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  • Key Takeaways of SC’s Maharashtra Verdict

    The Supreme Court issued a unanimous judgment on various issues related to the split in a political party in Maharashtra in June 2022.

    Key Takeaways

    Here are the key takeaways from the verdict:

    (1) Disqualification

    • MLA disqualifications upheld: The Supreme Court did not interfere with the proceedings related to the disqualification of 16 MLAs (who had gone to Dehradun) including Chief Minister.
    • Onus on Speaker: The court stated that the issue of disqualification should be decided by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly as per established procedures in law.

    (2) Consideration of Party Constitution

    • Political party constitution: The court emphasized that while deciding disqualification pleas, the Speaker must consider the constitution of the political party, which was submitted to the Election Commission (EC) with the consent of both factions.
    • Split occurred later: The court clarified that the “split” in the party would no longer be a defense available to MLAs facing disqualification.

    (3) Governor’s Role

    • Issue over floor test circumstances: The court criticized the then Governor for calling a floor test without sufficient objective material to show that the incumbent government had lost the confidence of the House.
    • Must remain politically neutral: The court stated that the Governor should exercise their power within the limits of the law and should not enter the political arena nor interfere in intra-party disputes.

    (4) Former CM Resignation

    • Should have faced floor test: The court mentioned that erstwhile CM of tripartite government, who led one of the factions, had resigned and did not face the floor test.
    • Re-instation was possible: The court held that it could not quash a resignation submitted voluntarily, but if ex-CM had refrained from resigning, the court could have considered a remedy to reinstate his government.

    (5) Illegal Appointment of Whip

    • The court deemed the appointment of the whip by the split-led faction to be illegal.
    • The Speaker should have conducted an independent inquiry to verify the decision of the political party regarding the appointment of the whip.

    (6) Distinction between Legislature Party and Political Party

    • The court clarified that the legislature party and the political party cannot be conflated.
    • The court stated that a political party must be registered with the Election Commission, while the legislature party has independent existence to provide defense to legislators’ actions within the political party.

    (7) Concurrent Jurisdiction of Speaker and EC

    • The court rejected the contention that the Election Commission was barred from deciding on the party symbol dispute until the Speaker decided the disqualification pleas.
    • The court stated that both the Speaker and the EC can adjudicate issues concurrently.

    (8) Others

    • Nabam Rebia Case, 2016: Additionally, the court referred certain issues related to its judgment in the Nabam Rebia Case to a larger Bench.
    • Restrictions on the ousted Speaker: This included the restriction of the Speaker’s powers in issuing disqualification notices to MLAs in the presence of a notice for the Speaker’s removal.

     

     

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  • Delhi vs. Centre: Key takeaways of SC’s verdict

    Central Idea

    Key takeaways

    (1) Disagreement with Justice Bhushan’s Judgment

    • The Supreme Court stated that it does not agree with Justice Ashok Bhushan’s judgment that the Delhi government has no power over services.

    (2) Article 239A and Legislative Assembly for NCT

    • The Supreme Court highlighted that Article 239A establishes a legislative assembly for the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
    • The members of the legislative assembly are elected by the electorate of Delhi, and the interpretation of Article 239A should support representative democracy.

    (3) Limits of Power

    • The court clarified that the control over services does not extend to areas related to public order, police, and land.

    (4) Delhi Government Represents Representative Form of Government

    • According to the Supreme Court, the Delhi government, like other states, represents the representative form of government.
    • Any expansion of the central government’s power would contradict the Constitutional scheme.

    (5) Impact on Ministers’ Control

    • The court noted that if administrative services are excluded from the legislative and executive domains, ministers would be excluded from controlling civil servants responsible for implementing executive decisions.

    (6) Executive Power and Existing Law

    • The court clarified that the executive power of the state is subject to existing union laws.

    (7) Principle of Collective Responsibility

    • The Supreme Court emphasized that if officers do not report to ministers or fail to follow their instructions, the principle of collective responsibility will be affected.

    (8) Triple Chain of Accountability

    • Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud highlighted that denying democratically elected governments the power to control officers would render the principle of the triple chain of accountability redundant.

    Back2Basics: Article 239AA

    • Article 239AA granted Special Status to Delhi among Union Territories (UTs) in the year 1991 through the 69th Constitutional Amendment.
    • It provided a Legislative Assembly and a Council of Ministers responsible to such Assembly with appropriate powers.
    • That’s when Delhi was named as the National Capital Region (NCT) of Delhi.
    • As per this article – Public Order, Police & Land in NCT of Delhi fall within the domain and control of Central Government which shall have the power to make laws on these matters.
    • For remaining matters of State List or Concurrent List, in so far as any such matter is applicable to UTs, the Legislative Assembly shall have the power to make laws for NCT of Delhi.

     

     

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  • 25th anniversary of Pokhran-II

    pokhran

    Central Idea: The article provides a historical context for India’s nuclear program and focuses specifically on the Pokhran-II nuclear tests conducted in 1998. This year is special, marking 25 years since we started celebrating National Technology Day.

    India’s Nuclear Journey: A quick recap

    • India conducted nuclear bomb test explosions at Pokhran Test Range in 1998.
    • Codenamed Operation Shakti, these tests showcased India’s capability to build nuclear weapons.
    • The tests marked the culmination of a long journey that began in the 1940s-50s.
    • Physicist Homi J Bhaba played a crucial role in laying the foundations of India’s nuclear program.
    • Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru supported Bhaba’s efforts and established the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 1954.

    Reasons: Threat of China and Pakistan

    • India’s perspective on nuclear weapons changed after the 1962 Sino-Indian War and China’s nuclear bomb test in 1964.
    • The political establishment realized the need for self-sufficiency in the face of an unfriendly China and Pakistan.
    • India sought nuclear guarantees from established nuclear weapons states but was unsuccessful.
    • The path to obtaining nuclear weapons became a priority for India.

    The “Discriminatory” NPT

    • The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was established in 1968, creating a divide between nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear states.
    • India refused to sign the treaty, as it felt it did not address its concerns about reciprocal obligations from nuclear weapons states.
    • The NPT gained widespread international acceptance, but India remained one of the few non-signatories.

    Pokhran-I and its Aftermath

    • In 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test at Pokhran, known as Pokhran-I or Operation Smiling Buddha.
    • The test was described as a “peaceful nuclear explosion” but faced international condemnation and sanctions.
    • Political instability, including the Emergency in 1975, hindered India’s nuclear program’s progress.
    • Clamor for nuclear weapons resurfaced in the 1980s due to Pakistan’s advancing nuclear capabilities.

    The Period between the Two Tests

    • India faced challenges due to domestic political instability and changing international dynamics.
    • The fall of the USSR in 1991 weakened India’s military alliances.
    • The US continued to support Pakistan despite concerns about its nuclear program.
    • India faced pressure to quickly develop nuclear weapons as the window of opportunity appeared to be closing.

    Pokhran-II: Projecting India’s Strength

    • In 1998, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) came to power under Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
    • Operation Shakti, conducted as a response to Pakistan’s missile launch, marked the culmination of India’s nuclear weaponization.
    • India declared itself a nuclear weapons state following Pokhran-II.
    • The tests faced some sanctions, but India’s growing economy and market potential helped it withstand international pressure.

     

     

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  • Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)

    indian

    Central Idea: The sixth edition of the International Indian Ocean Conference is scheduled to take place in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, starting from May 12. (Note: This should not be confused with Indian Ocean Commission.)

    Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), 2023

    • The IOC has been held annually since 2016 and has become a key platform for regional countries to discuss regional affairs.
    • It focuses on fostering regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), bringing together critical states and maritime partners in the region.

    Theme:

    • The theme of this year’s conference is “Peace, Prosperity, and Partnership for a Resilient Future,” focusing on the post-Covid situation and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

    Participants:

    • The conference primarily targets coastal countries of the Indian Ocean but has expanded its scope to discuss important and relevant issues in the changing global context.
    • Dignitaries attending the conference include the President of Mauritius, Vice President of Maldives, and the Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
    • Foreign Ministers from Bhutan, Nepal, Bahrain, and Singapore, along with ministerial representatives from Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar, will also participate.
    • Around 150 foreign guests, including representatives from D8, SAARC, and BIMSTEC, are expected to attend.

    Organizers:

    • The conference is being organized by the India Foundation in collaboration with the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Significance of the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)

    • The conference aims to strengthen partnerships with Indian Ocean countries, enhance regional political engagement, and facilitate decision-making in crisis situations.
    • It provides an opportunity for participating countries to discuss ongoing global events and make informed decisions for future actions.

     

     

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  • Chheligada Irrigation Project in Odisha

    Central Idea: Officials recently directed to begin construction of the multipurpose irrigation project at Chheligada, Odisha.

    Chheligada Irrigation Project

    • The project is a multipurpose medium project located near the village of Chheligada in the Gajapati District of Odisha.
    • The project involves the construction of a 250m long and 30m high dam across the River Badjhore, a tributary of the River Vamsadhara.
    • It aims to preserve 5201 hectares of water and provide irrigation to 5760 hectares of land in Ganjam and 500 hectares of land in Gajapati districts.
    • The project will also supply drinking water to Brahampur City.
    • Furthermore, it includes the development of a mini hydel project at Shiali Loti, Kankata, and Dekili in the Gajapati district, with a capacity to generate 36 MW of electricity.

    Salient features of the project

    1. A centrally located Ogee-type gated spillway with a length of 90m.
    2. Construction of a 1.13 km long tunnel connecting the Chheligada reservoir with the Ghodahada river.
    3. Establishment of a canal system to facilitate irrigation in the Gajapati district directly from the dam.
    4. Implementation of a pipeline network for supplying drinking water to Berhampur in the Ganjam district.

     

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  • Early Childhood Care and Education through Anganwadis

    Central Idea: The Centre is planning to promote ‘Early Childhood Care and Education’ through anganwadi centres as part of the ‘Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi’ slogan announced by the Women and Child Development Minister.

    What is Anganwadi scheme?

    • The scheme was started in 1975 and aims at the holistic development of children and empowerment of mother.
    • It is a Centrally-Sponsored scheme. The scheme primarily runs through the Anganwadi centre.
    • The scheme is under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

    Moto: Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi

    • The focus will be on both nutrition and early learning for children under 6 years, with a particular emphasis on those under 3 years.
    • Early learning has been neglected in the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and seen as secondary to nutrition.
    • Anganwadi centres will be repositioned as pre-schools to provide early learning access to socially and educationally backward communities.

    Why such move?

    • Two emerging trends are noted: young children shifting to private pre-schools and under-age children being admitted to Class 1 in some states.
    • The quality of services provided at Anganwadi centres is perceived as inferior, leading to the shift to private nursery schools.

    Task Force and Recommendations

    • Rebranding anganwadis: The task force recommends a “mission-mode approach” to rebranding anganwadis, including infrastructure upgrades, materials, play equipment, etc.
    • Focus on volunteer support: It suggests involving panchayat raj institutions, women’s self-help groups, local NGOs, and college volunteers to enhance the learning environment.
    • Boost to Anganwadi sisters: The task force proposes re-designating anganwadi workers as anganwadi teachers and helpers as childcare workers.
    • Nutrition boost: Infrastructure improvements, additional nutrition supplements (such as eggs and milk), extended timings, creches, and day care services are recommended.
    • MGNREGS liasion: The task force suggests leveraging funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

    Major target: Improve Child Nutrition

    • The task force highlights that over 35% of young children in India are stunted, according to the latest NFHS data.
    • Although there has been a reduction, India still has the largest population of stunted children globally.
    • Child stunting affects developmental outcomes and the ability to learn at school.
    • NFHS-5 reveals that only 11.3% of children below 2 years receive an adequate diet.
    • The task force recommends introducing eggs as an effective intervention for nutrition.

     

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  • China objects to Indian proposal to blacklist terrorist at UN

    Central Idea: China has objected to India’s proposal to blacklist Abdul Rauf Azhar, a senior terrorist from Pakistan-based Jaish-e Mohammed (JeM) on the UN Security Council’s 1267 List.

    China’s objection to the proposal

    • China is a permanent, veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council.
    • It has put a hold on proposals to blacklist other Pakistan-based terrorists in the past, including Hafiz Talah Saeed, Shahid Mahmood, and Sajid Mir.

    The UNSC 1267 list

    • The UNSC resolution 1267 was adopted unanimously on 15 October 1999.
    • It came to force in 1999, and strengthened after the September 2001 attacks.
    • It is now known as the Da’esh and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee.

    What is UNSC 1267 committee?

    • It comprises all permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
    • The 1267 list of terrorists is a global list, with a UNSC stamp.
    • It is one of the most important and active UN subsidiary bodies working on efforts to combat terrorism, particularly in relation to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
    • It discusses UN efforts to limit the movement of terrorists, especially those related to travel bans, the freezing of assets and arms embargoes for terrorism.

    How is the listing done?

    (1) Submission of Proposal

    • Any member state can submit a proposal for listing an individual, group, or entity.
    • The proposal must include acts or activities indicating the proposed individual/group/entity had participated in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities linked to the said organizations.

