Chahal Academy

11 Aug 2023 08:13

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Chahal Academy

10 Aug 2023 15:43

👉🏻The number of elephants in Karnataka has increased by 346, reaching a total of 6,395, according to an interim report on Asian Elephant population and demography estimates for the year 2023. This increase makes Karnataka the state with the highest elephant population in the country.

Chahal Academy

09 Aug 2023 09:57

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Chahal Academy

08 Aug 2023 14:54

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Chahal Academy

07 Aug 2023 19:55

👉🏻The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2023

Background:

On May 11, the Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of the Delhi government, granting it complete control over most services in the capital, except for public order, land, and police. However, on May 19, the central government introduced an ordinance that gave authority to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, who is appointed by the central government, to have more control over matters like transfer of postings, vigilance, and other incidental issues.

👉🏻The Delhi Services Bill:

The Delhi Services Bill aims to convert the above-mentioned ordinance into law. It would give the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi more powers to control various matters, including the ability to make inquiries and suspensions of officials in the national capital. The National Capital Civil Services Authority will also be established, consisting of the Chief Secretary of Delhi, the Principal Home Secretary of Delhi, and the Delhi Chief Minister.

👉🏻Opposition's Stance:

The Opposition parties, including the AAP and Congress, are against the bill. They argue that the bill is an assault on democratic principles and the spirit of federalism. They claim that it undermines the powers of an elected government and goes against the constitutional separation of powers. The Opposition leaders see the bill as an attempt to centralize power and take away the rights of the elected Delhi government.

👉🏻Government's Stance:
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government defends the bill, stating that it is within its rights to make laws for Union territories, and since Delhi is a Union territory, the Centre has the authority to make rules for it. They argue that the bill aims to strike a balance between the interests of the Union Territory of Delhi and the nation and is in accordance with the quasi-federal structure of India.

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Chahal Academy

06 Aug 2023 12:54

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Chahal Academy

05 Aug 2023 10:39

👉🏻The article talks about nuclear weapons and the importance of not using them. It mentions the history of the first atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, which changed people's beliefs about war and weapons. Since then, there has been a "nuclear taboo" - an understanding that using nuclear weapons is very wrong and should be avoided at all costs.

👉🏻Recently, there have been threats of nuclear use by some countries, like Russia. This is dangerous because nuclear weapons are very destructive and can cause long-lasting harm to people and the environment. Some even speculated that Russia might use a small nuclear weapon in a conflict.

👉🏻However, there is hope in how other countries responded to these threats. NATO and other nuclear weapons states made it clear that they would respond strongly to any nuclear use, but they also emphasized using non-nuclear options. This helps to prevent unnecessary tension and speculation about nuclear war.

👉🏻The article mentions that Belarus, a country close to Russia, has invited Russia to bring tactical nuclear weapons there. This move could escalate tensions in the region and should be avoided.

#Editorialssimplified

Chahal Academy

04 Aug 2023 14:59

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Chahal Academy

03 Aug 2023 14:25

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Chahal Academy

02 Aug 2023 16:09

The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023 is a proposed law in India that aims to change how forests are defined and managed. It has some controversial aspects that could impact the environment and local communities.

👉🏻Restricting Scope: The main focus of the bill is to redefine what is considered a 'forest' in Indian law. It narrows down the definition to only include lands that were officially recognized as forests before under certain laws or government records. This could exclude many areas that have significant tree cover and undergrowth but were not officially classified as forests.

👉🏻Opening Up for Commercial Activity: By narrowing the definition of forests, the bill could open up these excluded lands for commercial activities without the need for proper permissions and checks. This could lead to deforestation and harm the environment.

👉🏻Exemption for Border Infrastructure: The bill also allows exemption for certain infrastructure projects like roads and highways if they are located within 100 km of the national border. This has raised concerns as it could be misused to push through projects that might harm the local ecology.

👉🏻Lack of Oversight: The bill was not referred to the relevant Parliamentary Standing Committee for review, which is a standard practice. Additionally, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) that reviewed the bill did not propose any changes despite receiving objections and concerns from various groups.

👉🏻Impact on Local Communities: The bill could also affect the rights of tribal communities enshrined in the Forest Rights Act 2006, and their concerns have not been adequately addressed.

👉🏻Uncertainty: The exact extent of the impact of the bill is uncertain as the data on deemed forests is not publicly available, making it difficult to gauge how many areas will fall outside the purview of the amended Act.

