In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to visit Manipur in the second week of September 2023, marking his first visit to the state since ethnic violence erupted over two years ago. This information comes from government sources reported by The Hindu.

Key Highlights:

• Planned Visit and Purpose:

  • PM Modi is expected to visit the regions of Imphal and Churachandpur, areas significantly affected by ethnic strife.
  • The primary focus of his visit will be to engage with individuals displaced by the violence and likely announce key infrastructure projects aimed at rebuilding and restoring the affected regions.

• Scheduled Dates:

  • The visit is set during PM Modi’s trip to Mizoram and Assam from September 12-14, 2023, where he will inaugurate various railway and infrastructure projects.

• Security Measures:

  • To prevent further outbreaks of violence during the visit, security arrangements are being intensified across the state. Government officials indicated ongoing surveillance to mitigate any potential disturbances.

• Background of Violence:

  • Manipur has been mired in violence since May 3, 2023, resulting in approximately 250 fatalities and over 60,000 individuals forced to seek shelter in relief camps.
  • The conflict primarily exists between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

• Political Context:

  • The state has been under President’s Rule since February 13, which was extended for an additional six months on August 5, 2023, following a statutory resolution endorsed by both Houses of Parliament.
  • The state assembly remains intact, and there are concerted efforts underway to restore an elected government.

• Law and Order Situation:

  • Following the imposition of President’s Rule, while some local tensions persisted, there have been no major incidents reported.
  • Law enforcement has been actively targeting organized crime, leading to the recovery of around 3,000 out of 6,020 police weapons that were reported looted from police arsenals in 2023.

• Political Criticism:

  • PM Modi has faced substantial criticism from opposition parties and local leaders for his delayed response in visiting the state amid ongoing violence.

This visit signifies the central government's acknowledgement of the ongoing ethnic tensions and aims to provide a pathway for stability and infrastructure development within Manipur by fostering connections with the local populace.

Summary of Important Sentences:

• PM Narendra Modi is likely to visit Manipur in the second week of September 2023.
• His visit aims to meet with displaced individuals and announce infrastructure projects.
• The visit coincides with his trip to Mizoram and Assam from September 12-14.
• Security arrangements are being tightened due to potential violence during the visit.
• The violence in Manipur has resulted in about 250 deaths and 60,000 people in relief camps.
• Manipur has been under President's Rule since February 13, 2023, with an extension granted on August 5 for another six months.
• Law enforcement has recovered around 3,000 weapons from a total of 6,020 weapons that were stolen.
• The Prime Minister has faced criticism for not visiting the state sooner amid the violence.

Summary of the News Article on Opposition's Vice-Presidential Candidate

In the context of the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the opposition parties are intensifying their focus on social justice and constitutionalism as critical themes. This focus culminates in the nomination of former Supreme Court judge, Justice (Retired) B. Sudershan Reddy, as the joint candidate for the vice-presidential elections. The nomination underscores ideological conflicts between the Opposition and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which the Opposition asserts aligns with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideology.

• Key Candidate: Justice (Retired) B. Sudershan Reddy is introduced as the joint Opposition candidate for the vice-presidential election.
• Opposition's View: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has framed the election as more than a mere office contest but an ideological battle for the nation’s soul, advocating for constitutional values.

Justice Reddy is well-recognized for his judgments that uphold constitutional principles. Notably, during his tenure in the Supreme Court from 2007 to 2011, he authored significant rulings emphasizing accountability and constitutional rights:

• Salwa Judum Case (Nandini Sundar & Ors. v. State of Chhattisgarh, 2011): Reddy ruled against armed vigilante groups formed to fight Maoists, emphasizing that security measures must not infringe upon civil liberties. His judgment highlighted the importance of dignity, equality, and rule of law as guaranteed by the Constitution.
• Justice Reddy critiqued the government's approach toward security and economic policy, denouncing “tax breaks for the rich” while arming marginalized youth, reflecting a skewed vision of national development.

The ruling has been criticized by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who contended that had the judgement not been issued, Left-wing extremism would have been effectively countered before 2020. Justice Reddy maintained that the court did not bar the state from combating Naxalism but stipulated that state responsibilities cannot be outsourced.

Another notable ruling authored by Justice Reddy was in the Ram Jethmalani & Ors. v. Union of India (2011) case, which dealt with governmental inaction concerning black money. This judgment mandated the formation of a Special Investigation Team to trace illicit financial flows, framing the issue of financial opacity as a constitutional failure.

