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Current Affairs 27.02.2024

/ Current Affairs Today / By
  1. Indian Heritage
  • Culture
  • Modern Indian history
  • The Freedom Struggle
  • Post-independence
  • Indian Society

A. population and associated issues

B. poverty and developmental issues

C.urbanization

   7. Geographical features

8.Indian Constitution

9. Polity

10. Governance

A. institutions

B. regulatory

Lokpal 

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011 was passed by the Parliament on 17th December 2013. The Bill received the Hon’ble President’s assent on 1st January 2014 and was notified on the same day as The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act,2013 (No.01 of 2014). The Act came into force on 16th January, 2014 and has been amended once in 2016 since its notification.

The Lokpal is the first institution of its kind in independent India,established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013 to inquire and investigate into allegations of corruption against public functionaries who fall within the scope and ambit of the above Act.

The Lokpal of India is committed to address concerns and aspirations of the citizens of India for clean governance. It shall make all efforts within its jurisdiction to serve the public interest and shall endeavor to use the powers vested in it to eradicate corruption in public life.

India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention against Corruption.The commitment of the Government to provide clean and responsive governance is reflected in passing of the legislation and creation of the body of Lokpal, to contain and punish acts of corruption.

This is what the then Secretary General of United Nations has had to say on the adoption of the resolution by the Member States:

“Corruption is an insidious plague that has a wide range of corrosive effects on societies. It undermines democracy and the rule of law, leads to violations of human rights, distorts markets, erodes the quality of life and allows organized crime, terrorism and other threats to human security to flourish. This evil phenomenon is found in all countries – big and small, rich and poor – but it is in the developing world that its effects are most destructive. Corruption hurts the poor disproportionately by diverting funds intended for development, undermining a Government’s ability to provide basic services, feeding inequality and injustice and discouraging foreign aid and investment. Corruption is a key element in economic underperformance and a major obstacle to poverty alleviation and development.”

Jurisdiction And Functions Of Lokpal

The Lokpal has jurisdiction to inquire into allegations of corruption against anyone who is or has been Prime Minister, or a Minister in the Union government, or a Member of Parliament, as well as officials of the Union Government under Groups A, B, C and D. Also covered are chairpersons,members, officers and directors of any board, corporation, society, trust or autonomous body either established by an Act of Parliament or wholly or partly funded by the Union or State government. It also covers any society or trust or body that receives foreign contribution above ₹10 lakh (approx. US$ 14,300/- as of 2019).

A complaint under the Lokpal Act should be in the prescribed form and must pertain to an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against a public servant. There is no restriction on who can make such a complaint. When a complaint is received, the Lokpal may order a preliminary inquiry by its Inquiry Wing or any other agency, or refer it for investigation by any agency, including the CBI, if there is a prima facie case. Before ordering of an investigation by an agency, the Lokpal shall call for an explanation from the public servant to determine whether a prima facie case exists. This provision, the Act says, will not interfere with any search and seizure that may be undertaken by the investigating agency. The Lokpal, with respect to Central government servants, shall refer the complaints to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). The CVC will send a report to the Lokpal regarding officials falling under Groups A and B; and proceed as per the CVC Act against those in Groups C and D.

The Inquiry Wing or any other agency will have to complete its preliminary inquiry and submit a report to the Lokpal within 60 days. It has to seek comments from both the public servant and “the competent authority”,before submitting its report. There will be a “competent authority” for each category of public servant as defined under the Act.

A Lokpal Bench shall consider the preliminary inquiry report, and after giving an opportunity to the public servant accused of corruption for his/her defence, decide whether it should proceed with the investigation. It can order a full investigation, or direct to start departmental proceedings or close the proceedings. It may also proceed against the complainant if the allegation is false. The preliminary inquiry should normally be completed within 90 days of receipt of the complaint.

