CURRENT AFFAIRS - 10/02/2024

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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10/02/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10/02/2024

Bharat Ratna Honors for Distinguished Contributions

(General Studies- Paper I)

Source : TH

In a significant announcement, the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, is set to be conferred upon former Prime Ministers P. V. Narasimha Rao and Choudhary Charan Singh, along with Green Revolution pioneer M. S. Swaminathan.

This adds to the previously revealed awardees, socialist leader Karpoori Thakur, and former Deputy Prime Minister L. K. Advani.

Key Highlights

Contributions Recognized:
- V. Narasimha Rao, a Congress Prime Minister, was acknowledged for his liberalization policies.
- ChoudharyCharan Singh, from the Janata Party, was recognized for championing the cause of farmers.
- S. Swaminathan, an agricultural scientist, was honored for his pioneering work in the Green Revolution.
This year’s tally of five Bharat Ratna awardees is the highest ever announced in a single year.
Four out of the five awards this year are posthumous, underscoring the recognition of lifetime achievements.
Notably, L. K. Advani, at 96 years old, is the only awardee honored during his lifetime.

About P. V. Narasimha Rao

V. Narasimha Rao was born on 28 June 1921 in Laknepalli village, Narsampetmandal, Warangal district, present-day Telangana.
He hailed from a Telugu Niyogi Brahmin family, with his father Sitarama Rao and mother Rukma Bai having agrarian backgrounds.
Political Career and Achievements:
- Served as the 9th Prime Minister of India from 1991 to 1996.
- Rao was a lawyer and an active participant in the Indian Independence movement, joining full-time politics after independence.
- Elected as a representative for Andhra Pradesh State Assembly from 1957 to 1977.
- Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in 1971, implementing strict land reforms and ceiling acts, and securing reservations for lower castes.
- Played crucial roles in various ministerial positions in Andhra government from 1962 to 1973.
- Rose to national prominence by handling diverse portfolios, including Home, Defence, and Foreign Affairs, in the cabinets of both Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.
Economic Reforms and Globalization:
- Acknowledged for introducing liberal reforms to India’s economy during his tenure as Prime Minister.
- Dismantled the License Raj, reversing the economic policies of the previous government.
- Appointed Manmohan Singh as Finance Minister in 1991, leading to India’s globalization and implementation of IMF policies.
Key Achievements and Contributions:
- Steered India through the 1991 economic crisis.
- Completed a tenure with a minority government.
- Established diplomatic relations with Israel.
- Initiated India’s Look East policy.
- Revived India’s nuclear program.
- Successfully opposed the 1994 United Nations resolution against India.
- Effectively handled and crushed insurgency in Punjab.
- Implemented a tough policy against terrorism in Kashmir.
- Opened partial diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Personal Interests and Multilingual Abilities:
- Rao had wide-ranging interests in literature and computer software, including computer programming.
- Proficient in 17 languages.

About ChoudharyCharan Singh

ChoudharyCharan Singh (23 December 1902 – 29 May 1987) was an Indian politician and the fifth Prime Minister of India, serving from 28 July 1979 until his resignation on 14 January 1980.
He was a prominent leader in the Indian political landscape, particularly known for his advocacy of the rights of farmers and the rural population.
He actively followed Mahatma Gandhi in the non-violent struggle for India’s independence and faced imprisonment multiple times for his participation in various movements.
- In 1930, he received a 12-year jail sentence for contravening salt laws, and in 1940, he was imprisoned for one year during the individual Satyagraha movement.
- He faced another arrest in August 1942 and was released in November 1943.
Early Life:
- ChoudharyCharan Singh was born in a rural Jat family on 23 December 1902 in Noorpur village in Hapur district, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- He received his early education in Meerut and Agra.
- He later studied at Agra College, where he completed his Bachelor’s degree in 1923.
Entry into Politics:
- Charan Singh entered politics at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks.
- He became a prominent leader in the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) and played a significant role in social and agricultural movements.
- His focus was on the welfare of farmers and rural development.
- Charan Singh’s political career gained momentum in the 1930s when he joined the Kisan Sabha (Farmers’ Union) and actively participated in the struggle for the rights of farmers.
- He held various ministerial portfolios in different state governments and the central government, including the positions of Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Deputy Prime Minister of India.
- Chaudhary Charan Singh served as the 5th Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 1970.
Prime Ministership:
- ChoudharyCharan Singh became the5th Prime Minister of India on 28 July 1979, leading a coalition government.
- Charan Singh earned the title “Champion of India’s peasants” for his dedicated advocacy and policies aimed at improving the conditions of the farming community.
- His tenure as Prime Minister was characterized by a focus on agricultural issues and the welfare of farmers.
- His tenure was relatively short, and he resigned on 14 January 1980, after his coalition fell apart.
- Despite his Congress affiliation, he later founded his own political party called Lokdal in 1980, marking a significant shift in his political allegiance.

