In Today’s News:

1. SAARC
2. Public Interest Litigation.

1. SAARC

News Summary

There is a politically related article in the news regarding SAARC. The news is not important but the SAARC organization is important.

Prelims GS – International Relations

SAARC:

• The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka on 8 December 1985.
• SAARC comprises eight Member States:
  • Afghanistan,
  • Bangladesh,
  • Bhutan,
  • India,
  • Maldives,
  • Nepal,
  • Pakistan and
  • Sri Lanka.
• The Secretariat of the Association was set up in Kathmandu on 17 January 1987.

Mini Insights

Mains GS2 – International Relations

Objectives of SAARC:

The objectives of the Association as outlined in the SAARC Charter are:

• to promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and to improve their quality of life;
• to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region and to provide all individuals the opportunity to live in dignity and to realize their full potentials;
• to promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia; to contribute to mutual trust, understanding, and appreciation of one another’s problems;
• to promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, cultural, technical, and scientific fields;
• to strengthen cooperation with other developing countries; to strengthen cooperation among themselves in international forums on matters of common interests; and
• to cooperate with international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes.

Click here to know more about SAARC on the official website.

2. Public Interest Litigation

News Summary

There is a political article in today’s newspaper not relevant for the exam but the concept of PIL mentioned in that article is important.

Prelims GS – Polity/Governance

Public Interest Litigation:(PIL)

• PIL is also known as Social Action Litigation( PIL or SAL)
• Earlier litigation or complaint will be accepted in courts only by the aggrieved parties.
• But around 1979 PIL concept has been introduced.
• PIL refers to a concept where even a person who has not been directly affected or even a person who has not been indirectly affected can also approach the court in the public interest on the behalf of the aggrieved person.
• After the introduction of PIL, the common rule of locus standi is relaxed.
• PIL Concept was introduced by Justice PN Bhagwati.
• Public-spirited people and organizations started seeking judicial intervention mainly for the protection of rights, improving the conditions of the poor (social issues), environment, etc through PIL.
• PIL is the important vehicle of Judicial Activism.

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