Legal Current Affairs for 2 December 2025

Three-tier ST classification in Assam: Inclusion of a third category named ST (Valley).
Currently, STs in Assam are categorized as ST (Plains) with 10% reservation and ST (Hills) with 5% reservation.
Central reservation: All ST communities will compete under the common national ST status.
Interim measures: Sub-categorisation of the existing 27% OBC quota in the state.
About ST Status in the Constitution
Article 366(25) defines Scheduled Tribes (STs) as those specified under Article 342.
As per Article 342, the President is empowered to notify the initial ST list. This list can be amended by the Parliament by law.
Criteria for ST categorization: The Constitution does not list criteria for ST categorization. However, the Lokur Committee (1965) provided criteria such as Primitive traits, distinctive culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact, and backwardness.

It was adopted at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Conference in 2001 and came into force in 2004.
It is the first legally binding international agreement dedicated to crop genetic diversity.
Its main goal is to conserve crop diversity, promote its sustainable use, and ensure that the benefits are shared fairly.
It comprises 154 countries and the European Union (Including India)

Political Features
Location: Western Africa.
Boundaries: Senegal (North); Guinea (East and South).
Includes the Bijagós (Bissagos) archipelago and other islands lying off coast.
Maritime Boundary: Atlantic Ocean in the West.
Geographical Features
Key Geographical Features: Fouta Djallon plateau
Boé Hills extend from the western slopes of the Fouta Djallon to the Corubal basin and the Gabú Plain (located in northeastern portion).
Major Rivers: Geba, Corubal, Cacheu, etc.

Genesis: Constitution of UNESCO was enforced on November 1946.
Membership: 194 Members and 12 Associate Members.
It is a specialized agency dedicated to strengthening shared humanity through the promotion of education, science, culture, and communication.
Governance: By three key bodies, the General Conference, the Secretariat and the Executive Board.
Key Achievements: Universal Copyright Convention (1952); Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme (1971); Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972), etc

Overview : United Nations Specialized agency for digital technologies (ICTs).
Members: 194 Member States, and more than 1000 companies, universities, etc.
Genesis: 1865, after the first International Telegraph Convention was signed in Paris establishing International Telegraph Union (first incarnation of ITU).
Key Functions:
Manages Key Resources: Allocates radio frequencies and satellite positions.
Sets the Rules: Creates technical standards for seamless global connectivity.

Criminalization of Polygamy: The Bill makes polygamy a criminal offence, prescribing imprisonment of up to 7 years and a fine for anyone entering into, or concealing, a second marriage while the first marriage remains valid.
Exemptions and Jurisdiction: The law excludes the Sixth Schedule areas of Assam, where customary laws permit polygamy.
Scheduled Tribes under Article 342 of the Constitution are not covered by this law.
The law applies to Assam residents and extends its jurisdiction to those involved in polygamous marriages outside the state or who benefit from Assam’s welfare schemes.
Accountability of Key Actors: Village heads, qazis (Muslim clerics), parents, and legal guardians of individuals entering into polygamous marriages will be held accountable.
Compensation for Affected Women: A compensation mechanism will be established for women who are adversely affected by polygamous marriages.
Impact on Convicts: Individuals convicted under this law will be ineligible for government jobs, benefits, and government schemes. Election eligibility will be barred for such individuals.
Grandfather Clause: Polygamous marriages contracted before the law’s enactment will not be impacted as long as they comply with existing personal or customary laws and have valid proof.