About M. S. Swaminathan

MankombuSambasivanSwaminathan, popularly known as M. S. Swaminathan, is an eminent Indian agricultural scientist and a pioneer in the field of green revolution.
Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, he has made significant contributions to agricultural research and development, particularly in the areas of food security and sustainable farming practices.
Early Life and Education:
- S. Swaminathan was born into a well-educated and distinguished family. His father, Sambasivan, was a surgeon, and his mother, ParvatiThangammal, was a freedom fighter.
- He completed his undergraduate studies in zoology at Loyola College, Chennai.
- Later, he pursued a graduate degree in agriculture from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi.
Academic and Research Career:
- Swaminathan earned a Ph.D. in genetics from the University of Cambridge, UK, in 1952.
- He returned to India and joined the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), where he made significant contributions to the study of genetics and plant breeding.
- Swaminathan played a crucial role in India’s Green Revolution during the 1960s and 1970s.
- He introduced high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, which greatly increased agricultural productivity.
- He was an advocate of sustainable agriculture and made significant contributions to the agricultural renaissance of India.
International Contributions:
- Swaminathan served as the Director General of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines from 1982 to 1988.
- He also held the position of President of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) from 1984 to 1986.
Awards and Recognitions:
- S. Swaminathan has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to agriculture and sustainable development, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award (1971) and the World Food Prize (1987).
- He was also awarded the Padma Shri (1967), Padma Bhushan (1972), and Padma Vibhushan (1989) by the Government of India.
Legacy:
- S. Swaminathan is often referred to as the “Father of the Green Revolution in India” for his transformative contributions to agriculture and food production.
- His work continues to influence agricultural policies, research, and practices both in India and globally.

Can Preamble be amended keeping date intact, asks SC

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The Supreme Court raised a critical question regarding the amendment of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution without changing its adoption date of November 26, 1949.

The Preamble underwent its only amendment in December 1976 during the Emergency, when the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ were introduced, and the phrase “unity of the nation” was replaced with “unity and integrity of the nation.”

Key Highlights

Key Amendments and Context:
- The 42nd Constitutional Amendment, implemented during the Emergency by the Indira Gandhi government, brought about these changes.
- Originally, the Preamble declared India as a ‘sovereign, democratic republic,’ with the insertion of ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ between ‘sovereign’ and ‘democratic.’
Legal Question Raised by Supreme Court:
- Justices DipankarDatta and Sanjiv Khanna questioned whether the Preamble could have been amended without altering the date of its adoption on November 26, 1949.
- The concern was raised during the hearing of a petition filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, who seeks the removal of the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ from the Preamble.
  - Subramanian Swamy argued that the amendments were hurriedly pushed through during the Emergency period.
- Historical Context and Legal Perspective:
  - The Preamble, unique in presenting a specific adoption date, was a subject of discussion regarding its amendability while retaining the original date.
  - Reference was made to the KesavanandaBharati case, where the Supreme Court, with a record 13-judge Bench, affirmed the integral nature of the Preamble within the Constitution.

