Daily Current Affairs- 16th April 2025

Daily Current Affairs 16th April 2025

Telangana Declares Heatwave as State-Specific Disaster Amid Rising Temperatures

In the News: On April 15, 2025, the Telangana government officially declared heatwaves and sunstrokes as a "State-Specific Disaster." This significant move allows for enhanced relief measures, including increasing the ex-gratia payment to ₹4 lakh for families of individuals who succumb to heat-related illnesses, aligning with the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms. 

Background

• Prior to this declaration, financial assistance for heatwave victims in Telangana was limited to ₹50,000 under the Apathbandhu scheme.
• The decision follows advisories from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which forecasted an above-normal number of heatwave days during April to June 2025.

Heatwave Impact

• In the previous year, 28 out of 33 districts in Telangana experienced at least 15 days of heatwave conditions.
• Districts such as Nalgonda, Mancherial, and Peddapalli recorded over 30 days of extreme heat.
• Urban areas, including Hyderabad and Warangal, faced intensified conditions due to the "urban heat island" effect and high humidity levels.

Relief Measures

• The revised ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh will be disbursed from the SDRF after certification by designated officials confirming death due to sunstroke.
• District Collectors are tasked with ensuring accurate diagnosis of heat-related deaths, considering exposure history and excluding other causes.

Government Initiatives

• The government has implemented district-specific heatwave action plans, including the establishment of drinking water kiosks and distribution of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets.
• Public advisories have been issued, urging residents to stay indoors during peak heat hours and to stay hydrated.

Broader Context: Other states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh have also recognized heatwaves as state-specific disasters, enabling them to provide similar relief measures. 

India Justice Report 2025

In the News: The India Justice Report (IJR) 2025, spearheaded by Tata Trusts, offers a comprehensive assessment of the capacity of Indian states to deliver justice. It evaluates performance across four critical pillars: Police, Judiciary, Prisons, and Legal Aid.

 Publisher and Inception

• Published by: Tata Trusts, in collaboration with partners including the Centre for Social Justice, Common Cause, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, DAKSH, TISS–Prayas, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, and How India Lives.
• First Published: November 2019. The 2025 edition marks the fourth installment of this biennial report.

Budgetary Allocations and Expenditure

• Overall Spending: In 2024-25, eleven states collectively allocated ₹1.97 lakh crore to the justice system, marking a 25% increase from 2022-23. This represents an average of 4.3% of their total budgets.
• Per Capita Expenditure: The average per capita spending on justice across these states rose to ₹2,056 in 2024-25. Telangana leads with ₹3,047, while West Bengal is at the lower end with ₹1,287.
• Police Budgets: Police departments received the largest share, with ₹1.56 lakh crore allocated in 2024-25, accounting for approximately 80% of the total justice budget. However, less than 2% of this was dedicated to training.
• Judiciary and Legal Aid: Allocations for the judiciary, including legal aid, stood at ₹32,996 crore in 2024-25, representing 17% of the justice budget.

State Rankings in Justice Delivery

• Top Performers: Karnataka ranks highest among large and mid-sized states in overall justice delivery, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• Lower Rankings: Uttar Pradesh is positioned at the bottom among the evaluated states, indicating significant room for improvement in its justice delivery mechanisms.

Systemic Challenges

• Gender Disparities: The report underscores significant gender imbalances, noting that fewer than 1,000 women occupy senior positions in the police force nationwide. No state has achieved its gender representation targets.
• Prison Overcrowding: Delhi's prisons are highlighted for severe overcrowding, with occupancy rates exceeding 250% in some facilities and undertrial inmates comprising 91% of the prison population.
• Judicial Vacancies and Pendency: High courts are operating with 778 judges against a sanctioned strength of 1,108, while subordinate courts have 19,288 judges against 24,631 sanctioned posts. This shortfall contributes to prolonged case pendency.

 Karnataka's Caste Survey

In the News: On April 11, 2025, the Karnataka Cabinet formally accepted the long-awaited Socio-Economic and Educational Survey report, commonly referred to as the caste survey. Originally commissioned in 2015 during Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's first term, the survey aimed to collect comprehensive socio-economic data across various caste groups in the state. The report, submitted in February 2024 by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes under Chairman K. Jayaprakash Hegde, was tabled in the Cabinet meeting, with a special session scheduled for April 17 to deliberate on its findings and recommendations.  

• Commissioning and Execution: Initiated in 2015, the survey was conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, initially led by H. Kantharaj and later finalized under K. Jayaprakash Hegde. It involved over 1.6 lakh personnel and covered approximately 94.17% of the state's population, surveying 5.98 crore individuals across 1.38 crore families.
• Methodology: The survey assessed 54 parameters related to social, educational, and economic status, with data validation conducted by the Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore.
• Demographic Distribution:
  • Other Backward Classes (OBCs): Estimated at 69.6% of the population, a significant increase from previous estimates.
  • Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs): SCs constitute approximately 19.5%, while STs account for about 7%.
  • Muslims: Represent around 16% of the population, positioning them as one of the largest communities in the state.
  • Lingayats and Vokkaligas: Previously considered dominant, now estimated at 14% and 11% respectively.
• Reservation Recommendations:
  • OBC Reservation: Increase from the current 32% to 51%, adjusting for the 19% creamy layer within the OBC category.
  • Muslim Quota: Recommendation to raise from 4% to 8% under Category IIB.
  • IIA Category (including Kurubas): Suggested increase from 15% to 22%, benefiting communities like the Kurubas, to which CM Siddaramaiah belongs. 

