September 14 To September 20 Flashcards
‘Moplah rioters’ not freedom fighters: report
What’s the issue?
In the ‘Dictionary of Martyrs’, published by the Union Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Indian Council of Historical Research, Variankunnath Kunhamad Haji and Ali Musliyar, the chief architects of the Moplah Massacre, were deemed to be martyrs. The book was published in 2019.
However, a report by the ICHR-constituted committee has sought the removal of names of 387 ‘Moplah rioters’ (Including leaders Ali Musliyar and Variamkunnath Ahmad Haji) from the list of martyrs.
Why?
‘Moplah rioters’ not freedom fighters: report
The report describes Haji as the “notorious Moplah Riot leader” and a “hardcore criminal,” who “killed innumerable innocent Hindu men, women, and children during the 1921 Moplah Riot, and deposited their bodies in a well, locally known as Thoovoor Kinar”.
It also noted that almost all the Moplah outrages were communal.
They were against Hindu society and done out of sheer intolerance.
Thus, their names should be deleted.
What was Mapilla rebellion?
‘Moplah rioters’ not freedom fighters: report
The Mapilla rebellion or Moplah Rebellion (Moplah Riots) of 1921 was the culmination of a series of riots by Moplahs (Muslims of Malabar) in the 19th and early 20th centuries against the British and the Hindu landlords in Malabar (Northern Kerala).
The year 2021 will mark the 100th year anniversary of the uprising.
Causes and outcomes of the revolt
‘Moplah rioters’ not freedom fighters: report
The resistance which started against the British colonial rule and the feudal system later ended in communal violence between Hindus and Muslims.
Gandhiji along with Shaukat Ali, the leader of the Khilafat movement in India, visited Calicut in August 1920 to spread the combined message of non-cooperation and Khilafat among the residents of Malabar.
In response to Gandhiji’s call, a Khilafat committee was formed in Malabar and the Mappilas, under their religious head Mahadum Tangal of Ponnani who pledged support to the non-cooperation movement.
Most of tenants’ grievances were related to the security of tenure, high rents, renewal fees and other unfair exactions of the landlords.
The British government responded with much aggression, bringing in Gurkha regiments to suppress it and imposing martial law.
Wagon Tragedy
‘Moplah rioters’ not freedom fighters: report
A noteworthy event of the British suppression was the wagon tragedy when approximately 60 Mappila prisoners on their way to prison, were suffocated to death in a closed railway goods wagon.
Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) ranking of states
Context:
4th edition of Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) ranking of states announced recently by the Department of Industrial Promotion and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Ranking of States is based on the implementation of Business Reform Action Plan started in the year 2015.
One “major change” in the current rankings is the government’s decision to link the state’s performance “exclusively” to user feedback.
The five ten states under State Reform Action Plan 2019 are
Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) ranking of states
Andhra Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Telangana Madhya Pradesh Jharkhand
What is BRAP?
Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) ranking of states
The Business Reform Action Plan 2018-19 includes 180 reform points covering 12 business regulatory areas such as Access to Information, Single Window System, Labour, Environment, etc.
Why are the states ranked on BRAP Implementation?
Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) ranking of states
The larger objective of attracting investments and increasing Ease of Doing Business in each State was sought to be achieved by introducing an element of healthy competition through a system of ranking states based on their performance in the implementation of Business Reform Action Plan.
Significance and the need for these rankings
Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) ranking of states
State rankings will help attract investments, foster healthy competition and increase Ease of Doing Business in each State.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Why in News?
Meetings of the SCO defence ministers and foreign ministers were recently held in Russia.
About the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO):
It is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation.
It’s creation was announced on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai (China) by the Republic of Kazakhstan, the People’s Republic of China, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan.
It was preceded by the Shanghai Five mechanism.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Charter was signed during the St.Petersburg SCO Heads of State meeting in June 2002, and entered into force on 19 September 2003.
The SCO’s official languages are Russian and Chinese.
The SCO’s main goals are as follows
Strengthening mutual trust and neighbourliness among the member states; promoting their effective cooperation in politics, trade, the economy, research, technology and culture, as well as in education, energy, transport, tourism, environmental protection, and other areas; making joint efforts to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region; and moving towards the establishment of a democratic, fair and rational new international political and economic order.
Bodies under SCO
Heads of State Council (HSC) is the supreme decision-making body in the SCO.
It meets once a year and adopts decisions and guidelines on all important matters of the organisation.
SCO Heads of Government Council (HGC) meets once a year to discuss the organisation’s multilateral cooperation strategy and priority areas, to resolve current important economic and other cooperation issues, and also to approve the organisation’s annual budget.
Two permanent bodies — the SCO Secretariat based in Beijing and the Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) based in Tashkent.
The SCO Secretary-General and the Director of the Executive Committee of the SCO RATS are appointed by the Council of Heads of State for a term of three years.
Currently
SCO members
SCO comprises eight member states, namely the Republic of India, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the People’s Republic of China, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan.
SCO counts four observer states, namely the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Republic of Belarus, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Mongolia.
SCO has six dialogue partners, namely the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Armenia, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, the Republic of Turkey, and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
G20
Why in News?
A virtual meeting of G20 Education Ministers was held recently to discuss and share experiences of member countries in the three identified areas of Education – Continuity in Times of Crises, Early Childhood Education and Internationalization in Education.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is hosting G-20 Leaders’ Summit in 2020.
What is the G20?
The G20 is an annual meeting of leaders from the countries with the largest and fastest-growing economies.
Its members account for 85% of the world’s GDP, and two-thirds of its population.
The G20 Summit is formally known as the “Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy”.
Genesis of G20
After the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997-1998, it was acknowledged that the participation of major emerging market countries is needed on discussions on the international financial system, and G7 finance ministers agreed to establish the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in 1999.
Presidency of G20
The group has no permanent staff of its own, so every year in December, a G20 country from a rotating region takes on the presidency.
That country is then responsible for organising the next summit, as well as smaller meetings for the coming year.
They can also choose to invite non-member countries along as guests.
The first G20 meeting took place in Berlin in 1999, after a financial crisis in East Asia affected many countries around the world.
Full membership of the G20
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.
What is G20+?
The G20 developing nations, also called G21/G23/G20+ is a bloc of developing nations which was established on August 20, 2003. It is distinct from the G20 major economies.
The G20+ originated in September 2003 at the 5th ministerial conference of the WTO held at Cancun, Mexico.
Its origins can be traced to the Brasilia Declaration signed by the foreign ministers of India, Brazil and South Africa on 6th June 2003.
The G20+ is responsible for 60% of the world population, 26% of the world’s agricultural exports and 70% of its farmers.
Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP)
Why in News?
SVEP has made an impressive progress and has extended business support services and capital infusion to 153 blocks of 23 states as of August 2020.
Around, 2,000 trained cadre of Community Resource Person-Enterprise Promotion (CRP-EP) are providing services to rural entrepreneurs and as on August 2020, around 100,000 enterprises are supported by them.
What is Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP)?
Implemented by Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana –National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), Ministry of Rural Development, as a sub-scheme since 2016.
Focus of the scheme: Providing self-employment opportunities with financial assistance and training in business management and soft skills while creating local community cadres for promotion of enterprises.
Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad is the technical support partner of SVEP.
SVEP promotes both individual and group enterprises, set-up and promote enterprises majorly on manufacturing, trading and service sectors.
Who are community resource persons – enterprise promotion?
SVEP
The programme seeks to develop pool of community resource persons – enterprise promotion (CRP-EP) who are local and support entrepreneurs setting-up rural enterprises.
The CRP-EPs are certified and provides business support services to the entrepreneurs.
National Biopharma Mission (NBM):
Why in News?
The National Immunogenicity & Biologics Evaluation Center (NIBEC) for assessing clinical immunogenicity of viral vaccines was inaugurated virtually recently.
It has been established jointly by Bharati Vidyapeeth University through its constituent unit Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA) and BIRAC-DBT, Government of India through National Biopharma Mission.
What is Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)?
It is a not-for-profit Public Sector Enterprise, set up by Department of Biotechnology (DBT) as an Interface Agency to strengthen and empower the emerging Biotech enterprise to undertake strategic research and innovation, addressing nationally relevant product development needs.