About Preamble

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution serves as a concise introduction or preface, encapsulating the essence of the Constitution.
Inspired by the American Constitution, it has been hailed by legal scholar N APalkhivala as the ‘identity card of the Constitution.’
The Preamble is rooted in the ‘Objectives Resolution,’ originally drafted and proposed by Pandit Nehru and subsequently adopted by the Constituent Assembly.
The Preamble underwent a notable amendment through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1976.
This amendment introduced three pivotal words—socialist, secular, and integrity—to the original text.
The Preamble, often considered the soul of the Constitution, comprises four fundamental components:
- Source of Authority:
  - Asserts that the authority of the Constitution emanates from the people of India.
- Nature of Indian State:
  - Declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, and republican polity.
- Objectives of the Constitution:
  - Specifies justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity as the core objectives guiding the Constitution.
- Date of Adoption:
  - Designates November 26, 1949, as the historic date when the Constitution was formally adopted.
- Preamble as Part of the Constitution
  - The status of the Preamble within the Indian Constitution has been a subject of debate and controversy, oscillating between whether it is an integral part of the Constitution or not.
  - The Berubari Union case in 1960 initially stated that while the Preamble sheds light on the general purposes behind constitutional provisions, it is not considered a formal part of the Constitution.
  - However, in the landmark KesavanandaBharati case in 1973, the Supreme Court reversed this stance, firmly declaring the Preamble as a vital and inseparable component of the Constitution.
  - The Supreme Court emphasized the Preamble’s significance, stating that it provides a grand and noble vision that should guide the interpretation of the entire Constitution.
  - The LIC of India case in 1995 reiterated this position, solidifying the view that the Preamble is indeed an integral part of the Constitution.
  - Despite being enacted by the Constituent Assembly, the Preamble was inserted at the end, after the rest of the Constitution was already enacted.
  - This placement aimed to ensure alignment with the Constitution as adopted by the Constituent Assembly.
  - However, it’s crucial to note two key aspects:
    - The Preamble does not confer legislative power nor imposes restrictions on legislative authority.
    - It is non-justiciable, meaning its provisions are not enforceable in courts of law.
    - While it outlines the overarching ideals of the Constitution, the Preamble does not serve as a legal basis for legal actions or limitations on legislative powers.
  - Amendability of the Preamble
    - The question of whether the Preamble can be amended under Article 368 of the Constitution came to the forefront in the historic KesavanandaBharati case in 1973.
    - The petitioner argued that the Preamble, not being a part of the Constitution, should remain immune to amendments.
    - It was contended that the amending power in Article 368 should not be wielded to jeopardize the fundamental elements enshrined in the Preamble.
    - Contrary to the earlier Berubari Union case (1960), the Supreme Court in KesavanandaBharati asserted that the Preamble is indeed an integral part of the Constitution.
    - The Court acknowledged its earlier mistake and ruled that the Preamble can be amended, with a crucial caveat – no amendment should tamper with the ‘basic features’ of the Constitution as outlined in the Preamble.
    - Essentially, the Court held that while amendments are permissible, they must not alter the fundamental characteristics of the Constitution.
    - The Preamble witnessed its sole amendment in 1976 through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, which introduced three significant words—Socialist, Secular, and Integrity.
    - This amendment was deemed valid by the Supreme Court, solidifying the principle that modifications to the Preamble are acceptable as long as they do not compromise its foundational features.

Cabinet nod to spectrum for Railways without TRAI reply

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recently floated a consultation paper on whether Indian Railways should be provided with 5 Megahertz of wireless spectrum, largely free of cost, to enhance passenger safety through real-time data transmission.

Despite the pending response from TRAI, the Union Cabinet surprised observers by approving the Indian Railways’ request for additional 5 Mhz of paired spectrum in the 700 MHz band.
The request was initially made in July of the previous year, following the Balasore incident that resulted in significant casualties.