    (2) Actual decision

    • Decisions on listing and de-listing are adopted by consensus.
    • The proposal is sent to all the members, and if no member objects within five working days, the proposal is adopted.
    • An “objection” means rejection for the proposal.

    (3) Putting and resolving ‘Technical Holds’

    • Any member of the Committee may also put a “technical hold” on the proposal and ask for more information from the proposing member state.
    • During this time, other members may also place their own holds.
    • The matter remains on the “pending” list of the Committee.
    • Pending issues must be resolved in six months, but the member state that has placed the hold may ask for an additional three months.
    • At the end of this period, if an objection is not placed, the matter is considered approved.

    Here is a timeline of how China disrupts the global efforts against terrorism:

    • 2009: After the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, India moved an independent terror designation proposal against Masood Azhar but China blocked the move.
    • 2016: After seven years, India proposes listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist and is supported by the US, the UK and France. China blocks the move again.
    • 2017: The trio moves a third proposal only to be blocked by China again.
    • 2019: After the attacks on the CRPF personnel in J-K’s Pulwama, India calls 25 envoys of different countries to highlight the role Islamabad plays in funding, promoting and strengthening global terrorism. India moves the fourth proposal demanding Masood Azhar’s listing. China lifted its technical hold.
    • June 2022: China blocked a proposal by India and the US to list Pakistan-based terrorist Abdul Rehman Makki as a ‘Global Terrorist’
    • August 2022: China blocks India-US joint proposal to list Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) deputy chief Abdul Rauf Azhar as UNSC designated terrorist.

    Conclusion

    • China’s actions expose its double speak and double standards when it comes to the international community’s shared battle against terrorism.
    • This clearly depicts its care for its vassal state Pakistan.

    Back2Basics: United Nations Security Council

    Description
    Purpose International peace and security
    Powers Establish peacekeeping operations, impose international sanctions, and authorize military action. Its resolutions are binding.
    Membership 15 members. 5 permanent members are Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, and the United States. The remaining 10 are non-permanent members elected on a regional basis to serve two-year terms.
    Veto Power P5 members have veto power, which means they can veto any substantive resolution, including those on new member states or candidates for Secretary-General.
    Presidency Rotates monthly among its members.

     

     

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  • Santiniketan in tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage list

    santiniketan

    Central Idea

    • The article announces that Santiniketan, the home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in West Bengal, has been recommended for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

    About Santiniketan

    Santiniketan is a renowned cultural and heritage place located in Birbhum District, West Bengal, India. It holds historical significance and is known for its association with Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Here are key points about Santiniketan:

    • It was the home of Rabindranath Tagore, where he lived and composed many of his literary works, including songs, poems, and novels.
    • The Santiniketan campus is adorned with splendid sculptures, frescoes, murals, and paintings created by renowned artists such as Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar, Binodbehari Mukhopadhyay, and others.
    • The region of Birbhum District, where Santiniketan is located, is also famous for its fairs and festivals. Some notable ones are Poush Mela (December), Joydev Mela (January), Basanta Utsav (Holi) in March, and the famous mystic Baul Singers.
    • Special cultural events are held during Bengali New Year and Rabindra Janmotsav (birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore) in the Bengali month of Boisakh with great enthusiasm.
    • Santiniketan celebrates unique festivals like Briksharopan (festival of Planting Saplings) and Halakarshan (festival of Plowing the Fields) on the 22nd and 23rd days of Sravana (August), respectively.
    • Varshamangal, the festival of rains, is celebrated during August/September.
    • Poush Mela is an annual fair and festival held in Santiniketan, starting on the 7th day of the month of Poush. The fair officially lasts for three days, but vendors may stay until the end of the month. It is known for live performances of Bengali folk music, particularly by bauls (traditional wandering minstrels), and also features tribal dances like Santali.

    Recommendation by ICOMOS

    • The recommendation for Santiniketan’s inclusion was made by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), which is the advisory body to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
    • ICOMOS is a France-based international cultural body dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of global architectural and landscape heritage.

    West Bengal’s Representation in World Heritage List

    • If selected, Santiniketan would be the second cultural symbol from West Bengal to be included in the UNESCO list.
    • In 2021, UNESCO included ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ in its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

    Back2Basics: UNESCO World Heritage Sites

    Description
    UNESCO World Heritage Sites Landmarks or areas selected by UNESCO for their cultural, historical, scientific, or other significant value, legally protected by international treaties.
    Importance World Heritage Sites represent collective and preservative interests of humanity, signifying remarkable accomplishments and intellectual history.
    Selection Criteria Sites must be already-classified landmarks, unique and significant culturally or physically, such as ancient ruins, historical structures, cities, monuments, etc.
    Conservation World Heritage Sites require practical conservation to protect them from risks like trespassing, uncontrolled access, or administrative negligence.
    World Heritage Committee Selects and monitors World Heritage Sites, manages the World Heritage Fund, and provides financial assistance. Composed of 21 states parties elected for a four-year term.
    Membership India is not a member of the World Heritage Committee.

