diaspora (GKPD) seeks “One Place Settlement”, calls for recognition of genocide" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

In a bid to rehabilitate millions of people who fled Kashmir due to persecution in 1990, the Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD), which is a civil society movement, plans to demand a “one place settlement” in the valley from the Government of India. GKPD also termed the exodus of Hindus from Kashmir as genocide and ethnic cleansing, and seeks the recognition of the same.
"We request the GoI to look into our demand of 'One Place Settlement'. We would like to have a city of our own, and for that, we have also prepared a document,” said GKPD co-founder Surinder Kaul in a Press Conference held on Monday.
Highlighting that there are more than 10 lakh Kashmiri Pandits who want to go back to their home, Surinder Kaul also said that recognition of the “genocide” is the first step in granting justice to the persecuted community.
“We are also in talks with the town planners regarding this. In the last two years, I have met many people and gathered information on how Kashmiri Hindus can go back," he further added.
The GKPD has come up with the proposal, considering the nationwide attention the displaced community has been receiving due to the release of 'The Kashmir Files'.
Talking about the proposed settlement, Kaul said discussions were also held on setting up universities, colleges, and houses to “make Kashmir a paradise again.” He also added that the proposed settlement will be based on Hub-and-Spoke model.&nbsp;
“In monetary terms, the total loss bore by the community was in the tunes of $35 billion. The government and all political parties have said repeatedly that everything will be fine, and we all will go back to our home, but nothing has happened in this regard, and our people no longer have homes. 20,000 houses were burnt, whereas several other houses were occupied. We do not even have the addresses of the houses," he said.
<ins>About ‘Kashmir Files’</ins>
Expressing its support for the ‘Kashmir files’, GKPD asserted that said true incidents have been shown in movie. “The Kashmiri Pandit community appreciates director Vivek Agnihotri for bringing his artistic creativity to give form to the cry for justice of the Kashmiri Pandits. He has shown exemplary courage in doing so,” said GKPD in a statement.
The GKPD also maintained that the feature film is not promoting any hatred as doing that is not its purpose. Kaul said that it was GKPD which requested Vivek Agnihotri to make this film, and introduced the latter to more than 700 victims for testimonials. The global Kashmiri Pandit body said that it provided the director with logistical support, but no funds were given by the former in making of the film.
It was also stressed that the movie could not show everything that was happened with the community in its entirety because of the laws pertaining to film screening in India. Only 10 per cent of what has happened to us is shown in the film," said Surinder Kaul.
Furthermore, he added that the film should not be viewed from a Hindu-Muslim perspective.
"The film is not about Hindu-Muslim polarisation. We are not against any society. This movie shows the failure of the system. The truth related to history can be painful,... but it does not mean that you should stop teaching history," he said.

Kashmiri Pandit’s body seeks “One Place Settlement”, calls for recognition of genocide