Key Highlights

Purpose of Spectrum Allocation:
- The spectrum allocation aims to facilitate real-time data transfer for enhanced passenger safety.
- The Railways had emphasized the need for continuous uploading of video footage from moving trains, a capability hindered by previous spectrum grants that only allowed data transfer to railway stations with WiFi connections.
Challenges with Previous Data Transfer Capacity:
- In the past, spectrum grants to the Railways, obtained without competitive bidding, had limited data transfer capacity.
- The Railways faced challenges as they could only “dump” video feeds at stations with WiFi connections instead of achieving continuous real-time data transfer.
Railways’ Perspective on Real-time Data Transfer:
- The Railways, in communication with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), emphasized the significance of capturing large-scale data and videos from moving trains in real-time.
- The Railways argued that during emergencies, telecom service provider networks often get congested, affecting relief and restoration operations adversely.
Railways’ Spectrum Request:
- In the aftermath of the Balasore tragedy, where the Railways was granted only 5 MHz of its original 15 MHz spectrum demand, the Indian Railways has once again requested an additional 5 MHz of paired spectrum in the 700 MHz band.
- The Railways, in discussions with TRAI, expressed the need for extra spectrum to implement critical safety features like the Modern Train Control System, Train Collision Avoidance System, signal aspect in loco cabs, and emergency mobile communications.
- The spectrum allocation is also expected to contribute to increased train speed, augmented running capacity, enhanced passenger security, live CCTV network feed at security control centers, video surveillance, video analytics, and improved asset reliability.
TRAI’s Consultation Process:
- TRAI is currently seeking public comments on the proposal until March 6, followed by a counter-comments period until March 20.
- The consultation aims to evaluate whether assigning additional spectrum to the Railways is necessary, sufficient for various rail networks’ requirements, and determine the valuation and charging methodology for the spectrum.
COAI’s Opposition:
- The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing major telecom operators like Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Reliance Jio, has opposed the allocation of spectrum in the 700 MHz band to the Railways.
- COAI argued that this band, used worldwide for commercial telecom operations, has already been assigned a significant portion for the Ministry of Defence.
- Further allocation to non-telecom purposes could severely limit spectrum availability for technologies like 5G.
TRAI’s Previous Recommendations:
- In response to COAI’s concerns, TRAI recommended a smaller slice of spectrum for the Railways and suggested that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) consider allowing telecom operators to utilize the spectrum without interfering with the Railways’ communications.

About Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is the regulatory body in India responsible for overseeing the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.
TRAI was established on February 20, 1997, through the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
- The Act conferred upon TRAI the powers to regulate telecommunications services, tariffs, and ensure the orderly growth of the telecom sector.
Functions and Responsibilities:
- Formulating and recommending policies for the telecommunications sector.
- Granting licenses for telecom services and ensuring compliance with license conditions.
- Protecting the interests of consumers by promoting fair competition and preventing anti-competitive practices.
- Setting and monitoring quality of service standards for telecom services.
- Fixing tariffs for telecommunications services, including interconnection charges.
- Allocating and managing the use of the radio frequency spectrum.
Composition:
- TRAI consists of a Chairperson and up to two full-time members and two part-time members.
- The Chairperson and members are appointed by the central government.
Consultation and Decision-Making:
- TRAI regularly engages in consultations with stakeholders, including telecom service providers, industry experts, and the general public, to gather inputs on various regulatory issues.
- Based on these consultations and its own analysis, TRAI makes recommendations to the government, which may then be accepted, modified, or rejected.
Consumer Protection:
- TRAI plays a crucial role in protecting the interests of consumers by addressing issues related to service quality, billing transparency, and ensuring fair practices by telecom service providers.
Broadcasting Sector:
- In addition to telecommunications, TRAI also regulates the broadcasting and cable TV services in India.
- It has the authority to make recommendations on issues related to broadcasting services.

What is Spectrum?

Spectrum, in the context of telecommunications, refers to the range of electromagnetic radio frequencies used for transmitting signals to carry data, such as voice, text, or video, over the air.
The electromagnetic spectrum is divided into different bands, each corresponding to a specific range of frequencies.
These bands are allocated for various purposes, including broadcasting, mobile communication, satellite services, and more.
Frequency Bands:
- The spectrum is divided into frequency bands, each with its own characteristics and applications.
- Commonly used bands in telecommunications include:
  - Low-Frequency Bands (e.g., AM radio): Long-range but lower data-carrying capacity.
  - Medium-Frequency Bands (e.g., FM radio): Balanced range and capacity.
  - High-Frequency Bands (e.g., microwave and satellite): Short-range but high data-carrying capacity.
  - Very High-Frequency Bands (e.g., Wi-Fi, mobile networks): Balanced range and capacity suitable for mobile communication.
- Wireless Communication:
  - Wireless communication relies on the use of spectrum to transmit signals between devices without the need for physical cables.
  - Mobile networks, satellite communication, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth are examples of technologies that utilize specific portions of the spectrum.

