15-July-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

RESTORING A VERDICT 

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

The recent by-polls held on July 10, with results announced on July 13, showcased a significant political shift across seven states in India. The outcomes reflect public sentiment towards opportunistic defections and the performance of major political parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 

NDA Bloc Performance: 

• NDA bloc parties secured 10 out of 13 Assembly seats. 

• This mirrors the Lok Sabha election results, indicating voter fatigue with the BJP. 

Himachal Pradesh: 

• Congress won 2 out of 3 seats vacated by independents who had joined BJP. 

• The state government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, was previously unstable due to defections. 

• Congress restored its strength to 40 MLAs in the 68-member House, securing a majority and rejecting BJP’s overreach. 

Uttarakhand: 

• Congress retained the Badrinath seat. 

• Defector Rajendra Singh Bhandari (BJP) was defeated by Congress’s Lakhapat Singh Butola. 

Madhya Pradesh: 

• Congress faced losses as defector Kamlesh Pratap Shah (BJP) won his contest. 

• Indicates a need for Congress to revitalize local leadership. 

Tamil Nadu: 

• Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) strengthened its position with a win in Vikravandi. 

West Bengal: 

• Trinamool Congress (TMC) dominated by winning Raiganj, Ranaghat Dakshin, and Bagda. 

• TMC also retained Maniktala, signaling strong regional control. 

Punjab: 

• Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) defeated the sitting MLA in Jalandhar West who defected to BJP.\ 

ANTI-DEFECTION LAW (TENTH SCHEDULE) 

The Anti-Defection Law, also known as the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, was introduced in 1985 to curb frequent defections by legislators from their political parties. Here’s a breakdown in pointers: 

Disqualification Grounds: 

• Voluntarily resigning from the party. 

• Voting against the party whip (voting instruction) in the house without permission, or abstaining from voting when instructed to by the party. 

• Independent members joining a party. 

• Nominated members joining a party after six months of their nomination. 

Exceptions: 

• Mergers or splits within the party. 

• Party ceases to exist. 

Process: 

• Disqualification petition filed with the presiding officer (Speaker/Chairman) of the house. 

• Presiding officer decides on the petition. There’s limited judicial review of this decision. 

Impact: 

• Aims to promote stability in government and prevent floor-crossing for personal gains. 

• Critics argue it restricts democratic choice and weakens inner-party democracy. 

Independent member 

• An independent member elected without any party affiliation is disqualified from being a member of the house if they join a political party after the election ([Constitution of India, Article 103 (10)(a)]). 

Conclusion: 

The by-poll results demonstrate voter disapproval of opportunistic defections and reinforce the importance of political stability and integrity. Political parties are urged to respect public sentiment, foster consensus, and avoid conflict to maintain democratic values. 

Multiple Choice Question: 

1. With reference to the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India, consider the following statements

1. If an elected member voluntarily gives up his membership of a political party, he will be disqualified on grounds of defection. 

1. If an elected member votes or abstains from voting in the House contrary to any direction issued by his political party without prior permission, he will be disqualified on grounds of defection. 

1. The decision on questions as to disqualification on grounds of defection is referred to the President. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 1 and 3 only 

1. 1, 2 and 3 

ANSWER: A 

EXPLANATION: 

The first statement is correct as per the Tenth Schedule. 

The second statement is also correct as it outlines the conditions under which a member can be disqualified for defection. 

The third statement is incorrect because the decision on disqualification on grounds of defection is made by the Chairman or the Speaker of the House, not the President. 

‘UNLAWFUL ACTIVITY’ IN MAHARASHTRA BILL TO CURB ‘URBAN NAXALISM’ 

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

The Maharashtra government has proposed a sweeping new law to deal with the increasing presence of Naxalism in urban centers. The Bill, introduced in the Assembly on Thursday, targets a wide range of actions deemed as “unlawful activity.” 

Government’s Reasons for Bringing the Bill 

Increase in Urban Naxalism: The statement of objects and reasons for the Maharashtra Special Public Security Act (MSPC Bill) highlights the menace of Naxalism spreading from remote areas to urban centres. 

• Public Safety: To ensure the maintenance of public order and administration. 

• Preventive Measures: To discourage public disobedience and promote law adherence. 

Main Provisions of the Proposed Law 

• Declaration of Unlawful Organizations: The government can declare any organization as an “unlawful organization.” 

Punishments: 

• For being a member of an unlawful organization. 

• For managing or assisting in the operations of an unlawful organization. 

• For funding unlawful organizations. 

• For committing any unlawful activity. 

Penalties for Offenses: 

• Imprisonment ranging from 2 to 7 years. 

• Fines ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. 

• Non-Bailable Offenses: Offenses under this law are cognizable, allowing arrests without a warrant. 

