Polity & Governance

Adivasi Mahasabha

The Adivasi Mahasabha, formed in 1938, is a political organisation representing the interests of Adivasis (indigenous tribes) in India. Led by Jaipal Singh Munda, a prominent leader and former hockey captain, the Mahasabha aimed to address the grievances of the Adivasi population, particularly their demand for a separate tribal state. The organisation played a crucial role in advocating for Adivasi rights and autonomy, especially during the tumultuous period surrounding India’s independence. It was in the news due to its historical significance in the Kharsawan massacre context.

AI Governance Alliance (AIGA)

The AI Governance Alliance (AIGA) is a multi-stakeholder group formed to address the challenges of regulating artificial intelligence technologies. Launched by the World Economic Forum, AIGA aims to create policies that promote responsible AI development while ensuring innovation is not stifled. It brings together regulators, businesses, and academia to discuss and implement adaptive regulatory frameworks. AIGA was in the news due to its recent summits focusing on ethical AI development and bridging the digital divide between developed and developing nations.

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is a prestigious institution in India, established in 1920, originally as the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in 1877 by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. It was created to promote education among Muslims and to preserve Islamic values. AMU has been at the centre of legal disputes regarding its minority status and reservation policies for Muslim students. Recently, it has been in the news due to a Supreme Court case determining its entitlement to minority status under Article 30 of the Indian Constitution.

Arambai Tenggol

Arambai Tenggol is a radical Meitei organisation formed in 2020, meaning spear wielders, reflecting the ancient war tactics of Meitei warriors. It has gained significant influence in Manipur, particularly after the violent clashes with Kuki groups. The organisation reportedly has around 2,000 armed members and thousands of volunteers, and it has been involved in violent confrontations, including looting arms and defending Meitei villages. Its growing prominence was highlighted when political leaders took an oath at a meeting called by the group.

Article 131 of the Constitution

Article 131 of the Indian Constitution grants the Supreme Court original jurisdiction in disputes between the central government and states. This means such cases can only be heard by the Supreme Court and not any other court. It aims to resolve conflicts that may arise in the federal structure of governance. The Punjab government invoked this article in December 2021 to challenge the BSF’s expanded jurisdiction, arguing it infringed on state powers concerning policing and public order.

Article 341

Article 341 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to specify the Scheduled Castes for the purpose of reservation. It aims to protect the rights of historically disadvantaged groups by providing them with affirmative action. This article has been central to legal discussions regarding the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes, particularly in the context of whether states can create their own lists. Its interpretation is crucial in the current Supreme Court case, as it determines the limits of state power in reservation policies.

Concordat

A concordat is a formal agreement between the Pope and a sovereign state regarding the regulation of church and state relations. In the Dominican Republic, the government holds a concordat with the Vatican, which reinforces Catholicism as the official religion, despite constitutional provisions for freedom of worship. This relationship influences national policies, including those related to education and reproductive rights. The concordat has been in the news due to its role in the ongoing debates about abortion laws in the country.

Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is an annual ranking published by Transparency International that assesses the perceived levels of public sector corruption in 180 countries. The index uses a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean) based on expert assessments and business surveys. In 2023, India’s score was 39, indicating persistent corruption issues. The CPI was in the news due to India’s low ranking and the implications for governance ahead of upcoming elections.

Custodian of Enemy Property of India (CEPI)

The Custodian of Enemy Property of India (CEPI) is a government body responsible for managing enemy properties in India. Established ...