Target Dreams

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has recently announced the winners of the India Smart Cities Award Contest (ISAC) 2022.  This contest aims to recognise and reward outstanding practices and innovations in the Smart Cities Mission.  The initiative received a significant response, with 845 nominations coming from 80 smart cities across India. Key highlights of the announcement include: Top Smart Cities:  The city of Indore in Madhya Pradesh has secured the top spot as the best Smart City in India.  It is followed by Surat in Gujarat and Agra in Uttar Pradesh.  Indore's achievements span various categories such as urban mobility, solid waste management, water supply, sanitation, citizen engagement, social welfare, and urban governance. State Rankings:  Madhya Pradesh has been recognised as the leading state for its remarkable performance in the Smart Cities Mission.  Notably, four cities from Madhya Pradesh—Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, and Jabalpur—have won awards across differen

This Post is based on the article "How is the SC tackling gender stereotyping?" Which was Published in the The Hindu on 20th August 2023.   The Supreme Court of India is taking significant steps to address and eliminate gender stereotyping within the legal community. In its ongoing efforts, the court has released a handbook titled "Combating Gender Stereotypes," aimed at fostering a more inclusive and equal legal environment. This write-up delves into the key aspects of the Supreme Court's initiatives and their implications for Indian society. Understanding the Initiative: In a proactive move, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud introduces the handbook as a means to challenge outdated and patriarchal notions, particularly when addressing women's issues.  The handbook provides lawyers and judges with an array of alternative words and phrases to replace gender-unjust terminology in their proceedings.  It underscores the importance of identifying, understa

This Post is based on the article "Safeguard the election panel’s independence" Which was Published in the Hindustan Times on 17th August 2023.  The article has provided a comprehensive analysis of the recent controversy surrounding the Union government's introduction of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023.  The central focus of this debate, as author highlighted, goes beyond the composition of the selection committee and delves into the broader issue of safeguarding the independence of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The article can be summarised as follows: Anoop Baranwal Verdict and Structural Independence:   The Anoop Baranwal vs Union of India judgment by the Supreme Court underscored the importance of maintaining the structural and operational independence of the Election Commission.  It examined the historical context of Article 324(2) of the  Constitution and