Justice Reddy's recent public service includes leading the independent expert working group (IEWG) tasked with analyzing socio-economic data from the Telangana government’s Socio, Economic, Education, Employment, Political and Caste (SEEEPC) Survey 2024.

• This 11-member group, of which Reddy was a part, developed a Composite Backwardness Index to highlight deprivation patterns among various communities, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes.
• Their comprehensive 300-page report serves as a basis for new social justice initiatives, offering a legal framework for calibrating welfare benefits and adjusting local body reservations.

Justice Reddy's work aims to convert data into actionable equity, reflecting a commitment to quantitative analysis in policymaking. His career trajectory includes serving as a judge in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, and eventually the Supreme Court, followed by a brief tenure as Goa's first Lokayukta.

• Career Highlights: Reddy has a consistent record of accountability in governance, whether in conflict zones, addressing economic disparity, or welfare allocation.

The vice-presidential contest is set against the backdrop of significant ideological divides, with the Opposition framing their candidate as a defender of constitutional values in contrast to the ruling party's alignment with RSS ideology.

Important Points:

• Justice (Retired) B. Sudershan Reddy named as opposition vice-presidential candidate.
• Opposition emphasizes social justice and constitutionalism in the 2024 elections.
• Reddy noted for his judicial activism and significant rulings on civil liberties and accountability.
• Critique of government economic policies regarding welfare and security.
• The impact of Reddy's work on social justice initiatives through the SEEEPC Survey 2024.
• Career experience reflects a commitment to uphold constitutional values and accountability in governance.

Summary of the News Article:

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is scheduled to address the Self-Respect Movement and its Legacies Conference 2025 at the University of Oxford on September 4, as part of a week-long visit to Germany and the U.K. starting August 30, 2025. This conference aims to commemorate the centenary of the Self-Respect Movement, co-hosted by St. Antony’s College and Balliol College at Oxford.

Key Highlights:

• Event and Significance:

  • The conference on September 4-5, 2025, seeks to globalize the Self-Respect Movement, which has significantly impacted Tamil Nadu’s socio-political framework by challenging caste and gender hierarchies.
  • CM Stalin will unveil a portrait of social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy at Oxford, emphasizing that Periyar's ideals of self-respect, rationalism, and equality have universal relevance.

• Economic Developments in Tamil Nadu:

  • CM Stalin stated that since the ‘Dravidian Model’ administration came into power, Tamil Nadu has attracted investments totaling ₹10 lakh crore.
  • He noted strong interest from international investors and industrialists in Tamil Nadu during his overseas trips.

• Books and Interaction:

  • During the conference, CM Stalin will also launch two books that document the centenary journey of the Self-Respect Movement and discuss its relevance in the modern context.
  • On September 5, he is expected to engage with Indian students and graduates in London to foster connections with the diaspora.

• Strategic Objectives:

  • The conference intends to engage scholars and practitioners to explore the ongoing significance of self-respect as a political and ethical principle.
  • The discussion will bridge the Dravidian experience with global movements such as civil rights, anti-apartheid struggles, and current mobilizations against systemic inequalities.

This initiative reflects the commitment of the Tamil Nadu government to bring attention to social reforms initiated by Periyar and demonstrates the potential for local movements to engage in global discussions on equality and justice.

Important Points:

• CM M.K. Stalin will address a conference at Oxford on the Self-Respect Movement on September 4, 2025.
• He will unveil Periyar E.V. Ramasamy's portrait as part of the commemoration.
• The conference, co-hosted by St. Antony’s and Balliol Colleges, runs from September 4-5, 2025.
• Tamil Nadu has attracted ₹10 lakh crore in investments under the current government.
• Stalin will launch two significant books on the history and relevance of the Self-Respect Movement.
• The conference aims to discuss the universal principles of self-respect and relate them to global movements against oppression.

The Ministry of Education has sanctioned a funding of ₹385.27 crore through the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) for a comprehensive infrastructure expansion at the Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN) in Thiruvarur. This investment aims to enhance academic and residential facilities, thereby supporting the growth and development of the university in the context of national higher education.

Key Points:

• Funding Approval: The Ministry has approved ₹385.27 crore under the HEFA for infrastructure expansion at CUTN.

• Project Goals: The funding is intended for the construction of new academic and residential facilities.

