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Distribution: yearly

  • British-era Act invoked to Block Internet in Punjab

    Introduction

    • The Union government invoked its authority under a colonial-era Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017 to suspend mobile Internet in select districts of Punjab during Farm Protests 2.0.

    Mechanisms allowing Internet Shut-downs

    Authorities Purpose
    Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 Home Departments in the states, state government review committee, central government (under this law, but rarely used) Enforces shutdowns for public emergency or safety reasons.
    Section 144 of the CrPC Local law enforcement authorities Enables shutdowns, particularly before 2017, to maintain public order and safety.
    The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, Section 5(2) Home Secretary of the Union or state governments Allows blocking of messaging during a public emergency, safeguarding public safety, or protecting sovereignty and integrity.

     

    Constitutional Provisions for Right to Internet

    Constitutional Provision Explanation
    Anuradha Bhasin vs. Union of India and Ors. (2020) Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19(1)(a) Grants the right to freedom of speech and expression, which encompasses access to information and the Internet.
    Faheema Shirin RK vs. State of Kerala and others (2019) Right to Education under Article 21A Guarantees the right to education for children aged 6 to 14;

    Internet access is crucial for modern education.
    K.S. Puttaswamy (Privacy) vs. Union of India (2017) Right to Privacy under Article 21 Protects the fundamental right to privacy, and Internet access is often used for secure communication.
    Anuradha Bhasin vs. Union of India and Ors. Freedom to Practice Any Profession or Carry on Any Trade, Business, or Occupation under Article 19(1)(g) Ensures the freedom to conduct various trades, businesses, and professions, often requiring Internet access.

    Landmark Precedence: Anuradha Bhasin Judgment (2020)

    • Supreme Court’s Ruling: In January 2020, the Supreme Court of India recognized access to the Internet as a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution.
    • Restrictions Guidelines: The Court mandated that any government-imposed Internet restrictions must be temporary, limited, lawful, necessary, and proportionate. It also emphasized judicial review.
  • From Europe to India, why are Farmers angry?

    From Europe to India, why are Farmers angry?

    Introduction

    • Farmers worldwide are mobilizing in protest against various issues ranging from subsidy cuts to environmental regulations.
    • The unrest is witnessed across continents, reflecting a shared struggle against challenges impacting agricultural livelihoods.

    Farmers Protests: Worldwide Extent

    • Europe: Farmers in several EU member-nations such as Belgium, France, Germany, and Spain have utilized tactics like tractors in city invasions and supermarket raids to protest subsidy cuts, high energy prices, and cheap imports. They protest against EU environment policies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, which include pesticide reduction and nature restoration initiatives.
    • South America: Protests spanned 67% of countries, driven by economic downturns and droughts, with Brazilian farmers rallying against unfair competition from genetically modified maize.
    • Europe: 47% of countries saw protests against low crop prices and rising costs, with French farmers opposing low-cost imports and inadequate subsidies.
    • North and Central America: Protests occurred in 35% of countries, with Mexican farmers protesting low prices and Costa Rican farmers seeking government assistance amid debt.
    • Africa: 22% of countries witnessed protests due to poor pricing and high production costs, with Kenyan potato farmers demanding better prices and Cameroonian farmers opposing cocoa export bans.
    • New Zealand: Farmers protested against government regulations, while Australian farmers opposed proposed high-voltage powerlines.

    Asian Protests

    • India: Farmers across nine states demand guaranteed crop prices and loan waivers, echoing protests in Nepal against unfair vegetable pricing.
    • Malaysia and Nepal: Protests stem from low rice and sugarcane prices, respectively.

    Government Responses

    • France and Germany have made concessions such as rolling back fuel subsidy cuts and gradually phasing out fuel subsidies.
    • EU politicians have voted against proposed pesticide regulations, and climate rules are being revised ahead of elections.
    • Nature restoration plans have been deferred for now.

    Issues Prompting Indian Protests

    • Indian farmers demand legal backing for minimum support prices (MSP) and expansion of MSP coverage beyond rice and wheat, as per a 2021 agreement.
    • Import of cheap edible oil and pulses, alongside climate shocks, have impacted farmer earnings.
    • Additional demands include higher import duties, changes to crop insurance, better seed quality, debt waivers, and social security benefits.

    Conclusion

    • Farmer protests globally reflect a unified struggle against economic hardships, environmental regulations, and policy decisions impacting agricultural sustainability and livelihoods.
    • Addressing these concerns requires proactive government responses and comprehensive policy reforms to ensure the welfare of farmers and agricultural resilience.