India-Saudi Arabia joint military exercise ends

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

The inaugural joint military exercise, named ‘SadaTanseeq,’ between the Indian Army and the Royal Saudi Land Force concluded at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges.

A formal closing ceremony was held, providing both sides an opportunity to reflect on lessons learned during the 12-day exercise, conducted from January 29 to February 9.

Key Highlights

Objectives and Scope:
- Aimed at achieving interoperability between the Indian and Saudi forces, the exercise focused on acquainting each other with operational procedures and combat drills under UN mandate.
- The Indian contingent, from the 20th Battalion of The Brigade of Guards Regiment, and the Saudi Arabian contingent, consisting of 45 soldiers of the Royal Saudi Land Force, participated in the exercise.
Phases of the Exercise:
- The exercise comprised two phases: the first focused on combat conditioning and tactical training, while the second culminated in physical exercises and validation.
- The validation phase included creating a Temporary Operating Base, establishing an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance grid, conducting mobile vehicle check posts, cordon and search operations in a hostile village, heliborne operations, and house intervention drills.
Achievements and Collaboration:
- The validation phase featured platoon battle drills, including firing of Infantry Combat Vehicles and various weapons.
- Described as a harbinger for strengthening ties between India and Saudi Arabia, the exercise facilitated the sharing of valuable combat experience and best practices.
- Beyond training, both contingents engaged in extracurricular activities such as friendly cricket, basketball, volleyball, and tug of war matches.
Strategic Relationship:
- The exercise is seen as a pivotal step in forging a strategic relationship between the two nations, fostering cooperation in military capabilities and enhancing mutual understanding.

RS passes Bills to add Paharis, Valmikis to ST, SC lists in J&K

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The Parliament, on February 9, approved the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

These bills pave the way for the addition of new communities to the list of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Highlights

SC Order Bill: Adds the Valmiki community as a synonym for Chura, Balmiki, Bhangi, and Mehtar communities in the list of SCs for Jammu and Kashmir.
ST Order Bill: Proposes to include four communities – Gadda Brahmin, Koli, Paddari Tribe, and Pahari Ethnic Group – in the list of STs for the UT.
Protection for Existing Reservations:
- The ST Order Bill assures that reservations for existing communities like Gujjars and Bakarwals will remain unaffected while providing reservations to the newly included STs.
The move aligns with the recommendations of the Justice (Retd) GD Sharma Commission, set up in 2019, which recommended ST status for Gadda Brahmin, Koli, Paddari Tribe, and Pahari Ethnic Group.

What is the process for adding communities in SC/ST list in India?

The process for adding communities to the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list in India begins at the state or union territory level, where the concerned government or administration seeks the addition of a particular community.
- The proposal is then sent to the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry, which forwards it to the Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI).
- If the ORGI approves the inclusion, the proposal is forwarded to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
- The final decision rests with the President’s office, which issues a notification specifying the changes.
- The criteria for inclusion involve factors such as indications of primitive traits, distinctive culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact with the community at large, and backwardness.
- The process is based on the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, and the criteria set out by the Lokur Committee in 1965.
- The current procedure and criteria for inclusion have been a subject of criticism and calls for revision due to being perceived as obsolete, condescending, dogmatic, and rigid.
The process for adding communities to the Scheduled Castes (SC) list in India begins at the state or union territory level, where the concerned government or administration seeks the addition of a particular community.
- The proposal is then sent to the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- The ministry, through the Registrar General of India, examines the proposal and, if approved, forwards it to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes.
- The final decision rests with the President’s office, which issues a notification specifying the changes.
- The criteria for inclusion involve factors such as indications of untouchability and evidence of facing discrimination or untouchability.