LAW AND GOVERNANCE
Supreme Court Orders Immediate Termination of 14-Year-Old Rape Victim’s 30-Week Pregnancy
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, has mandated the immediate medical termination of a 14-year-old rape victim’s 30-week pregnancy. This decision overturns a Bombay High Court ruling that denied the termination. Sion Hospital will conduct the procedure, with the Maharashtra government covering expenses. The victim’s mother appealed the High Court’s decision, emphasizing the urgency due to the advanced stage of pregnancy. The Court had earlier ordered a medical examination and directed a report from Sion Hospital, which is due on April 22. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act allows termination up to 24 weeks for rape survivors and vulnerable women.
PIL Filed for Delhi CM Kejriwal’s Release on “Extraordinary Interim Bail”
A PIL filed in the Delhi High Court by a law student seeks “extraordinary interim bail” for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in all criminal cases against him. This includes the Enforcement Directorate’s money laundering case related to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. The plea aims for Kejriwal’s release until the end of his term or trial completion. The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, will hear the petition. The plea argues that Kejriwal’s absence hampers governance, claiming immediate danger to his safety in Tihar jail due to proximity to criminals.
Special NIA Court Warns BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya for Malegaon Blast Trial
A special NIA court in Mumbai has cautioned Bhopal BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur to appear by April 25 for the 2008 Malegaon blast trial. Thakur, an accused, received extensions due to health issues like ‘Manyastambh’ (neck stiffness) and ‘Katigrah’ (lower back stiffness). The court reviewed her medical certificate and allowed one more exemption, noting her ongoing treatment. Special Public Prosecutor Avinash Rasal pointed out the certificate did not specify her inability to travel. Last month, a bailable warrant was issued but stayed as Thakur was hospitalized en route to Mumbai. The court grants this as a final chance for her appearance.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme (BIG)
(Ministry: Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India)
Objective:
The Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme (BIG), managed by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), promotes innovation in biotechnology by supporting ideas with commercial potential. It aids entrepreneurs and start-ups in the biotech sector from concept to Proof of Concept (PoC), fostering a competitive biotech ecosystem in India.
Eligibility Criteria for Individuals:
- Indian citizenship is required.
- Must be the Project Leader.
- Incubation in any recognized incubator (with LoI/MoU).
- For individuals employed with an academic or research organization:
- NOC required to manage the project separately.
- Undertaking to join full-time if approved.
- For those employed with a for-profit company/LLP:
- Undertaking to join full-time if approved or apply under Company/LLP category.
- Promoter shareholders in Biotech companies/LLPs cannot apply individually.
Support Provided:
- Grant-in-aid up to INR 50 lakhs for 18 months.
- Mentoring: Technical, IP, Legal, Networking, Regulatory advice, Business guidance, Investor connections, and more.
Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
(Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)
Objective:
PMEGP, launched in 2008, aims to create self-employment and generate employment opportunities in rural and urban areas through micro-enterprises. It merges PMRY and REGP, with an outlay of ₹13,554.42 Crore over 2021-26 to set up 4,00,000 projects, creating 30,00,000 jobs.
Eligibility Criteria for New Micro-enterprises:
- Individuals above 18 years.
- No income ceiling.
- VIII standard educational qualification for projects above ₹10 lakh (Manufacturing) or ₹5,00,000 (Business/Service).
- Not for existing units under other schemes or previously subsidized units.
Support Provided:
- Margin Money Subsidy:
- 15% to 25% for General Category, 25% to 35% for Special Category.
- Backward and Forward Linkages:
- 5% of total allocation under BE for arranging workshops, training, publicity, etc.
- 2nd Loan for Upgradation:
- 15% subsidy (20% in specific areas) for all categories.
Reservation/Priority:
- Preference to those affected by natural disasters declared by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- These schemes aim to empower entrepreneurs and promote innovation, addressing various sectors’ needs with tailored support and subsidies.
Source-
