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Lokpal of India Celebrates Its 1st
Foundation Day on January 16
The occasion marked the establishment of the Lokpal on January 16, 2014,
following the enactment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
About Lokpal and Lokayukta
The idea originated in the 1966 Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) report.
The 2013 Act established the Lokpal at the Union level and Lokayukta at the
state level, with the aim of ensuring accountability and combating corruption
in public offices. The ombudsman concept, rooted in Sweden, emerged in the 19th
century.
Key Provisions of the Lokpal
- Composition & Members: Appointed by the President of India, including a
Chairperson (Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge, or an
eminent person) and up to 8 members (50% judicial and 50% representing
SC/ST/OBC/minorities/women).
- Selection Committee:
Comprises the PM (Chairman), Lok Sabha Speaker, Opposition Leader,
CJI/Supreme Court Judge, and an eminent jurist.
- Tenure:
5 years or until the individual reaches 70 years of age.
- Jurisdiction:
Covers the Prime Minister (with safeguards), Ministers, MPs, Group A/B/C/D
officers, and officials in government-funded entities.
- Investigations:
The Lokpal investigates corruption complaints, including those referred by
the CVC or whistleblowers.
- Prosecution Wing:
The Lokpal has the authority to set up its prosecution wing.
- Timeline for Cases:
Preliminary inquiry takes 90 days, with investigations lasting up to 6
months (extendable).
Challenges with Lokpal:
- Complaints older than seven years are not entertained.
- Delayed appointments.
- A high rejection rate (nearly 90%) of complaints due to
incorrect formats.
NBM 2.0 and Sanchar Saathi Mobile
App Launched to Enhance Telecom Access, Security, and Empowerment
National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0
- Objective:
The mission builds on the success of NBM 1.0, launched in 2019. NBM 2.0
aims to accelerate digital infrastructure growth, bridge the digital
divide, and provide affordable broadband to all.
- Goals:
- Expand Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) connectivity to 2.7
lakh villages by 2030.
- Provide broadband to 90% of anchor institutions (e.g.,
schools, health centers, Panchayat offices) by 2030.
- Achieve 100 Mbps minimum download speed for fixed
broadband.
- Facilitate 5G rollout and prepare for future 6G
networks.
- Use Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) from the power sector
to enhance connectivity during emergencies.
India-Singapore Relations: 60th
Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties
The Presidents of India and Singapore unveiled a logo to commemorate six
decades of bilateral relations.
Key Highlights:
- Economic Relations:
Singapore is India’s 6th largest trade partner, accounting for 3.2% of
India’s overall trade.
- Defense Cooperation:
Both countries host joint military exercises such as Agni Warrior (Army)
and SIMBEX (Navy).
- Indian Diaspora:
People of Indian origin make up 9% of Singapore's population. Tamil is one
of its official languages.
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