About National Biopharma Mission (NBM)
It is an industry-academia collaborative mission for accelerating biopharmaceutical development in the country.
It was launched in 2017 at a total cost of Rs 1500 crore and is 50% co-funded by World Bank loan.
It is being implemented by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
Under this Mission, the Government has launched Innovate in India (i3) programme to create an enabling ecosystem to promote entrepreneurship and indigenous manufacturing in the biopharma sector.
Low ozone over Brahmaputra River Valley
Context:
Researchers have found that the concentration of near surface ozone in this region is low compared to the other urban locations in India.
What is Tropospheric or ground-level ozone?
It is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC).
It usually increases when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources chemically react in the presence of sunlight, impacting human health.
Why low ozone in Brahmaputra Valley?
This site is well influenced by local sources such as adjacent major national highway.
During the daylight hours, the site is in or nearly in a photo-stationary state, indicating a low impact of organic species on the ozone concentrations.
Why we should be concerned about ground-level ozone?
Ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant, because of its effects on people and the environment, and it is the main ingredient in “smog.”
Elevated ground-level ozone exposures affect agricultural crops and trees, especially slow growing crops and long-lived trees.
The main health concern of exposure to ambient ground-level ozone is its effect on the respiratory system, especially on lung function.
InstaFact
About Ozone
Ozone is produced naturally in the stratosphere when highly energetic solar radiation strikes molecules of oxygen, and cause the two oxygen atoms to split apart in a process called photolysis.
If a freed atom collides with another O2, it joins up, forming ozone.
Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)
Why in News?
Govt. suspends FCRA clearance of four Christian groups for various reasons.
What is FCRA clearance? Why is it needed?
It is mandatory to have FCRA clearance from the Home Ministry for any organisation to receive foreign funds.
Foreign funding of voluntary organizations in India is regulated under FCRA act and is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Key provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010:
Under the Act, organisations require to register themselves every five years.
As per the amended FCRA rules, all NGOs registered or granted prior permission under FCRA are now required to upload details of foreign contributions received and utilized by them every three months on their website or the FCRA website.
NGOs now need to file their annual returns online, with the hard copy version dispensed with.
Who cannot accept Foreign Contribution?
Election candidate
Member of any legislature (MP and MLAs)
Political party or office bearer thereof
Organization of a political nature
Correspondent, columnist, cartoonist, editor, owner, printer or publishers of a registered Newspaper.
Judge, government servant or employee of any corporation or any other body controlled on owned by the Government.
Association or company engaged in the production or broadcast of audio news, audio visual news or current affairs programmes through any electronic mode
Any other individuals or associations who have been specifically prohibited by the Central Government
What is the eligibility criteria for grant of registration?
FCRA
The Association:
must be registered (under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or Indian Trusts Act 1882 or section 8 of Companies Act, 2013 etc.)
normally be in existence for at least 3 years.
has undertaken reasonable activity in its field for the benefit of the society.
Has spent at least Rs.10,00,000/- (Rs. ten lakh) over the last three years on its activities.
Moon may be rusting, shows ISRO’s Chandrayaan 1 images
Context:
We know rusting exists on Earth and Mars, but now scientists have found that there is on the moon as well.
The images sent by ISRO’s Chandrayaan 1 orbiter – India’s first mission to the moon, show that the moon may be rusting along the poles.
Why is this so surprising?
Rust, also known as iron oxide, is a reddish compound. It forms when the iron is exposed to water and oxygen.
However, moon’s surface is not known for the presence of water and oxygen.
Hence, this is surprising.
Possible reason behind this? What is the role of earth’s atmosphere in this phenomenon?
For iron to turn rusty red, it needs what’s called an oxidizer — a molecule such as oxygen that removes electrons from a material such as iron.
But, the moon doesn’t have an atmosphere of its own to provide sufficient amounts of oxygen, but it has trace amounts donated by Earth’s atmosphere.
This terrestrial oxygen travels to the moon along an elongated extension of the planet’s magnetic field called a “magnetotail.”
At every full moon, the magnetotail blocks 99% of solar wind from blasting the moon, drawing a temporary curtain over the lunar surface, allowing periods of time for rust to form.
But, from where does the moon get water to form rust?
The moon is mostly devoid of water, save for frozen water found in lunar craters on the moon’s far side — far from where most of the hematite was found.
But the researchers propose that fast-moving dust particles that bombard the moon might free water molecules locked into the moon’s surface layer, allowing the water to mix with the iron.
These dust particles might even be carrying water molecules themselves, and their impact might create heat that could increase the oxidation rate.
Background
Chandrayaan !
Launched in 2008, Chandrayaan-1 is India’s first lunar probe.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) lost communication with Chandrayaan-1 in August 2009.
Later, NASA scientists found Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, which was considered lost, by using a new ground-based radar technique.
Key Findings of Chandrayaan-1
Confirmed presence of lunar water.
Evidence of lunar caves formed by an ancient lunar lava flow.
Past tectonic activity were found on the lunar surface.
Rashtriya Poshan Maah
The 3rd Rashtriya Poshan Maah is being celebrated during the month of September 2020.
Every year the Poshan Maah is celebrated under POSHAN Abhiyaan, which was launched in 2018.
Ministry of Women and Child Development, being the nodal Ministry for POSHAN Abhiyaan, is celebrating the Poshan Maah in convergence with partner Ministries and departments, at National, States/UTs, Districts, and grass root level.
The objective of the Poshan Maah is to encourage Jan Bhagidaari, in order to create a Jan Andolan, for addressing malnutrition amongst young children, and women and to ensure health and nutrition for everyone.
First ever International Day of Clean Air For Blue Skies
The General Assembly of United Nations on 19 December 2019 adopted a resolution to observe the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on 07th September every year starting from 2020.
The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) worked with UNEP and the Republic of Korea to advocate for the day in the lead up to the decision.
The Day aims to Raise public awareness at all levels—individual, community, corporate and government—that clean air is important for health, productivity, the economy and the environment.
Who was Kesavananda Bharati?
Why in News?
Kesavananda Bharati, the man who lent his name to an iconic case as the petitioner, died on Sunday.
The landmark ruling in which the Supreme Court announced the basic structure doctrine was in the case of His Holiness Kesavananda Bharati Sripadagalvaru and Ors v State of Kerala.
Who was Kesavananda Bharati? Why is he remembered?
He was the head seer of the Edneer Mutt in Kasaragod district of Kerala since 1961.
He left his signature in one of the significant rulings of the Supreme Court when he challenged the Kerala land reforms legislation in 1970.
What was the case about?
Kesavananda Bharathi
The case was primarily about the extent of Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution.
First, the court was reviewing a 1967 decision in Golaknath v State of Punjab which, reversing earlier verdicts, had ruled that Parliament cannot amend fundamental rights.
Second, the court was deciding the constitutional validity of several other amendments.
Notably, the right to property had been removed as a fundamental right, and Parliament had also given itself the power to amend any part of the Constitution and passed a law that it cannot be reviewed by the courts.
Politically, the case represented the fight for supremacy of Parliament led by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
What happened then?
Kesavananda Bharati
A 13-judge Bench was set up by the Supreme Court, the biggest so far, and the case was heard over 68 working days spread over six months. The basic structure doctrine was evolved in the majority judgment.
What did the court decide?
In its majority ruling, the court held that fundamental rights cannot be taken away by amending them.
While the court said that Parliament had vast powers to amend the Constitution, it drew the line by observing that certain parts are so inherent and intrinsic to the Constitution that even Parliament cannot touch it.
However, despite the ruling that Parliament cannot breach fundamental rights, the court upheld the amendment that removed the fundamental right to property.
The court ruled that in spirit, the amendment would not violate the “basic structure” of the Constitution.
Essentially, Kesavananda Bharati, lost the case. But as many legal scholars point out, the government did not win the case either.
What constitutes the basic structure?
The Constitutional Bench ruled by a 7-6 verdict that Parliament should be restrained from altering the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution.
The court held that under Article 368, which provides Parliament amending powers, something must remain of the original Constitution that the new amendment would change.
However, the court did not define the ‘basic structure’, and only listed a few principles — federalism, secularism, democracy — as being its part. Since then, the court has been adding new features to this concept.
