POLITY

Can the State Acquire All Private Property? Key Insights and Constitutional Context

Background:

• Recent Supreme Court Ruling (2024): In a landmark judgment, a nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court ruled against the blanket interpretation that the government can acquire all private resources for the common good. This overturns previous interpretations, including the controversial view held by Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer in the 1970s and 1980s.
• Ruling: The ruling clarified that not every private resource can be considered a "material resource of the community" subject to government control or acquisition.

The recent Supreme Court ruling on the acquisition of private property emphasizes that the government cannot arbitrarily take over all private resources. Instead, only certain resources critical for the common good and public welfare can be considered under constitutional provisions. This marks a significant shift away from previous broad interpretations of state control over private property, ensuring that India's transition to a liberalized economic model does not undermine individual property rights or lead to unfair expropriations.

Prime Minister Marks 10 Years of One Rank One Pension (OROP) Scheme

On November 7, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 10th anniversary of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, calling it a tribute to the courage and sacrifices of India's veterans and ex-service personnel.

International Relations 

India’s Formal Notice to Review the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT): Key Points

On August 30, 2024, India served a formal notice to Pakistan under Article XII (3) of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The notice expresses concerns about India’s growing domestic water needs due to increasing population, agricultural demands, and the push for clean energy. It also highlights challenges posed by cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, which hampers smooth operations and full utilization of India's rights under the IWT.

India Should Be Part of RCEP and CPTPP: NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam

B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, has advocated for India’s participation in two key international trade agreements: the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

SOCIETY 

Are Pro-Natalist Policies the Solution to Address the Ageing Population Problem?

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu recently expressed concern about Andhra Pradesh’s ageing population and urged the people of his State to have more children. Days later, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin attended a mass wedding event in Chennai. He said that the Census and delimitation process may encourage couples to give up thoughts of having a small family.

National Cancer Awareness Day in India

ECONOMY

Timings for Release of CPI Inflation and IIP Data Have Been Advanced

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has advanced the release timings for Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Index of Industrial Production (IIP) data from 5:30 pm to 4 pm. The change aims to provide more time for stakeholders to analyze and react to the data within the same day.

SCIENCE AND TECH 

Ozempic’s Impact on Diabetes and Obesity Treatment: Key Insights