    Also read:

    Farmers’ Demands over Minimum Support Price (MSP) Guarantee

  • Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) COP14 begins in Uzbekistan

    Introduction

    • The Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (COP14) will be hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan, in Samarkand from 12-17 February 2024
    • CMS COP is a Triennial Event.

    About Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)

    Information
    About
    • Intergovernmental treaty under UNEP, known as the Bonn Convention
    • Signed in 1979, in force since 1983
    • 133 Parties as of March 2022, including India since 1983
    Aim
    • Conserve terrestrial, marine, and avian migratory species
    • Lay legal foundation for global conservation measures
    Legal Instruments under CMS Range from legally binding Agreements to less formal MoUs
    Appendices
    1. Appendix I: Threatened Migratory Species
    2. Appendix II: Migratory Species requiring international cooperation
    India and the CMS
    • Signed non-legally binding MoUs with CMS for various species conservation (Siberian Cranes, Marine Turtles, Dugongs, Raptors)
    • Hosts several migratory species
    • India hosted the last COP 13 of CMS in February 2020 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
    Migratory Species Wild animals whose populations cyclically and predictably cross national boundaries
    Efforts made by India  
    • National Action Plan for Conservation of Migratory Birds (2018-2023)
    • Marine Turtle Policy and Marine Stranding Management Policy
    • Project Snow Leopard
    • Dugong Conservation Reserve

  • Horseshoe Crab: Living Fossils of the Sea

    Horseshoe Crab

    Introduction

    • Environmental groups have petitioned the U.S. government to grant endangered species protection to the American horseshoe crab.
    • Horseshoe crabs, often called “living fossils,” have existed since before the age of dinosaurs.

    About Horseshoe Crab

    Description
    Habitat Shallow coastal waters with soft sandy or muddy bottoms;

    Spawns primarily on intertidal beaches during summer-spring high tides.
    Taxonomic Division Chelicerata, a division of Arthropoda, comprising spiders, scorpions, harvestmen, mites, and ticks; characterized by segmented body and limbs, and a chitinous exoskeleton.
    Status Referred to as a marine “living fossil” due to minimal evolutionary changes over time.
    Geographic Range American horseshoe crab: Eastern coast of the USA and the Gulf of Mexico.

    Indo-Pacific species (Tri-spine, Coastal, Mangrove): Mainly in coastal waters of India, Southeast Asia, China, and Japan.
    Habitat in India Odisha serves as the largest habitat for horseshoe crabs in India.
    Conservation Status Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
    IUCN Status American horseshoe crab: Vulnerable.

    Tri-spine horseshoe crab: Endangered.

    Other two are not listed yet.

  • Hastsal Minaret: The Mini Qutub Minar

    Hastsal minar

    Introduction

    • The Hastsal Minar, also known as the Mini Qutub Minar or Chhota Qutub Minar, stands as a Grade A heritage monument in Delhi, silently narrating stories of an era marked by grandeur and mystery amidst ruins and encroachment.

    About Hastsal Minaret

    Description
    Name Mini Qutub Minar (Chhota Qutub Minar, Mini Minar, Kaushal Minar, Hastsal ki Laat)
    Location Hastsal village in Uttam Nagar, West Delhi, India
    Built 1650
    Builder Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan
    Original Height 5 storeys, topped with a domed Chhatri pavilion
    Current Height 3 storeys, 16.87 meters (55 feet) tall
    Structure Built with Lakhori bricks and clad with red sandstone
    Significance Grade A listed, protected heritage monument with the Department of Archaeology, India
    History Originally built as a hunting lodge tower for Shah Jahan

    Used to have a tunnel connecting it to the royal hunting lodge nearby
    Architecture Resembles Qutub Minar in Delhi, octagonal platform, narrow staircase
    Threats Endangered due to neglect, lack of conservation, encroachment by new constructions, surrounded by urbanization

  • Invasive Species:  Cuscuta Dodder

    Cuscuta Dodder

    Introduction

    • An invasive weed, Cuscuta dodder, is gradually strangling the Chengalpet forests and Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, posing a severe threat to local vegetation, ecology, and the habitat of migratory birds.

    About Cuscuta Dodder

    • Parasitic Nature: It is a parasitic vine devoid of roots, already infesting acres of trees in reserve forests and beginning to spread within India’s oldest bird sanctuary.
    • Origin: Native to North America.
    • Modus Operandi: As a holoparasitic plant, it forms a canopy on the host plant and extends thousands of tendrils, eventually forming a dense spectacle before strangling and killing the host.

    Persistence and Germination

    • Seed Characteristics: Cuscuta seeds are spheroid with a hard coat, enabling them to survive up to 50 years in dry storage and at least 10 years in the field.
    • Germination: Unlike root parasites, Cuscuta seeds do not require a specific stimulant to induce germination, enhancing their ability to spread rapidly.