#Editorialssimplified

Chahal Academy

02 Aug 2023 15:29

👉🏻The article discusses the recent grant of Geographical Indication (GI) tags to seven products from different regions of India, including four from Rajasthan. A GI tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.

👉🏻'Jalesar Dhatu Shilp': This metal craft is practiced in Jalesar, Uttar Pradesh, and involves making decorative metal craft and brassware, such as anklets and bells. The Thatheras community in Hathuras is known for creating these products.

👉🏻'Goa Mankurad Mango': Also known as malcorada mango, it has a historical association with the Portuguese, who originally named it 'malcorada,' meaning 'poor colored.' Over time, it became 'mankurad aamo' in Konkani. The All Goa Mango Growers Association filed the application for this GI tag.

👉🏻'Goan Bebinca': It is an Indo-Portuguese traditional pudding and is considered the 'queen of Goan desserts.' The All Goa Bakers and Confectioners Association filed the application for this GI tag.

👉🏻'Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft': This craft involves ornamenting weapons with intricate designs by embedding gold and silver wire into the metal and polishing it with moonstone. The GI tag was secured for this craft from Udaipur, Rajasthan.

👉🏻'Bikaner Kashidakari Craft': This craft involves fine stitches and mirror-work on cotton, silk, or velvet, mainly used for marriage-related gift items. It is believed that the mirrors repel the 'evil eye.' The Meghwal community in Bikaner and nearby districts traditionally weaved fabrics for this craft.

👉🏻'Jodhpur Bandhej Craft': It is an art form from Rajasthan that involves tying and dyeing textiles like muslin, silk, and voile with cotton thread. The fabric is tied in specific patterns before dyeing, creating beautiful designs.

👉🏻'Bikaner Usta Kala Craft': Also known as gold nakashi or gold manauti work, this craft involves processing and molding untreated raw camel hide by the Dapgar community of leather craftspeople. The finished products have a distinctive golden color.

#Editorialssimplified

Chahal Academy

01 Aug 2023 15:35

👉🏻This article discusses how the government wants to find new and effective ways to encourage people to use LPG in their homes. While they have been providing subsidies to make it affordable, they are now exploring other options to ensure more households can benefit from clean and efficient cooking fuel. The goal is to improve the adoption of LPG in all parts of the country, especially in rural and economically weaker areas.

#Editorialssimplified

Chahal Academy

01 Aug 2023 10:55

Gadgil Committee and Kasturirangan Committee

👉 Both are related to the categorisation of the Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA).

#Prelims2024

Chahal Academy

31 Jul 2023 17:10

The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023


👉🏻 The landmark bill aims to comprehensively curb the menace of ‘Piracy’ causing losses of Rs 20,000 Crores to the film industry, based on certain estimates

👉🏻 The provisions include strict punishment of minimum 3 months imprisonment and fine of Rs. 3 lakhs which can be extended up to 3 years imprisonment and fine upto 5% of the audited gross production cost.

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Chahal Academy

31 Jul 2023 15:07

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Chahal Academy

10 Aug 2023 16:02

👉🏻The United States' decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine as part of a military aid package to support its conflict against Russia has sparked controversy.

👉🏻Cluster munitions, also known as cluster bombs, release multiple explosive submunitions or bomblets into the air. These bomblets explode upon impact with the ground, causing harm and casualties to people in the affected area. Some of these bomblets do not explode immediately and can remain dormant for years, acting as dangerous landmines.

#Editorialssimplified

Chahal Academy

10 Aug 2023 07:48

👉🏻The article discusses the plight of tribal communities residing in certain villages of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, who are facing threats to their settlements due to the lack of legal protection. These tribes have been cultivating small plots of land for their sustenance but are at risk of being displaced by private individuals with the support of government officials.

👉🏻Historically, these villages were not recognized as Scheduled Tribes (ST) areas, which would grant them special legal protections. In 1976, the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh identified 805 villages that should be notified under the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which would provide significant safeguards for these tribal communities. However, despite this proposal being sent to the Union Government in 1980, it remained unaddressed for many years.

👉🏻Notifying a village under the Fifth Schedule would mean that it receives special protections. Non-tribals or private corporations would not be able to take land from these villages, and the exploitation of natural resources would also be restricted by various laws, including the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, Forest Rights Act (FRA), and others.