‘Basic structure’ since Kesavananda
The ‘basic structure’ doctrine has since been interpreted to include the supremacy of the Constitution, the rule of law, Independence of the judiciary, doctrine of separation of powers, federalism, secularism, sovereign democratic republic, the parliamentary system of government, the principle of free and fair elections, welfare state, etc.
Committee on Content Regulation in Government Advertising (CCRGA)
Why in News?
19th meeting of Supreme Court -mandated Committee on Content Regulation in Government Advertising (CCRGA) was held recently.
What is CCRGA? When was it set up?
As per the directions of Supreme Court in 2015, the Government of India had set up a three member body in 2016 to look into content regulation of government funded advertisements in all media platforms.
As per directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, states are mandated to set up their respective three member committees on Content Regulation of Government Advertisements.
Karnataka, Goa, Mizoram and Nagaland States have already constituted state-level Three Member Committees.
What are its powers?
Committee on Content Regulation in Government Advertising (CCRGA)
It is empowered to address complaints from the general public and can also take suo-moto cognizance of any violation of the Supreme Court guidelines and recommend corrective actions.
The Committee may, if necessary, also decide to summon the concerned official of the Govt. agencies dealing with release of advertisements in the event of undue delay in responding to Committee’s notices.
Supreme Court Guidelines
Committee on Content Regulation in Government Advertising (CCRGA)
The content of government advertisements should be relevant to the government’s constitutional and legal obligations as well as the citizen’s rights and entitlements.
The advertisement materials should be designed to meet the objectives of the campaign and to ensure maximum reach in a cost effective way.
It should be accurate and not presenting pre existing policies and products as new.
The advertisement content should also not promote the political interests of the ruling party.
Mid-day meal scheme
Why in News?
The Vice President, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu recently suggested that milk could be given either as part of breakfast or the mid-day meal in order to improve the nutritional levels of children.
About Mid-Day meal scheme:
The scheme guarantees one meal to all children in government and aided schools and madarsas supported under Samagra Shiksha.
Students up to Class VIII are guaranteed one nutritional cooked meal at least 200 days in a year.
The Scheme comes under the Ministry of HRD.
It was launched in the year 1995 as the National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (NP – NSPE), a centrally sponsored scheme.
In 2004, the scheme was relaunched as the Mid Day Meal Scheme.
The MDM rules 2015, provide that
Mid-day meal scheme
The place of serving meals to the children shall be school only.
If the Mid-Day Meal is not provided in school on any school day due to non-availability of food grains or any other reason, the State Government shall pay food security allowance by 15th of the succeeding month.
The meal shall be prepared in accordance with the Mid Day Meal guidelines issued by the Central Government from time to time.
Procuring AGMARK quality items for preparation of midday meals, tasting of meals by two or three adult members of the school management committee, including at least one teacher, before serving to children.
The School Management Committee mandated under the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 shall also monitor implementation of the Mid-day meal Scheme.
The State Steering-cum Monitoring Committee (SSMC) shall oversee the implementation of the scheme including establishment of a mechanism for maintenance of nutritional standards and quality of meals.
Nutritional norms
Mid-day meal scheme
In terms of calorie intake, as per the MDM guidelines, the children in primary schools must be provided with at least 450 calories with 12 grams of protein through MDM while the children in upper primary schools should get 700 calories with 20 grams of protein, as per MHRD.
The food intake per meal by the children of primary classes, as provided by MHRD is 100 grams of food grains, 20 grams of pulses, 50 grams of vegetables and 5 grams of oils and fats. For the children of upper-primary schools, the mandated breakup is 150 grams of food grains, 30 grams of pulses, 75 grams of vegetables and 7.5 grams of oils and fats.
Financing
Mid-day meal scheme
The cost of the MDMS is shared between the central and state governments.
The central government provides free food grains to the states.
The cost of cooking, infrastructure development, transportation of food grains and payment of honorarium to cooks and helpers is shared by the centre with the state governments.
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index
Why in News?
NITI Aayog is in the last stage for preparation of Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) parameter dashboard and a State Reform Action Plan (SRAP).
In this regard, the Niti Aayog will leverage the monitoring mechanism of the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index.
NITI Aayog is the Nodal agency for the MPI.
Part of the “Global Indices to Drive Reforms and Growth (GIRG)” exercise:\
Global MPI is part of Government of India’s decision to monitor the performance of the country in 29 select Global Indices.
The objective of the “Global Indices to Drive Reforms and Growth (GIRG)” exercise is to fulfil the need to measure and monitor India’s performance on various important social and economic parameters.
This will enable the utilisation of these Indices as tools for self-improvement, bring about reforms in policies, while improving last-mile implementation of government schemes.
What is MPI?
Global MPI is an international measure of multidimensional poverty.
It covers 107 developing countries.
It was first developed in 2010 by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for UNDP’s Human Development Reports.
When is it released?
MPI
The Global MPI is released at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development of the United Nations in July, every year.
How are the countries ranked?
Global MPI is computed by scoring each surveyed household on 10 parameters based on –nutrition, child mortality, years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing and household assets.
Performance of India and its neighbours in MPI 2020:
India is 62nd among 107 countries with an MPI score of 0.123 and 27.91% headcount ratio, based on the NFHS 4 (2015/16) data.
Neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka (25th), Bhutan (68th), Nepal (65th), Bangladesh (58th), China (30th), Myanmar (69th) and Pakistan (73rd) are also ranked in this index.
India joins US, Russia, China hypersonic Missile club
What?
India has become the fourth country after the United States, Russia and China to develop and successfully test hypersonic technology.
Why?
India recently tested the Hypersonic Test Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV).
Developed by?
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Significance and implications of this test flight
India joins US, Russia, China hypersonic Missile club
This indigenous technology will pave the way towards development of missiles travelling at six times the speed of sound (Mach 6).
What is Hypersonic Test Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV)?
India joins US, Russia, China hypersonic Missile club
The HSTDV is an unmanned scramjet demonstration aircraft for hypersonic speed flight.
How it works?
India joins US, Russia, China hypersonic Missile club
The HSTDV cruise vehicle is mounted on a solid rocket motor, which will take it to a required altitude, and once it attains certain mach numbers for speed, the cruise vehicle will be ejected out of the launch vehicle.
Subsequently, the scramjet engine will be ignited automatically.
Where can it be used?
India joins US, Russia, China hypersonic Missile club
It has utility for long-range cruise missiles of the future.
It can be used for launching satellites at low cost too.
What are cruise missiles? How are they different from ballistic missiles?
India joins US, Russia, China hypersonic Missile club
A cruise missile either locates its target or has a preset target.
It navigates using a guidance system — such as inertial or beyond visual range satellite GPS guidance — and comprises a payload and aircraft propulsion system.
Cruise missiles can be launched from land, sea or air for land attacks and anti-shipping purposes, and can travel at subsonic, supersonic and hypersonic speeds.
Since they stay relatively close to the surface of the earth, they cannot be detected easily by anti-missile systems, and are designed to carry large payloads with high precision.
Ballistic missiles, meanwhile, are launched directly into the upper layers of the earth’s atmosphere.
They travel outside the atmosphere, where the warhead detaches from the missile and falls towards a predetermined target.
They are rocket-propelled self-guided weapons systems which can carry conventional or nuclear munitions.
They can be launched from aircraft, ships and submarines, and land.
What are ICBMs?
India joins US, Russia, China hypersonic Missile club
Intercontinental ballistic missiles or ICBMs are guided missiles which can deliver nuclear and other payloads.
ICBMs have a minimum range of 5,500 km, with maximum ranges varying from 7,000 to 16,000 km.
Only a handful of countries, including Russia, United States, China, France, India and North Korea, have ICBM capabilities.
HC asks Centre to decide on control over Assam Rifles:
Why in News?
Delhi High Court has asked the Centre to take a call on the issue of bringing Assam Rifles out of the dual control of the Home Ministry (MHA) and the Defence Ministry (MoD).
Background:
The direction came on a petition filed by Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association seeking direction to the government for placing to bring Assam Rifles under one control, preferably under Indian Army (MoD).
About Assam Rifles
Assam Rifles which is also referred to as the Sentinels of North East is the oldest paramilitary force of India.