    Impact and Spread

    • India: According to a technical paper by the National Research Centre for Weed Science, Cuscuta poses a significant problem in oilseeds, pulses, and fodder crops across various states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Orissa, West Bengal, and parts of Madhya Pradesh under both rain-fed and irrigated conditions.
    • Global Legislation: It is listed as a ‘declared noxious weed’ in 25 countries, with seeds and plant material restricted from entry. In the United States, it is the only weed seed whose movement is prohibited in every state.

  • Launch of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

    Introduction

    • Prime Minister has launched PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana to provide free electricity to its beneficiaries.

    About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

    Description
    Purpose To provide 300 units of free electricity per month to beneficiaries through an investment of â‚č75,000 crores.
    Announcement Initially announced in an interim budget speech by the Finance Minister.
    Target Aimed to light up 1 crore households.
    Incentive for Renewable Energy Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats incentivized to promote rooftop solar systems.
    Financial Support Central Government guarantees no financial burden on people through subsidies directly to bank accounts and highly concessional bank loans.
    Expected Benefits – Annual savings of â‚č15,000 to â‚č18,000 for households

    – Charging of electric vehicles

    – Entrepreneurship opportunities

    – Employment opportunities for youth with technical skills.

     

  • Thanthai Periyar Sanctuary Notification: Implications for Forest Communities

    Introduction

    • Triggering Concerns: Recently, the notification about the Thanthai Periyar Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu’s Erode district worried nearby forest communities.
    • Potential Rights Denial: Residents fear losing their rights under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 (FRA) due to the sanctuary’s establishment.

    About Forest Rights Act, 2006

    Description
    Purpose Recognizes and vests forest rights and occupation in Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes (FDST) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFD).
    Recognition Criteria
    • Forest rights can be claimed by FDST and OTFD who have been residing in forest land for generations.
    • Members or communities must have resided in forest land for at least three generations (75 years) prior to December 13, 2005.
    Types of Forest Rights Recognized
    • Title rights: Ownership rights to land farmed by them, subject to a maximum of 4 hectares.
    • Use rights: Rights to extract Minor Forest Produce, grazing areas, etc.
    • Relief and development rights: Provides for rehabilitation in case of illegal eviction or forced displacement and access to basic amenities.
    • Forest management rights: Includes the right to protect, regenerate, conserve, or manage any community forest resource traditionally protected and conserved for sustainable use.
    Authority
    • Gram Sabha
    • It is responsible for initiating the process for determining Individual Forest Rights (IFR) or Community Forest Rights (CFR).
    Empowerment
    • Aims to strengthen the conservation regime of forests while ensuring livelihood and food security of FDST and OTFD.
    Historical Injustices Addressed
    • Recognition of historical injustices faced by forest-dwelling communities
    • Empowerment of forest-dwellers for sustainable resource use and livelihood security
    Issues
    • Predominant focus on individual rights, neglecting community rights
    • Poor recognition of Individual Forest Rights (IFRs) and Community Forest Rights (CFRs)

     

    What are Forest Villages?

    • Definition: Forest villages are settlements located within forest areas, inhabited predominantly by tribal and indigenous communities.
    • Historical Context: These villages have often existed for generations, with residents relying on forest resources for their livelihoods.
    • Conversion Mandate: In 1990, the government ordered all forest villages to become revenue villages, aiming to formalize their status and grant them legal recognition.
    • Incomplete Conversion: Despite these orders, the conversion process remains unfinished in many areas, leaving forest dwellers without essential rights and facilities.

    Rights Admitted in the Sanctuary

    • Continuation of Rights: The notification recognizes rights granted under previous laws and the FRA, ensuring some rights for individuals.
    • Implementation Challenges: Tamil Nadu has struggled to enforce the FRA effectively, casting doubt on its implementation within the sanctuary.

    Impact on Forest Communities

    • Grazing Restrictions: The ban on cattle grazing within the sanctuary could affect the traditional grazing practices of forest-dwelling communities.
    • Legal Discrepancies: Prohibiting grazing conflicts with the FRA’s recognition of grazing rights, highlighting inconsistencies in policy.

    Legal Framework and Challenges

    • WLPA Provisions: Sanctuaries and national parks are governed by the Wildlife (Protection) Act (WLPA) 1972, which mandates protecting rights within them.
    • FRA Supremacy: The FRA overrides conflicting provisions of the WLPA, emphasizing the need to balance conservation with community rights.
    • Implementation Gaps: Despite legal frameworks, inadequate enforcement of the FRA persists, undermining the rights of forest communities.