Differences from the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967 (UAPA) 

• Approval Process: The MSPC Bill requires approval from an advisory board of three persons, unlike the UAPA, which requires a High Court tribunal. 

• Scope of Unlawful Activity: Broader definitions compared to the UAPA, including acts that disrupt public order, instigate disaffection, or interfere with government functions. 

What Exactly Constitutes ‘Unlawful Activity’ in the Maharashtra Bill? 

• Acts that endanger or menace public order, peace, and tranquility. 

• Interference with the maintenance of public order. 

• Disruption of administrative functions or established institutions. 

• Use of criminal force or show of criminal force against public servants. 

• Indulgence in propaganda, acts of violence, or encouraging disobedience of the law. 

URBAN NAXALISM 

Urban Naxalism involves the spread of Naxalite ideology and activities in urban centers, often involving intellectuals, activists, and students. 

Activities: These include mobilizing urban populations, recruiting new members, organizing protests, and spreading propaganda against the state. 

Objective: The aim is to create unrest and weaken the urban governance structure to support the larger Naxalite movement. 

Notable Cases 

Bhima Koregaon Case (2018): 

• Incident: Violence erupted during the 200th-anniversary celebration of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon. 

• Allegations: Several activists and intellectuals were arrested for allegedly inciting violence and having links with Maoist groups. 

• Outcome: The case is ongoing, with multiple arrests and investigations into the alleged urban Naxal links of the accused. 

Elgar Parishad Case (2018): 

• Incident: A meeting held in Pune, where provocative speeches were made, allegedly led to violence in Bhima Koregaon. 

• Allegations: Activists were accused of planning and executing the violence with Naxalite backing. 

• Outcome: The case is under investigation, with several prominent activists arrested and charged under various sections of the UAPA. 

Supreme Court Verdicts 

Arup Bhuyan vs. State of Assam (2011): 

• Verdict: The Supreme Court held that mere membership of a banned organization, without any overt acts or actual participation in unlawful activities, is not sufficient to convict a person. 

• Significance: This verdict is crucial in cases of urban Naxalism, where individuals are often accused based on their ideological affiliations. 

Indra Das vs. State of Assam (2011): 

• Verdict: Reinforced the Arup Bhuyan ruling, emphasizing that mere membership of a banned organization does not make one a criminal unless they are involved in actual criminal activities. 

• Significance: It provides a safeguard against arbitrary arrests and prosecutions under anti-terror laws. 

Conclusion 

The proposed Maharashtra Bill aims to curb urban Naxalism through stringent measures and broader definitions of unlawful activities. It is designed to strengthen public safety and maintain law and order by targeting organizations and individuals involved in Naxalite activities.involved in Naxalite activities. 

Multiple Choice Question: 

1. With reference to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), consider the following statements:

1. The UAPA allows for the designation of individuals as terrorists. 

1. Under the UAPA, an advisory board headed by a judge of a High Court is required to confirm the declaration of an unlawful association. 

1. The UAPA provides for both preventive detention and punitive detention. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 1 and 3 only 

1. 1, 2 and 3 

ANSWER: A 

EXPLANATION: 

The UAPA allows for the designation of individuals as terrorists, which was a significant amendment made in 2019. 

Under the UAPA, an advisory board headed by a judge of a High Court is indeed required to confirm the declaration of an unlawful association. 

The UAPA primarily deals with punitive measures rather than preventive detention, although it does have provisions for certain preventive actions. 

Thus, the correct answer is A. 1 and 2 only 

ON THE JURISDICTION OF THE CBI 

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is a premier investigative agency in India, often called upon for high-profile cases involving corruption and serious crimes. However, its jurisdiction and operational autonomy have been subjects of legal and political debate. 

Inception of CBI 

• Formation: The CBI was established in 1963 by a resolution of the Ministry of Home Affairs, evolving from the Special Police Establishment (SPE) set up in 1941. 

• Primary Purpose: To investigate cases of corruption involving central government employees and other high-profile cases. 

Constitutional and Legal Provisions 

• Constitutional Basis: The CBI operates under the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946. 

• Section 6 of DSPE Act: Requires the CBI to obtain consent from state governments to exercise jurisdiction within a state’s territory. 

Jurisdictional Controversies 

• State Consent: States can withdraw general consent, necessitating individual consent for each case. 

• States Withdrawing Consent: Since 2015, states like West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, and others have revoked general consent, citing central overreach. 

• Supreme Court Verdict (July 2024): The SC upheld the maintainability of West Bengal’s suit against the Union government for using the CBI without state consent post withdrawal. 

• Implication: Affirmed that CBI is an independent agency and state consent is crucial for investigations within state boundaries. 

Legal Interpretations and Implications 

• Union Government’s Stance: Argued that CBI functions independently under the DSPE Act. 

• Supreme Court Ruling: Confirmed that states have the right to grant or withdraw consent for CBI investigations within their jurisdictions. 