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1643880042271" alt="Belgium enforces ‘Right to Disconnect’ Law; is it the need of the hour?" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Over 65,000 civil servants in Belgium can now legally disconnect themselves from their work after their due working hours. In a historic move, the Belgium government has passed a law, which allows federal workers of Belgium to disconnect themselves from their work, unless there’s an exceptional situation.
Giving importance to its employees’ mental health, the government of Belgium has now enforced a ‘Right to Disconnect’ law. Petra De Sutter, the Belgian minister for public administration, said that the law has been enforced to combat a culture of people feeling they need to be available for work all the time. Belgium is not the first country to introduce a law like this which emphasises and encourages a healthy work-life balance.
France was the first country to introduce such a bill, and was followed by Italy, Germany and Philippines. More and more countries are now adopting measures and legislatures to ensure the wellbeing of their employees.
<ins>What is the Right to Disconnect?</ins>
Right to Disconnect is a law, which allows the employees to disconnect themselves from work post their normal working hours. Which means, they are not liable for attending work related calls, reply to emails or any other form of contact from work. However, in exceptional cases they can always be expected to remain connected.&nbsp;
Similar legislations have been debated all around the world with Europe being at the forefront of this debate. France was the first country among the lot to enact a similar law ‘El-Khomri’. While the law is aimed at protecting the workers from exploitation, and to maintain a good work-life balance, it is being opposed by private enterprises. Petra De Sutter, the Belgian minister for Public Administration said that without this ‘Right to Disconnect’, “The result will be stress and burnout and this is the real disease of today.”
Even some organisations like Volkswagen and Daimler have put in place a ‘Right to Disconnect’ policy in place for workers who want to disconnect from work after work hours. In fact, the European Parliament last year proposed an EU wide law that would protect workers who wished to disconnect. “Now is the moment to stand by their side and give them what they deserve: the right to disconnect,” said Member of the European Parliament Alex Agius Saliba, who also drove the vote. Italy and Spain too have passed similar laws, the debates are gaining momentum in the UK and the USA too.
<ins>Right to Disconnect in India</ins>
In 2019, The Right to Disconnect Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha by NCP MP Supriya Sule. The Bill proposed that no disciplinary action can be taken if an employee does not respond to work-related calls after working hours. The Bill could not be passed as it was a private member’s bill, and no such bill has become an Act in India since 1970.
<ins>Is The Law Really Necessary?</ins>
With the advent of the pandemic, the work culture has been completely revolutionised. Working from home has its own perks as one can work in the comfort and luxury of their home, but at the same time, it has resulted in blurring the lines between personal space and work life. The work-life balance according to several researches is directly linked to your productivity. That is why it is really important to set clear boundaries between the two. A study also found out that 82% of Indians would now prefer working from home, and to protect them from exploitation at the workplace and to avoid the cases of burnout, anxiety, excessive pressure, it is important that we embrace a culture that does away with the ‘need to be available all the time’.
At the same time, however, such a legislation also raises some questions on its practicality as the ‘Right to Disconnect’ cannot be enforced on every sector. Imagine ambulance drivers, doctors, nurses, compounders getting disconnected after their work hours. Or imagine our soldiers, police personnel, fire brigade getting disconnected after their due work hours. Such a system would be impractical for fields associated with emergency situations. Moreover, what will happen in a case where the employee tries to reach their employer post their working hours, would they be penalised too?&nbsp;
While ‘Right to Disconnect’ is a strong need of the hour, the way it will be implemented needs solid questioning and scrutiny from all the parties involved. France, where a similar law was implemented years back, is still struggling to curb the loopholes created by the law in the system.
-------------------------
This article is written by Harsh Paliwal, who is student of Kirori Mal College, Delhi University.

Belgium enforces ‘Right to Disconnect’ Law; is it the need of the hour?

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1641294605692" alt="‘Bulli Bai’ app controversy – Everything you need to know" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

As we start with 2022, a fresh controversy has come to fore; this time in the form of an app. An app named ‘Bulli Bai’ has become the talking point of many as it was being used to ‘auction’ Muslim women. Images of women, often doctored, were uploaded on the app without their consent.&nbsp;
The targeted women, of different age groups, were vocal on political and social issues. Prominent journalists, activists, and lawyers were among those listed for 'auction' on the dreadful app.
This is happening all over again less than a year after ‘Sulli Deals’, a related app, in which a similar kind of display about Muslim women took place.
Following a major social media uproar against the app, the authorities had taken down the app. The app was hosted on GitHub, which has confirmed that it has blocked the user.
“GitHub confirmed blocking the user this morning itself. CERT and Police authorities are coordinating further action,” IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a tweet.
<ins>Fresh updates – two arrested</ins>
A case was registered against the app creators with Mumbai Police under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Information Technology Act.
Subsequently, the Mumbai police, on Tuesday (January 4) formally apprehended a 21-year-old student from Bengaluru. A senior Mumbai police official has confirmed that the student has been identified as Vishal, who is an engineering student studying in Bengaluru.&nbsp;
The cyber cell has also detained one more person in connection with the case, a 21-year-old woman from Uttarakhand, who appears to be the main accused in the case, the police official added. She will be produced before Uttarakhand court for transit remand. The police have not revealed any more information about the two.
The two accused are friends on social media platforms. Hence, the links have been established. The woman was handling at least three accounts related to the app, while co-accused Vishal Kumar opened an account by the name of ‘Khalsa supremacist’, as reported by India Today.
Vishal Kumar was produced before Mumbai's Bandra Court by the police and the court has sent him to police custody till January 10. However, D. Prajapati, lawyer representing the accused, has claimed that his client is falsely implicated in this case.
A case has been registered by the Mumbai police department against the developers of the app on January 1 under sections 354-D (stalking of women), 500 (Punishment for defamation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and other sections of the Information Technology Act.

