A report named ‘Migration in India 2020-21’ was released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).   Details – The ‘Migration in India’ report, which is based on first-time collection of additional data during the annual round of Periodic Labour Force Survey for July 2020-June 2021, separates the categories of ‘temporary visitors’ and… Continue reading ‘Migration in India’ Report

The debate surrounding the comments by BJP spokespersons Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal have put the spotlight on the law that deals with criticism of or insult to religion.   Details – India does not have a formal legal framework for dealing with hate speech. However, a cluster of provisions, loosely termed hate speech laws,… Continue reading Section 295A of IPC

The U.S. state of New York recently passed the Fair Repair Act, which requires manufacturers to supply repair information, tools, and parts to independent repair shops and not just their own stores or partners.   Details – This provides consumers with the right to repair and refurbish their purchased goods. With access to relevant tools… Continue reading Right to repair

As the Maharashtra political crisis continues, with the Shiv Sena on the verge of splitting and the Chief Minister possibly losing majority, the Governor’s constitutional power to call for a floor test takes centre stage.   Constitutional provisions – There are two provisions in the Indian Constitution that deal with a Governor’s power to summon,… Continue reading Power of Governor

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) recently issued detailed guidelines on the tax deducted at source (TDS) rule for virtual digital assets (VDAs) such as cryptocurrencies. It lays out the various scenarios on how the tax will be applicable and who will bear the onus to deduct it.   What is the plan? With… Continue reading TDS on Virtual Digital Assets

A team of researchers from the University of Delhi has discovered a unique set of fossilised dinosaur eggs, with one egg nesting within the other.   What are the observations? While eggs-within-eggs are a rare phenomenon, they are so far known to occur only in birds and never known in reptiles. Until this discovery, no… Continue reading ‘Egg in Egg’ Phenomenon

The 38th edition of India–Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT) between Indian Navy and Indonesian Navy is being conducted.   Details – Indian Naval Ship INS Karmuk, an indigenously built Missile Corvette based at the Andaman and Nicobar Command, along with a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, is participating in the CORPAT whilst the Indonesian Navy is being represented… Continue reading IND-INDO CORPAT

In the context of the Uttar Pradesh government bulldozing ‘illegal properties’ of protestors who took to the streets to protest, experts have pointed out that it violates international law.   Details – This idea of serving ‘justice’ through bulldozers emanated in Uttar Pradesh. In the wake of protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 the… Continue reading Demolition drive and international law

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict rages on, the spotlight is on Kaliningrad, Russia’s westernmost region. The region is at the centre of a row after Lithuania decided to ban goods part of EU sanctions from moving through its territory to reach Kaliningrad. Russia wants the ban limited.   Location – As Russia’s westernmost federal entity, the… Continue reading Kaliningrad

The unemployment rate saw a decrease of 0.6% and fell to 4.2% in 2020-21, compared with 4.8% in 2019-20, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for 2020-21 released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.   Details – This means that only 4.2% of adults who looked for jobs could not get… Continue reading Unemployment in India