• Impact on Investigations: Without state consent, CBI’s capacity to investigate is significantly limited. 

Key Cases and Precedents 

• State of Rajasthan v. Union of India (1977): Highlighted the need for cooperative federalism and state consent for CBI operations. 

• State of West Bengal v. Committee for Protection of Democratic Rights (2010): SC ruled that CBI can investigate in states without consent if directed by the courts. 

Conclusion 

The CBI’s jurisdiction and its need for state consent underscore the delicate balance between federal and state powers in India. The recent Supreme Court rulings emphasize the agency’s independence while reaffirming the constitutional requirement for state consent, ensuring that cooperative federalism is maintained in the investigative processes. 

Multiple Choice Question: 

1. With reference to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), consider the following statements:

1. The CBI operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

1. The consent of the state government is necessary for the CBI to investigate cases within the state. 

1. The CBI was established by a resolution of the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 1 and 3 only 

1. 1, 2, and 3 

ANSWER: B 

EXPLANATION: 

The CBI operates under the jurisdiction of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions. 

Under the DSPE Act, the consent of the state government is necessary for the CBI to investigate cases within the state. 

The CBI was established by a resolution of the Ministry of Home Affairs in 1963. 

THE UNION GOVERNMENT’S REIN ON FINANCIAL TRANSFERS TO DIFFERENT STATES 

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

Financial transfers from the Union government to states are vital for maintaining fiscal federalism in India. However, recent trends show a decline in these transfers, raising concerns about their impact on state finances and cooperative federalism. 

Decline in Financial Transfers 

• Historical Context: The 14th Finance Commission (2015-2020) recommended devolving 42% of Union tax revenues to states, a 10% increase from the 13th Finance Commission. 

• Current Scenario: The 15th Finance Commission retained the 42% devolution recommendation. Despite this, the Union government has been reducing financial transfers to states, particularly excluding Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh from the devolution formula. 

• Impact: The Union government’s gross tax revenue increased from ₹14.6 lakh crore in 2015-16 to ₹33.6 lakh crore in 2023-24. However, the states’ share in net tax revenue decreased from 35% to 30% during the same period. 

Reasons for Decline 

• Cess and Surcharge: These are not shared with states, effectively reducing the pool of divisible taxes. 

• Union Territories: Revenue collections from Union Territories further reduce the share of states. 

• Tax Administration Expenditure: The cost of tax collection is deducted before sharing revenue with states. 

Fiscal Federalism in India 

• Concept: Fiscal federalism involves the financial relations between the Union and state governments, ensuring balanced and equitable economic development. 

Constitutional Provisions: 

• Article 268-281: Cover the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the states. 

• Article 275: Provides for grants-in-aid from the Union to states. 

• Article 280: Establishes the Finance Commission to recommend the distribution of revenues. 

Union Government’s Financial Control 

• Central Schemes: The Union government allocates a significant portion of finances to Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and Central Sector Schemes, impacting the states’ fiscal autonomy. 

• Discretionary Funds: These allow the Union government to influence state spending priorities. 

Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act 

• Purpose: Introduced to ensure fiscal discipline by setting targets for the fiscal deficit and public debt. 

• Provisions for States: States are required to maintain their fiscal deficit within prescribed limits, typically around 3% of their Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). 

• Escape Clauses: Allow states to exceed fiscal deficit targets under specific conditions, such as natural disasters or economic downturns. For instance, states were allowed to increase their fiscal deficit to 5% of GSDP during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Conclusion 

The reduction in financial transfers from the Union to states poses challenges for fiscal federalism and cooperative governance. While constitutional provisions aim to ensure equitable distribution of resources, the increasing centralization of financial control through cesses, surcharges, and discretionary funds underscores the need for a balanced approach to maintain the fiscal autonomy of states and promote sustainable development across India. 

FAILURE OF SPACEX’S FALCON 9 ROCKET 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY– SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA 

The rare failure of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket has raised significant concerns, leading to its grounding by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This incident marks a notable deviation from Falcon 9’s stellar record of over 300 successful launches in the past nine years. 

Falcon 9 Overview 

• Reusable Rocket: Falcon 9, developed by SpaceX, is a partially reusable rocket. 

• Capabilities: It can transport crew and payloads to low Earth orbit and beyond. 

• Design: The rocket has two stages, with the first stage equipped with nine Merlin engines and the second stage with a single Merlin engine. 

Incident Details 

• Failure Timing: The problem arose about 30 minutes after launch from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base on July 11. 

• Specifics: The rocket’s second stage failed to complete its burn, placing 20 Starlink satellites in a low, non-survivable orbit. 

• Outcome: The affected satellites are expected to burn up upon re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. 

Post-Incident Actions 

• FAA Investigation: The FAA’s license is required to proceed with future Falcon 9 launches. 

