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GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.
1. Biswanath Ghat: Best tourism village in India
GS Paper III- Challenges to internal security and money laundering and its prevention.
2. Tribal land scam case
GS Paper II- Government Policies and issues arising out of their implementation.
3. ‘World Vision India’ loses FCRA registration
GS Paper II- Welfare schemes
4. Indigenous Mobile Hospital (BHISHM) Deployed in Ayodhya
Prelims Booster:-
5. Understanding Talaq vs Khula in Islam
6. Alliance for 'Global Good-Gender Equity and Equality
7. Gangetic dolphin
8. Twice-a-year board exams system
GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.
Context:
Assam's Biswanath Ghat has been selected as the 'Best Tourism Village of India.'
The Best Tourism Villages Competition seeks to honour a village that best exemplifies a rural tourism destination.
It showcases the renowned cultural and natural assets, and preserves and promotes community-based values, goods, and lifestyles of the villages in India.
It promotes the commitment of the villages towards sustainability in all of its aspects - economic, social, and environmental.
Its goal is to make tourism one of the drivers of positive change, rural development, and community well-being.
It is given annually by the Ministry of Tourism.
Eligibility Criteria:
Low population density and not exceeding 25,000 inhabitants.
Located in a radius of famous places, Tourist destinations or landscapes.
Having Traditional activities including agriculture, craft, cuisine etc.
Having a history of community values or based on past achievements.
Applications duly filled and submitted online will only be considered for the evaluation.
Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve:
Kaziranga National Park, located in Assam, India, is known for its rich biodiversity.
It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
It was established in 1905.
It is famous for the presence of the one-horned Indian rhinoceros, and being a tiger reserve.
Additionally, it plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation and is associated with the Brahmaputra River ecosystem.
Related Search:
UNESCO World Heritage Site
About Brahmaputra River
Gangetic dolphin
Geography of Assam
Prelims Specific:
Major Details of event
Significance of Biswanath Ghat
About Best Tourism Village
Eligibility Criteria
Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve
GS Paper III- Challenges to internal security and money laundering and its prevention.
Context:
Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials on Saturday arrived at the Jharkhand Chief Minister's residence in the state capital, Ranchi, for questioning in connection with the alleged land scam.
Details:
The Jharkhand CM had skipped seven ED summonses earlier.
He alleged that central the government used the central agencies to destabilise his government.
The probe involves alleged money laundering related to a land scam case under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Two major cases are under investigation by the probe agency – illegal mining and land scam in the state capital.
13 people, including an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and two businessmen, have been arrested in the land scam case.
What is the alleged land scam?
The central agency’s Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) probe against Jharkhand pertains to an alleged land scam linked to the ownership of a parcel of land measuring 7.16 acres in the Bajra area of Ranchi.
It has been alleged that the land parcel was acquired through proceeds of crime involving the illegal sale of army land.
The Jharkhand government, however, has said that the case is not clear and the details of his assets are already public.
Prevention of Money Laundering Act:
The PMLA was enacted in 2002 and it came into force in 2005.
The chief objective of this legislation is to fight money laundering, that is, the process of converting black money into white.
The Act enables government authorities to confiscate property and/or assets earned from illegal sources and through money laundering.
The PLMA has been amended three times, that is, in 2009, 2009 and 2012.
Under the PMLA, the burden of proof lies with the accused, who has to prove that the suspect property/assets have not been obtained through proceeds of crime.
Section 50 PMLA:
Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, details the powers of authorities in issuing summons, producing documents, and giving evidence. It equates the Director's powers to those of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, for matters like discovery and inspection, enforcing attendance, compelling production of documents, and issuing commissions.
Enforcement Directorate:
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is a law enforcement and economic intelligence agency in India, responsible for enforcing economic laws and fighting economic crime.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in India is set up under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).
It operates under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
The primary focus of the ED is on investigating and preventing money laundering and foreign exchange violations.
Key functions of the Enforcement Directorate:
GS Paper II- Government Policies and issues arising out of their implementation.
Context:
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has cancelled the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration of World Vision India (WVI), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that focusses on children’s issues.
Details:
The U.S.-based World Vision is one of the world’s largest Christian voluntary groups with a presence in over 100 countries.
It has been operational in India for the past 70 years.
According to the MHA’s order, the Indian NGO is no longer eligible to receive foreign donations, including from its parent organisation, as its registration has been cancelled on account of “violation” of FCRA rules.
WVI has been registered under the FCRA since 1986, to receive money used to conduct “social and educational” programmes.
The NGO has signed agreements with several government departments in the past.
In 2016, amid an uproar on social media, the Rajasthan government had to cancel a memorandum of understanding signed with WVI on Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
Earlier Suspension:
The NGO’s registration was first suspended in November 2022, one year after it applied for the renewal of its FCRA registration.
The Ministry initially suspended the registration for 180 days for alleged non-compliance with the FCRA’s provisions.
The suspension was extended in May 2023.