Assam Rifles is one of the six central armed police forces (CAPFs) under the administrative control of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The unit can trace its lineage back to a paramilitary police force that was formed under the British in 1835 called Cachar Levy.
The noted anthropologist Verrier Elwin once described Assam Rifles as “friends of the hill people”.
Key mandate of Assam Rifles
Internal security under the control of the army through the conduct of counter insurgency and border security operations.
Provision of aid to the civilians in times of emergency
Provision of communications, medical assistance and education in remote areas.
In times of war they can also be used as a combat force to secure rear areas if needed.
Since 2002, they are also guarding the 1,643 km long Indo-Myanmar border.
How is it unique?
Assam rifles
It is the only paramilitary force with a dual control structure.
While the administrative control of the force is with the MHA, its operational control is with the Indian Army, which is under the MoD.
This means that salaries and infrastructure for the force is provided by the MHA, but the deployment, posting, transfer and deputation of the personnel is decided by the Army.
What’s the issue?
Assam rifles
The dual control structure has created two sets of demands from both within the Assam rifles and by MoD and MHA for singular control over the force by one ministry.
A large section within the force wants to be under the administrative control of the MoD, as that would mean better perks and retirement benefits which are far higher compared to CAPFs under MHA.
Why do both MHA and MoD want full control?
Assam rifles
MHA’s arguments:
MHA has argued that all the border guarding forces are under the operational control of the ministry and so Assam Rifles coming under MHA will give border guarding a comprehensive and integrated approach.
Army’s arguments:
The Assam Rifles has worked well in coordination with the Army and frees up the armed forces from many of its responsibilities to focus on its core strengths.
Besides, Assam Rifles was always a military force and not a police force and has been built like that.
Therefore, giving the control of the force to MHA or merging it with any other CAPF will confuse the force and jeopardise national security.
Who takes a call on central security cover to private individuals in India?
A call on central security to private individuals is taken by the Home Ministry based on inputs from intelligence agencies.
There are six kinds of central security covers: X, Y, Y plus, Z, Z plus and SPG.
While the Special Protection Group protects only the Prime Minister, the other categories can be provided to anyone based on the Centre’s assessment.
Why in News?
Kangana Ranaut has been given Y-plus category security.
Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace
The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development was instituted in the memory of the former prime minister by a trust in her name in 1986.
It consists of a monetary award of Rs 25 lakh along with a citation
Eligibility: The award is given to individuals or organisations who work towards ensuring international peace and development, ensuring that scientific discoveries are used to further the scope of freedom and better humanity, and creating new international economic order.
Why in News?
Noted broadcaster Sir David Attenborough to be presented with Indira Gandhi peace prize 2019.
August rain second highest in a century
August rainfall this year has been the highest since 1926 with 32.7 cm — or about 27% more than what is normal for the month — according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
In August 1926, the rainfall recorded was 34.8 cm.
Gurupriya Bridge
Inaugurated in 2018, it is constructed across Gurupriya river in Odisha.
It connecta 151 villages (Balimela reservoir) under the Chitrakonda block to the mainland in Malkangiri district.
The region that was once identified as the cut-off area is now known as swabhiman anchal.
Why in News?
Odisha’s maoist hotbed ‘Swabhiman Anchal’ gets mobile connectivity.
DekhoApnaDesh Webinar series on “Punjab- A historic perspective”:
What?
DekhoApnaDesh Webinar Series is an effort to showcase India’s rich diversity under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme.
About Punjab:
Punjab is called as ‘the land of Five Waters’ referring to the rivers Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas.
Much of the Frontier was occupied by Maharaja Ranjit Singh also known as Sher-e-Punjab in the early 19th century, and then taken over by the East India Company when it annexed the Punjab in 1849.
Important festivals of Punjab
Teej, Lohri, Basant Panchami, Baisakhi and Hola Mahalla.
Golden Temple
It is a major pilgrimage destination for devotees from around the world.
Construction of the AmritSarovar (pool of nectar) was initiated by Guru Amar Das, the third Guru, in 1570 and was completed by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru.
In step with Sikhism’s basic tenet of universal brotherhood and all-inclusive ethos, the Golden Temple can be accessed from all directions.
Prominent places mentioned
City of Fatehgarh Sahib: The word “Fatehgarh”, means “Town of Victory”, and is so called because in 1710, Sikhs under the leadership of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur conquered the area and destroyed the mughal fort.
Banda Singh Bahadur announced the establishment of Sikh rule in the city and an end to the tyranny of the Mughal rule which had spread terror and injustice.
Virasat-e- Khalsa Museum: It is an architectural marvel commemorating the 550-years of culture and tradition of Punjab and Sikhism and the Partition Museum-world’s first museum on the largest human migration.
What is ODF+ and ODF++?
Why in News?
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has stated that:
All the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Haryana have been certified Open Defecation Free (ODF), 21 ULBs ODF+ and 13 ODF++.
All cities in Punjab have been certified ODF, 33 are ODF+ and 17 are ODF++. Chandigarh is certified ODF++ and 3 Star (GFC).
What is ODF tag?
The original ODF protocol, issued in March 2016, said, “A city/ward is notified as ODF city/ward if, at any point of the day, not a single person is found defecating in the open.”
What is ODF+, ODF++?
ODF+ and ODF++ were launched in August 2018 to further scale up and sustain the work undertaken by the cities after achieving the ODF status under Phase I of the Swachh Bharat Mission — Urban (SBM-Urban).
Eligibility: Cities that had been certified ODF at least once, on the basis of the ODF protocols, are eligible to declare themselves as SBM-ODF+ & SBM-ODF++.
What is ODF+?
A city, ward or work circle could be declared ODF+ if, “at any point of the day, not a single person is found defecating and/or urinating in the open, and all community and public toilets are functional and well-maintained.”
What is ODF++?
The ODF++ protocol adds the condition that “faecal sludge/septage and sewage is safely managed and treated, with no discharging and/or dumping of untreated faecal sludge/septage and sewage in drains, water bodies or open areas.”
Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha
Why in News?
The Congress parliamentary strategy group has decided to work with the Opposition parties to field a joint candidate for the election of Rajya Sabha deputy chairman’s post.
The post had fallen vacant after Harivansh Narayan Singh’s term ended. He has since been re-elected to the Upper House as a member from Bihar.
About the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha
It is a constitutional position created under Article 89 of the Constitution, which specifies that Rajya Sabha shall choose one of its MPs to be the Deputy Chairman as often as the position becomes vacant.
Who can be a deputy chairman?
The Deputy Chairman is elected by the Rajya Sabha itself from amongst its members.
Whenever the office of the Deputy Chairman falls vacant, the Rajya Sabha elects another member to fill the vacancy.
The Deputy Chairman vacates his office in any of the following three cases:
if he ceases to be a member of the Rajya Sabha;
if he resigns by writing to the Chairman;
if he is removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the members of the Rajya Sabha. Such a resolution can be moved only after giving 14 days’ advance notice.
Functions
Deputy chairman
The Deputy Chairman performs the duties of the Chairman’s office when it is vacant or when the Vice-President acts as President or discharges the functions of the President.
He also acts as the Chairman when the latter is absent from the sitting of the House.
In both the cases, he has all the powers of the Chairman.
The Deputy Chairman also plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth running of the House.
Powers
Deputy chairman
The Deputy Chairman is not subordinate to the Chairman. He is directly responsible to the Rajya Sabha.
The Deputy Chairman is entitled to a regular salary and allowance which are fixed by Parliament and are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
Election Procedure
Deputy chairman
For electing the Deputy Chair any Rajya Sabha MP can submit a motion proposing the name of a colleague for this constitutional position.
The motion has to be seconded by another MP.
Additionally, the member moving the motion has to submit a declaration signed by the MP whose name s/he is proposing stating that the MP is willing to serve as the Deputy Chairperson if elected.
Each MP is allowed to move or second only one motion.
Then the majority of the House decides who gets elected as the Deputy Chairperson.
However, if the political parties arrive at a consensus candidate, then that MP will be unanimously elected as the Deputy Chair.
Panel of Vice-Chairmen
The Chairman shall, from time to time, nominate from amongst the members of the Council a panel of not more than six Vice-Chairmen, any one of whom may preside over the Council in the absence of the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman when so requested by the Chairman, or in his absence, by the Deputy Chairman.