Justice B.R. Gavai Appointed as 52nd Chief Justice of India

In the News: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is set to become the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) following the retirement of the current CJI, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, on May 13, 2025. Justice Gavai's tenure will commence on May 14, 2025, and conclude upon his retirement on November 23, 2025. His appointment adheres to the convention of seniority within the Supreme Court. 

Personal and Professional Background

• Birth and Early Life: Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai hails from a family deeply influenced by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's ideals. His father, R.S. Gavai, was a prominent Dalit leader and former Governor of Bihar and Kerala.
• Legal Career: He enrolled as an advocate on March 16, 1985, practicing primarily at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court. He served as Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor before being appointed as a judge of the Bombay High Court on November 14, 2003.
• Supreme Court Tenure: Elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, Justice Gavai has authored 696 judgments and participated in 422 benches as of April 2025. His judgments predominantly pertain to criminal law, service matters, and constitutional issues.

Significance of Appointment

• Representation: Justice Gavai will be the second Dalit to ascend to the position of CJI, following Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, who served from 2007 to 2010.
• Tenure: His term as CJI will span approximately six months, from May 14 to November 23, 2025.
• Succession: Upon his retirement, Justice Surya Kant is anticipated to succeed him as the 53rd Chief Justice of India.

Notable Contributions

• Judicial Philosophy: Justice Gavai is recognized for his commitment to individual liberties and has been part of significant rulings, including those related to Article 370 and the Right to Information Act.
• Administrative Roles: He has served as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) since November 11, 2024, and as Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC) since December 29, 2023. 

India-Belgium Extradition Treaty

In the News: The India-Belgium Extradition Treaty, ratified in March 2020, has recently come into focus following the arrest of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi in Belgium. Choksi, accused in the ₹13,500 crore Punjab National Bank scam, was apprehended by Belgian authorities on April 12, 2025, based on India's extradition request. This treaty provides the legal foundation for India's efforts to secure his return. 

Background and Evolution

• Historical Context: The original extradition agreement between India and Belgium dates back to 1901, established between Great Britain and Belgium. Post-Indian independence, this treaty was extended to India in 1958. However, due to its limited scope and outdated provisions, a new treaty was deemed necessary.
• Modern Treaty: In March 2020, the Union Cabinet of India approved the signing and ratification of a new extradition treaty with Belgium. This treaty came into force upon the exchange of instruments of ratification between the two nations.
• Extraditable Offenses: The treaty covers offenses punishable under the laws of both countries with imprisonment of one year or more. This includes serious crimes such as terrorism, economic offenses, and other criminal activities.
• Dual Criminality: A fundamental principle wherein the offense must be recognized as a crime in both jurisdictions.
• Discretionary Extradition of Nationals: While the treaty allows for the extradition of nationals, it is not obligatory. The decision rests with the requested state, and nationality is determined at the time the offense was committed.
• Grounds for Refusal: Extradition can be denied if the offense is political or military in nature, or if the request is made to prosecute or punish someone based on race, sex, religion, nationality, or political opinion. Additionally, if the prosecution is time-barred under the law, extradition may be refused.
• Assurance Against Capital Punishment: If the offense is punishable by death in the requesting country, the requested country may seek assurances that the death penalty will not be imposed. 

Recent Application: Mehul Choksi Case

• Arrest and Charges: Mehul Choksi was arrested in Belgium on April 12, 2025, based on India's extradition request. He faces charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption.
• Extradition Process: Indian authorities, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), have submitted formal extradition requests to Belgium. The process involves verifying that the charges meet the criteria under the treaty, including dual criminality and sufficient evidence.
• Potential Challenges: Choksi, who holds Antiguan citizenship and has recently acquired Belgian residency, may contest the extradition on grounds such as political persecution or health issues. Belgian courts will assess these claims in accordance with the treaty's provisions. 

President Droupadi Murmu's Historic Visit to the Slovak Republic

In the News: From April 9 to 10, 2025, President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, undertook a landmark state visit to the Slovak Republic—the first by an Indian President in 29 years. This visit marked the culmination of her two-nation European tour, following her engagements in Portugal. The visit aimed to rejuvenate and expand India-Slovakia relations across various sectors, including trade, education, culture, and diplomacy. 

Diplomatic Engagements

• Meetings with Slovak Leadership: President Murmu held bilateral discussions with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, Prime Minister Robert Fico, and Speaker of the National Council Richard Raši. These meetings focused on enhancing cooperation in defense, science and technology, education, and cultural exchanges.
• Delegation Accompaniment: The President was accompanied by Minister of State Smt. Nimuben Bambhaniya and Members of Parliament Shri Dhaval Patel and Smt. Sandhya Ray, reflecting the high-level nature of the visit. 

Key Outcomes

• Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs): Two significant MoUs were signed:
  • Between the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) of India and the Slovak Business Agency, focusing on cooperation in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
  • Between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) and the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, aimed at diplomatic training cooperation.
• Business Forum Address: On April 10, President Murmu addressed the Slovakia-India Business Forum in Bratislava, emphasizing the potential for collaboration in sectors such as technology, innovation, sustainable development, automotive, defense, and high-tech industries. She highlighted India's emergence as a global leader in these areas and invited Slovak companies to participate in initiatives like 'Make in India'.
• Academic Honor: The President was conferred an honorary doctorate (Honoris Causa) by Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, recognizing her contributions to public service and leadership.