21-December-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

LS PASSES BILLS TO REPLACE BRITISH-ERA CRIMINAL LAWS

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Lok Sabha recently passed three amended Bills aiming to replace outdated British-era criminal laws. The legislation, spearheaded by Home Minister Amit Shah, focuses on justice over punishment and aims to remove colonial imprints, reflecting a commitment to modernizing India’s legal framework. The Bills encompass significant reforms, including the incorporation of terrorism offenses into general crime law, the removal of sedition as a crime, and the introduction of the death penalty for mob lynching.

Key Reforms in Criminal Laws:

Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita Bill (BNSS):

• Replaces the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
• Stresses justice over punishment.
• Excludes doctors from criminal prosecution for medical negligence-related deaths.
• Introduces a ten-year imprisonment penalty for hit-and-run accidents.

Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill (BSS):

• Replaces the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
• Aims to modernize legal provisions related to evidence.

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita Bill (BNSSS):

• Replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.
• Addresses procedural aspects of criminal law.

Incorporating Terrorism in General Crime Law:

• Defines terrorism for the first time in the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita Bill.
• Includes terrorism as a separate category in general crime law.
• Aims to prevent individuals involved in terrorism from escaping punishment under general law provisions.

Removal of Sedition:

• Repeals sedition as a crime, replacing it with the offense against the nation (deshdroha).
• Emphasizes that criticism of the government is permissible, but any action against the interests of the country will be punishable.

Concerns and Opposition:

• Opposition MPs express concerns about potential misuse of terror provisions.
• Highlight issues related to police custody duration, impact on minority communities, and lack of safeguards against police excess and fabricated evidence.

Conclusion:

The passage of these Bills signifies a crucial step in India’s legal evolution, aiming to discard colonial legacies and adapt to contemporary needs. While the reforms address terrorism, sedition, and procedural aspects, concerns raised by opposition members underscore the importance of careful implementation and continuous scrutiny to ensure justice and safeguard individual rights.

BANKING ON WELFARE SCHEMES, SOREN SEEKS TO DRUM UP RURAL SUPPORT AHEAD OF LS POLL

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

Chief Minister Hemant Soren of Jharkhand is intensifying his rural outreach, covering every district to create awareness about welfare measures under the “Apki Yojana, Apki Sarkar, and Apke Dwar” program. Emphasizing doorstep delivery of services, he inaugurated schemes and projects totaling ₹466 crore. With upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, Soren aims to consolidate support, addressing anti-incumbency and corruption allegations.

Key Points:

Village-Centric Governance:

• Soren reaffirms the promise of running the government from villages, not Delhi, emphasizing proximity to people’s problems.

Welfare Measures:

• Announces the Savitribai Phule Kishori Samriddhi Yojana, a scholarship plan benefitting all school-going girls with a budget of ₹300 crore.
• Phulo Jhano Ashirwad Yojana provides ₹50,000 aid for individuals transitioning from country-made liquor brewing, earning appreciation.

People’s Response:

• Soren witnesses a positive response as thousands gather, applauding government schemes.
• Beneficiaries, like Jyoti Kumari and Sabita Lakda, express gratitude for life-changing opportunities.

Education Focus:

• Plans to establish nearly 5,000 schools of excellence, demonstrating a commitment to education.
• Guruji Student Credit Card Scheme supports students, with four from Gumla pursuing higher education abroad.

Conclusion:

Chief Minister Soren’s extensive rural tour aims to solidify his position by highlighting impactful welfare schemes, mitigating challenges posed by anti-incumbency and corruption allegations. The emphasis on education and transformative initiatives reflects a strategic approach ahead of the impending elections.

KERALA AND KARNATAKA WITNESS UPTICK IN COVID-19 CASES

Kerala and Karnataka are witnessing an increase in COVID-19 cases, prompting intensified vigilance due to concerns about a new variant, JN.1. Kerala reported 292 new infections and three deaths, while Karnataka, recording three deaths in a week, awaits genome sequencing results to identify the infecting strain.

Key Points:

Kerala’s Situation:

• 292 new COVID-19 cases and three deaths reported.
• Active cases: 2,041.
• State Health Minister assures preparedness despite the rise.

Karnataka’s Concerns:

• Three deaths in Bengaluru in the past week.
• Waiting for genome sequencing results for strain confirmation.
• Active cases: 92, with the state conducting the highest COVID-19 tests in the country.

