Ans: D

Exp: 

Recently, the government set up the 23rd Law Commission for three years from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2027.

 Law Commission:

• Statement 2 is Correct:The first Law Commission was established during the British era in 1834 by the Charter Act of 1833 and was presided over by Lord Macaulay.
  • Statement 3 is Correct:However, the first Law Commission of Independent India was constituted in 1955 with M. C. Setalvad, as its Chairman.
• Statement 1 is Correct:The Law Commission is a non-statutory body constituted by the Government of India
• Time Frame: Every three years
• Mandate: Its major function is to work for legal reform and to act as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Ans: A

Exp:

Recently, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has directed Union Territories to ensure that ‘zero FIRs’ recorded in local languages carry a translated copy if forwarded to states where different languages are used.

• Statement 1 is Correct:The provision of Zero FIR was established based on the recommendation on the report of the Justice Verma Committee.
  • The Justice Verma Committee was formed after the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape case.
• Purpose of Zero FIR: To provide speedy redressal to the victim so that timely action can be taken after the filing of the FIR.
• Statement 2 is Correct:Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which replaced the CrPC, police are now bound to register a ‘zero FIR’.
  • Statement 3 is not Correct:The term FIR is not defined in the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, or in any other law, but in police regulations or rules, information recorded under Section 154 of CrPC is known as FIR.

Ans: C

Exp:

Recently, two Russian ballistic missiles struck a military training facility and a nearby hospital in Poltava, Ukraine, resulting in at least 41 deaths and injuring 180 others. 

Location of Ukraine:

• • Ukraine is bordered by:

• Belarus to the north

• Russia to the east

• The Sea of Azov and the Black Sea to the south

• Moldova and Romania to the southwest

• Hungary, Slovakia and Poland to the west

Option (d) is correct.

Ans: C

Exp:

West Bengal Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Aparajita Women and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024 with a voice vote

Provisions of Aparajita Women and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024

• Increased punishment:
  • Statement 1 is Correct:The bill stipulates a life sentence without parole for those convicted of rape, along with a fine.
  • Capital punishment if victim is left dead or in vegetative state: The Bill seeks capital punishment for persons convicted of rape if their actions result in the victim’s death or leave her in a vegetative state, along with a fine.

• The provisions under POCSO Act will be further tightened in the state.

• Statement 2 is Correct: A task force will be formed under the provisions of the bill to punish the accused within 21 days of the preliminary report. 

• • Any trial thereafter must conclude within 30 days.

• • This will ensure Speedy investigation and rapid dispensation of justice

• • Routes on which doctors and nurses travel will be provided with ample security 

Ans: A

Exp:

The Union Home Ministry announced that the ongoing online process for nominations and recommendations for the Padma Awards 2025 will conclude on September 15.

• • The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honors of India announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.
  • It is provided in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
    • The ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is given to people who have done outstanding and remarkable service. 
    • The ‘Padma Bhushan’ is awarded for excellent service of a high order. 
    • The ‘Padma Shri’ is given to those who have shown great service in different fields.
  • Eligibility: Individuals from all backgrounds, irrespective of race, occupation, position, or gender, can qualify for these awards. 
    • Nevertheless, government employees, excluding doctors and scientists, are not eligible, including those employed in public sector undertakings (PSUs).
  • Fields Recognized: Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science & Engineering, Trade & Industry, Medicine, Literature & Education, Civil Service, Sports.

• Padma Awards Selection Process

• • • Padma Awards are granted based on recommendations from the annually formed Padma Awards Committee appointed by the Prime Minister.
    • The public can participate in the nomination process, including the option of self-nomination.

• The total number of awards to be given in a year (excluding posthumous awards and to NRI/foreigners/OCIs) should not be more than 120. Hence Statement 1 is correct

• Statement 2 is incorrectAward does not amount to  title under Article 18(1): Article 18(1) abolishes all titles and prohibits the state from conferring titles on any individual, whether they are a citizen or a non-citizen.

• • Padma Awards are not prohibited under Article 18 because these honors do not confer any special legal status or privileges
  • They are meant to acknowledge and encourage excellence and service in various fields, contributing to national development and pride.