Reason for such action by Ministry of Home Affairs:
Even though it is a religious organization, it took pains to hide its identity and proclaimed functioning for the welfare of children and women.
The NGO works against the Ministry of Home Affairs as it had received funds for ‘religious’ purposes, which contradicts the actual goals.
Legal Rights Protection Forum complained to the MHA in 2019 regarding the violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act of 2010, seeking it to revoke the license of World Vision India.
FCRA:
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) in India regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions by individuals, associations, and companies.
It aims to ensure that such contributions do not adversely affect the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
Entities seeking foreign fund must be registered under FCRA.
Applicants need to open a bank account for the receipt of the foreign funds at a specified branch of State Bank of India in New Delhi.
FCRA registration is valid for five years, and NGOs are required to apply for
renewal within six months of the registration's expiry.
Who can't Access foreign fund:
The applicant must not represent fictitious entities.
The applicant should not have been involved in religious conversion activities, either directly or indirectly.
The applicant should not have a history of prosecutions related to communal tension or disharmony.
The applicant must not be engaged in activities related to sedition.
* The FCRA prohibits candidates, journalists, media companies, judges, government servants, politicians, and political organizations from receiving foreign funds (changed now).
Amendments:-
2020 Amendment:
1) Prohibiting the transfer of foreign contribution to any other person or
organization.
2) Reducing the limit of usage of foreign contribution for administrative
expenses from 50% to 20%.
In 2022, the MHA amended foreign funding rules giving certain relaxations such as;
1) Allowing relatives to send more money under the FCRA from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh
2) Giving more time to the organisations to inform government about opening of bank accounts for utilisation of funds received under ‘registration’ or ‘prior permission.
Amendments of September 2023:
1) Under the new rules, political parties, legislature members, election
candidates, judges, government servants, journalists and media houses among others – all barred from receiving foreign contribution – will no longer be prosecuted if they receive foreign contribution from relatives abroad and fail to intimate the government within 90 days.
Related Search:
Money laundering
Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015)
NGOs
Prelims Specific:
About FCRA.
Major Changes made
About Foreign Funding of NGOs.
Applicability of FCRA.
Who Cannot Receive Foreign Contribution?
FCRA Amendments.
What Is A Foreign Contribution Under FCRA?
GS Paper II- Welfare schemes
Context:
Two Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube-BHISHM, revolutionary mobile hospitals equipped with cutting-edge technology, have been deployed in Ayodhya to bolster medical readiness and response capabilities during the upcoming 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony.
Project BHISHM stands for Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri.
The portable hospital was developed as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious ‘Project BHISHM’.
It consists of a fully equipped operation theatre, mini-ICUs, ventilators, blood-testing equipment, an X-ray machine, and even a cooking station.
It also includes a shelter facility and power generator, making it entirely self-sufficient during emergencies.
This cube is tailored to treat up to 200 casualties, emphasizing rapid response and comprehensive care.
The Aid Cube is equipped with several innovative tools designed to enhance disaster response and medical support during emergencies.
It integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to facilitate effective coordination, real-time monitoring, and efficient management of medical services in the field.
Benefits of Mobile Hospital:
The Aid Cube is a portable emergency medical response unit that can be transported by hand, cycle, or drone.
It can be deployed within 12 minutes and is designed for various emergency scenarios.
The cube is waterproof, light, and can be quickly deployed anywhere, ensuring immediate response capability.
The advanced medical equipment is RFID-tagged for efficient repacking and redeployment, and a software system integrated into a provided tablet enables operators to locate items quickly and ensure readiness for subsequent deployments.
Key Features:
Smart Coordination and Monitoring: Built-in AI and data analytics streamline coordination, real-time monitoring, and efficient medical service management in the field.
Lightning-fast Deployment: These modular units can be deployed in a mere 12 minutes, bridging the crucial time gap between primary and definitive care, potentially saving lives in the critical “golden hour” after emergencies.
Adaptable to Diverse Scenarios: Robust, waterproof, and lightweight components allow for various configurations, ideal for diverse emergency situations.
Rapid Deployment Anywhere: From airdrops to ground transportation, the Cube can be deployed quickly, ensuring immediate response capability.
Advanced Medical Equipment: High-tech equipment, tagged for efficient repacking and redeployment, ensures readiness for subsequent deployments.
BHISHM Software for Optimized Usage: A state-of-the-art tablet-based software system allows operators to quickly locate items, monitor usage and expiry, and ensure readiness for future use.
Related Search:
Ayushman Bharat
Aarogya Setu
Bug Bounty Programme
Prelims Specific:
Project BHISHM
Benefits of Mobile Hospital
Key Features
Pran Pratishtha
Context:
Former Pakistani cricket captain Shoaib Malik's third marriage to actress Sana Javed confirmed his separation from Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, which was finalised through the Islamic process of 'Khula'.
Key Info:
In Islamic law, both 'Talaq' and 'Khula' are methods of obtaining a divorce, but they vary
in their procedures and initiation.
Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik, the celebrity duo from India and Pakistan, got married in a grand ceremony in Hyderabad in April 2010.
WHAT IS KHULA?
'Khula' is a practice within Islamic law that empowers Muslim women to unilaterally seek separation from their husbands.
This is designed to safeguard women's rights and operate within the parameters of Islamic law.
The process involves the wife initiating the divorce by formally requesting it from the court, providing a valid reason such as incompatibility, abuse, or neglect.
In the 'Khula' process, there is also the possibility of the woman returning to the 'Mehr' or reaching a financial settlement with her husband as part of the agreement for ending the marriage.
Following a 'Khula' divorce, the husband assumes responsibility for the education and financial support of the children.
WHAT IS TALAQ?
'Talaq' occurs when the husband initiates the divorce.
According to Muslim law, once a man pronounces 'Talaq,' the marriage is immediately terminated.
Unlike 'Khula,' 'Talaq' can be initiated by the husband at his discretion, with or without cause, and without the need for a specific procedure.
After issuing 'Talaq,' the husband is obligated to repay the wife's dower and any property owned by her.
Context:
India has announced an alliance for Global Good-Gender Equity and Equality, reiterating its commitment to women-led development.
About the Alliance:
A new global alliance for gender equity, equality, and global good has been established by India on the sidelines of the 54th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos.
The alliance aims to bring together worldwide best practices, knowledge sharing, and investment opportunities in women's education, health, and enterprise.
This initiative marks a significant stride toward achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality and Empowerment), 17 (Global Partnership for Development) and more.
The alliance has garnered support from industry leaders such as MasterCard, Uber, Tata, TVS, Bayer, Godrej, the Serum Institute of India, IMD Laussane, and over 10,000 partners from industry through the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the alliance will be housed and anchored by the CII Centre for Women Leadership.
The WEF has come on board as a ‘Network Partner’ and Invest India as an ‘Institutional Partner’.
World Economic Forum:-
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Its primary function is to bring together individuals, political figures and business leaders from around the world to discuss significant issues that impact the global economy.
These include political, economic, social, and environmental concerns.
The WEF is renowned for its annual WEF Meeting held in the Swiss ski resort of Davos.
The event regularly draws business and political leaders from around the world for a series of discussions about global issues.
While the WEF has no independent decision-making power, it aims to influence people to make decisions that benefit the global community.
By introducing new issues, trends, and organizations to its members and the public for discussion, the WEF is commonly believed to influence corporate and public sector decision-making.
The organization is funded through its membership, which includes many prominent business and political figures.
Context:
A fisherman in Odisha’s Balasore district captured a rare and endangered Gangetic dolphin in the Jalaka River.
In 2009, Gangetic dolphins were declared the national aquatic animal of India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ‘Project Gangetic Dolphin’ on August 15, 2023, for the conservation of the Gangetic dolphins.
About Gangetic Dolphin:
Common Name: Susu
Scientific Name: Platanista gangetica gangetica.
Population: Less than 1800 (1200 to 1800).
Habitat: Ganges river dolphins primarily live in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
Some Characteristics:
The Ganges River dolphin is a freshwater species.
They rely on echolocation to hunt prey as they are mostly blind.
They possess a sturdy, yet flexible, body with large flippers and a low triangular dorsal fin.
Calves are born chocolate brown and grow to have grey-brown hairless skin as adults.
Females are larger than males and give birth to only one calf every two to three years.
Threats:
Accidental death from entanglement in fishing gear.
Poaching for dolphin oil, which is used as a fish attractant and for medicinal purposes.
Habitat destruction is caused by development projects such as water extraction and, the construction of barrages, high dams, and embankments.
Pollution, including industrial waste and pesticides, municipal sewage discharge, and noise from vessel traffic.
Conservation Status:
IUCN: Endangered
Wildlife (Protection) Act: Schedule-I
CITES: Appendix I
Context:
The Central Board of Secondary Education will organise the board exams twice a year from the academic year 2024-25.
Students who will be in class X and class XII in 2024-25 will be the first batch to follow the new format.
Reason/Need:
The multiple-board exam system is being introduced to alleviate exam stress
experienced by students who worry about missing out on a single chance.
If a candidate feels adequately prepared and content with their score on the first exam
set, they have the option to opt out of appearing for the second exam.
The ministry officials said that the first set of the 2025 board exams will be held around November-December 2024, while the second exam will be held in February-March 2025.
The scores of the best of the two exams will be taken into consideration for the final result and merit list.
According to the official, the new system of twice-a-year board exams for Class X and XII will not be mandatory.
Other Developments in recent times:
The Union government-appointed national steering committee, led by former Isro chairman K Kasturirangan, has prepared the new national curriculum framework (NCF) as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
As per the framework, a semester system is proposed for students in classes 11 and 12.
Additionally, the ministry released the framework regarding exams twice a year in August last year, suggesting that students should have the choice to take their board exams twice a year.