A Vice-Chairman nominated under sub-rule (1) shall hold office until a new panel of Vice-Chairmen is nominated.
What is an “office of profit”?
Why in News?
President Ram Nath Kovind has rejected a plea seeking disqualification of YSR Congress leader V Vijaisai Reddy as Rajya Sabha member on the grounds of holding ‘office of profit’ as special representative of the Andhra Pradesh government in the national capital.
The order of the president is based on the Election Commission’s unanimous opinion given in June.
What’s the issue?
Office of Profit
A petition was filed seeking disqualification of Vijaysai Reddy as a member of the Upper House of Parliament alleging that the post of special representative of the Andhra Pradesh government at the Andhra Pradesh Bhawan being held by the YSR Congress Party MP was an office of profit.
However, the EC had held that since no pecuniary gain was derived from the said office and Reddy was not entitled to any other perks or remuneration other than enjoying the status of a ‘state guest’ during his travels to Andhra Pradesh in connection with performance of his duties as special representative, he did not incur disqualification under Article 102(1) (a) of the Constitution of India”.
What are the basic criteria to disqualify an MP or MLA?
Basic disqualification criteria for an MP are laid down in Article 102 of the Constitution, and for an MLA in Article 191.
They can be disqualified for:
a) Holding an office of profit under government of India or state government;
b) Being of unsound mind;
c) Being an undischarged insolvent;
d) Not being an Indian citizen or for acquiring citizenship of another country.
What is an ‘office of profit’?
If an MLA or an MP holds a government office and receives benefits from it, then that office is termed as an “office of profit”.
A person will be disqualified if he holds an office of profit under the central or state government, other than an office declared not to disqualify its holder by a law passed by Parliament or state legislature.
What is the underlying principle for including ‘office of profit’ as criterion for disqualification?
Makers of the Constitution wanted that legislators should not feel obligated to the Executive in any way, which could influence them while discharging legislative functions.
In other words, an MP or MLA should be free to carry out her duties without any kind of governmental pressure.
The intent is that there should be no conflict between the duties and interests of an elected member.
The office of profit law simply seeks to enforce a basic feature of the Constitution- the principle of separation of power between the legislature and the executive.
Reason for controversies
The expression “office of profit” has not been defined in the Constitution or in the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
It is for the courts to explain the significance and meaning of this concept.
Over the years, courts have decided this issue in the context of specific factual situations.
But, articles 102 (1) and 191(1) which give effect to the concept of office of profit prescribe restrictions at the central and state level on lawmakers accepting government positions.
Role of Judiciary in defining the ‘office of profit
The Supreme Court in Pradyut Bordoloi vs Swapan Roy (2001) outlined the four broad principles for determining whether an office attracts the constitutional disqualification.
First, whether the government exercises control over appointment, removal and performance of the functions of the office
Second, whether the office has any remuneration attached to it
Third, whether the body in which the office is held has government powers (releasing money, allotment of land, granting licenses etc.).
Fourth, whether the office enables the holder to influence by way of patronage.
‘Health in India’ report
Published by?
National Statistical Organisation (NSO).
The report is based on the 75th round of the National Sample Survey (July 2017-June 2018) on household social consumption related to health.
Key findings in the latest report:
Across the country, only 59.2% of children under five years are fully immunised.
Roughly, two out of five children do not complete their immunisation programme.
About 97% of children across the country received at least one vaccination — mostly BCG and/or the first dose of OPV at birth.
However, only 67% of children are protected against measles.
Only 58% got their polio booster dose, while 54% got their DPT booster dose.
Among States, Manipur (75%), Andhra Pradesh (73.6%) and Mizoram (73.4%) recorded the highest rates of full immunisation.
In Nagaland, only 12% of children received all vaccinations, followed by Puducherry (34%) and Tripura (39.6%).
What is immunisation?
Immunization is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine.
Vaccines stimulate the body’s own immune system to protect the person against subsequent infection or disease.
What is full immunisation?
Full immunisation means that a child receives a cocktail of eight vaccine doses in the first year of life.
Need for proposed immunisation
Currently, India accounts for 5 lakh deaths due to vaccine-preventable diseases, which is more than half of the total estimated infants’ deaths annually.
In India, diseases such as measles-rubella, diarrhoea, pneumonia and the like cause most of the infant deaths every year.
Latest reports by the World Health Organization reveal that a total of 1.5 million deaths could be avoided globally if there is an improvement in the global vaccination coverage.
First World Solar Technology Summit
What?
First World Solar Technology Summit (WSTS) was organized on 8th September, 2020.
By?
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), as the convenor of ISA Global Leadership Task Force on Innovation, worked with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in organizing the summit.
The conference saw ISA signing four agreements, signalling its intent to focus on key areas of the solar energy sector.
A partnership agreement between the Union Ministry of Renewable Energy, the World Bank and ISA on One World, One Sun, One Grid.
A partnership between the Global Green Growth Institute and ISA on the promotion of a million solar pumps.
A Memorandum of Understanding with the International Institute for Refrigeration, Paris and ISA.
Partnership agreements on the implementation of 47 projects between ISA and NTPC.
ISA also launched its technology journal, Solar Compass 360.
About the International Solar Alliance (ISA)
It is an Indian initiative, which was launched jointly by Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi and H.E. François Hollande, President of France on 30 November 2015 in Paris, France on the side-lines of the 21st Conference of Parties (CoP 21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The ISA Assembly is the main decision-making body of the alliance and it decides on various administrative, financial and program-related issues.
What it does?
ISA
As an action-oriented organisation, the ISA brings together countries with rich solar potential to aggregate global demand, thereby reducing prices through bulk purchase, facilitating the deployment of existing solar technologies at scale, and promoting collaborative solar R&D and capacity building.
When it entered into force?
ISA
When the ISA Framework Agreement entered into force on December 6th, 2017, ISA formally became a de-jure treaty based International Intergovernmental Organization, headquartered at Gurugram, India.
Membership
Of ISA
All members of the United Nations can join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) under the recently amended ISA Framework Agreement.
As on 30 July 2020, 87 Countries have signed the Framework Agreement of the ISA and of these 67 have deposited their instruments of ratification.
Goal of ISA
It has set a target of 1TW of solar energy by 2030.
India target of Solar energy installing capacity
India has a target of installing 100 GW and 300 GW of solar by 2022 and 2030 respectively.
Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) model
Why in News?
Cabinet approves asset monetization of subsidiaries of Power Grid Corporation of India limited through infrastructure investment trust.
This is the first time any PSU in Power Sector will undertake asset recycling by monetising its assets through the InvIT model and using the proceeds to fund the new and under-construction capital projects.
What is InvIT model?
It is a Collective Investment Scheme similar to a mutual fund, which enables direct investment of money from individual and institutional investors in infrastructure projects to earn a small portion of the income as return.
The InvITs are regulated by the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.
About powergrid
It is a public limited company under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
It started its commercial operation in the year 1992-93 and is today, a Maharatna company, engaged in the business of power transmission.
Patrika Gate in Jaipur
The iconic gate has been built by the Patrika Group of Newspapers.
It is built as a monument under Mission Anupam of the Jaipur Development Authority at Jawaharlal Nehru Marg.
It depicts the cultural and artistic heritage of different regions of Rajasthan.
International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day (ILD) is celebrated on 8th September every year all over the world.
The celebration of ILD started following a recommendation of the World Conference of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy which met in Tehran in September 1965.
UNESCO in 14th Session of its General Conference held in Paris in November 1966, formally proclaimed 8th September as International Literacy Day.
Theme for 2020: “Literacy teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.”
National Statistical Office (NSO) has released the data for 2017-18 on state-wise literacy rate in the country for all aged 7 or above.
As per NSO:
India’s average literacy rate is 77.7%.
Andhra Pradesh’s literacy rate of 66.4% is the worst among all states in India and significantly lower than Bihar’s 70.9%.
Kerala has the best literacy rate with 96.2%.
Delhi stood second with 88.7%.
More impressively, the gap between male and female literacy is the smallest in Kerala at just 2.2 percentage points.
This gap is 14.4 percentage points at all-India level with male literacy at 84.7% and female literacy at 70.3%.
