28 March 2025 Current Affairs

  Supreme Court Stays Allahabad HC Order in Attempt to Rape Case  

The Supreme Court on March 26, 2025, stayed an Allahabad High Court order dated March 17, which held that actions such as grabbing a minor’s breasts and breaking the string of her pyjama were insufficient to constitute an attempt to rape. A Bench led by Justice B.R. Gavai criticized the High Court’s observations as “insensitive” and “inhuman,” calling them legally flawed and lacking in sensitivity. The apex court issued notices to the Union government and Uttar Pradesh, with the matter listed for hearing after two weeks.

Summary of the Case

1. High Court Order:

• Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra’s March 17 order modified the trial court’s summons for charges of rape and attempt to rape.
• He ruled that the actions of the accused did not show a clear determination to commit rape.
• Supreme Court’s Intervention:

-The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the order.

-It found the High Court’s remarks legally incorrect and harmful, given that the case was still at the stage of issuance of summons.

2. Current Status:

• Notices issued to the Union and State governments.
• Victim’s mother was allowed to implead herself in the case.
• Case scheduled for hearing after two weeks.

Overview of Rape Laws in India

1. Section 375 IPC:

• Defines rape as sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent.

2. Section 376 IPC:

• Punishes rape with imprisonment of 10 years to life.

3. Section 511 IPC:

• Penalizes attempts to commit offences with half the punishment prescribed for the offence.

4. POCSO Act:

• Section 18: Punishes attempts to commit offences under the POCSO Act.
• Section 9: Covers aggravated sexual assault, including intent to disrobe a minor.

5. Section 354(b) IPC:

• Punishes assault or criminal force to disrobe a woman, with 3 to 7 years imprisonment.

  Karnataka Governor Returns Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill  

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has returned the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2025, citing concerns that it may interfere with the powers of elected local bodies protected under the 74th Constitutional Amendment. The Bill, which was passed by both Houses of the State legislature during the Budget session, proposes to split the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into seven municipal corporations.

Key Highlights of the Case

1. Proposed Bill:

• The Bill suggests forming seven municipal corporations in Greater Bengaluru, modeled after Delhi’s Metropolitan City structure.
• A Greater Bengaluru Governance Authority would be established to oversee these corporations.

2. Governor’s Concerns:

• Splitting BBMP may result in administrative inefficiency, citing the failure of a similar experiment in Delhi.
• The Bill could interfere with the powers of elected bodies under the 74th Amendment.
• Petitions Opposing the Bill:

- Bengaluru Town Hall: Citizens and civic groups expressed concerns over ill-advised infrastructure projects like the proposed tunnel road and skydeck.

- BJP Opposition:

• BJP leaders, including State president B.Y. Vijayendra, met the Governor on March 19, 2025.
• They argued that the Bill violates the 74th Amendment, weakens the State Election Commission, and undermines the role of the Metropolitan Planning Committee.

3. Governor’s Decision:

• Returned the Bill with directions to resubmit it after addressing the legal and public interest concerns.
• Called for a re-evaluation considering objections from civic groups and the Opposition.

Governor’s Power to Return a Bill – Background

 1. Article 200 of the Constitution:

a. The Governor can either assent, withhold assent, or return a Bill (other than a Money Bill) passed by the State legislature for reconsideration.

b. If the Bill is passed again by the legislature with or without amendments, the Governor is bound to give assent.

c. Role in Safeguarding Constitution:

• The Governor ensures that laws passed by the State legislature do not violate constitutional provisions or public interest.
• The power to return a Bill allows the Governor to seek clarifications or improvements before approving laws that may affect governance or constitutional principles.

  US Commission Recommends Sanctions on R&AW Over Alleged Assassination Plots  

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended targeted sanctions against India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), over alleged involvement in assassination plots against Sikh separatists. The commission, in its annual report released on March 26, 2025, also alleged that religious minorities in India face deteriorating treatment.

Key Highlights of the Report

1. Sanctions Recommendation:

• USCIRF recommended that the US impose targeted sanctions on R&AW over alleged assassination plots of Sikh separatists.
• It cited the case of ex-Indian intelligence officer Vikash Yadav, charged by Washington for a foiled assassination attempt on Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

2. Country of Particular Concern (CPC):

• The panel recommended designating India as a "country of particular concern" (CPC) for violations of religious freedom.

3. Allegations Against Indian Government:

• Alleged that PM Narendra Modi and the BJP spread hateful rhetoric against Muslims and religious minorities during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
• Accused the government of promoting discrimination and violence against religious minorities.

5. India’s Response:

• India has rejected the panel’s allegations, calling the reports “deeply biased.”
• It maintains that its policies, such as electrification and subsidy schemes, benefit all communities without discrimination.

6. Geopolitical Context:

• Analysts note that the US sees India as a counter to China’s influence and has often overlooked human rights issues.
• The Trump administration is unlikely to impose sanctions, as USCIRF’s recommendations are non-binding.

7. Concerns Over Vietnam:

• The report also recommended designating Vietnam, a US ally against China, as a “country of particular concern” for controlling religious affairs.

