The United Nations (UN) has 6 main bodies:

• General Assembly: All member states meet to discuss global issues.
• Security Council: Maintains international peace and security.
• International Court of Justice: Settles legal disputes between countries.
• Secretariat: Carries out day-to-day work of the UN.
• Economic and Social Council: Promotes international economic and social cooperation.
• Trusteeship Council: Supports the administration of trust territories (inactive today).

A Senior Citizen refers to an elderly person, typically aged 60 or 65 and above, who may be retired or in the later stages of life. This term is used to recognize individuals who often qualify for specific benefits, such as discounts on travel or healthcare services. For example, many countries offer senior citizens discounts on public transport or entry fees.

Impact of Social Media on Election and Voting Behaviour

Social media has become an integral part of political campaigns and voter behavior in modern democracies. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp are now used extensively to influence voter opinions, mobilize support, and shape election outcomes. However, the impact of social media on elections is both positive and negative, and it is essential to critically examine both sides.

Positive Impacts

1. Increased Political Awareness
   Social media provides voters with real-time information about candidates, policies, and election processes. For example, platforms like Twitter allow politicians to directly communicate their views and respond to current events. This reduces the reliance on traditional media and broadens the scope of political engagement.
2. Enhanced Voter Mobilization
   Social media campaigns have proven effective in mobilizing voters, especially among youth and urban populations. Studies, such as one conducted in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, show that younger voters are significantly influenced by social media, which encourages them to vote and participate in discussions about political issues.
3. Campaigning and Targeted Outreach
   Political parties use social media to conduct targeted campaigns. Through the use of data analytics, they can tailor content to specific demographic groups, ensuring that their messages resonate more effectively with different sections of the population.

Negative Impacts

1. Spread of Misinformation
   One of the biggest drawbacks of social media is the spread of false or misleading information. Fake news, deepfakes, and manipulated content can distort voter perceptions and lead to poorly informed decisions. This was seen during the 2016 US Presidential Election, where fake news played a significant role in influencing public opinion.
2. Echo Chambers and Polarization
   Social media can create echo chambers, where users are exposed only to information that confirms their existing beliefs. This can lead to political polarization and a reduction in constructive debate. For instance, voters may only follow political pages that align with their views, reinforcing biases and division.
3. Undue Influence of External Actors
   Social media platforms can be manipulated by external actors, such as foreign governments or political organizations, to sway elections. In India, there have been concerns about the use of social media by foreign entities to influence voter behavior in key elections.

Conclusion

While social media offers new avenues for political participation and engagement, its influence on election and voting behavior is double-edged. It can increase voter awareness and mobilization but also facilitates the spread of misinformation and political polarization. The challenge lies in harnessing the positive aspects of social media while mitigating its harmful effects on democratic processes.

Lok Adalat, meaning “People’s Court,” is a system where disputes are resolved through negotiations and mutual consent between the parties involved, with the assistance of a panel of judges or legal experts. It was established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and is aimed at providing an accessible, informal, and speedy resolution to disputes at the grassroots level.

2. Key Features of Lok Adalat

• Voluntary Participation: The parties involved in a dispute voluntarily agree to resolve the matter through Lok Adalat.
• Informal Setting: Unlike traditional courts, Lok Adalats are informal, which helps reduce the fear and complexity of legal proceedings.
• Accessible: Lok Adalats are organized at various levels — district, state, and national levels — making them easily accessible to people in rural and remote areas.

3. Advantages of Lok Adalat

1. Speedy Resolution

• Cases are resolved quickly, often within a few hours or days, as compared to the lengthy litigation process in regular courts. For example, a Lok Adalat may resolve disputes related to cheque bounce, family matters, and motor accident claims in a much shorter time frame.

2. Cost-Effective

• There are no court fees involved, making Lok Adalat an affordable option for people who cannot afford expensive legal representation. This encourages people, especially from lower-income groups, to seek justice.

3. Mutual Settlement

• The parties voluntarily agree to a settlement. This helps preserve relationships, especially in family and civil disputes, as the solution is based on mutual consent rather than imposition.

4. Burden Reduction on Courts

• By diverting cases from regular courts to Lok Adalats, it reduces the pressure on judicial institutions. This helps in faster resolution of cases that require judicial attention.

4. Examples of Lok Adalat’s Impact

• In family disputes, such as divorce or maintenance cases, Lok Adalat helps reach a mutually agreed settlement, saving both time and emotional stress.
• In motor accident claims, Lok Adalats have successfully resolved compensation disputes quickly, benefiting both parties involved.

5. Conclusion

Lok Adalat is a significant mechanism for enhancing access to justice in India. Its ability to offer quick, cost-effective, and amicable resolutions makes it an indispensable part of India’s justice system. By resolving disputes outside the formal judicial process, Lok Adalats not only ease the burden on courts but also provide a platform for social justice, especially for marginalized communities.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India is a statutory body established in 1993 to protect and promote human rights in the country. It acts as an independent institution to address human rights violations and ensure justice for victims.

1. Role of NHRC as Protector of Human Rights

The primary role of the NHRC is to safeguard and promote human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of India and international human rights standards. The commission works towards ensuring that citizens’ fundamental rights are respected, especially in cases where governmental bodies or public authorities violate them.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitoring and Investigating Violations: The NHRC is responsible for monitoring and investigating cases of human rights violations, including those related to unlawful detention, police brutality, or custodial deaths.
• Recommending Redressal: The NHRC recommends actions to government authorities for addressing human rights violations and ensuring justice.
• Raising Awareness: The NHRC undertakes awareness campaigns to educate people about their rights and encourages them to report violations.

2. Functions of NHRC

The NHRC performs several functions aimed at the protection of human rights in India.

1. Inquiring into Complaints

• The NHRC has the authority to inquire into complaints of human rights violations either suo motu (on its own) or through petitions from individuals or organizations.

2. Recommending Actions

• After investigating violations, the NHRC can recommend action, such as compensation, disciplinary action against officials, or legal reforms. For instance, after the 2002 Gujarat riots, the NHRC recommended compensation for victims and improvements in police handling of such cases.

3. Promoting Human Rights Education

• NHRC organizes workshops, seminars, and training programs to promote the understanding of human rights among government officials, police personnel, and the public.

4. Ensuring Accountability

• The NHRC ensures that public authorities are held accountable for human rights violations, prompting reforms and improving governance.

3. Functions Related to Special Areas

• Children and Women: The NHRC works specifically to protect vulnerable groups like women and children from abuse, exploitation, and violence. For example, it has taken steps to ensure the enforcement of laws to prevent child labor and trafficking.
• Rights of Marginalized Communities: The NHRC also focuses on protecting the rights of Dalits, tribals, and religious minorities, ensuring their equal treatment under the law.

Conclusion

The National Human Rights Commission plays a crucial role in defending and promoting human rights in India. Through its investigations, recommendations, and advocacy, it works towards making the government accountable for its actions and ensuring that human rights violations are addressed effectively. By promoting justice, human dignity, and equality, the NHRC helps protect the fundamental rights of every individual in India.