• Specific Constructed Facilities:

  • New Academic Building: ₹96.40 crore allocated.
  • 300-bedded Girls Hostel: ₹46.63 crore.
  • 300-bedded Boys Hostel: ₹46.91 crore.
  • Scientific Instrumentation Centre: ₹19.95 crore.
  • Procurement of Scientific Instruments: ₹16.84 crore.
  • Expansion of Administrative Building: ₹46.16 crore.
  • Quarters for Faculty and Staff: ₹62.97 crore.
  • 400-bedded Research Scholar Hostel: ₹42.60 crore.

• Focus on Advanced Research: Establishment of a Science Instrumentation Centre with advanced instruments for research purposes is a key component of the expansion.

• Enhancement of Facilities: The investment will improve the university's learning environment, upgrade residential facilities for students and research scholars, and provide modern laboratories and instruments.

• Support for National Education Development: This expansion is in line with the goals of enhancing higher education infrastructure in India.

The funding from HEFA is expected to largely be supported through grants from the Ministry of Education, underscoring the government's commitment to improving educational infrastructure and supporting academic institutions in meeting the evolving needs of students and faculty. The projects reaffirm the government's objective of bolstering higher education and research capabilities in the country.

The upcoming Population Census, set for 2027, is being prepared with a pre-test exercise scheduled for October and November 2023. This exercise is crucial for assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of the full census process, which will be carried out in two phases: Houselisting and Housing Schedule (HLO), and Population Enumeration. The enumeration phase is slated to occur between April 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027. Significant highlights of this census include:

• First Digital Census: This will be India’s first census conducted digitally, utilizing a mobile application for data collection.
• Caste Enumeration: It is also notable as the first census in independent India to include questions regarding caste.
• Comprehensive Pre-test: The pre-test will evaluate various aspects including proposed questions, data collection methodologies, training protocols, logistics, printing processes, and data quality to identify potential field issues.

Historical Context:

• The last census was conducted in 2011, and an exercise planned for 2021 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; thus, the next census will actually take place in 2027.
• The pre-test preceding the 2021 Census was held in 2019 and included around 2.6 million people from 76 districts across 36 States and Union Territories, employing approximately 6,000 enumerators and 1,100 supervisors.

Current Developments:

• The current pre-test will focus solely on the initial phase concerning household data, foregoing the second enumeration phase where caste will be recorded.
• The Government of India, as of July 29, stated in the Lok Sabha that there will be no update to the National Population Register (NPR) during the upcoming census exercise.

Background on NPR:

• The NPR was established under the Citizenship Rules of 2003 and the Citizenship Act of 1955, with the first compilation occurring in 2010 during the 2011 Census.
• The NPR database holds the details of approximately 1.19 billion residents and had been updated in 2015-16.
• It is significant as it is considered a precursor to the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Additional Information:

• The Registrar General of India (RGI), Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan, has directed State Directors of Census Operations (DCOs) regarding the pre-test and emphasized the importance of finalizing administrative boundaries by December 31 before the census.

Key Takeaways:

• Pre-test Dates: October and November 2023.
• Census Dates: April 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027.
• First Digital Census: Utilizes a mobile app for data collection.
• Caste Enumeration: First in independent India.
• No NPR Update: No decision to update the NPR during the census.
• Historical Reference: Last census was in 2011; 2021 attempt was postponed due to COVID-19.
• Administrative Freeze: Boundaries must be established before December 31, 2023.

This comprehensive array of information serves to prepare stakeholders and functionalities for the ambitious undertaking that is the 2027 Population Census in India, which promises to be innovative in its execution and inclusive in its data gathering.

On Thursday, the Indian government presented its stance before the Supreme Court regarding the ability of states or the Union government to file writ petitions against the actions of the President and Governors concerning bills passed by state assemblies. This matter arose in the context of President Droupadi Murmu seeking clarification from the court on whether states could invoke Article 32 of the Constitution, which pertains to the Right to Constitutional Remedies, for claims of fundamental rights violations.

Key Points:

• Article Involvement: The case centers on Article 32, granting rights to seek constitutional remedies, and Article 361, which protects the President and Governors from being legally accountable for their actions.

• Government's Argument:

  • Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that states cannot initiate writ petitions under Article 32 since it is designed to address violations of fundamental rights by the state against individuals. According to Mehta, the scope of Article 32 is limited to actions infringing on individual rights, not those pertaining to state entities.
  • He contended that because the actions of the President are governed by specific constitutional provisions, including Article 131 (pertaining to the Supreme Court's original jurisdiction) and Article 262 (related to inter-state water disputes), the judicial power of the Supreme Court is restricted in these contexts.

