Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Monsoon session of Parliament is scheduled to commence, bringing potential legislative activities and political discussions.
Key points
- Monsoon session likely to start from July 20, lasting for three weeks.
- Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) to finalize dates.
- Discussions expected on pending Bills and potential new legislation.
- Political dynamics related to recent state election results and party floor leadership will be significant.
Background & context
Parliamentary sessions are crucial for law-making, oversight, and debate. The Monsoon session typically follows the Budget session and precedes the Winter session.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Parliamentary sessions are governed by rules framed under Article 118 of the Constitution.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Parliament and State Legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers and privileges and issues arising out of these.
Why in news?
Allegations of donation embezzlement at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya have reignited the debate on freeing Hindu temples from government control.
Key points
- Embezzlement allegations have complicated the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's (VHP) campaign for temple autonomy.
- Several states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Maharashtra, have laws governing temple management.
- The incidents highlight potential issues in financial management and oversight of religious institutions.
- Calls for transparency and accountability in temple finances are increasing.
Background & context
Many states have laws that bring Hindu religious institutions, especially those with significant endowments, under government administrative control to ensure proper management and utilization of funds. This has been a long-standing demand of various religious organizations to grant autonomy.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The concept of temple autonomy is linked to the right to manage religious affairs as per Article 26 of the Constitution.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Society – Role of religious institutions; GS Paper II: Polity – State control over religious institutions.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court clarified its stance on granting medical bail, emphasizing grave necessity and life endangerment.
Key points
- Medical bail will only be considered if the life of the inmate is in danger.
- Routine health issues will not be grounds for medical bail.
- The court acknowledged the 'dominant position' of certain high-profile individuals.
- Liberty to mention for urgent intervention if the condition deteriorates was granted.
Background & context
The granting of bail, including medical bail, is a judicial discretion exercised by courts based on specific facts and legal provisions. Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which extends to prisoners.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity – Judiciary; GS Paper IV: Ethics – Principles of justice and fairness.