👉🏻Under the protection of the Fifth Schedule, these villages could access funds from the Tribal Sub-Plan for development purposes, and they would fall under the jurisdiction of Integrated Tribal Development Authorities (ITDAs). This would simplify the resolution of legal cases and disputes related to tribal land.

👉🏻However, despite calls for these villages to be notified under the Fifth Schedule, progress has been slow. Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has asked ITDAs to prepare a new proposal, but activists and tribal communities feel that progress is not happening quickly enough. The delay in providing legal protection and recognition has left these tribal communities vulnerable to displacement and exploitation.

#Editorialssimplified

Chahal Academy

09 Aug 2023 08:22

👉🏻The article discusses the evolving use of local currencies, such as the Indian rupee, Russian rouble, China's yuan, UAE's dirham, and Indonesia's rupiah, for international transactions among various countries. This shift in currency preference is influenced by geopolitical factors and aims to reduce reliance on hegemonic currencies like the US dollar and Euro.

👉🏻The backdrop for this change includes the Ukraine-Russia war, which led to sanctions on Russia and the subsequent need for alternative payment methods between India and Russia. The use of the Indian rupee in transactions between the two countries was established to address these challenges.

👉🏻The article highlights the example of using rupee-dirham agreements between India and the UAE, aiming to enhance trade, remittances, and capital flows while avoiding exchange risks and saving hard currencies. Similar negotiations are underway with Indonesia to establish a similar agreement using the rupiah. This trend suggests a new geo-economic and political shift, where countries in the South are increasingly trading and settling payments with each other using their local currencies. This approach reduces dependence on institutions in advanced economies and private capital for transaction settlement.

👉🏻While potential challenges related to political differences and disparate currency statuses may arise, the article suggests that geo-economics could prevail over geopolitics in promoting this shift.

👉🏻Overall, the article emphasizes the emergence of a new financial architecture where currencies of countries in the South replace the dominance of currencies from the North, marking a significant change in global financial dynamics.

#Editorialssimplified

Chahal Academy

08 Aug 2023 08:24

👉🏻 Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill

Chahal Academy

07 Aug 2023 14:53

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Chahal Academy

05 Aug 2023 13:59

👉🏻The article talks about the efforts of the United States to bring Saudi Arabia and Israel closer together through reconciliation.

👉🏻The U.S. wants this alliance to counter the growing influence of China and Russia in the Middle East and strengthen its position in the region.

👉🏻The motives of each country for reconciliation differ. The U.S. sees it as a way to maintain its dominance in the Middle East and gain support from the powerful Jewish lobby for the upcoming presidential election.

👉🏻Saudi Arabia wants to assert itself as a major global player and balance its recent reconciliations with Iran and Syria. Reconciliation with Israel would also give them access to advanced technology and security commitments from the U.S.

👉🏻For Israel, reconciliation with Saudi Arabia would be a significant geopolitical victory, as it would symbolize its acceptance as a legitimate Jewish state by a prominent Islamic country.

👉🏻If this reconciliation happens, it may have wider implications, with other Islamic countries possibly following Saudi Arabia's lead. However, it could also further marginalize the Palestinian cause and lead to more tension and radicalization in the region.

👉🏻For India, Saudi-Israeli reconciliation could have a positive impact as it aligns Saudi Arabia better with India and creates opportunities in the region. However, it may also lead to Israel trying to connect India with other Islamic countries, including Pakistan.

👉🏻Overall, the success of this reconciliation effort is uncertain, but the U.S. remains committed to pursuing it despite the challenges.

#Editorialssimplified

Chahal Academy

04 Aug 2023 16:06

👉🏻The article discusses the use of homeopathy in mainstream healthcare. Homeopathy is a type of alternative medicine using highly diluted substances. However, there is weak evidence to support its effectiveness, and safety concerns have been raised.

👉🏻The article emphasizes the importance of evidence-based medicine, which relies on scientific proof. Homeopathy lacks solid scientific evidence for its mechanisms of action. It questions the use of homeopathy as part of a decolonization effort in healthcare. Instead, the focus should be on evidence-based and ethical medicine for universal health care.