The gap between urban and rural literacy rates is of the same order of magnitude as that between males and females.
Once again, Kerala has the lowest gap of 1.9 percentage points.
What is Real Mango, which was in news recently?
It is an illegal software used for cornering confirmed Railway reservation.
This commonly banned software makes the complete process of Indian Rail ticket booking at a fly speed.
Why in News?
In a nation wide investigation, the Railway Protection Force has disrupted the operation of this illegal software.
Narcotics Control Bureau
It was constituted by the Government of India in 1986 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
It is the apex coordinating agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances is based on Article 47 of the Indian Constitution which directs the State to endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption, except for medicinal purposes, of intoxicating drugs injurious to health.
Drug abuse control is the responsibility of the central government.
Honorary Consul
Mahalingam has been appointed Honorary Consul of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Chennai, with consular jurisdiction over Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Who are Honorary Consuls?
Honorary consuls are private individuals who take care of their tasks on a part-time basis without remuneration.
Honorary consuls do not accept passport applications nor do they handle matters pertaining to visas or residence permits.
Honorary consuls cannot serve as attorneys in judicial proceedings or as legal advisers.
Together with diplomatic missions, an honorary consul promotes economic and cultural relations.
Govind Ballabh Pant
Context:
133rd Birth Anniversary observed on 10th September.
About Govind Ballabh Pant:
Pant was born on 10 September 1887 in what is now Uttarakhand, at Almora.
In Kashipur, he established an organisation called Prem Sabha that started working towards several reforms.
He also saved a school from shutting down due to non-payment of taxes to the British government.
Offices he held
Govind Ballabh pant
Before independence:
In December 1921, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, which he later renamed Uttar Pradesh.
He was elected as a candidate of the Swaraj Party from Nainital.
In the 1937 provincial elections held under the Government of India Act, 1935, Pant was appointed premier.
He served the post till 1939, when all Congress ministers resigned after the British committed India to the Second World War of its own accord.
In the United Provinces election held in 1946, Pant was once again appointed the premier.
After independence:
First chief minister of Uttar Pradesh.
He served as India’s home minister from 1955 to 1961.
It was during his tenure that states were reorganised on linguistic lines.
Key contributions of Govind Ballabh pant
During his tenure, he raised several important issues like the need to abolish the zamindari system and championed the cause of forest preservation.
He also worked to protect farmers from excessive rents levied by the British government.
He encouraged many cottage industries in the country and raised his voice against the coolie-beggar law, which forced porters to transport the heavy luggage of British officials without any payment.
Following Gandhi’s footsteps, Pant also organised a massive salt movement in the United Provinces. In May 1930, he was arrested and held at Dehradun jail.
He also protested against the Simon Commission.
Pant was always against a separate electorate for minorities, saying the step would further divide communities.
Awards and Honours
Govind Ballabh pant
In 1957, Pant was awarded India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.
Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha
Context:
Congress has renewed its campaign seeking the Deputy Speaker’s position in the Lok Sabha.
The Lok Sabha has not had a Deputy Speaker for the last 15 months. Instead, a panel of MPs has been assisting the Speaker.
About Deputy Speaker:
Article 93 of the Constitution provides for the election of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.
The constitutional office of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is more symbolic of parliamentary democracy than some real authority.
There is no need to resign from their original party though as a Deputy Speaker, they have to remain impartial.
Roles and functions
Of deputy speaker of Lok sabha
They act as the presiding officer in case of leave or absence caused by death or illness of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Election of Deputy speaker of Lok Sabha
Usually, the Deputy Speaker is elected in the first meeting of the Lok Sabha after the General elections from amongst the members of the Lok Sabha.
It is by convention that position of Deputy Speaker is offered to opposition party in India.
Tenure and removal
Of deputy speaker of Lok sabha
They hold office until either they cease to be a member of the Lok Sabha or they resign.
They can be removed from office by a resolution passed in the Lok Sabha by an effective majority of its members.
Criminalisation of politics
Context:
The Supreme Court had sought the amicus report on pending cases against legislators on the basis of a petition.
The report was recently filed by the apex court’s amicus curiae and senior advocate Vijay Hansaria.
Key findings of Criminalisation of politics
There are a total 4,442 cases pending against legislators across the country.
Of this, the number of cases against sitting Members of Parliament and members of State legislatures was 2,556.
The cases were pending in various special courts exclusively set up to try criminal cases registered against politicians.
The cases against the legislators include that of corruption, money laundering, damage to public property, defamation and cheating.
A large number of cases were for violation of Section 188 IPC for wilful disobedience and obstruction of orders promulgated by public servants.
There are 413 cases in respect of offences, which are punishable with imprisonment for life, out of which in 174 cases sitting MPs/ MLAs are accused.
A large number of cases were pending at the appearance stage and even non-bailable warrants (NBWs) issued by courts have not been executed.
Highest number of cases are pending in Uttar Pradesh.
What does the RPA say on this?
Criminalisation of politics
Currently, under the Representation of Peoples (RP) Act, lawmakers cannot contest elections only after their conviction in a criminal case.
Section 8 of the Representation of the People (RP) Act, 1951 disqualifies a person convicted with a sentence of two years or more from contesting elections. But those under trial continued to be eligible to contest elections.
Main reasons for Criminalization
Corruption
Vote bank.
Lack of governance.
What is the way out?
Criminalisation of politics
Political parties should themselves refuse tickets to the tainted.
The RP Act should be amended to debar persons against whom cases of a heinous nature are pending from contesting elections.
Fast-track courtsshould decide the cases of tainted legislators quickly.
Bring greater transparency in campaign financing.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) should have the power to audit the financial accounts of political parties.
Plea for ‘legal entity’ status to animals
Context:
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a petition seeking “legal entity” status to the entire animal kingdom.
What’s the demand?
The demand is to give animals a “legal personality”. This means bestowing on animals, by judicial direction, the capacity to sue and be sued in courts of law.
This mainly stems from SC’s interpretation of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, with the effect the word “life” includes “all forms of life, including animal life, which are necessary for human life.”
Why this demand?
Plea for ‘legal entity’ status to animals
While referring to recent reported incidents of cruelty on animals in the country, the plea has said that such incidents have enraged many and raised a question as to whether existing laws are sufficient enough to protect animals from possible abuse and cruelty.
It alleged the rights of animals exist only on paper due to their lack of implementation and enforcement.
Besides, the plea said that legal status has been accorded to animals in two recent verdicts rendered by the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Uttarakhand High Court.
What Next?
Plea for ‘legal entity’ status to animals
The Court has issued notices to the Centre and others seeking their replies on the petition.
What is a legal entity?
A legal entity means entity which acts like a natural person but only through a designated person, whose acts are processed within the ambit of law.
Previous Instances
Of legal entities
In 2018, a bench presided over by justice Sharma had accorded the status of “legal person or entity” to animals in Haryana.
In Uttarakhand high court, justice Sharma was part of a bench in 2017, which declared the Ganga and Yamuna as living entities, a verdict that was later stayed by the Supreme Court.
In 2018, Uttarakhand high court declared the entire animal kingdom, including birds and aquatic animals, as a legal entity.
In June 2019, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had ruled that all animals, birds and aquatic life in Haryana would be accorded the status of legal persons or entities.
What are Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP) and VPRP?
Why in News?
With the current Covid-19 situation, DAY-NRLM has designed an online training program to train all State Missions across the country on Village Poverty Reduction Plans (VPRP), in partnership with Kudumbashree (National Resource Organisation), National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), Hyderabad and Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
What are Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP)?
GPDP is conducted from 2nd October to 31st December, every year across the country, under the People’s Plan Campaign (PPC).
Local bodies, across the country are expected to prepare context specific, need based GPDP.
It brings together both the citizens and their elected representatives in the decentralized planning processes.
What are Village Poverty Reduction Plans (VPRP)?
PPC guidelines and the joint advisory issued by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Rural Development, has mandated Self Help Groups and their federations under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) to participate in the annual GPDP planning process and prepare the Village Poverty Reduction Plan (VPRP).
VPRP is a comprehensive demand plan which needs to be integrated with the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP).
The VPRP is presented in the Gram Sabha meetings from Oct. to Dec. every year.