‘Bulli Bai’ app controversy – Everything you need to know

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1607352530788" alt="₹1949 crore worth of smuggled commodities seized by DRI in 2019-20, according to Smuggling in India Report 2019-20" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has unveiled a report called Smuggling in India in 2019-20 on Friday while virtually attending the 63rd Foundation Day celebration ceremony of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). For the year 2019-20, the DRI arrested 837 economic offenders while detecting 412 cases of smuggling, and seized commodities worth INR 1,949 crore, according to the report.
The report analysed the organised smuggling activities in India. It provided statistics about smuggling of various commodities like gold and foreign currency, narcotic drugs, security, environmental commodities, animals' body parts, and commercial frauds in India. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence uses its intelligentsia to investigate these cases, arrest the offenders, and thereafter adjudicate these matters.
<ins>Smuggling in India Report: Key highlights</ins>
<ul>
<li>For the year 2019-20, the DRI arrested 837 economic offenders while detecting 412 cases of smuggling, and seized commodities worth INR 1,949 crore.</li>
<li>The report raised concerns regarding India’s porous international borders, especially, India-Bangladesh and India-Myanmar, where cases of smuggling have been rising in last few years.</li>
<li>The DRI arrested three persons at IGI Airport, New Delhi, with narcotic drugs worth of INR 53 crore.</li>
<li>It recovered 174 metric tonnes of Red Sandalwood which is rare, and is under high demand due to its usage in production of cosmetics and therapeutic drugs.&nbsp;</li>
<li>It rescued several endangered animals and birds from the hands of smugglers. The DRI caught three persons with 834 Indian Star Tortoise which were going to be smuggled abroad through Bangladesh border.</li>
<li>In a covert operation, codenamed Calypso, the DRI busted an international drug racket and seized 3.3 kg of Cocaine.</li>
</ul>

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1607354124351" alt="₹1949 crore worth of smuggled commodities seized by DRI in 2019-20" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

<ins>Operation Calypso</ins>
The DRI had busted an international drug smuggling ring by seizing over half a kilogram of cocaine which was couriered from Trinidad &amp; Tobago to Mumbai in November, 2020. Four persons, including two Nigerian nationals, have been arrested.
The agency intercepted a courier package containing 504 gram of cocaine inside a steam iron press. The package seized was sent from Trinidad &amp; Tobago to Mumbai.
After questioning the four arrested persons, DRI has found out that group had cleared multiple consignments of cocaine - about 3.3 kilogram of the narcotic drug worth over INR 20 crore had been smuggled since August.
<ins>Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)</ins>
The DRI is an apex anti-smuggling intelligence and investigation agency of Union Ministry of Finance. It is one of the eminent law enforcement agencies and works under the aegis of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).&nbsp;
It undertakes cases of commercial frauds and cross-border smuggling of various commodities such as gold, narcotic drugs (hashish, ganja, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, LSD etc), fake currency, diamonds, and other items such as machinery parts. It also looks after environmental offenders and smugglers of various animal species which are endangered or otherwise.
Other than DRI, various agencies like Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Indian Coast Guard, Sashastra Seema Bal, Assam Rifles, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) also perform anti-smuggling activities across India and its borders, both on land and water.

“₹1949 crore worth of smuggled commodities seized by DRI in 2019-20”

आज 14th सितम्बर को हिंदी दिवस बनाया जाता है।

पर यह हमारे इस देश की विडम्बना है की जहां पर हिंदी भाषा से सब के बीच एकता उत्पन्न होनी चाहिए, वहां पर इसी भाषा को ऐसा दिखाया जाता है की जैसे लोगों में बैर पैदा कर रही हो।&nbsp;

कभी कभी लगता है की हम आज भी गुलाम है। पर कभी कभी लगता है की देश के साथ हिंदी का भी एक सुनहरा भविष्य होगा।&nbsp;

आपके क्या विचार है?

हिंदी दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनायें।