22-February-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

JUDICIAL GIANT FALI S NARIMAN LEAVES AN UNMATCHED LEGACY

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: HINDUSTAN TIMES

Eminent jurist and Senior Advocate Fali S. Nariman, known for his remarkable legal career spanning 75 years, passed away at the age of 95.

Throughout his tenure as a Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India, Nariman played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian legal landscape through his involvement in landmark cases.

Advocacy in the Second Judges Case:

Judicial Independence Advocacy (1981):

• In the Second Judges Case of 1981, Nariman championed judicial independence.
• Challenged the decision giving the Centre final authority in judicial appointments.
• Led to the establishment of the Supreme Court collegium system, emphasizing consultation between the Chief Justice and the President.

Involvement in the Third Judges Case:

Procedure for Judicial Appointments (1998):

• Nariman’s expertise was evident in the Third Judges Case of 1998.
• Assisted the Supreme Court in clarifying the procedure for judicial appointments.
• Mandated Chief Justice’s consultation with senior judges, expanding the collegium system.

Opposition to the NJAC Act:

Defending Judicial Independence (2014):

• Opposed the National Judicial Appointment Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014.
• Argued it would undermine judicial independence by involving the executive and legislature.
• Efforts resulted in the Supreme Court striking down the NJAC Act as unconstitutional.

Defending Fundamental Rights:

Golaknath Case (1967):

• Intervened in the Golaknath Case to defend fundamental rights.
• Argued against Parliament’s power to curtail these rights through constitutional amendments.
• Contributed to the Court’s ruling that Parliament cannot infringe upon fundamental rights.

Legal Representation in High-Profile Cases:

Union Carbide and TMA Pai Foundation Cases:

• Advocated for victims’ rights in the Union Carbide Case and minorities’ rights in the TMA Pai Foundation Case.
• Demonstrated commitment to justice and constitutional principles.

Role in Resolving Political Crises:

Arunachal Political Crisis Case:

• Nariman’s involvement showcased dedication to upholding constitutional norms and democratic principles.
• Arguments before the Supreme Court aided in restoring democratic governance during political turmoil.

Legacy in Water Dispute Resolution:

Cauvery Water-sharing Dispute:

• Contributions in resolving the Cauvery water-sharing dispute highlighted skillful negotiation and federalism commitment.
• Efforts in securing interim orders and advocating for Karnataka’s interests were praised by the Supreme Court.

Conclusion:

Fali S. Nariman’s illustrious career has left an indelible mark, emphasizing judicial independence, fundamental rights, and constitutional principles. His legacy will inspire generations of legal professionals in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all.

CABINET APPROVES HIKE IN SUGARCANE FRP BY RS 25 TO RS 340 PER QUINTAL FOR 2024-25 SEASON

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: ECONOMIC TIMES

The government has announced a significant increase in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane, reaching Rs 340 per quintal with a recovery rate of 10.25%.

Impact on Sugarcane Farmers:

Historic Increase in FRP:

• New FRP of Rs 340 per quintal is an 8% surge from the current season.
• Ensures prosperity for farmers with a recovery rate of 10.25%.

107% Higher Than Cost:

• FRP is 107% higher than the A2+FL cost of sugarcane.
• Guarantees better income for over 5 crore sugarcane farmers.

Minimum Price Assurance:

• Even at lower recovery rates, farmers assured a minimum price of Rs 315.10 per quintal.

Government Support and Policy Interventions:

Lowest Cane Arrears:

• Timely policy interventions by the Central Government led to the lowest cane arrears in the history of the sugar sector.
• Ensured prompt payment of cane dues to farmers, fostering self-sustainability of sugar mills without financial assistance.

Modifications to National Livestock Mission:

Entrepreneurship Expansion:

• Cabinet approved modifications to the National Livestock Mission.
• Includes additional activities such as establishing entrepreneurship for horse, donkey, mule, and camel.

Livestock Insurance Simplification:

• Simplification of the Livestock Insurance program with reduced beneficiary shares for farmers and increased coverage for animals.

Continuation of Flood Management Programme:

Programme Approval:

• Cabinet approved the continuation of the “Flood Management and Border Areas Programme” with a total outlay of Rs. 4,100 crore for five years.

Aim of the Programme:

• Aims to address flood management and development in border areas.

About Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP):

FRP is the minimum price at which sugar mills purchase sugarcane from farmers.

• Determination: Fixed by the Union government based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
• Methodology: Determined under the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966, considering variables like intercrop price parity, production costs, and demand-supply scenario.
• Benefits: Guarantees margins for farmers irrespective of sugar mills’ profitability, ensuring consistent application across the nation. Some states announce a State Advised Price, typically higher than the FRP.

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF HUMAN RATING OF CE20 CRYOGENIC ENGINE FOR THE GAGANYAAN PROGRAMME

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: ISRO.GOV.IN

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of human space exploration by certifying the crucial cryogenic engine for the Gaganyaan missions.

These missions aim to send a three-member crew into a 400km orbit for a three-day duration before safely returning to Earth.

Successful Vacuum Test of CE20 Cryogenic Engine:

Gaganyaan Overview:

• Proposed maiden human flight mission by India.
• Involves sending a three-member crew into a 400km orbit for a three-day duration.

LVM3 Launch Vehicle:

• Utilizes ISRO’s heavy-lift launcher, LVM, for Gaganyaan missions.
• Incorporates solid, liquid, and cryogenic stages adaptable for crewed spaceflight.

CE20 Cryogenic Engine Certification:

• Seventh vacuum test of CE20 cryogenic engine conducted on February 14 at High Altitude Test Facility in Tamil Nadu.
• Crucial for the cryogenic stage of lift-off.

Completion of Acceptance Tests:

Human-Rating Process:

• CE20 engine undergoes 39 hot firing tests totaling 8810 seconds.
• Surpasses the minimum standard time for human rating (6350 seconds).

Flight Engine Readiness:

• Flight engine designated for the first Gaganyaan mission completes acceptance tests.
• Exhibits thrust capacity of 19-22 tonnes with an impulse of 442.5 seconds.

Technological Developments for Human-Space Flight:

Comprehensive Approach by ISRO:

• ISRO’s efforts include life support system development, crew emergency escape provisions, and crew management evolution.

Precursor Missions:

• Planning precursor missions to demonstrate technology readiness before the manned Gaganyaan mission.

Conclusion:

ISRO’s certification of the cryogenic engine for Gaganyaan showcases India’s commitment to advancing in human space exploration. The Gaganyaan mission holds the promise of scientific breakthroughs, youth inspiration, foreign policy leverage, and economic growth for India.

BEYOND SHELTER, DWELLER NEEDS WITHIN THE FOUR WALLS

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

In the interim Budget 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the construction of two crore additional houses over the next five years under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G) and the introduction of a new housing scheme for the middle class.

Government Initiatives:

PMAY Scheme Success:

• Nearly three crore rural and 80 lakh urban affordable houses constructed under PMAY since 2015.
• Introduction of new schemes to further expand housing opportunities, including PMAY-G and a new housing scheme for the middle class.

Adoption of Modern Technologies:

• Utilization of Light House Projects (LHPs) and construction methods like Mivan to reduce construction time, costs, and environmental footprint.
• Emphasis on leveraging technology to achieve mass production while maintaining quality.

Challenges and Solutions:

Balancing Mass Production and Quality:

• Trade-offs between mass production and quality of life need to be addressed.
• Integration of passive design strategies to ensure thermal comfort and environmental sustainability.

Passive Design Strategies:

• Implementation of passive design strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the operational stage of buildings.
• Initiatives like Eco Niwas Samhita and Smart Ghar III project demonstrate the integration of passive design elements into affordable housing.

Key Challenges:

• Multi-stakeholder involvement and lack of awareness hinder the adoption of sustainable practices.
• Incentivizing developers to prioritize sustainability in housing projects through policy interventions.

Critical Analysis:

Government’s Efforts:

• Government’s efforts in addressing housing challenges while acknowledging environmental concerns are commendable.
• Balanced approach integrating modern technologies and passive design strategies is crucial for sustainable housing development.

Way Forward:

Implementation Strategies:

• Implementation of passive design strategies in affordable housing projects to ensure thermal comfort and reduce environmental impact.
• Raising awareness among stakeholders about the benefits of sustainable practices.
• Policy interventions to incentivize developers and strengthen building codes to incorporate environmental considerations.

Collaborative Approach:

• Collaboration among stakeholders essential to drive systemic changes in the building sector.
• Fostering collaboration can lead to the development of holistic solutions that meet both housing needs and environmental sustainability goals.

CENTRE ALLOCATES ₹20 CRORE TO BAIL OUT POOR PRISONERS

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

The Union government has earmarked ₹20 crore annually to assist financially struggling prisoners in Indian jails.

• The Home Ministry urges prison authorities in all States and Union Territories to utilize the funds for the benefit of poor prisoners facing difficulties in paying fines or securing bail.
• Launched in May last year, the “Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme” aligns with the government’s commitment to inclusivity, aiming to leave no one behind.
• The scheme primarily targets socially disadvantaged individuals or those from low-income groups facing challenges in meeting legal obligations.
• By providing financial aid, the initiative aims to help prisoners settle outstanding fines or obtain bail, enabling their reintegration into society as responsible citizens.
• Guidelines and a standard operating procedure have been rolled out to facilitate the effective utilization of funds.
• States and Union Territories are instructed to form district-level “Empowered Committees” and headquarters-level “Oversight Committees” for prisoner identification.

Role of NCRB:

• The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is appointed as the Central Nodal Agency for implementing the scheme nationwide.
• Apart from aiding prisoners, the scheme is expected to mitigate problems of overcrowding in prisons, contributing to a more effective criminal justice system.
• While committees are yet to be constituted in some states, the Ministry urges prompt steps to ensure timely implementation.

GREAT NICOBAR: INDIAN PRESIDENT VISITS ISLAND AS FEARS GROW FOR SHOMPEN TRIBE

TOPIC: (GS3) SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE – SOURCE: BCC

India’s President recently visited an island marked for multi-billion-dollar development, raising concerns about the potential threat to the indigenous Shompen tribe residing there.

Shompen Tribe:

The Shompen tribe is among the most isolated communities globally, located in the dense tropical rainforest of Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands.

Least Studied Tribal Group:

• Designated as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), the Shompen remain one of India’s least studied tribes, with an estimated 2011 population of 229 individuals, although the exact figure remains unknown.

Isolation and Livelihood

• The Shompen people, mostly uncontacted, live in small groups relying on hunting, gathering, fishing, and rudimentary horticultural activities.
• They exhibit semi-nomadic lifestyles and depend on the forest for sustenance.

Unique Culture and Language:

• Shompen follow distinct cultural practices, including their own language with multiple dialects.
• Bands within the tribe may not understand each other’s dialects.

Physical Characteristics and Family Structure:

• Physically, Shompen individuals are of short to medium stature, displaying Mongoloid features.
• Their families are nuclear, controlled by the eldest male member, adhering to monogamy, with polygamy allowed.

Need for Preservation:

• Experts warn that the development could pose a threat to the Shompen tribe’s existence, emphasizing the importance of preserving their unique culture and ensuring their rights amid changing landscapes.

RAISINA DIALOGUE 2024

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: MEA.GOV.IN

The Raisina Dialogue is an annual conference focusing on geopolitics and geoeconomics, aimed at tackling the world’s most pressing issues.

Event Details:

• The ninth edition of the Raisina Dialogue will take place from February 21 to 23 in New Delhi.
• It has been held annually since 2016, attracting participants from various sectors including politics, business, media, and civil society.

Structure and Participants:

• The dialogue follows a multi-stakeholder approach, involving heads of state, ministers, local officials, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds.
• Organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

Theme and Agenda:

The theme for the 2024 edition is “Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create.”

Participants will engage in discussions across six thematic pillars:

• Tech Frontiers: Regulations & Realities
• Peace with the Planet: Invest & Innovate
• War & Peace: Armouries & Asymmetries
• Decolonising Multilateralism: Institutions & Inclusion
• The Post 2030 Agenda: People & Progress
• Defending Democracy: Society & Sovereignty.

Objective:

The dialogue serves as a platform for global leaders to exchange ideas, explore solutions, and foster cooperation on critical global challenges, promoting dialogue and collaboration in addressing complex issues.

REC FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTES TO ARMED FORCES FLAG DAY FUND

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: PIB

REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, has made a significant contribution to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF).

Objective of AFFDF:

• The fund is established to support Armed Forces veterans, widows, dependents, and institutions rehabilitating paraplegic soldiers.

Significance of Armed Forces Flag Day:

• AFFD India is observed annually on December 7th since 1949, honoring the service of India’s soldiers and veterans.

REC Limited’s Commitment:

• REC, registered as a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Infrastructure Financing Company (IFC), has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the welfare of armed forces personnel.

REC’s Role in National Initiatives:

• REC Ltd. plays a crucial role in government flagship schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGAYA), Deen Dayal Upadhaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), and National Electricity Fund (NEF) Scheme.
• The company’s financial support has contributed to the success of initiatives ensuring last-mile distribution, 100% village electrification, and household electrification in the country.