Polity Current Affairs Archives | Page 4 of 4

Lokpal of India Foundation Day – January 16

Why in News?

The Lokpal of India observes its Foundation Day every year on January 16. This day marks the enforcement of Section 3 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, through which the Lokpal was formally established in 2014

From Exam Point of View:

Lokpal functions as the country’s apex anti-corruption ombudsman at the central level, tasked with investigating allegations of corruption against public officials.

Establishment: Came into existence on January 16, 2014, under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
Objective: To inquire into and investigate corruption cases involving public functionaries at the Union level.
Origin: Based on the Scandinavian concept of an “Ombudsman.”
Indian Context: The term “Lokpal” was coined by Dr. L. M. Singhvi in 1963.

Composition & Appointment

The Lokpal comprises a Chairperson and up to 8 members. The Chairperson can be a former Chief Justice of India, Supreme Court judge, or a distinguished person with expertise in anti-corruption matters.
Members are appointed by the President based on recommendations of a selection committee headed by the Prime Minister, including the Lok Sabha Speaker, Leader of Opposition, Chief Justice of India (or nominee), and an eminent jurist.

Tenure:

The Chairperson and members hold office for 5 years or until attaining 70 years of age, whichever is earlier

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2215393&reg=3&lang=1

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PESA Act implemented in Jharkhand after 25 years

Why in News?

Jharkhand Cabinet approved PESA Rules after 25 years of the Act’s passage, granting Gram Sabhas legally enforceable powers in Fifth Schedule areas of the state.

Exam Point of View: What is PESA?

Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) enacted in 1996 to extend Panchayati Raj system to Scheduled Areas. It Applies to tribal regions under the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Recognizes Gram Sabha as the central authority in governance. Empowers tribal communities to:

Manage natural resources (land, water, forests)
Protect customs and traditions
Control local institutions and markets

Grants powers over:

Land acquisition decisions
Minor forest produce
Regulation of intoxicants

The act is applicable in 10 states. The 10 PESA states are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Telangana

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/pesa-act-implemented-in-jharkhand-after-25-years-but-will-it-change-tribal-lives

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Praveen Vashista Appointed Vigilance Commissioner in CVC.

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Polity Current Affairs / vanikrishna1796@gmail.com

Why in News?

The President of India has appointed Praveen Vashista as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) under the provisions of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is India’s apex anti-corruption watchdog, established to ensure integrity and transparency in central government administration.

Origin: Formed based on the recommendations of the K. Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962–64).

Statutory Body: Initially established in 1964 via an executive resolution, it was granted statutory status by the CVC Act, 2003.
Composition: The CVC consists of a Central Vigilance Commissioner and up to two Vigilance Commissioners.
Appointment: They areappointed by the President upon the recommendation of a committee including the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha.
Tenure: Their tenure is 4 years or until age 65, and they are not eligible for further government jobs.
Powers and Functions: The CVC oversees CBI investigations under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, handles whistleblower complaints, and conducts preliminary inquiries referred by the Lokpal.
It holds the powers of a civil court for inquiries and advises the Central Government on vigilance matters.

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Replicate PRAGATI in states, set up data strategy units: PM Modi

Leave a Comment / Polity Current Affairs / vanikrishna1796@gmail.com

Why in News?
Underlining the importance of technology in governance, Prime Minister Narendra asked Chief Secretaries to replicate the Centre’s PRAGATI platform, which helps in monitoring key infrastructure projects and schemes, at the state-level.

PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) is a multi-purpose, multi-modal ICT-enabled platform used by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to fast-track government projects and address public grievances.

Three-Tier System: It integrates three levels of governance: the PMO, Union Government Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries of States.
Monthly Interactions: The Prime Minister chairs a review meeting every month on the fourth Wednesday (known as “PRAGATI Day”) to discuss flagged projects and grievances.

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President releases Constitution of India in Santhali language

Leave a Comment / Indian Polity and Constitution MCQs, Polity Current Affairs / vanikrishna1796@gmail.com

Why in News?
President Droupadi Murmu released the Constitution of India in the Santhali language, written in Ol Chiki script.

In 2003, the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act added Santali to Schedule VIII to the Constitution of India, which lists the official languages of India, along with the Bodo, Dogri and Maithili languages.

Interconnected concept: Schedule VIII of Constitution of India:

Schedule VIII to the Constitution of India lists the officially recognized “Scheduled Languages” of the Republic of India.

Initially, the Constitution (1950) included 14 languages. As of 2025, there are 22 languages:

21st Amendment (1967): Added Sindhi.
71st Amendment (1992): Added Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali.
92nd Amendment (2003): Added Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali (effective 2004).

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