After the investigation, the agency ordered to conduct the probe has to file its investigation report in the court of appropriate jurisdiction, and a copy of the report has to be filed before the Lokpal. A Bench of at least three members will consider the report and may grant sanction to the Prosecution Wing to proceed against the public servant based on the agency’s charge-sheet. It may also ask the competent authority to take departmental action or direct the closure of the report. Previously, the authority vested with the power to appoint or dismiss a public servant was the one to grant sanction under Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Now this power will be exercised by the Lokpal.

The lokpal is vested with the power of search and seizure and also powers under the Civil Procedure Code for the purpose of conductiong preliminary inquiry & investigation and power of attachment of assets and taking other steps for eradication of corruption.



Lokpal will have power of superintendence and direction over any central investigation agency including CBI for cases referred to them by the Lokpal.

PFRDA

The Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority Act was passed on 19th September, 2013 and the same was notified on 1st February, 2014. PFRDA is regulating NPS, subscribed by employees of Govt. of India, State Governments and by employees of private institutions/organizations & unorganized sectors.

C. Government policies

D. role of NGOs

E. measures

11. Social Justice

A. Welfare schemes

B Health

C. Education

Ministry of Education to organise “Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye

The Ministry of Education will be organising “Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye” from 28th February to 6th March 2024 with the aim to ensure universal enlightened participation of youth in elections.

Union Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan urged the youth of the nation to make their voices heard. He highlighted Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s clarion call to our youth and first-time voters to exercise their franchise in large numbers.

He informed that he had directed all HEIs in the country to conduct comprehensive voter awareness activities at their campuses from 28th February to 6th March, to galvanize our Yuva Shakti, emphasize to them the value of voting, making informed choices, and participating in electoral processes for a more representative democracy.

D. Human Resources

E. poverty and hunger

12. International relations

A. India and its neighbourhood

B. groupings and agreements

WTO negotiation session on Fisheries Subsidies held at ongoing Abu Dhabi Ministerial Conference-13

The WTO negotiation session on Fisheries Subsidies took place in the morning of 27 February in the ongoing Abu Dhabi Ministerial Conference-13.

In these negotiations, India reiterated its long-held positions that responsible and sustainable fisheries is a practice ingrained in the ethos and practices of India’s large and varied fishing community. In that context, any comprehensive agreement on Fisheries subsidies should keep in mind the interests and welfare of the fishing community that depends on the marine resources for their livelihood and sustenance.

India stressed that historically, while subsidies to the fisheries sector has led to over exploitation, subsidies are also vital for developing countries and small economies to develop and diversify their fisheries sector as well as to protect the food security and livelihood security of their fishermen. This negotiation is linked to the concept of sustainability and as such, any comprehensive agreement on fisheries subsidies should be built on the principles of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR- RC). It should also incorporate the provisions of Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) appropriately, as is the case for all WTO agreements.

At the same time, for such an agreement to be effective and forceful in advancing the sustainability objectives, there is an urgent case for capturing non-specific fuel subsidies and transfer of fishing rights to corporate fishing under Government to Government (G2G) payments within the ambit of the disciplines. Equally important is the need to discipline subsidies given by the Distant Water Fishing Nations as proposed by India in document RD/TN/RL/175. 

India urged the Members to introduce a moratorium on subsidies by Distant Water Fishing Nations for fishing or fishing related activities beyond their EEZs for a period of at least 25 years. India said that the Members should not lose sight of the harmful effects of subsidies for large-scale fishing on sustainable fishing and management of marine resources.

India explained that the current approaches for addressing Over Capacity and Over Fishing (OCOF) is deeply flawed. Since the Members had agreed to using the affirmative determination approach for negotiating disciplines on the Overfished Pillar, there was no reason why the Members should not use the same approach in relation to the OCOF Pillar. In addition, the current approach of considering the annual aggregate value of subsidies grossly overlooked the intensity of subsidies, and other factors such as the size of the EEZ, long coastal line, population of small fishers and the per capita subsidies to fisher men. 

