This year marks the beginning of the 50th year since the imposition of Emergency on June 25, 1975.
About the National Emergency
The emergency provisions are contained in Part XVIII of the Constitution of India, from Article 352 to 360.
The Constitution provides for the three types of emergencies, namely:
National Emergency under Article 352
Constitutional Emergency or President Rule under Article 356
Financial Emergency under Article 360
Procedure for Imposition of Emergency: The Article 352 of the Constitution provides for the proclamation of national emergency on the grounds of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion threatens the security of India or a part of it.
A state of emergency has been imposed thrice since Independence — during the wars with China in 1962 and Pakistan in 1971 and for the third time in 1975.
This term ‘armed rebellion’ is inserted by the 44th amendment in lieu of term ‘Internal Disturbance’, due to the vague nature of it.
The President issues a Proclamation of National Emergency on the written advice of the Union Cabinet. The president can issue a proclamation before the actual occurrence of war or of any such aggression or rebellion, if he is satisfied that there is imminent danger.
Approval by Parliament: A proclamation of the National emergency must be placed before each house of the parliament and must be approved within one month of the declaration.
After approval by both the houses, the Emergency continues for 6 months and can be extended to an indefinite period with an approval of the Parliament for every six months.
If the proclamation of emergency is made at a time when the Lok Sabha has been dissolved or it gets dissolved without approving the proclamation during the period of one month, then the emergency remains in effect for 30 days following the first meeting of the newly constituted Lok Sabha, provided that it gets periodically approved by the Rajya Sabha.
Revocation: The President at any time by a subsequent proclamation may revoke the proclamation of Emergency, or, Lok Sabha can pass a resolution by a simple majority to disapprove its continuation.
Judicial Review: In Minerva Mills case (1980), the Supreme Court held that National Emergency can be challenged in the court on the ground of malafide or that the declaration was based on wholly extraneous and irrelevant facts.
Effects of National Emergency
During a National Emergency, the centre can issue directions to the state on any given matter
Central can make laws on a matter that are part of the state list
A national emergency also entitles the President to change the revenues between central and state
The tenure of Lok Sabha can be extended from its normal life
The enforcement of Fundamental Rights gets affected during a National Emergency.
Office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha
Why in news?
Recently, the 18th Lok Sabha elected the Speaker by a voice vote.
More about the news
It is for the fifth time that a speaker will serve beyond the tenure of one Lok Sabha.
In 1952, 1967 and 1976, the Speakers were elected unopposed.
About the Office of the Speaker
The Speaker is presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, he is the constitutional and ceremonial head of the House.
He deals with the actual necessities and concerns of Parliament in the performance of its functions and is assisted by the secretary-general of the Lok Sabha.
Article 93 provides for the election of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.
It is the members of the Lok Sabha who elect its presiding officer by a simple majority.
The election of the Speaker is usually the first item of business in the newly constituted Lok Sabha, and the process is overseen by the Pro-tem Speaker, who is appointed by the President of India.
Generally, a member belonging to the ruling party is elected as Speaker, whereas a Deputy Speaker is elected by the Opposition.
Article 94 outlines the procedures for vacation, resignation, and removal from the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
The Speaker can be removed from office only on a resolution of the House passed by a majority of all the then members of the House.
Article 96 specifies the powers of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker during consideration of a resolution for their removal from office.
Duties & Powers of the Speaker:
The Lok Sabha Speaker is the final authority on the interpretation of the provisions of the Constitution of India, the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Lok Sabha, and the parliamentary proceedings within the House.
His rulings on such matters are binding on the members of the House.
The Speaker presides over joint sittings of both houses of Parliament.
The Speaker has the power to adjourn the House or suspend a meeting in the absence of the quorum.
In the event of a tie, where the House is equally divided on a question, the Speaker is entitled to cast a deciding vote, known as the ‘casting vote’.
The Speaker has the exclusive authority to decide whether a bill is a “money bill” or not, and this decision is final and cannot be challenged.