Background of Secularism in the Indian Constitution

1. Constitutional Provisions:

• Preamble: India is declared a “Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic.”
• Article 25-28: Guarantee the right to freedom of religion and protection of religious practices.
• Article 14: Ensures equality before the law, irrespective of religion.

2. Concept of Secularism in India:

• Indian secularism follows the model of “equal respect for all religions” rather than strict separation of religion and state.
• The State treats all religions equally but does not favor or discriminate against any religion.

3. Landmark Judgments:

• S.R. Bommai Case (1994): Reinforced secularism as a basic feature of the Constitution.
• Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Established that secularism is part of the basic structure of the Constitution, which cannot be amended.

  GE Aerospace Delivers First of 99 F404 Engines to HAL for Tejas Mk-1A Jets  

GE Aerospace delivered the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A programme. The engines are intended to power the Mk-1A variant of Tejas, with the delivery expected to help HAL commence the supply of jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Key Highlights of the News

1. Engine Supply to HAL:

• GE Aerospace delivered the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to HAL for the Tejas Mk-1A jets.
• The engine was delivered from GE’s manufacturing facility in Lynn, Massachusetts and is expected to reach India by early next month.

2. Delay in Jet Deliveries:

• Delay in the delivery of the F404 engines was one of the key reasons for HAL missing its deadline for supplying Tejas jets to the IAF.

3. Previous Order and Production Restart:

• HAL had ordered an additional 99 engines in 2021, leading to the restart of the F404-IN20 production line, which had been dormant since 2016.
• Restarting the production line during the COVID pandemic was challenging, but GE Aerospace managed to resume production with the support of its suppliers and partners.

4. Technical Specifications:

• The F404-IN20 engine is a tailored version of the F404 family, featuring:

5. Highest thrust in the F404 family.

• Higher-flow fan, unique single-crystal turbine blades, and special components.

6. Tejas Production and Future Plans:

• The IAF ordered 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets in February 2021 for ₹48,000 crore, but no aircraft has been delivered yet.
• In November 2024, the Defence Ministry gave initial approval for an additional batch of 97 Tejas jets for the IAF.

7. Significance of the Partnership:

• GE Aerospace emphasized its 40-year relationship with HAL and its commitment to India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.

Background of Tejas and Other Fighter Jets in India

1. Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA):

• Development: Developed by HAL and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) as part of India’s indigenous fighter aircraft program.
• Variants:

-Tejas Mk-1: Initial operational clearance in 2011.

-Tejas Mk-1A: Enhanced version with advanced avionics and weapons.

-Tejas Mk-2: Under development, with a more powerful engine and better capabilities.

• Role: Multi-role aircraft capable of air combat, offensive air support, and reconnaissance.

2. Sukhoi Su-30MKI:

• Origin: Developed by Russia and produced under license by HAL.
• Role: Heavy multi-role fighter, backbone of the IAF with over 270 aircraft in service.

3. Dassault Rafale:

• Origin: French-made multi-role fighter jets.
• Procurement: India procured 36 Rafale jets in 2016 to enhance IAF’s air superiority.

4. Mirage 2000:

• Origin: French fighter jets, instrumental in India’s Balakot airstrike in 2019.
• Role: Precision strike and air superiority missions.

5. MiG-29:

• Origin: Russian-origin aircraft, used by the IAF for air defence and strike roles.
• Upgrades: MiG-29UPG with advanced avionics and radar systems.

6. HAL AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft):

• In Development: India’s 5th generation stealth fighter aircraft, expected to bolster India’s future air power.

  Santosh Film Blocked In India.  

CBFC Denies Certification to Award-Winning Film Santosh for Theatrical Release

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has refused to certify Santosh, an acclaimed film by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, citing concerns over its depiction of police brutality, caste discrimination, and misogyny. Despite receiving international recognition, including a BAFTA nomination and premiering at Cannes, the film is unable to secure a theatrical release in India.

Key Highlights of the News

1. Plot and Themes:

• Santosh follows the journey of a young widow who joins the police force and investigates the murder of a Dalit girl.
• It highlights sensitive themes such as misogyny, caste-based violence, and institutional Islamophobia.

2. International Recognition:

• Premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to critical acclaim.
• Was the U.K.’s official entry for the Oscars’ international feature category.
• Lead actress Shahana Goswami won Best Actress at the Asian Film Awards.

3. CBFC’s Concerns and Rejection:

• CBFC refused certification, citing concerns over its realistic portrayal of law enforcement and morally complex narrative.
• Suri described the CBFC’s demanded cuts as extensive and impossible to implement without compromising the integrity of the film.

Background of Film Certification in India

1. Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC):

• Established under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the CBFC regulates public exhibition of films in India.
• Films must receive a certification to be released in cinemas, broadcast on television, or streamed on OTT platforms.

2. Certification Categories:

• U (Universal): Suitable for all age groups.
• U/A (Parental Guidance): Suitable for children below 12 with parental guidance.
• A (Adult): Restricted to adult audiences only.
• S (Special Category): Restricted to specific groups such as professionals.

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