    Tamil Nadu’s FRA Implementation

    • Low Recognition Rate: Tamil Nadu has a poor record in recognizing forest rights, with only a fraction of entitled areas acknowledged under the FRA.
    • National Context: Similar challenges exist nationwide, indicating systemic failures in upholding forest rights and conservation mandates.

    Conclusion

    • Urgent Action Needed: Addressing the concerns of forest-dwelling communities and ensuring compliance with legal provisions are crucial for sustainable forest management.
    • Harmonizing Conservation and Rights: Balancing conservation goals with the rights of forest communities is essential for fair and effective forest governance.
    • Call for Accountability: Authorities must prioritize implementing laws and policies that protect both forests and the rights of those dependent on them, promoting environmental justice and social equity.

    Try this PYQ from CSP 2019:

    Consider the following statements:

    1. As per the recent amendment to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, forest dwellers have the right to fell the bamboos grown on forest areas
    2. As per the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, bamboo is a minor forest produce
    3. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition Forest Rights) Act, 2006 allows ownership of minor forest produce to forest dwellers

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”hjmzv064hb” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

  • Governor’s Address: Insights from R. Venkataraman’s Perspective

     Introduction

    • The recent episode in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, where Governor R.N. Ravi declined to deliver the customary address, has reignited debates surrounding the significance of the Governor’s Address.
    • He actually walked out in response to an insult of National Anthem in TN Assembly.

    President’s/Governor’s Address

    • Constitutional mandate: Articles 87 and 176 of the Constitution confer authority upon the President and Governor, respectively, to address the legislature.
    • Occasions for Address: The addresses are reserved for two specific occasions: the commencement of a new legislative session post-election and the inauguration of the annual legislative session.
    • Significance: Termed the President’s or Governor’s Address, these speeches are pivotal for initiating legislative proceedings.

    Governor’s Address to the State Legislature: A Constitutional Obligation

    • Prescribed Duties: Article 176 delineates the Governor’s obligation to address the Legislative Assembly at the onset of each legislative year and post-general elections, with both Houses convened if a Legislative Council exists.
    • Procedural Norms: Established rules govern the time allocated for deliberating the address’s contents, ensuring parliamentary discourse.

    Global Parallels: Similar Practices across Democracies

    • Cross-National Comparison: Analogous provisions are observed in democratic nations worldwide.
    • State of the Union: In the United States, it manifests as the “State of the Union” address (1790), while in the United Kingdom, it is the Queen’s Speech (1536), heralding the parliamentary year’s commencement.
    • Indian Context: India’s Presidential Address mirrors the British model, reflecting the ceremonial role of the President, a sentiment echoed during the Constitution’s framing by Dr. B R Ambedkar.

    Features of the Address Content

    [A] Address Content: Proposals and Achievements

    • Legislative Agenda: The President’s or Governor’s speech encapsulates legislative proposals and government policy initiatives, coupled with a retrospective glance at previous accomplishments.
    • Government Input: Inputs for this address are curated from various government ministries, embodying the administration’s agenda.

    [B] Authorship and Agency: Government Responsibility

    • Constitutional Mandate: Governed by constitutional mandate, both the President and Governor are obligated to adhere to the Cabinet’s advice (1950) in their functions, including address preparation.
    • Policy Reflection: Hence, the address is meticulously crafted by the government, serving as a reflection of its policy stance.

    [C] Flexibility vs. Normative Adherence: Presidential/Governor Discretion

    • Adherence to Protocol: While refusal to deliver the address is impermissible, deviations from the prepared script are permissible.
    • Instances of Departure: Instances of Governors veering off the scripted path have transpired, although such actions remain rare for Presidents.

    Judicial Pronouncement: Upholding Constitutional Framework

    • Legal Precedent: The Supreme Court, in Shamsher Singh v. State of Punjab (1975), underscored the President’s (or Governor’s) adherence to Cabinet advice across functions.
    • Contested Discretion: While discretion to modify the speech is contested, any departure from parliamentary norms may invoke debate.

    R. Venkataraman’s Perspective

    • Venkataraman’s Critique: R. Venkataraman, who served as President from 1987 to 1992, vehemently opposed the practice of Presidential and Governor’s addresses, deeming it a “British anachronism” and a “meaningless formality.”
    • Calls for Constitutional Amendment: Venkataraman repeatedly urged PM Rajiv Gandhi and Chandra Shekher to abolish this tradition through a Constitutional amendment, emphasizing its lack of relevance and inherent biases.

    Perceptions of the Address

    • Government’s Voice: Venkataraman viewed the address as a mere reflection of the ruling regime’s perspectives, rendering Presidents and Governors mere “mouthpieces” devoid of independent expression.
    • Controversies and Criticism: He expressed dismay over controversies surrounding Governors’ addresses in states like Maharashtra and West Bengal, condemning the opposition’s heckling of figures like Governor Nurul Hasan.
    • Symbolic Adjustments: Venkataraman, in presenting his maiden Presidential address in 1988, advocated for subtle changes like replacing “My government” with “The government,” aligning with India’s constitutional ethos framed by the people.
    • Legacy of British Colonialism: He underscored the incongruity of retaining British-era conventions in India’s democratic framework, emphasizing the need for symbolic adjustments to reflect the nation’s sovereignty.

    Conclusion

    • Symbol of Governance: The tradition of Presidential and Governor’s addresses, rooted in constitutional mandate, and symbolizes the fusion of ceremonial protocol with legislative functionality.
    • Executive-Legislative Nexus: As integral components of democratic governance, these addresses underscore the synergy between executive authority and parliamentary accountability, while navigating the delicate balance between tradition and evolving norms.
  • In news: Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah’s Tomb

    In news: Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah’s Tomb

    Introduction

    • A digital twin of the Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah’s tomb was unveiled by a reality technology company, Hexagon in Hyderabad.

    Who was Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah?

    • Parentage: Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah was born on April 4, 1565, as the third son of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali and his Hindu mother Bhagirathi.
    • Literary Talent: He was not only an able administrator but also a skilled poet who composed verses in Persian, Telugu, and Urdu.

    Contemporaries of Quli Qutb Shah

     

    • Akbar (1556–1605): Mughal Emperor known for his religious tolerance and administrative reforms.
    • Rani Durgavati (1550–1564): Queen of the Gondwana Kingdom in central India, renowned for her bravery in resisting Mughal expansion.
    • Maharana Pratap (1572–1597): Rajput ruler of Mewar, famous for his defiance against Mughal Emperor Akbar and his valor in battles.
    • Chand Bibi (1550–1599): Regent of the Ahmednagar Sultanate in Deccan, known for her role in defending Ahmadnagar against Mughal forces.
    • Guru Ram Das (1574–1581): Fourth Sikh Guru who established the city of Amritsar and contributed significantly to Sikhism’s growth.
    • Sher Shah Suri (1540–1545): Founder of the Sur Empire in North India, celebrated for his administrative reforms and construction of the Grand Trunk Road.

    Key Accomplishments

    [A] Reign and Accomplishments

    • Ascension to the Throne: Muhammad Quli succeeded his father in 1580 at the age of 15 and ruled for 31 years.
    • Military Campaigns: Despite facing rebellions, he effectively led troops and quelled disturbances, ensuring stability in his realm.

    [B] Foundation of Hyderabad

    • Urban Planning: Concerned about overcrowding in Golkonda, Muhammad Quli initiated the construction of Hyderabad in 1591.
    • Land Selection: While folklore suggests a romanticized version of land selection, Muhammad Quli’s vision for Hyderabad’s development aimed at relieving congestion and promoting growth.

    [C] Architectural Marvels and City Planning

    • Charminar: As the architectural centrepiece, Charminar was built under Muhammad Quli’s patronage, symbolizing the city’s grandeur.
    • City Layout: Hyderabad was meticulously planned with a gridiron layout, featuring significant landmarks like Darulshafa, Mecca Masjid, and Badshahi Ashurkhana.

    [D] Support for Arts and Literature

    • Calligraphic Art: Under Muhammad Quli’s rule, calligraphy flourished, with various scripts adorning buildings such as the Mecca Masjid.
    • Literary Contributions: Muhammad Quli’s poetic works in Urdu and Dakhni languages reflected his diverse interests and cultural appreciation.
    • Taraqqi: He was a poet himself and composed poetry in Persian and Telugu under the pen name “Taraqqi”.

    [E] Medical and Literary Contributions

    • Intellectual Hub: Hyderabad became a centre for medical and literary pursuits, with scholars producing notable works during Muhammad Quli’s reign.
    • Preservation of Culture: Muhammad Quli’s literary legacy, including his Diwan, is preserved in institutions like the Salar Jung Museum, showcasing his contribution to cultural heritage.

    Legacy and Influence

    • Cultural Integration: Muhammad Quli’s reign represents a period of cultural fusion, blending Hindu and Islamic traditions in the Deccan region.
    • Symbol of Unity: His efforts to promote harmony and coexistence endure as a testament to the inclusive ethos of his administration.