Government Response:

• Karnataka Health Minister urges people not to panic, highlighting increased testing.
• Plans to conduct 5,000 daily tests in border districts.
• Meeting with Chief Minister and Technical Advisory Committee to discuss further measures.

Conclusion:

As Kerala and Karnataka face a surge in COVID-19 cases and concerns over a new variant, both states are actively monitoring and responding to the situation. The assurance of preparedness and increased testing underscores the commitment to managing the evolving scenario.

RAILWAY ACADEMY TOLD TO HAND OVER ASSETS TO GATI SHAKTI VIDYALAYA

The Ministry of Railways has instructed the National Academy of Indian Railways (NAIR), Vadodara, to transfer all its assets to Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), a Central university envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move has raised concerns among railway officers about the impact on the rich legacy and specialized infrastructure of NAIR, established in 1952, known for its training programs for railway officers.

Key Points:

Asset Transfer Decision:

• The Railway Board directs NAIR to hand over all assets to GSV.
• Infrastructure includes classrooms, labs, hostels, and sports facilities.
• Coordination and support from NAIR for GSV’s progress emphasized.

Legacy and Concerns:

• NAIR, established in 1952, is a renowned apex training facility in Vadodara.
• Offers foundation and induction training for Group-A officers in railways.
• Concerns raised about the impact on time-tested training protocols and specialized infrastructure.

Criticism and Alternative Perspective:

• Former railway officers criticize the decision to dismantle NAIR’s legacy.
• Suggestions for building a new world-class campus for GSV instead of sacrificing the Railway Staff College.

Conclusion:

The directive to transfer NAIR’s assets to GSV sparks concerns about the impact on the established training protocols and legacy of the premier railway training facility. Critics argue for a more considered approach, emphasizing the importance of preserving NAIR’s specialized infrastructure and legacy while promoting the growth of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya.

WHAT CAUSES INFLATION IN INDIA: DEMAND OR SUPPLY ISSUES?

Inflation in India is a complex phenomenon influenced by both demand and supply factors. A recent article from the Reserve Bank of India’s December bulletin sheds light on the dynamics of inflation, emphasizing the interplay between supply and demand forces.

Key Points:

Supply and Demand Dynamics:

• In India, inflation is typically driven by supply-side factors, accounting for about 55% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) headline inflation.
• During the COVID-19 waves, supply disruptions were predominant, affecting production and economic growth.
• Post the Russia-Ukraine conflict, demand factors gained prominence, leading to increased pressures on commodity prices.

Methodology and Data Analysis:

• Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy’s consumer expenditure data is used to distinguish between supply-driven and demand-driven inflation.
• Categories such as vegetables, oils and fats, and pulses often experience supply-side constraints, while non-alcoholic beverages and personal care products are influenced by demand-side factors.

Contribution to CPI Inflation:

• Supply-side factors consistently contributed around 55% to CPI headline inflation between January 2019 and May 2023.
• The study highlights fluctuations in the impact of demand-side factors, decreasing during the COVID-19 crisis but resurging post the Russia-Ukraine conflict, contributing to the peak in April 2022.

Conclusion:

The RBI article underscores the nuanced nature of inflation in India, where supply and demand factors interact dynamically. While supply-side constraints remain a significant driver, the influence of demand factors fluctuates based on economic events. Understanding this interplay is crucial for policymakers to formulate effective strategies in managing inflationary pressures in diverse scenarios.

MARINE PRODUCTS EXPORT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (MPEDA)

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) conducted training on value-added fish products.

• As a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, MPEDA operates under the MPEDA Act, 1972, with a primary goal of promoting the export of marine products.
• Its key functions include overseeing offshore and deep-sea fishing, registering fishing vessels, and establishing standards for marine products.
• The recent training aligns with MPEDA’s mission to enhance skills and promote value addition in the fisheries sector for improved export capabilities and quality standards.

ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT FUNDS (AIFS)

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has strengthened regulations to prevent the evergreening of loans through investments in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).

• AIFs refer to privately pooled investment vehicles in India, attracting funds from sophisticated investors for diverse investments.
• They are categorized into three groups: Category I, focusing on start-ups, social ventures, and SMEs; Category II, involving investments in equity and debt securities; and Category III, targeting short-term returns through intricate trading strategies.
• The RBI’s move aims to enhance transparency and prevent the misuse of AIFs for perpetuating non-performing assets in the financial system.