NICF & ITU

ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs). The Organization is made up of a membership of 193 Member States and more than 1000 companies, universities and international and regional organizations. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and with regional offices on every continent, ITU is the oldest agency in the UN family – connecting the world since the dawn of the telegraph in 1865.​

We facilitate international connectivity in communication networks. We allocate global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develop the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies connect seamlessly, and work to improve access to digital technologies in underserved communities worldwide. ITU works to bring digital connectivity to everyone, providing a trusted, multilateral platform to broker international agreements and standards, share knowledge, build capacity, and work with members and partners to spread access to technology around the world.​​

Technology has become the backbone of modern life. Networks and devices everywhere rely on ITU’s work. Every time we use a mobile phone, send an e-mail, access the Internet, watch TV or streaming services, take a plane, consult the weather forecast, or use satellite images to navigate or explore, we are relying on ITU’s work. 2.6 billion people, largely in developing countries, remain unconnected. ITU works to close this digital divide through universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation.

C.Indian diaspora

13. Economic Development

A. Government Budgeting

3D-Democracy, Demography and Demand to strengthen India’s economy:

Shri Goyal urged the gathering to contribute to the holistic and comprehensive vision of expanding the domestic manufacturing footprint in the world and make India a Viksit Bharat by 2047. He urged them to become a ‘Viksit Bharat’ ambassador by engaging with the local industries and contributing to the end-to-end value chain. The Minister further urged the group to be ‘vocal for local’ and be a part of job creation, giving impetus to the service sector and tourism in the country.

The Minister said that the thrust of increased foreign investments coupled with the nation’s contribution of a 3D vision of democracy, demography and demand, India’s economy is on fast track. The Minister added that the projected earnings from exports that the government expects from the manufacturing sector in the coming years will also help boost the economy.

The Minister said that India is one of the preferred destinations both for investment and as a sourcing hub to cater to the world demand. He further said that the aspirational India is a big demand aggregator and also acts as a booster for the manufacturing industry.

India has become an important player in the renewable energy manufacturing sector, said Shri Goyal. He emphasised that India has stepped up automobile manufacturing and will double its manufacturing capacities in the construction sector too. He also said that India is a leader in the electrical manufacturing space and with the inclusion of women and youth in the workforce, the consumption of fast moving goods and electronic products have seen a rapid increase giving a leg up to the electronic manufacturing industry. Shri Goyal said that the auto component industry has become a pride of the nation exporting $20 billion of goods with an aspiration target of $100 billion by 2030. He added that the government has set its focus to develop a semiconductor industry and is also looking to promote ship building and tourism industry in the country providing impetus to increase in goods manufacturing in the country.

B. industrial

Reforms initiated in 2014 transform coal sector, making it more efficient, transparent, investor-friendly and ensuring coal’s vital role in nation’s economic growth and energy security

India’s coal sector has embarked on a journey of reform and modernization, guided by the principles of sustainability and energy security. These transformative reforms have not only boosted production but also enhanced the efficiency and competitiveness in the coal sector with the broader goals of economic development and environmental conservation. Initiated in 2014, these reforms have addressed long standing challenges and unlocked the coal sector’s potential contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth and energy security.

Key reforms of the decade encompass: 

Enactment of CMSP Act- 2015-

 The Coal Mines Special Provisions Act, 2015 was enacted to address the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s cancellation of 204 coal blocks allocations in 2014. The Coal Mines Special Provisions Act, 2015 Act played a crucial role in reforming the coal mining sector in India by introducing the transparent auction process, encouraged Private participation, generated revenue for the government, creating employment opportunities.

Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act:

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, brought significant changes to the mining sector in India with a focus on enhancing transparency and efficiency in the allocation of mining licenses. This amendment allowed Composite Prospecting Licence-cum-Mining Lease (PL-cum-ML) specifically for coal.

Commercial Coal Mining:

In 2020, commercial coal mining auctions were launched by the honorable Prime Minister, marking the entry of private players into the coal sector. This move attracted investments, spurred competition, and led to increased efficiency and faster project implementation. As a result, over three lakh new jobs were created directly and indirectly, providing much-needed employment opportunities in coal-rich states. Since June 2020, a total of 91 coal mines, having PRC of more than 220 MT/ Annum, have been successfully auctioned.