It is the Speaker who decides the questions of disqualification of a member of the Lok Sabha arising on the ground of defection under the provisions of the Tenth Schedule.
The Speaker is the guardian of the rights and privileges of the House, its committees, and its members.
Article 97 provides for the salaries and allowances of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman and the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Mini Ratna Status
Why in news?
Recently Central Electronics Limited (CEL) has been granted “Mini RATNA” status (Category-1).
About
India's central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) are classified into three major categories - Miniratna, Navratna and Maharatna CPSEs.
The main aim of assigning the "ratna" statuses to various CPSEs was to give operational freedom and decision-making power to the state-run entities.
The CPSEs can decide on certain matters such as investment and new projects without approaching the government until a particular threshold.
Currently, there are 57 Miniratna, 16 Navratna and 13 Maharatna companies.
Miniratna Status
CPSEs are put in two sub-categories under the Miniratna status - Miniratna-I and Miniratna - II.
Miniratna Category-I status:
CPSEs which reported profits in three consecutive years, have a pre-tax profit of ₹30 crore or more in at least one of the three years, and have a positive net worth are classified as a Miniratna-I PSU.
Miniratna Category-II status:
PSUs with a profit for the last three successive years and have a positive net worth are classified as Miniratna-II companies.
In addition to these conditions, a CPSE should have not defaulted on repayment of loans or interest due to the government. Also, Miniratna entities need not depend upon budgetary support or government guarantees.
Navratna status
PSUs that have a Miniratna-I status and have obtained an "Excellent" or "Very Good" MoU rating in three out of the last five years and have a composite score of 60 or more in six selected performance indicators are eligible to be considered for a "Navratna" upgrade.
Some of the parameters:
Net Profit to Net Worth
Manpower Cost to Total Cost of Production
Earnings Per Share
Inter-Sectoral Performance
Maharatna status
A PSU is eligible for being granted a "Maharatna" status, in case it meets the following criteria:
Should have a "Navratna" status
Should be listed on the Indian stock exchanges
Should be compliant with minimum shareholding norms
Average annual turnover of more than ₹25,000 crore and average annual net worth of over ₹15,000 crore in the last three years
Average annual net profit of over ₹5,000 crore in the last three years along with significant global presence.
Annual World Drug Report 2024
Why in news?
Recently, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released the report on World Drug Day.
Key highlights of the report
UNODC releases a world drug report every year which is based on a scientific approach and research.
As per the report, the number of people who use drugs has risen to 292 million in 2022, a 20 per cent increase over 10 years.
Cannabis remains the most widely used drug worldwide.
The World drug report 2023 underscored the profound impact of social and economic inequalities on drug issues, which both fuel and are exacerbated by these challenges.
It also sheds light on the environmental destruction and human rights violations caused by illicit drug economies, as well as the increasing prominence of synthetic drugs.
The report revealed a significant gap in meeting the demand for the treatment of drug-related disorders.
UNODC’s calls for governments, organizations and communities to collaborate on establishing evidence-based plans that will fight against drug trafficking and organized crime.
Developing India as the Manufacturing Hub Report
Why in news?
Recently, the Confederation of Indian Industry released a report on "Developing India as the Manufacturing Hub for Electronics Components and Sub- Assemblies”
Key Highlights of the report
As of 2023, the manufacturing sector accounted for 17% of the GDP and provided employment to more than 27.3 Mn individuals in India. The government plans to increase manufacturing's share to 25% of the economy by 2025.
As per the Report, in 2023, the demand for components and sub-assemblies stood at USD 45.5 billion to support USD 102 billion worth of electronics production.
This demand is expected to scale to USD 240 Billion to support the USD 500 Billion worth electronics production by 2030.
The Report identifies 5 priority components/sub-assemblies of batteries (lithium-ion), camera modules, mechanicals (enclosures etc.), displays and PCBs which are categorized as high priority for India.
As per the report, the lack of big domestic manufacturing corporations, lack of domestic design ecosystem for Indian companies and lack of raw materials ecosystem add to the challenges that disable the domestic manufacturing of components and sub-assemblies in India.