• Launch Delays: The malfunction has already led to delays, with implications for upcoming launches in July and August for NASA and IntelSat. 

Conclusion 

This rare incident has paused the Falcon 9’s routine operations, underlining the importance of rigorous safety and reliability checks in space missions. The failure, while a setback, is being thoroughly investigated to prevent future occurrences and ensure the continued success of SpaceX’s endeavours. 

E-OFFICE PLATFORM 

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

As part of its 100-day agenda, the Government of India has introduced a plan to implement the e-Office platform across 133 attached and subordinate offices, as well as autonomous bodies. This initiative aims to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. 

 

About the e-Office Platform 

• Objective: To enhance operational efficiency across 133 identified offices. 

• Spearheading Ministry: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions. 

• Implementation Partner: National Informatics Centre (NIC). 

Key Components of e-Office 

• File Management System (e-File): 

 

• Workflow-based system. 

• Extends manual file handling with an efficient electronic system. 

Knowledge Management System (KMS): 

• Central repository for organizational documents. 

• Enables creation, management, and version tracking of electronic documents. 

Work from Anywhere (WAW) Portal: 

• Virtual office gateway. 

• Secure access to office functions from anywhere. 

Smart Performance Appraisal Report Recording Online Window (SPARROW): 

• Web-based application for processing Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APAR). 

• Employees can fill, report, and review APARs through the official hierarchy. 

Conclusion 

The implementation of the e-Office platform is a significant step towards modernizing government operations. By enhancing efficiency and accessibility, this initiative promises to improve the overall effectiveness of governmental functions and services. 

KHARCHI PUJA 

TOPIC: (GS1) CULTURE – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

Recently, the Prime Minister of India extended greetings to everyone, particularly the people of Tripura, on the occasion of Kharchi Puja. This significant festival is deeply rooted in Tripura’s cultural and religious traditions. 

 

About Kharchi Puja 

Main Festival of Tripura: Kharchi Puja is one of Tripura’s principal festivals. 

Timing: Celebrated during July-August on the eighth day of the new moon (Shukla Ashtami) in the month of ‘Ashad’. 

Meaning and Significance 

• Etymology: The word “Kharchi” is derived from two Tripuri words – “Khar” or “Kharta” meaning sin and “Chi” or “Si” meaning cleaning. 

• Symbolism: The festival signifies the cleansing of sins. 

Rituals and Practices 

• Worship: Fourteen Gods are worshipped by the Royal priest, Chantai. 

• Duration and Location: The festival lasts for seven days and is held at the Fourteen Gods temple (Chaturdasha Devata temple) in old Agartala. 

• Deities: The deities worshipped during Kharchi Puja are unique as they are represented by heads without bodies. 

Key Customs 

• Procession: On the day of the puja, the fourteen Gods are taken from the temple to the river Saidra by Chantai members. 

• Ritual Bath: The deities are bathed in the holy river water and then carried back to the temple. 

Conclusion 

Kharchi Puja is a vibrant and deeply traditional festival that highlights the rich cultural heritage of Tripura. The festival’s rituals, centered around the cleansing of sins, reflect the authentic Tripuri traditions and strengthen the community’s cultural identity. 

QUANTUM NAVIGATION TESTS BY THE UNITED KINGDOM 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY– SOURCE: HINDUSTHAN TIMES 

The United Kingdom has recently conducted two quantum navigation tests, demonstrating the potential of this cutting-edge technology. One test was conducted aboard a Royal Navy ship, and the other on a small jet plane. These tests mark a significant advancement in navigation technology, offering an alternative to traditional satellite-based systems. 

About Quantum Navigation 

• Definition: Quantum navigation involves tracking the movement of a single atom under cryogenic conditions, unlike satellite navigation that relies on signals bouncing back from space. 

• System Location: The quantum navigation system is housed within each vehicle, providing point-of-use measurements. 

• Signal Stability: The signal from quantum navigation systems does not drift, making it less susceptible to interception. 

Advantages of Quantum Navigation 

• Unjammable: Quantum navigation is resistant to both accidental and deliberate outages that affect Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) like GPS. 

• Enhanced Security: The stability and point-of-use measurements make quantum navigation systems harder to jam or intercept. 

Current Limitations 

• Requirement of Ultra-Cold Atoms: Quantum navigation requires ultra-cold atoms to function, posing significant technical challenges. 

• Equipment Size: The necessary equipment for quantum navigation is currently large and cumbersome, limiting its practical application in the near future. 

Conclusion 

While quantum navigation presents a promising alternative to GNSS with its enhanced security and unjammability, it is unlikely to replace traditional satellite navigation systems soon. The current technological and practical limitations, such as the need for ultra-cold atoms and sizable equipment, need to be addressed before widespread adoption can occur.