Single Window for E-auction of coal: Government has approved in 2022 a new mechanism for e-auction of coal by the coal companies. This single e-auction window will cater to all the Sectors viz. Power & Non-Regulated Sector including traders. It would enable the coal companies to sell coal through the market discovered price mechanism and thus, implementing this policy will lead to the removal of Market distortions. It shall also increase operational efficiencies and lead to an increase in domestic coal demand by efficiency in domestic coal market.

Opening of abandoned/discontinued mines:

Amendments to the New Coal Distribution Policy (NCDP) now allow the sale of coal from Closed/Abandoned/Discontinued mines of CIL through transparent processes. The Ministry of Coal facilitates private-sector participation in re-opening abandoned mines, with 36 identified for re-opening on a Revenue Sharing basis, and LoAs issued for 13.

Guidelines for Mine Plan and Mine Closure Plans: On 29.05.2020, Ministry of Coal had issued a consolidated guidelines for submission, processing and approval of Mine Plan and Mine Closure Plan. Subsequently, Mine Plans/Mine Closure Plans are approved online through SWCS portal. This has significantly eased approval process.

Decriminalization to boost doing business-The Ministry of Coal has amended the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 (MCR) to decriminalize its provisions. This amendment further promotes and boosts the government’s “Ease of Doing Business policy by decriminalizing sixty-eight (68) provisions of the MCR, while reducing the penalty for ten (10) provisions.

Transparency and Ease of Doing Business: Streamlined processes and online platforms like the Single Window Clearance System have simplified procedures and improved transparency in coal block allocation and mine operations.

FDI and Technological Advancement: Allowing 100% FDI in coal mining has attracted global expertise and advanced technologies, further boosting efficiency and productivity. It has opened new avenues while contributing to economic growth.

Public Private Partnership (PPP) 

Public Private Partnership (PPP) means an arrangement between a Government / statutory entity / Government owned entity on one side and a private sector entity on the other, for the provision of public assets and/or public services, through investments being made and/or management being undertaken by the private sector entity, for a specified period of time, where there is well defined allocation of risk between the private sector and the public entity and the private entity who is chosen on the basis of open competitive bidding, receives performance linked payments that conform (or are benchmarked) to specified and pre-determined performance standards, measurable by the public entity or its representative.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can take a wide range of forms varying in the degree of purpose, involvement of the private entity, legal structure and risk sharing. A PPP is generally memorialized in a contract or agreement to outline the responsibilities of each party and clearly allocate risk. The broad contractual forms, as covered by extant policy include:

DBFOT/BOT:

The most common form of PPP used where the private sector operator designs, builds, finances, owns and constructs the facility and operates it commercially for the concession period, after which the facility is transferred to the authority. In this case legal ownership of the asset vests with the public sector the concession period ends. The most common form of a BOT project is a Toll Road project.

Operations & Maintenance (Service contract):

the Government bids out the right to deliver a specific service or gives part of the undertaking to the private sector for operations and maintenance of the assets. Such contracts are normally of a shorter duration than concession contracts.

Lease, Develop, Operate and Maintain (a variation of BOT):

Assets are leased out to the private sector under specific terms, to operate and maintain the asset for the term of the concession period.

Ministry of Finance, GoI requires the Project sponsors to award PPP projects through a transparent open competitive bidding process, for greater transparency and consistency to the bid process and terms of contract, throughout the project life cycle and market discovery of rates. Unsolicited proposals and subsequent award of such proposals through the Bonus and Swiss challenge route is not supported as this introduces various asymmetries into the procurement process. These asymmetries, inter alia, includes informational asymmetry and bidding asymmetry between an Original Proponent (OP) and its competitors as the OP essentially gets an opportunity to make the BAFO (Best and Final Offer) after one or more rounds of negotiation- an opportunity that is denied to its competitors who are not authorized to submit an equal number of negotiated response. This would also lead to lack of robust bid submission by other potential bidders.

The Government has facilitated the PPP sector by offering:

Viability Gap Funding Scheme (VGF) :

Viability Gap Funding of upto 40% of the cost of the project can be accessed in the form of a capital grant.