    Note: “States parties” refer to the countries that have ratified the World Heritage Convention and participate in the decision-making process.

     

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  • Indian Sludge Shows High Fertilizer Potential: First Study Reveals

    Central Idea: The article discusses the results of an analysis of the sludge found in Indian sewage treatment plants (STP) that were set up to treat polluted water from the Ganga under National Mission for Clean Ganga.

    About National Mission for Clean Ganga

    Description
    Launch 2014
    Aim Cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga river
    Interventions Development of sewage treatment infrastructure, riverfront development, and public awareness campaigns
    Approach River basin approach, identifying pollution hotspots and implementing targeted interventions
    Implementing Agency NMCG
    Responsibilities Coordinating efforts across stakeholders, including state governments, municipalities, and civil society organizations
    Objective Improve water quality and ensure ecological and socio-economic sustainability of the Ganga river

     

    Sludge classification

    • India doesn’t yet have standards classifying sludge as class A or B.
    • Treated sludge can be classified as class A or class B, as per the standards of the United States Environment Protection Agency.
    1. Class A sludge: It is safe to be disposed of in the open and useful as organic fertilizer.
    2. Class B sludge: It can be used in restricted agricultural applications, with the edible parts of the crop not exposed to the sludge-mixed soil, and animals and people not come into extensive contact.

    Current sludge disposal practices

    • Currently, those awarded contracts for developing and maintaining STPs under the Namami Ganga Mission are also apportioned land for disposing off sludge.
    • However, the sludge is rarely treated, and during rains, it often makes its way back into rivers and local water sources.

    Study’s findings

    • The sludge analysed after drying fell into the class B category.
    • Nitrogen and phosphorus levels were higher than those recommended by India’s fertilizer standards, but potassium levels of some sludges were less than recommended.
    • The degree of pathogens, as well as heavy metal contamination, was above the recommended fertilizer standards.
    • The calorific value of sludge ranged from 1,000-3,500 kcal/kg, which is lower than the average calorific value of Indian coal.

    Recommendations to improve sludge quality

    • The report recommends storing the sludge for at least three months to kill pathogens and blending it with cattle manure and husk or local soil to reduce heavy metal.
    • However, this would still put it in class B, and converting it into grade A sludge would require far more extensive treatment.

     

     

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  • Significance of Meerut: Birthplace of India’s First War of Independence

    meerut

    Central Idea

    • The article highlights the historical significance of Meerut, a city in western Uttar Pradesh.
    • Alamgirpur, the easternmost settlement of the Harappa civilization, is located in Meerut and has archaeological importance.
    • However, Meerut gained fame for its role in India’s First War of Independence on May 10, 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny or Revolt.

    Meerut: Historical origins and name

    • Meerut has historical origins, possibly deriving its name from Mayarashtra, the capital of Mayasura, who was Ravana’s father-in-law.
    • The archaeological site of Vidura-ka-tila, located northeast of Meerut, is believed to be the remains of Hastinapur, the ancient capital of the Kauravas and Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
    • Meerut was ruled by the Scindias before being ceded to the British in 1803, which eventually paved the way for the British exit from India.

    The 1857 Rebellion

    • The rebellion in Meerut was sparked by the introduction of the Enfield rifle and the use of cartridges rumored to be greased with a mixture of cow and pig fat.
    • Sepoys (Indian soldiers) who refused to use the cartridges were punished and stripped of their uniforms.
    • This incident led to a rebellion among the sepoys and a call for the uprising against British rule.

    Outbreak of the Mutiny

    • On May 10, 1857, while the European residents of Meerut were attending church, the sound of musketry and columns of smoke signalled the revolt of the native troops.
    • The sepoys, having revolted, marched towards Delhi, considering it the power center and the capital of Mughal India.

    Meerut’s Significance

    • Meerut played a crucial role in the Indian Mutiny, serving as the starting point for the rebellion that spread across the country.
    • The mutiny in Meerut inspired and influenced the subsequent events of the uprising.
    • D. Savarkar later referred to the Mutiny as the First War of Independence.

     

     

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