The Report recommends critical actions required to transition India’s Electronics sector ecosystem from an ‘import dependent assembly led manufacturing’ to ‘component level value-added manufacturing’.
It recommends crafting a scheme aimed at providing fiscal support for select components and sub-assemblies.
The new policy should adopt a gradient approach with support towards the higher end of subsidy.
The import tariffs on priority sub-assemblies and components like camera modules, displays modules, mechanicals, need to be urgently rationalized in line with key competing economies.
Migration and Development Brief 2024
Why in news?
Recently, the world bank released the Migration and Development Brief 2024.
Key highlights
According to the World Bank’s latest migration and development brief, remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) moderated in 2023, reaching an estimated $656 billion.
The remittances remained a crucial source of external finance for developing countries in 2023, bolstering the current accounts of several countries grappling with food insecurity and debt issues.
In 2023, remittances surpassed foreign direct investment (FDI) and official development assistance (ODA).
The remittances to LMICs are expected to grow at a faster rate of 2.3% in 2024.
In 2023, remittances to Middle East, North Africa, Europe and Central Asia fell sharply.
Remittances to East Asia and Pacific, excluding China, grew by 4.8% to $85 billion in 2023.
Remittances to South Asia grew by 5.2% in 2023, reaching $186 billion. Growth was driven by India, which saw a 7.5% increase to $120 billion, supported by strong labour markets in the United States and Europe.
As per the report, Mexico to the USA remains the largest corridor for migration. Ukraine, followed by China, Mexico and Venezuela were the largest migrant’s origin countries in 2023.
Space MAITRI Mission
Why in news?
Recently, New Space India Limited (NSIL) and Space Machines Company have signed a Dedicated Launch Service Agreement.
More about the news
The agreement was announced at the India Space Congress 2024 in Delhi.
It paves the way for the launch of Space Machines Company's second Optimus spacecraft in 2026.
The 450kg Optimus spacecraft will be the largest Australian-designed and built spacecraft to date; it will be launched on ISRO's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
This agreement marked a significant milestone in space collaboration between India and Australia.
About Space MAITRI
This mission, dubbed Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India's Technology, Research and Innovation), represents a major step forward in the strategic partnership between the two nations in the space domain.
The Space MAITRI mission aims to foster closer ties between commercial, institutional, and governmental space organizations from both countries.
It focuses on debris management and sustainability, aligning with both nations' core values and objectives in promoting responsible space operations and mitigating the growing threat of space debris.
Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket
Why in news?
Recently, the DRDO handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket to the Indian Navy.
About
Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC), a niche technology developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory.
DRDO has indigenously developed three variants of this critical technology namely Short Range Chaff Rocket (SRCR), Medium Range Chaff Rocket (MRCR) and Long Range Chaff Rocket (LRCR).
It obscures radar signals and creates a microwave shield around platforms and assets, thus reducing radar detection.
Special types of fibres, with a diameter of a few micrometres and unique microwave obscuration properties, have been assembled in the medium-range chaff rocket.
The rocket, when fired, forms a microwave obscurant cloud in space spreading over a sufficient area, with adequate persistence time, creating an effective shield against hostile threats having radio frequency seekers.
Lake Natron
Why in news?
The extreme weather is causing frequent flooding and affecting the salinity levels in Lake Natron.
About the Lake
Lake Natron is an alkaline lake located in the Arusha Region in Tanzania.
The lake is fed by the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
The lake contains salt, soda, and magnesite deposits. Sodium carbonate and other minerals that enter the lake from the surrounding hills make the water alkaline.
Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano contributes to the lake's hostile conditions. It is the only active volcano to emit natrocarbonatite - a rare carbonatite lava.
The lake is located in the Gregory Rift, which is the eastern branch of the East African Rift.
Lake Natron is home to some endemic algae, invertebrates, and birds. The lake is the only regular breeding area in East Africa for flamingos.
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