SHATAXI AMICUS LEX

BAN ON E-CIGARETTES The Union Finance Minister,  Nirmala Sitharaman , announced the decision to ban e-cigarettes in India, following the recommendations of a group of ministers headed by her. The  Union Government approved a complete ban on e-cigarettes  across the country. What Are E-Cigarettes? E-cigarettes are a broad category under  Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) . These devices  do not burn or use tobacco leaves . Instead, they  vaporize a liquid solution  using a battery-powered heating element. The resulting vapour is then inhaled by the user. In addition to  nicotine , the solution often contains other substances such as  propylene glycol ,  glycerol , and  flavouring agents . Health Risks According to the  World Health Organization (WHO) : “It can have adverse effects during pregnancy and may contribute to cardiovascular disease.” “Although nicotine itself is not a carcinogen, it may function as a tumou...

MORATORIUM ON TRIAL OF SECOND SUIT ON VARIANT MATTER: DOCTRINE OF RES JUDICATA Introduction The doctrine of  Res Judicata  is a foundational principle in civil law that bars the trial of a subsequent suit on the same matter which has already been adjudicated by a competent court. It seeks to ensure the finality of judgments and prevent multiplicity of litigation. Definition Res Judicata literally means “a matter already judged.” The principle is embodied under Section 11 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. It provides that: “No court shall try any suit or issue in which the matter directly and substantially in issue has been directly and substantially in issue in a former suit between the same parties or between parties under whom they or any of them claim, litigating under the same title, in a court competent to try such subsequent suit or the suit in which such issue has been subsequently raised, and has been heard and finally decided by such court.” Judicial Interp...

K2-18B: A Rare Exoplanet That Could Support Life Astronomers have discovered approximately 3,706 exoplanets to date; however, none have shown conditions similar to those of Earth. Among these discoveries,  K2-18b  stands out as a particularly unique and rare find — a planet with characteristics that suggest it could potentially support life. Discovery and Location K2-18b was discovered by NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope and is located approximately 110 light-years away from Earth. What makes this exoplanet remarkable is that it lies within the  habitable zone  of its star — the region where conditions might be right for liquid water to exist, a key ingredient for life as we know it. Habitability and Distinctions K2-18b is the first known exoplanet situated outside our solar system that exhibits both water vapor in its atmosphere and temperatures that may allow for liquid water to exist. However, this does not make it an “Earth twin.” In fact, K2-18b and Earth are va...

INDUSTRY 4.0 – THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION Humanity is on the brink of the  Fourth Industrial Revolution , also known as  Industry 4.0 . Unlike the previous industrial revolutions—the steam engine, the era of science and mass production, and the age of digitalization—this new revolution directly challenges the very framework of human existence. Meaning of the Fourth Industrial Revolution The Fourth Industrial Revolution represents a pioneering transformation in the way we live and work, largely driven by internet-based systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the  Internet of Things (IoT) . Once advanced technologies are fully integrated into our factories, workplaces, and machines, a radical shift in production systems and work modalities is expected. While Industry 4.0 is often seen as an extension of digitalization, its  speed ,  scope , and  impact on traditional systems  set it apart, making it a revolution of its own kind. This transf...

CRIME IN SPACE: THE CASE OF ANNE McCLAIN AND THE GROWING NEED FOR SPACE LAW As per the details outlined in the previous article, Anne McClain is reported to be the first person alleged to have committed a crime in outer space. This case demonstrates that the reach of law is as vast as space itself—in fact, wherever humans go, law is bound to follow. The alleged offense committed by Anne McClain may seem minor compared to terrestrial crimes like murder or terrorism. However, it has undoubtedly opened the door to critical discussions on the scope and applicability of space law. With various space missions planned by both nation-states and private companies, the likelihood of space-related criminal activity is expected to rise. Facts of the Case Summer Worden initially filed a complaint with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Worden alleged that Anne McClain accessed her personal bank account using NASA resources aboard the International Space Station (ISS). McClain acknowledged acces...

CRIMINAL LAW: OFFENCES AGAINST THE STATE AND THEIR PARTICULAR JUDGEMENTS Section 120B: Punishment for Conspiracy Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable with death, imprisonment for life, or rigorous imprisonment for a term of two years or upwards, shall, where no express provision is made in this Code for the punishment of such conspiracy, be punished in the same manner as if he had abetted such offence. Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy other than a criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable as aforesaid shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding six months, or with fine, or with both. In  Hiralal Harilal Bhagwati v. C.B.I., New Delhi , the Court held that to bring home charges of conspiracy under Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code, it is necessary to establish that there was an agreement between the parties to do an unlawful act. However, it is often difficult to prove consp...