Syllabus: Prelims Unit IV - Indian Polity
Governance, law and science topics from the news: the 23rd Law Commission of India, local body elections and administration in Tamil Nadu, Operation Thirai Neeku against cybercrime, the GI tags of Tamil Nadu, and ISRO leadership and vision.
On this page: Law Commission of India - 23rd Constitution, Local Bodies Elections and Administrative Structure in Tamil Nadu, Operation Thirai Neeku and Cybercrime in TN, Geographical Indications (GI) Tags of TN, ISRO Leadership and Vision
Law Commission of India - 23rd Constitution
Basics
- Duration: Three years (till August 31, 2027)
- Composition:
- One full-time chairperson
- Four full-time members
- One member-secretary
Eligibility Criteria for Members
- Serving Supreme Court judges
- Serving High Court judges
- Other qualified persons
- Traditionally headed by retired judges
Key Functions
- Review of obsolete laws
- Legal audits focusing on the poor
- Advisory role on legislation
- Law reform recommendations
- Assessment of existing laws
Special Focus Areas
- Impact of globalization on:
- Food security
- Unemployment
- Protection of marginalized sections
- Legal system modernization
Historical Context
- Succeeds 22nd Law Commission
- Previous chairperson: Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi
- Previous term ended: August 31, 2024
Local Bodies Elections and Administrative Structure in Tamil Nadu
Administrative Structure
- Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs):
- District Panchayats: 36
- Block Panchayats: 388
- Village Panchayats: 12,525
- Total PRIs: 12,949
- Urban Local Bodies (ULBs):
- Municipal Corporations: 21
- Municipalities: 138
- Town Panchayats: 490
- Total ULBs: 649
Election Status 2024-25
- Affected districts: 28
- Expected delay reason: Pending delimitation and reservation process
- Court update: Informed Madras High Court about completion requirements
Previous Election Statistics (2019)
- Total voters: 3.31 crore
- Voter turnout: 77% (2.55 crore)
- Elected positions:
- District Panchayat wards: 515
- Panchayat Union wards: 5,090
- Village Panchayat wards: 76,746
- VP presidents: 9,264
- Coverage: 27 districts
Operation Thirai Neeku and Cybercrime in TN
Operation Thirai Neeku
- Objective: To combat cybercrime and apprehend individuals involved in online fraud in Tamil Nadu.
- Execution Dates: December 6, 7, and 8, 2024.
- Led by: Tamil Nadu Police under the direction of DGP Shankar Jiwal.
- Scope: Comprehensive operations carried out across the entire state targeting individuals engaged in cybercrimes.
Arrests and Statistics
- Total Arrests: Approximately 70 individuals arrested during the operation.
- Cases Involved: Connections to 135 registered cases of cybercrime in Tamil Nadu.
- Criminal History: Many of those arrested have over 1,000 ongoing cases against them related to cybercrime.
Reporting Cybercrime
- Reporting Mechanism: Victims of cybercrime can file complaints through:
- Toll-free number: 1930
- Website:
- Encouragement for Reporting: Awareness raised among the public to report incidents of cybercrime without any charges.
Public Awareness and Safety Tips
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Citizens are advised not to share passwords, OTPs, or bank details with anyone.
- Stay Vigilant: Ignore unsolicited calls, messages, or links that promise rewards or benefits.
- Recognize Fake Websites: Warning against potential phishing sites and fraud-related platforms.
- Commission-Based Offers: Caution against sharing bank account details for commission-based services.
- Regular Updates: Emphasis on regularly updating passwords and software to enhance security.
Agricultural GI Products
- Kanniyakumari Banana: Unique banana variety from Kanniyakumari
- Kodaikanal Malai Poondu: Medicinal garlic with high organo-sulfur compounds
- Kovil Patti Kadalai Mittai: Traditional peanut candy from Kovilpatti
- Sholayandan Vetrilai: Distinguished betel leaves from Sengam region
Handicraft GI Products
- Nachiarkoli Kuthuvilakku: Four-component traditional lamp
- Dindigul Locks: Famous for unique materials and craftsmanship
- Salem Sago: Traditional tapioca-based product
- Ooty Varkey: Unique baked delicacy from Nilgiris
Traditional Art Forms
- Manamadurai Pottery: Represents five elements, made with local clay
- Than Javur Doll: Clay dolls with distinctive features
- Pattamadai Pai: Fine mats woven from Korai grass
- Palani Panchamirtham: Sacred prasadam with specific ingredients
Export Significance
- Second position in India for GI recognition
- Enhanced global market presence
- Agricultural budget support for GI promotion
- NABARD's comprehensive support for registration
ISRO Leadership and Vision
Leadership background
- V. Narayanan has taken over as ISRO chief.
- Brings 41 years of experience in space research.
- Hails from a humble Tamil Nadu village background.
- Educated in Tamil-medium schools.
- Holds advanced degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Professional journey
- Began his career at VSSC, focusing on sounding rockets.
- Topped his MTech class, showcasing academic excellence.
- Worked at TI Diamond Chain and MRF before joining ISRO.
- Completed AMIE in mechanical engineering.
- Earned a doctorate from IIT Kharagpur.
ISRO's current focus
- Development of indigenous satellite docking capabilities.
- Launch of NVS-02 navigation satellite.
- Progress on the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
- Preparations for a Venus exploration mission.
- Space station module design and development.
Management philosophy
- Emphasizes a team-centric approach.
- Values collective achievements over individual efforts.
- Prioritizes creating a comfortable work environment.
- Advocates for merit-based recognition.
- Promotes collaborative decision-making.
Future vision
- Expanding collaboration with private sector entities.
- Strengthening international partnerships for advanced missions.
- Development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).
- Advancing cutting-edge technology in space exploration.
- Supporting the growth of India's space industry.