Demands under VPRP are categorized into five major components
Social inclusion – plan for inclusion of vulnerable people/household into SHGs under NRLM
Entitlement – demand for various schemes such as MGNREGS, SBM, NSAP, PMAY, Ujjwala, Ration card etc.
Livelihoods – specific demand for enhancing livelihood through developing agriculture, animal husbandry, production and service enterprises and skilled training for placement etc.
Public Goods and Services – demand for necessary basic infrastructure, for renovation of the existing infrastructure and for better service delivery
Resource Development – demand for protection and development of natural resources like land, water, forest and other locally available resources
Social Development – plans prepared for addressing specific social development issues of a village under the low cost no cost component of GPDP.
InstaFact
Gram panchayat
The Article 243G of the Constitution intended to empower the Gram Panchayats (GPs) by enabling the State Governments to devolve powers and authority in respect of all 29 Subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule for local planning and implementation of schemes for economic development and social justice.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana launched
Key features of the scheme:
It is a scheme for focused and sustainable development of fisheries sector in the country.
20,050 crores has been sanctioned for its implementation during a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories, as a part of AatmaNirbhar Bharat Package.
The scheme focuses on beneficiary-oriented activities in Marine, Inland fisheries and Aquaculture.
It seeks to adopt ‘Cluster or Area based approaches’.
Aims and targets of the scheme
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana launched
Enhance fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonne by 2024-25.
Increase fisheries export earnings to Rs.1,00,000 crore by 2024-25.
Double incomes of fishers and fish farmers.
Reduce post-harvest losses from 20-25% to about 10%.
Generate additional 55 lakhs direct and indirect gainful employment opportunities in fisheries sector and allied activities.
Uniqueness of the scheme
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana launched
While aiming to consolidate the achievements of Blue Revolution Scheme, PMMSY envisages many new interventions such as fishing vessel insurance, support for new/up-gradation of fishing vessels/boats, Bio-toilets, Aquaculture in saline/alkaline areas, Sagar Mitras, FFPOs/Cs, Nucleus Breeding Centres, Fisheries and Aquaculture start-ups, Incubators, etc.
Other initiatives announced at the launch of PMMSY scheme
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana launched
Establishment of Fish Brood Bank at Sitamarhi.
Aquatic Disease Referral Laboratory at Kishanganj.
One-unit fish feed mill at Madhepura and two units of ‘Fish on Wheels’ assisted at Patna under Blue Revolution.
Comprehensive Fish Production Technology Centre at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar.
Rashtriya Gokul Mission
Why in News?
PM recently inaugurated the following under Rashtriya Gokul Mission:
Semen Station with state of the art facilities in Purnea, Bihar.
IVF lab established at Animal Sciences University, Patna.
Sex sorted semen in artificial insemination by Baroni Milk Union in Begusarai district of Bihar.
What is Rashtriya Gokul Mission
To conserve and develop indigenous bovine breeds, government launched ‘Rashtriya Gokul Mission’ in 2014 under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development (NPBBD).
What are the main objectives of the mission?
developmentt and conservation of indigenous breeds.
undertake breed improvement programme for indigenous cattle breeds so as to improve the genetic makeup and increase the stock.
enhance milk production and productivity.
upgrade nondescript cattle using elite indigenous breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Deoni, Tharparkar, Red Sindhi.
distribute disease free high genetic merit bulls for natural service.
How is the scheme implemented?
Implemented through the “State Implementing Agency (SIA viz Livestock Development Boards).
State Gauseva Ayogs will be given the mandate to sponsor proposals to the SIA’s (LDB’s) and monitor implementation of the sponsored proposal.
All Agencies having a role in indigenous cattle development will be the “Participating Agencies” like CFSPTI, CCBFs, ICAR, Universities, Colleges, NGO’s, Cooperative Societies and Gaushalas with best germplasm.
What are Gokul Grams?
Funds under the scheme will be allocated for the establishment of Integrated Indigenous Cattle Centres viz “Gokul Gram”.
Where they can be established? Gokul Grams will be established in: i) the native breeding tracts and ii) near metropolitan cities for housing the urban cattle.
Roles and responsibilities of Gokul Grams
Act as Centres for development of Indigenous Breeds and a dependable source for supply of high genetic breeding stock to the farmers in the breeding tract.
They will be self sustaining and will generate economic resources from sale of A2 milk (A2 milkis cow’s milk that mostly lacks a form of β-casein proteins called A1 and instead has mostly the A2 form), organic manure, vermi-composting, urine distillates, and production of electricity from bio gas for in house consumption and sale of animal products.
They will also function as state of the art in situ training centre for Farmers, Breeders and MAITRI’s.
The Gokul Gram will maintain milch and unproductive animals in the ratio of 60:40 and will have the capacity to maintain about 1000 animals.
Nutritional requirements of the animals will be provided in the Gokul Gram through in house fodder production.
Metropolitan Gokul Gram will focus on genetic upgradation of urban cattle.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-Atal New India Challenges launched
Launched by?
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog.
Aim:
To spur applied research and innovation in Indian MSMEs and startups.
Who will implement?
The programme will be driven by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), four ministries—Ministry of Defence; Ministry of Food Processing Industries; Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs—and associated industries to facilitate innovative solutions to sectoral problems.
Key features of the program
Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-Atal New India Challenges launched
It will support deserving applied research–based innovations by providing funding support of up to Rs 50 lakh for speedy development of the proposed technology solution and/or product.
South India’s 1st and country’s 2nd Kisan Train
Context: Inaugural run of the train flagged off.
Key facts:
Location: It runs between Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh) and New Delhi.
Kisan Rail will help in strengthening the agricultural economy and help in the speedy transportation of farm produce to distant places.
On 7th August, the first Kisan Rail was flagged off between Devlali in Maharashtra and Danapur in Bihar.
Rafale aircraft
The Indian Air Force will formally induct the Rafale aircraft on 10th September 2020.
The aircraft will be part of 17 Squadron, the “Golden Arrows”.
The first five Indian Air Force Rafale aircraft arrived at Air Force Station, Ambala from France on 27th July 2020.
Key facts:
Rafale is a French twin-engine and multirole fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation being produced for both the French Air Force and for carrier-based operations in the French Navy.
India has inked a Rs 59,000-crore deal in 2016 to procure 36 Rafale jets from French aerospace major Dassault Aviation.
India is the fourth country to have the strategic platform with Rafale after France, Egypt and Qatar.
Shikshak Parv Initiative
Ministry of Education organizes a webinar on Inclusive and Equitable Education under Shikshak Parv Initiative.
It is being celebrated from 8th September- 25th September, 2020 to felicitate the Teachers and to take New Education Policy 2020 forward.
Jigyasa
It is a student – scientist connect programme launched in 2017.
The programme would be implemented by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS).
The focus of this scheme is on connecting school students and scientists so as to extend student’s classroom learning with well planned research laboratory based learning.
WHO South East Asia Region
The 73rd session is being hosted by the Government of Thailand (from Bangkok) while the previous session was held in New Delhi.
South East Asia is One of the six WHO Regions.
The Region has 11 Member States – Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste.
National Statistical Organisation’s (NSO) latest report on education
The findings are based on 75th round of the National Sample Survey, conducted between June 2017 and July 2018. The households were surveyed on consumption related to education.
Key findings:
One in five students in India supplements school education with private coaching, including almost one in three at the secondary school level or Classes 9 and 10.
More than 52% of urban upper caste boys take coaching, in comparison to just 13.7% of rural boys and girls from scheduled tribe communities.
Private coaching fees make up almost 20% of the total cost of education for those in secondary and higher secondary school.
Some States in eastern India seem to spend more on private coaching than the rest of the country.
Punnapara-Vayalar revolt
Context:
A report to the Indian Council for Historical Research (ICHR) has suggested dropping the Communist martyrs of Punnapra-Vayalar, Karivelloor and Kavumbayi agitations from the list of martyrs of India’s Independence struggle.
The reason:
ICHR says, these Communist agitations cannot be counted as the part of the Independence movement as they took place after the interim government led by Jawaharlal Nehru assumed office.
These riots were basically against the interim government.
