LAW AND GOVERNANCE
SUPREME COURT URGES UTTARAKHAND TO TACKLE FOREST FIRES AND ENSURE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The Supreme Court, gravely concerned about the escalating incidents of forest fires in Uttarakhand, emphasized the urgent need for long-term environmental preservation measures. Acknowledging the severity of the situation, Senior Advocate Rajiv Datta urged prompt action, highlighting how post-fire land use change applications exposed the culprits. While the state cited criminal cases against perpetrators, the bench stressed proactive governmental intervention beyond reliance on cloud seeding. The court slated further hearings, underscoring the criticality of addressing the recurrent menace threatening Uttarakhand’s ecology.
ACID ATTACK SURVIVORS PETITION SUPREME COURT FOR INCLUSIVE DIGITAL KYC GUIDELINES
Nine acid attack survivors petitioned the Supreme Court, seeking inclusive digital Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines. Citing systemic hurdles in accessing basic services due to facial disfigurement, the petitioners urged the government to devise alternative KYC methods. Emphasizing the importance of dignity and autonomy, the plea advocated for accommodating survivors’ needs in digital processes. The petition outlined directives for regulatory bodies and entities to implement inclusive KYC practices, aiming to ensure equitable access to essential services for acid attack survivors.
MAHARASHTRA CO-OPERATIVE BANK SCAM: BOMBAY HIGH COURT PETITIONED OVER ALLEGED BIAS
Amidst allegations of bias in the Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank scam investigation, a complainant approached the Bombay High Court seeking intervention. The complainant raised concerns over the closure report filed by the Economic Offence Wing (EOW), alleging partisan conduct favoring implicated political figures. Highlighting discrepancies between EOW’s findings and those of the Enforcement Directorate, the petition underscored the need for impartial investigation. Advocating for a High Court-monitored probe, the petitioners emphasized the importance of upholding transparency and fairness in the judicial process.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
PRADHAN MANTRI RASHTRIYA BAL PURASKAR (MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA)
Objectives:
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar aims to recognize and celebrate exceptional achievements of children in India across seven categories, including bravery, art & culture, environment, innovation, science & technology, social service, and sports. By honoring children for their outstanding contributions, the scheme encourages and inspires young minds to excel in various fields and make a positive impact on society.
Benefits:
Recipients of the award receive a medal, certificate, and citation, along with national recognition for their remarkable achievements. The ceremony, presided over by the President of India, highlights the nation’s appreciation for the talents and contributions of young achievers. Through this prestigious award, children are motivated to continue pursuing excellence and become role models for their peers.
Criteria:
To be eligible for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, children must be Indian citizens aged between 5 to 18 years as of July 31 of the respective year. Their exceptional achievements, whether in bravery, art, environment, innovation, science, social service, or sports, should have occurred within two years preceding the nomination/application deadline. A national selection committee evaluates nominees based on their outstanding contributions in any of the specified categories.
WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING-SOCIETAL CHALLENGES WITH OPPORTUNITIES (WISE-SCOPE FELLOWSHIP) (DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA)
Objectives:
The WISE-SCOPE Fellowship Program, initiated by the Department of Science & Technology, endeavors to harness the expertise of women scientists and technologists to address societal challenges through Science & Technology interventions. The program focuses on promoting projects that offer innovative solutions to grassroots-level issues, spanning energy, water and waste management, engineering and technology development, environment and climate, agriculture, health, food, and nutrition.
Benefits:
Qualified candidates selected for the WISE-SCOPE Fellowship receive a monthly stipend of ₹55,000 along with house rent allowance (HRA) as per norms. Additionally, they are entitled to a research grant of ₹2.00 Lakhs per year, field demonstration support, and funding for small equipment. The program facilitates the lab-to-land transfer of viable technologies, fostering tangible societal benefits and sustainable development.
Criteria:
Eligible applicants must be women scientists aged between 27 to 60 years, holding a Ph.D. in Basic or Applied Sciences or equivalent degrees like MD/MS/MDS. Candidates in regular employment are ineligible for the fellowship, although those in temporary research or academic positions may apply, provided they relinquish prior commitments upon selection. Projects proposed under WISE-SCOPE should demonstrate the potential for practical implementation and scalability to address pressing societal challenges.
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