India Infrastructure Project Development Fund (IIPDF):

Scheme supports the Central and the State Governments and local bodies through financial support for project development activities (feasibility reports, project structuring etc.) for PPP projects

IIFCL:

long-term debt for financing infrastructure projects that typically involve long gestation periods since debt finance for such projects should be of a sufficient.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):

upto 100% FDI in equity of SPVs in the PPP sector is allowed on the automatic route for most sectors.

E.issues

14. Technology

15. Environment

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), statutory organisation, was constituted in September, 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Further, CPCB was entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

It serves as a field formation and also provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Principal Functions of the CPCB, as spelt out in the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, (i) to promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the States by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution, and (ii) to improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country.

Air Quality Monitoring is an important part of the air quality management. The National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP) has been established with objectives to determine the present air quality status and trends and to control and regulate pollution from industries and other source to meet the air quality standards. It also provides background air quality data needed for industrial siting and towns planning.

Besides this, CPCB has an automatic monitoring station at ITO Intersection in New Delhi. At this station Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) are being monitored regularly. This information on Air Quality at ITO is updated every week.

Water Quality Monitoring is an important part of the Water quality management. Fresh water is a finite resource essential for use in agriculture, industry, propagation of wildlife & fisheries and for human existence. India is a riverine country. It has 14 major rivers, 44 medium rivers and 55 minor rivers besides numerous lakes, ponds and wells which are used as primary source of drinking water even without treatment. Most of the rivers being fed by monsoon rains, which is limited to only three months of the year, run dry throughout the rest of the year often carrying wastewater discharges from industries or cities/towns endangering the quality of our scarce water resources. The parliament of India in its wisdom enacted the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 with a view to maintaining and restoring wholesomeness of our water bodies. One of the mandates of CPCB is to collect, collate and disseminate technical and statistical data relating to water pollution. Hence, Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) and Surveillance are of utmost importance.

unctions of the Central Board at the National Level
  • Advise the Central Government on any matter concerning prevention and control of water and air pollution and improvement of the quality of air.
  • Plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programm for the prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution;
  • Co-ordinate the activities of the State Board and resolve disputes among them;
  • Provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out and sponsor investigation and research relating to problems of water and air pollution, and for their prevention, control or abatement;
  • Plan and organise training of persons engaged in programme on the prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution;
  • Organise through mass media, a comprehensive mass awareness programme on the prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution;
  • Collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating to water and air pollution and the measures devised for their effective prevention, control or abatement;
  • Prepare manuals, codes and guidelines relating to treatment and disposal of sewage and trade effluents as well as for stack gas cleaning devices, stacks and ducts;
  • Disseminate information in respect of matters relating to water and air pollution and their prevention and control;
  • Lay down, modify or annul, in consultation with the State Governments concerned, the standards for stream or well, and lay down standards for the quality of air; and
  • Perform such other function as may be prescribed by the Government of india.
Functions of the Central Board as State Boards for the Union Territories
  • Advise the Governments of Union Territories with respect to the suitability of any premises or location for carrying on any industry which is likely to pollute a stream or well or cause air pollution; Lay down standards for treatment of sewage and trade effluents and for emissions from automobiles, industrial plants, and any other polluting source; Evolve efficient methods for disposal of sewage and trade effluents on land; develop reliable and economically viable methods of treatment of sewage, trade effluent and air pollution control equipment; Identify any area or areas within Union Territories as air pollution control area or areas to be notified under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; Assess the quality of ambient water and air, and inspect wastewater treatment installations, air pollution control equipment, industrial plants or manufacturing process to evaluate their performance and to take steps for the prevention, control and abatement of air and water pollution.

As per the policy decision of the Government of India, the CPCB has delegated its powers and functions under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 with respect to Union Territories to respective local administrations. CPCB along with its counterparts State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) are responsible for implementation of legislations relating to prevention and control of environmental pollution.

Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Kuno National Park of Madhya Pradesh is one the most unique destination for all wildlife lovers and enthusiasts. As soon as one ventures inside this park they experience the exclusive forest of Kardhai, Khair and Salai and one can see wildlife by the dozens foraging across vast meadows. Some grasslands here are bigger than most at Kanha or Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

It is widely believed that Kardhai tree, which is found in abundance here, turns green even with just presence of humidity in atmosphere, even before the arrival of first monsoon showers. In many ways it represents the true spirit of Kuno’s – its never say die attitude and the ability to survive and ultimately grow despite many challenges this forest has overcome.

This area which has become a National Park today started out as a sanctuary of about 350 sq. kms. And was in shape of a leaf with Kuno river forming the main centre spine. This river not only helps in keeping a constant water supply in the area and irrigating the forest from inside out but also gave this protected area its name. Since the project of reintroduction of Asiatic Lions has been on going for a while and one of the preconditions as raised by concerned authorities about the status of this protected area as Sanctuary not being worthy of hosting the lions, was upgraded to National Park while adding another about 400 sq kms to it and it is now 748 sq km of pristine forest area. The park lies within the larger Kuno Wildlife Division which has a total area of 1235 sq. km.

Kuno National Park which is mainly dominated by Kardhai, Salai, Khair trees among the mixed forests, supports a vide variety of both floral and faunal species. It has a rich biodiversity having a total of 123 species of trees , 71 species of shrubs , 32 species of climbers & exotic species, 34 species of bamboos and grasses, 33 species of mammals, 206 species of birds, 14 species of fishes, 33 species of reptiles and 10 species of amphibians. Such a high number of both floral and faunal species make it one of the most biodiverse areas of Central Indian Landscape.

Main Faunal Species of general tourist interest which are found in Kuno National Park are:

  • Spotted deer or Chital (Axis axis)
  • Sambar (Cervus unicolor)
  • Barking deer or Indian Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak)
  • Chousingha or Four-horned antilope (Tetracerus quadricornis)
  • Nilgai or Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus)
  • Indian Gazelle or Chinkara (Gazella gazella)
  • Black buck (Antilope cervicapra)
  • Gaur or Indian Bison (Bos gaurus)
  • Leopard (Panthera pardus)
  • Wild dog or Dhole (Cuonal pinus)
  • Striped Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena)
  • Indian Wolf (Canis lupus)
  • Jackal (Canis aureus)
  • Wild boar (Sus scrofa)
  • Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus)
  • Indian fox (Vulpes bengalensis)
  • Jungle cat (Felius chaus)
  • Desert cat (Felin sylvestris)
  • Common palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus)
  • Small Indian civet (Viverricula indica)
  • Grey mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii)
  • Small indian mongoose (Herpestes javanicus)
  • Ruddy mongoose (Herpestes smithii)
  • Indian hare (Lepus nigricollis)
  • Indian porcupine (Hystrix indica)
  • Indian gerbil (Tatera indica)
  • Indian tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri)
  • Hanuman langur/Common langur (Presbytis entellus)
  • Rhesus monkey (Macaque mulata)

16. Security

UNLAWFUL ORGANIZATIONS

In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of the section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the Central Government can declare any organization as an unlawful association, which will be applicable for entire country including Rajasthan. A list of the organizations presently declared as unlawful association by Central Government under Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 are at Annexure.    

Government of India has declared ‘Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu Kashmir’ as an ‘Unlawful Association’ for a further period of 5 years under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in his post on ‘X’ said that “Pursuing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and separatism the government has extended the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu Kashmir for five years. The organisation is found continuing its activities against the security, integrity and sovereignty of the nation. The outfit was first declared an ‘Unlawful Association’ on 28 February 2019. Anyone threatening the security of the nation will face ruthless measures.”

The last ban on the ‘Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu Kashmir’ was imposed, vide Gazette Notification Number S.O. 1069(E), dated the 28th February, 2019. Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu Kashmir is continuing to be involved in fomenting terrorism and anti-India propaganda for fueling secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir, which is prejudicial to the sovereignty, security and integrity of India. Many criminal cases have been registered against the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu Kashmir and its members under various sections of law including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

17. Disaster Management