About Punnapara-Vayalar revolt
It was an organized working class uprising in the Princely State of Travancore, British India against the Prime Minister, C. P. Ramaswami Iyer and the state.
The objectives of the revolt were
Punnapara-Vayalar revolt
To overthrow the exploitative diwan of Travancore.
To liberate the working class from unjust taxation and exploitation of the establishment.
The significances of this revolt were
Punnapara-Vayalar revolt
(a) It was an unique agitation where the working class rose against government.
(b) It saw the people of all classes up in arms against a common tyrant hence it dissolved class and religion distinction and induced unity among people.
(c) It resulted in establishing democracy in the region and also gave a decisive turn to the politics of the state.
Implications of the revolt
Punnapara-Vayalar revolt
Historianss maintain this was a proper struggle against the declaration of ‘Independent Travancore’ by the then Travancore.
T K Varghese Vaidyan, a leader of the struggle, had gone on record saying it was a rehearsal for a larger revolution with the ultimate objective of establishing a “Communist India”.
Parliament of World’s Religions
Context;
127th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s in Chicago.
Details:
The Parliament of World’s Religions, held for the first time in 1893, from September 11 to September 27, saw eminent personalities from around the world at the same forum.
Swami Vivekananda addressed the audience first on September 11 followed by the closing speech on September 27.
He stressed upon world harmony, and how religions, while co-existing with one another, must preserve his individuality and grow according to his own law of growth.
Things you need to know about the Parliament of World’s Religions
There have been several meetings referred to as a Parliament of the World’s Religions, the first being the World’s Parliament of Religions of 1893, which was an attempt to create a global dialogue of faiths.
The event was celebrated by another conference on its centenary in 1993.
So far, six international modern Parliaments have been hosted.
An organization was incorporated in 1988 to carry out the tradition of the Parliament of the World’s Religions by marking the centennial of the first Parliament.
The Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions is headquartered in Chicago.
Its board of trustees are elected from various faith communities.
Participants in the first conference
Jain preacher Virchand Gandhi.
Buddhist preacher Anagarika Dharmapala.
Soyen Shaku, the “First American Ancestor” of Zen.
Swami Vivekananda represented Hinduism.
Christianity was represented by G. Bonet Maury.
Islam was represented by Mohammed Alexander Russell Webb.
Theism or the Brahmo Samaj was represented by Pratap Chandra Majumdar.
The Theosophical Society was represented by the Vice-President of the society, William Quan Judge and by activist Annie Besant.
125th birth anniversary celebrations of Sri Viswanatha Satyanarayana
Who was Viswanatha Satyanarayana?
He is the first writer to impart a true Teluguness to the Ramayana.
Ramayana Kalpavruksham, the seminal work of Shri Viswanatha had fetched him the prestigious Jnanpith Award.
Through his works, he had highlighted the importance of imparting learning in the mother tongue, preserving culture and protecting the nature.
Viswanatha’s literary canvas was large comprising novels, critical works, poems, epics, plays, songs and verses, among others.
What constitutes a breach of legislature’s privilege?
Why in News?
This week, the Houses in Maharashtra moved motions of breach of privilege against Arnab Goswami and Kangana Ranaut.
What are privileges?
Parliamentary privilege refers to the right and immunity enjoyed by legislatures, in which legislators are granted protection against civil or criminal liability for actions done or statements made in the course of their legislative duties.
Which provisions of the Constitution protect the privileges of the legislature?
The powers, privileges and immunities of either House of the Indian Parliament and of its Members and committees are laid down in Article 105 of the Constitution.
Article 194 deals with the powers, privileges and immunities of the State Legislatures, their Members and their committees.
What constitutes a breach of this privilege?
There are no clear, notified rules to decide what constitutes a breach of privilege, and the punishment it attracts.
Generally, any act that obstructs or impedes either House of the state legislature in performing its functions, or which obstructs or impedes any Member or officer of such House in the discharge of his duty, or has a tendency, directly or indirectly, to produce such results is treated as breach of privilege.
It is a breach of privilege and contempt of the House to make speeches or to print or publish libel reflecting on the character or proceedings of the House, or its Committees, or on any member of the House for or relating to his character or conduct as a legislator.
What is the procedure to be followed in cases of alleged breach of the legislature’s privilege?
The Legislative Assembly Speaker or Legislative Council Chairman constitutes a Privileges
Committee consisting of 15 members in the Assembly and 11 members in the Council.
The members to the committee are nominated based on the party strength in the Houses.
Speaker or Chairman first decides on the motions.
If the privilege and contempt are found prima facie, then the Speaker or Chairman will forward it to the Privileges Committee by following the due procedure.
The Committee will examine whether statements made by him had insulted the state legislature and its Members, and whether their image was maligned before the public.
The Committee, which has quasi-judicial powers, will seek an explanation from all the concerned, will conduct an inquiry and will make a recommendation based on the findings to the state legislature for its consideration.
What is the punishment for an individual who is found guilty of breaching the legislature’s privilege?
If the Committee finds the offender guilty of breach of privilege and contempt, it can recommend the punishment.
The punishment can include communicating the displeasure of the state legislature to the offender, summoning the offender before the House and giving a warning, and even sending the offender to jail.
In the case of the media, press facilities of the state legislature may be withdrawn, and a public apology may be sought.
Five Star Villages Scheme
The Department of Posts has launched a scheme called Five Star Villages, to ensure universal coverage of flagship postal schemes in rural areas of the country.
The scheme is being launched on pilot basis in Maharashtra.
The schemes covered under the Five Star scheme include:
Savings Bank accounts, Recurrent Deposit Accounts, NSC / KVP certificates.
Sukanya Samridhi Accounts/ PPF Accounts.
Funded Post Office Savings Account linked India Post Payments Bank Accounts.
Postal Life Insurance Policy/Rural Postal Life Insurance Policy.
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana Account / Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana Account.
Rating of villages
Five Star Villages Scheme
If a village attains universal coverage for four schemes from the above list, then that village gets four-star status; if a village completes three schemes, then that village get three-star status and so on.
Scheme Implementation Team
Five Star Villages Scheme
The scheme will be implemented by a team of five Gramin Dak Sevaks who will be assigned a village for marketing of all products, savings and insurance schemes of the Department of Posts.
This team will be headed by the Branch Post Master of the concerned Branch Office.
Mail overseer will keep personal watch on progress of team on daily basis.
The teams will be led and monitored by concerned Divisional Head, Assistant Superintendents Posts and Inspector Posts.
SAROD-Ports launched:
‘SAROD-Ports’ stands for Society for Affordable Redressal of Disputes – Ports.
Launched by the Union Shipping Ministry.
It is Affordable Dispute Redressal Mechanism for all kind of disputes of maritime sector.
SAROD-Ports is established under Societies Registration Act, 1860 with the following objectives:
Affordable and timely resolution of disputes in fair manner.
Enrichment of Dispute Resolution Mechanism with the panel of technical experts as arbitrators.
Composition of the society
SAROD-Ports launched
SAROD-Ports consists members from Indian Ports Association (IPA) and Indian Private Ports and Terminals Association (IPTTA).
U.S. Foreign Agents Act
Context:
The BJP has become the first mainstream political party from India to have named itself as a foreign principal of an organisation in the United States, after the Overseas Friends of the BJP (OFBJP) registered under the 1938 Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) under the U.S. Department of Justice.
Implications
U.S. Foreign Agents Act
Following the registration, the OFBJP will have to declare any meetings with U.S. legislators, organisation of events and funding from U.S. groups.
It will also not be possible for OFBJP members to use organisational help during the U.S. elections as it would then be seen as foreign interference.
About FARA:
U.S. Foreign Agents Act
The law came into force in 1938 to combat the spread of fascist propaganda into the United States.
It requires foreign agents to register with the Justice Department and disclose their activities to the public.
The also requires “agents representing the interests of foreign powers in a political or quasi political capacity [to]disclose their relationship with the foreign government and information about related finances.”
Why is it used?
U.S. Foreign Agents Act
FARA is an important tool to identify foreign influence in the United States and address threats to national security.
The central purpose of FARA is to promote transparency with respect to foreign influence within the United States by ensuring that the US government and the public know the source of certain information from foreign agents intended to influence American public opinion, policy and laws, thereby facilitating informed evaluation of that information.