• Constitutional Interpretation: Mehta explained that Part III of the Constitution primarily addresses the individual rights of citizens and does not extend any such rights to states. Therefore, without fundamental rights, states are not positioned to invoke Article 32.

• Case Reference: The Tamil Nadu government countered the Centre's stance, asserting that the argument claiming a Governor's ability to withhold a Bill reflected a misinterpretation of the Supreme Court decision in Shamsher Singh v State of Punjab (1975).

• Current Judicial Panel: The issue is being deliberated by a five-judge bench composed of Chief Justice of India B R Gavai along with Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, P S Narasimha, and A S Chandurkar.

• Context of Inquiry: The Supreme Court's examination is part of a larger discourse on the timeliness of Presidential and gubernatorial actions regarding legislative matters and the potential implications on federal-state dynamics.

• Judicial Precedent: The matter may hinge on established judicial interpretations, notably past judgments that clarify the extent of jurisdictional overlaps and immunities enjoyed by constitutional officers such as the President and Governors.

This ongoing case underscores the complexities involved in the relationship between state legislation, executive actions, and judicial oversight in India, particularly as it pertains to the interpretation of constitutional articles designed to serve distinct functions within the governance framework.

Important Sentences:

• The Centre claims that states cannot file writ petitions against the President or Governors based on Article 32.
• Article 32 is centered on violations of individual fundamental rights, not on behalf of state entities.
• A five-judge bench is currently deliberating on this significant constitutional question.
• The Tamil Nadu government challenges the Centre's interpretation, referencing a critical Supreme Court ruling from 1975.
• The discussion reflects broader themes of federalism and the balance of power between state and central authorities within Indian governance.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta of Delhi has set a target for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to clear three major landfill sites—Ghazipur, Bhalswa, and Okhla—by December 2026. This directive, issued during a high-level review meeting on solid waste management, aims to address the increasing volume of garbage affecting the city. Previously, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa had indicated a goal of eliminating these sites by December 2028.

The data provided by the MCD reveals that around 153 lakh metric tons (MT) of waste is currently accumulated across these landfill sites, with Ghazipur housing 82 lakh MT (including 19 lakh MT of fresh waste), Bhalswa with 42 lakh MT, and Okhla containing over 28 lakh MT. In response to this crisis, Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh announced that MCD has increased its biomining capacity from 15,000 tonnes per day (TPD) to 25,000 TPD and plans to expedite waste management projects by issuing new tenders for remaining legacy waste. Currently, 56 trommels, which are screening machines utilized for waste separation, are operational at these sites.

Delhi generates approximately 11,300 MT of waste on a daily basis; however, the city’s four operational waste-to-energy (WTE) plants—situated at Bawana, Tekhand, Okhla, and Ghazipur—only process about 7,300 MT. In a bid to enhance capacity, two new WTE plants are slated for implementation: one with a capacity of 3,000 TPD at Narela-Bawana, expected to commence operations by December 2027, and another with a capacity of 2,000 TPD at Ghazipur, aimed for completion by December 2028. Further expansions of existing facilities at Okhla and Tekhand are projected to add another 1,000 TPD each by 2027, supported by the central government’s commitment of ₹50 crore in viability gap funding for Okhla.

Despite the timelines presented surpassing Gupta's December 2026 deadline, MCD officials have pledged to intensify efforts to expedite project completions. Delays have been attributed to challenges such as the relocation of power transmission lines, which Gupta has vowed to address with intervention from her office. The Chief Minister emphasized that achieving these targets would necessitate integrated efforts and full cooperation among different government agencies, transcending it being merely an MCD issue.

Key Points:

• Chief Minister Rekha Gupta mandates clearing of Ghazipur, Bhalswa, and Okhla landfills by December 2026.
• Previous target set by Environment Minister was December 2028.
• Approximately 153 lakh MT of waste is currently at the three landfill sites.
• Specific waste amounts at landfills: Ghazipur (82 lakh MT), Bhalswa (42 lakh MT), Okhla (28 lakh MT).
• MCD has increased biomining capacity from 15,000 TPD to 25,000 TPD.
• Daily waste generation in Delhi is about 11,300 MT; current WTE plants process 7,300 MT.
• New WTE plants: 3,000 TPD at Narela-Bawana (operational by December 2027), 2,000 TPD at Ghazipur (by December 2028).
• Plan to expand Okhla and Tekhand plants by 1,000 TPD each by 2027 with government funding.
• Gupta intends to resolve project delays and stresses need for inter-agency cooperation.