January 14, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Anti-Defection Law | Explained
The Anti-Defection Law stands as a critical pillar within India's democratic framework, aiming to safeguard the stability and integrity of political parties. This blog unravels the historical roots and evolution of the law, elucidating its definition and significance in fostering a disciplined and accountable democratic process. As we navigate through its key provisions, impact on Indian politics, and global comparisons, we delve into the law's nuances, controversies, and recent reforms. With an analytical lens on case studies and an exploration of future prospects, this blog seeks to unravel the intricate layers of the Anti-Defection Law, offering a comprehensive understanding of its role in shaping the Indian political landscape.
Highlights of the Day
1.Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Sees Record Uptake: Non-Loanee Farmers Drive Growth in Insured Crop Area
The insured gross cropped area of non-loanee farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) has surged to 180 lakh hectares in the 2022-23 crop year, marking a 70% increase from the previous year. This accounts for 36.07% of the total insured area, the highest in the last five years. The rise in non-loanee area, combined with a decline in loanee area, suggests growing acceptance of the crop insurance scheme. The PMFBY, launched in 2016, initially mandatory for loanee farmers, became voluntary from Kharif 2020, contributing to the shift in participation patterns[1].
2. Indian Government Explores Alternatives Amid Red Sea Tensions, Urges Stability in Trade Insurance
The Indian government is exploring alternate trade routes amid rising tensions in the Red Sea. The Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) has been instructed not to increase insurance premiums despite escalating shipping costs to Europe. After US and UK strikes in Yemen, Brent Crude rose, impacting trade routes. An inter-ministerial meeting on January 17 will address the situation, considering new trade routes and strategic responses. Shippers are diverting via the Cape of Good Hope, causing delays and higher costs. The government is closely monitoring the situation due to potential implications for exports and is actively seeking solutions[2].
3. U.S. and India Navigate Social Security Agreement, Trade Challenges, and Market Access
The U.S. Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, acknowledges receiving information from India on the proposed social security agreement, emphasizing the need for further work. The agreement would exempt expatriates from contributing to the host country's social security scheme. Discussions also involve India's import management system for specified IT hardware and concerns over visa processing delays for Indian businesses. Both nations express commitment to joint initiatives in critical minerals and high-tech trade. The USTR underscores America's interest in increased market access for products like almonds, walnuts, blueberries, and cranberries, while India raises issues related to grapes, mangoes, and pomegranates in the U.S. market[3].
4.Vadnagar Excavation Challenges Dark Age Myth: Evidence of Cultural Continuity Since 800 BCE
The joint study by IIT Kharagpur, ASI, PRL, JNU, and Deccan College reveals evidence of continuous human settlement in Vadnagar dating back to 800 BCE, challenging the notion of a "Dark Age" after the Harappan collapse. The research, funded by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums (Government of Gujarat), supported by Sudha Murthy, uncovers multicultural aspects and seven cultural stages, including Mauryan, Indo-Greek, and Islamic periods. The findings suggest climate-induced shifts drove the rise and fall of kingdoms, proposing a cultural continuity in India for 5500 years, challenging the perceived Dark Age as a myth[4].
5.Southern India Dominates National Pension System (NPS) Enrollments as PFRDA Aims to Boost Awareness Nationwide
South India leads in National Pension System (NPS) private sector enrollments, comprising 31% of the country's total in the current fiscal year. The region's share in NPS Corporate is 39%, and for All Citizen, it is 29%. As of January 10, 2024, the Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority (PFRDA) has assets worth ₹11 lakh crore, with an expected target of ₹12 lakh crore for the full financial year. The challenge lies in low financial literacy and awareness. PFRDA is expanding outreach to diverse segments, emphasizing the importance of pension planning in India's growing economy[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Which of the following statements about the Biodiversity Hotspots is correct?
I. Biodiversity Hotspots are areas with high species richness and significant threat levels.
II. The Western Ghats in India is recognized as one of the Biodiversity Hotspots.
III. Biodiversity Hotspots are identified and designated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
a). Only I
b). I and II
c). II and III
d). I, II, and III
Q2: Consider the following statements regarding the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA):
I. NREGA guarantees 100 days of wage employment to every rural household.
II. The Act was renamed as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in 2009.
III. The implementation of NREGA is the responsibility of the Ministry of Panchayati raj.
a). Only I
b). I and II
c). II and III
d). I, II, and III
Q3: The concept of Judicial Review, allowing the judiciary to review and strike down laws that violate the Constitution, is borrowed from which country's legal system?
a) United Kingdom
b) United States
c) Australia
d) Canada
Q4: The term "Fiscal Policy" primarily deals with the government's:
a) Control over money supply
b) Taxation and spending policies
c) Regulation of interest rates
d) Management of foreign exchange
Q5: The Danube River, the second-longest river in Europe, flows through several countries. Which of the following is NOT one of the countries through which the Danube flows?
a) Germany
b) Hungary
c) Sweden
d) Romania
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Examine the significance of the Anti-Defection Law in the Indian parliamentary system. Discuss its evolution, key provisions, and the impact it has had on maintaining political stability. Also, analyze the challenges and criticisms associated with the implementation of this law.
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