What are new provisions for police officers?

The officer in-charge of a police station cannot refuse to register an FIR on the basis of lack of jurisdiction or disputed jurisdiction. The officer is legally bound to register (popularly known as a zero FIR) and transfer such a case to the respective police station.

Section 37 of the BNSS requires a police officer in every police station, not below the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector, to be responsible for maintaining and prominently displaying information about the arrested persons.

A new provision under Section 193(3)(h) requires the IO to maintain the sequence of custody of an electronic device. 

Though maintaining a chain of custody is important for every seizure, emphasis is laid on electronic devices because they are sensitive pieces of evidence and more vulnerable to tampering. 

What are the laws preventing tree felling in Delhi?

The Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA), 1994 provides legal protection to trees in the national capital against actions that could harm their growth or regeneration.

Delhi's forest cover constitutes 13.15% of its geographical area, while its tree cover spans 147 sq. km (9.91%).

Amid an extreme heatwave, rampant tree felling in the world's second most populous city will only worsen hardships faced by the people.

Ahead of talks with Putin, PM says will 'back' peace in region

The solution to the Russia-Ukraine war will not be "found on the battlefield" is the message Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to deliver, even as he and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet for structured talks and the 22nd annual bilateral summit. 

The two leaders met in the Moscow suburb of Novo-Ogaryovo to set the tone for the visit, embracing each other and discussing Mr. Modi's return to office for a third term. 

In formal talks on Tuesday, economic issues and the issue of the discharge of Indians "misled" into joining the Russian military on the Ukraine warfront will be at the top of India's agenda. 

Mamata again says no to sharing Teesta-river water with Bangladesh

Expressing concern over the threat of floods in north Bengal as several rivers, including the Teesta, were flowing in full spate, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee once again reiterated her opposition to sharing the river's waters with Bangladesh. Such a sharing arrangement would leave no water for the people of north Bengal, she said.

Ms. Banerjee said that it was unfortunate that the Centre did not involve the West Bengal government in the water-sharing discussion with Bangladesh. "One should not estimate the water in the river during summer looking at the situation in the rainy reason," she said.

Centre set to tweak criteria for according classical language status

Amid demand for classical status for many languages, the Union government has decided to tweak the criteria for giving the special tag.

The Linguistics Expert Committee of the Culture Ministry submitted a report on October 10 last year, suggesting changes, sources in the Ministry told.

The sources said the Centre had asked the panel to reconsider the rules. The issue was taken up first at a meeting on June 21, 2023. A Gazette notification of the new criteria will be issued after Cabinet approval.

This, in effect, means that classical language status for certain languages, chiefly Marathi, which is under consideration of the government, may have to wait for the notification.

Hurdles in importing diamonds pose a quantum block to research ambition

The Customs Department's decision on who can and cannot import diamonds is taking some of the lustre off the National Quantum Mission (NQM), a ₹6,000-crore initiative, which may help India take the lead in the emerging field of quantum technologies.

Quantum technology is a broad term applicable to multiple avenues of research. It hinges on being able to exploit the "quantum-mechanical" properties of matter inside the atom and develop entirely new kinds of computers, sensors and encryption systems that, proponents say, will make our existing devices primitive in comparison. 

However, this also means that much knowledge on harnessing quantum technology is still being unearthed and requires trained scientists conducting intricate experiments on many things, including diamonds. 

Govt. reopens PLI scheme for white goods till October 12

The Centre has reopened the application window for the Production linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for white goods from July 15 to October 12, citing industry appetite to invest more in the scheme originally launched in 2021.

The Commerce and Industry Ministry said the fresh window was an "outcome of the growing market and confidence generated due to manufacturing of key components of air conditioners and LED lights" under the PLI White Goods (PLIWG) scheme.

The government has retained the terms and conditions for applicants under the new window. But it has decided to switch to a quarterly system of incentive payouts from the current annual one. 

France faces coalition puzzle after left-wing surge in polls

French President Emmanuel Macron asked his Prime Minister to stay in the role for now, pending what will be difficult negotiations to form a new government after a surprise left-wing surge in elections that delivered a hung parliament.

The leftist New Popular Front (NFP) emerged as the dominant force in the National Assembly after Sunday's election, thwarting Marine Le Pen's quest to bring the far right to power.

Japan, Philippines sign defence pact amid China concerns

Japan and the Philippines signed a key defence pact allowing the deployment of Japanese forces for joint drills in the Southeast Asian nation that came under brutal Japanese occupation in the Second World War but is now building an alliance with Tokyo as both face an increasingly assertive China.