#Editorialssimplified

Chahal Academy

03 Aug 2023 14:40

👉🏻The article discusses the significance of the G-20 Summit, led by India, and the need for a new approach to global governance. It highlights the challenges faced by humanity, such as wars, inequality, climate change, and unsustainable economic growth. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are mentioned as a framework to address these issues by 2030.

👉🏻The article argues that the current top-down problem-solving approach is insufficient and proposes an alternative called LiFE (lifestyles for sustainable development). LiFE emphasizes local solutions and cooperation among stakeholders to address specific problems in different regions effectively. It also stresses the importance of recognizing and involving local communities, governments, and traditional knowledge in promoting sustainable lifestyles.

👉🏻India's leadership in the G-20 Summit provides an opportunity to promote this new approach and emphasize the concept of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (One Earth, One Family, One Future) to create a better world for everyone. The article also calls for more emphasis on local governance and democracy to achieve "poorna swaraj" (full freedom) for all citizens.

#Editorialssimplified

Chahal Academy

03 Aug 2023 08:21

Autarky

👉🏻 An economic system of self-sufficiency and limited trade.

#Terms in news
#PRELIMS2024

Chahal Academy

02 Aug 2023 15:58

👉🏻In this article, the authors talk about the challenges faced by women in accessing public spaces in India and how the Shakti scheme launched by the Congress government in Karnataka aims to address these issues.

👉🏻Similar schemes in Delhi, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu have shown positive results, and initial responses from Karnataka indicate its success.

👉🏻The scheme is seen as a 'special provision' allowed by Article 15(3) of the Constitution, aiming to address the social and economic handicaps faced by women in a patriarchal society.

#Editorialssimplified

Chahal Academy

02 Aug 2023 15:01

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Chahal Academy

01 Aug 2023 15:00

👉🏻The article talks about a significant legal case in the Supreme Court of India concerning Article 370 of the Constitution. Four years ago, some major changes were made to Article 370, which had far-reaching effects. It applied India's entire Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and divided the state into two Union Territories.

👉🏻The changes were made when J&K was under President's Rule, and there was no elected Legislative Assembly. Now, the Supreme Court will decide if these changes are legally valid or not, not considering their consequences but their legality.

👉🏻The article further explains how Article 370 originally had certain conditions and limitations, but the Union government made changes by looking at another article (Article 367) to bypass those conditions. This led to a dispute about whether this exercise of power was constitutional or not.

👉🏻The case is important as it involves the fundamental principles of representative democracy and the delicate balance of power between the Union and the States in India's Constitution. The Court's decision will have a significant impact on the future of India's constitutional law and the relationship between the Union and the States. It's a complex legal matter, and the Court needs to carefully consider both the legalities and the moral values involved.

#Editorialssimplified

Chahal Academy

01 Aug 2023 10:19

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Strategic Choke Points in Indian Ocean: Entry & Exit Points

(GS-2, International Relations)

Chahal Academy

31 Jul 2023 17:05

👉🏻As per Article 145(1)(b) of the Constitution read with clause (2) thereof, the Supreme Court is empowered to make rules to regulate its own procedure for hearing appeals and other matters pertaining to appeals and may fix the minimum number of judges who are to sit for such purposes.


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Chahal Academy

31 Jul 2023 15:06

Key Points to remember

👉🏻The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched a mobile app called 'Swachhata Abhiyaan' to identify cases of manual scavenging and insanitary latrines in the country.

👉🏻The app allowed anyone to upload data on insanitary latrines and manual scavengers. The data was meant to be verified by the district administration.

The app identified 6,253 cases of manual scavenging, but the Ministry is unsure if the numbers are authentic.

👉🏻The Ministry conducted a physical verification to validate the data but found no confirmation of insanitary latrines or manual scavenging.

👉🏻The Central Monitoring Committee verified the data and found that the majority of it was incorrect.

👉🏻The Ministry is still working to identify manual scavengers, even after enacting the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.

👉🏻The government clarified that the identification of manual scavengers is for extending rehabilitation benefits and not an indication of active manual scavenging.

👉🏻Many districts have reported themselves as "manual scavenging-free," but confirmation is still pending for some.

👉🏻Over 17 crore sanitary toilets were built under the Swachh Bharat Mission, contributing to ending manual scavenging.

👉🏻Despite efforts, deaths still occurred during the hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.

👉🏻The government doesn't find it feasible to conduct a national-level census of manual scavengers as it requires verification with workplace/employer references.

#Editorialssimplified