February 03, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Criminal Law Bills | Explained
On December 20, 2023, the Lok Sabha, which is a part of the Indian Parliament, approved three new criminal law bills. These bills aim to bring significant changes to the Indian legal system and establish a justice system that aligns with Indian principles. The new laws will replace the existing Indian Penal Code of 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872. The names of the new bills are Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill (BSB) 2023. These bills mark a substantial update to the legal framework in India.
Highlights of the Day
1.IAF's Exercise Vayu Shakti-24: A Showcase of Air Power and Joint Operations
The Indian Air Force will conduct Exercise Vayu Shakti-24 on 17 February 2024 at the Pokhran Air to Ground Range, showcasing offensive and defensive capabilities, including joint operations with the Indian Army. With 121 aircraft, including Tejas, Prachand, and Dhruv, as well as Rafale, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, and others, the exercise emphasizes precision and long-range weapon delivery. Indigenous Surface to Air Weapon systems Akash and Samar will demonstrate their effectiveness. Special operations by IAF transport and helicopter fleets, involving Garuds and Indian Army elements, will also be featured, highlighting the IAF's diverse and formidable capabilities in day and night scenarios[1].
2.India's Bold Move: Free Rooftop Solar for Low Consumption Homes Under Suryoday Yojana
The Indian government, under the Pradhan Mantri Suryoday Yojana, plans to bear the entire cost of setting up household rooftop solar systems (hRTS) for homes using less than 300 units monthly. This could cost over ₹1 lakh crore, with Union government companies taking the lead, marking a shift from state-run power distribution firms. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman aims to provide up to 300 units of free electricity monthly to one crore households, benefitting them with ₹15,000 to ₹18,000 annually. Public sector units like NTPC will identify eligible households, installing subsidized systems with no upfront payment required[2].
3.India's Interim Budget: A Reflection on a Decade of Transformation and Limitless Opportunities
India reflects on a transformative decade, evolving from underdeveloped to the world's fastest-growing economy. The Interim Budget aligns with the nation's buoyant spirit, emphasizing preventive health with the promotion of HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention. The budget recognizes India's progress in health indicators but advocates increasing the health budget from 2% to 5% for better outcomes. Innovation gains prominence with a ₹1 lakh crore corpus for technology investment. The budget overlooks addressing inequality and rising healthcare costs but acknowledges medical value travel, leveraging India's healthcare prowess for global tourists. Private sector's rising role signals a limitless future for India[3].
4.Geopolitical Fencing: Uncertain Future for Myanmar Refugees in India's Mizoram and Manipur
Myanmar citizens, fleeing violence, find refuge in India's Mizoram and Manipur, sharing cultural roots. However, India's decision to fence the 1,643 km India-Myanmar border and end the Free Movement Regime poses uncertainty for these refugees. The move is driven by geopolitical factors, including Manipur's push for border fencing. The refugees, with historical ethnic ties to the region, worry about an uncertain future amid civil war in Myanmar. Mizoram, sheltering about 35,000 displaced individuals, grapples with potential changes in India's policy. The region's cultural and historical connections are strained by geopolitical decisions affecting the lives of those seeking refuge[4].
5.Crackdown on Unauthorised Schools in Karnataka Sparks Concerns and Confusion
Unauthorised Schools in Karnataka Face Closure: A recent circular by the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) in Karnataka aims to shut down 1,316 unauthorised private schools. Violating regulations, these schools offer different curricula than approved, creating confusion for parents. The DSEL circular instructs officials to survey and take legal action, including closure. Despite a similar directive in 2023, the Education Minister deferred the closure due to student enrollment concerns. Now, as the academic year ends, uncertainty looms for parents and students as they await the government's stance on unauthorised schools, raising concerns about the quality of education and transparency[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: With reference to the Indian economy, what are the advantages of “Inflation-Indexed Bonds (IIBs)”?
1. The government can reduce the coupon rates on its borrowing by way of IIBs.
2. IIBs provide protection to investors from uncertainty regarding inflation.
3. The interest received as well as capital gains on IIBs are not taxable.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Q2: Consider the following statements regarding population trends:
1. The decennial Census in India has been continuously postponed by the Union government since the year 1881.
2. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) dropping below 2 in 2020 signifies a halt in the 20th century's population growth.
a) Both statements are true.
b) Statement 1 is true, but statement 2 is false.
c) Statement 1 is false, but statement 2 is true.
d) Both statements are false.
Q3: Based on the information provided, identify the islands:
1. These islands are located at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Hooghly River.
2. Home to the Kapil Muni Temple dedicated to the sage Kapil Muni.
3. The area is ecologically important, featuring mangrove forests and tidal estuaries.
a) Majuli Islands
b) New Moore Islands
c) Car Nicobar Islands
d) Sagar Islands
Q4: Consider the following statements regarding the GHAR portal:
1. The GHAR portal has been launched by the Ministry of Railways for tracking missing and found children.
2. The GHAR portal is integrated with the Crime and Criminal Tracking & Network Systems of the Ministry of Home Affairs for interoperability.
3. ‘Khoya-Paya’ is a feature on the GHAR portal that allows citizen reporting for missing or sighted children.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) 1, 2 and 3
Q5: Consider the following statements regarding ‘Blue Hydrogen’:
1. Blue hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or hydropower.
2. The production of blue hydrogen involves the same process as green hydrogen, utilizing electrolysis.
3. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a key component in the production of blue hydrogen.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 are correct.
b) Only 2 is correct.
c) 1 and 3 are correct.
d) Only 3 is correct.
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Evaluate the archaeological evidence supporting the hypothesis of extensive trade networks in the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC).
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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