Current Affairs January 2024

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The Wild Life (Protection) Licensing (Additional Matters for Consideration) Rules, 2024, removed licensing restrictions for Schedule II species.

False

The cancellation of FCRA registrations for Centre for Policy Research (CPR) and World Vision India (WVI) was due to:

Violation of NGO-DARPAN platform rules

Failure to disclose assets created using foreign funds

Lack of transparency in operations

Misuse of funds and FCRA violations (correct)

When was the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya?

Jan 22, 2024

Which organization introduced the Vijay Raghavan panel to address concerns about the functioning of DRDO?

Government of India Signup and view all the answers

The 18th Annual Status of Education Report 2023 was titled 'Beyond Basics' and released by NGO ________.

Pratham Signup and view all the answers

Which cities shared the top prize in the Swachh Survekshan for the first time in 2016?

Indore and Surat Signup and view all the answers

Under which section of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 are website blocking orders issued in India?

69A Signup and view all the answers

El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by the cooling of surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Adani group and __________, rejecting the transfer of the investigation to other bodies.

SEBI Signup and view all the answers

Match the following individuals with their respective roles:

Dr. Arvind Panagariya = Chairman of the Sixteenth Finance Commission Justice PB Varale = Sitting judge from the Dalit community in the Supreme Court Chief Justice AJ Desai = Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court Signup and view all the answers

Which act is applicable to the case of the former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's plea regarding the Skill Development Scam?

Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 Signup and view all the answers

Against which Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh was the Skill Development Scam case filed?

N.Chandrababu Naidu Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Prior Approval' for investigation against government officials?

Approval obtained before initiating the investigation Signup and view all the answers

Which act first introduced the concept of 'Prior Approval' for investigating offenses?

Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale behind the provision of 'Prior Approval' for investigating corruption cases involving public officials?

To balance the need for investigation with protection against baseless inquiries Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the chemical tanker struck by a drone attack 200 miles off the coast of Gujarat?

MV Chem Pluto Signup and view all the answers

Who is believed to have carried out the drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, citing protest against Israel's actions in Gaza?

Houthi rebels Signup and view all the answers

Due to drought-like conditions, shipping through which canal has decreased significantly?

Panama Canal Signup and view all the answers

Instead of the Panama Canal, which canal route is being opted for by vessels traveling from Asia to the US due to water shortages?

Suez Canal Signup and view all the answers

What is the upcoming canal project that seeks to bypass the Suez Canal?

Ben Gurion Canal Project Signup and view all the answers

Which three states are highlighted in the PIL for instances of caste-based discrimination and segregation of prisoners in jails?

Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu Signup and view all the answers

Which Supreme Court judgement talks about the fundamental rights of prisoners and is cited in the PIL?

Sunil Batra v.Delhi Administration Signup and view all the answers

The Model Prisons Act of 2023 is a revision of which three existing laws?

The Prisons Act of 1894, The Prisoners Act, 1900, and The Transfer of Prisoners Act, 1950 Signup and view all the answers

Which act that outlaws manual scavenging does not apply to prison administration, allowing caste discrimination and manual scavenging in jails?

Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 Signup and view all the answers

Upon which rules is the Model Prison Manual of 2016 based, according to the information provided?

Nelson Mandela Rules Signup and view all the answers

In which year did the gangrape of Bilkis Bano and the murder of seven of her family members take place?

2002 Signup and view all the answers

Under which section of the CrPC did the Supreme Court state that the state didn't have the power to remit the sentence in this case?

Section 432 Signup and view all the answers

What is remission in the context of legal proceedings?

Reduction of sentence at a reduced point Signup and view all the answers

Under which article can the President grant remission of sentences according to the Constitution of India?

Article 72 Signup and view all the answers

Under which article can the Governor grant remission of sentences according to the Constitution of India?

Article 161 Signup and view all the answers

Which Supreme Court case in 2000 governs the factors for remission, as mentioned in the information provided?

Laxman Naskar v.State of West Bengal Signup and view all the answers

What is respite in the context of legal proceedings?

A stay of execution for a temporary period Signup and view all the answers

To which college can Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) be traced back to?

Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MOA) College Signup and view all the answers

Who established the predecessor of AMU?

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan Signup and view all the answers

When did AMU gain university status, and through which legislation?

AMU Act 1920 Signup and view all the answers

Which case held that AMU was a central university and not a minority institution?

S.Azeez Basha vs Union of India, 1967 Signup and view all the answers

When was AMU accorded the status of an institution of national importance by the Government of India?

1981 Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 29 of the Constitution say?

Right to Cultural and Educational Rights Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 26 of the Constitution say?

Right to Establish and Maintain Educational Institutions Signup and view all the answers

Which autonomous body was established in 1992 by the Government of India for minorities?

National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not part of the six notified minority communities in India?

Jains Signup and view all the answers

With which global superpower has the Maldives recently signed agreements, elevating their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership?

China Signup and view all the answers

When did the British relinquish control of the Maldives, marking a historical point in India-Maldives relations?

1965 Signup and view all the answers

In which channel are the Maldives and Lakshadweep Islands separated?

Eight Degree Channel Signup and view all the answers

What is the principal religion in the Maldives, according to historical context?

Buddhism Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the campaign in the Maldives centered on an anti-India platform, demanding the withdrawal of Indian military personnel?

India-Out Campaign Signup and view all the answers

When was the Maldives made a democratic nation, transitioning from other forms of governance?

2008 Signup and view all the answers

What is the deadline set by the current Maldives’ President for the withdrawal of Indian troops as part of the 'India Out' campaign?

15th March 2024 Signup and view all the answers

Which country has become a significant source market for Maldives' tourism, accounting for 11.2% of total tourist arrivals in 2023?

India Signup and view all the answers

Which colonial-era law does the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, repeal?

Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 Signup and view all the answers

What oversight and supervisory role is introduced by the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023?

Press Registrar General Signup and view all the answers

What is the alternate name for the Press Act of 1835, which repealed restrictive press restrictions?

Metcalfe Act Signup and view all the answers

When was the Vernacular Press Act enforced, designed to regulate the vernacular press in India?

1878 Signup and view all the answers

Under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, what is the principal responsibility of the oversight and supervisory role mentioned in Question 3?

Issuing registration certificates for periodicals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cancellation of FCRA Registration

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) cancelled the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registrations of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) and World Vision India (WVI) in January 2024.
The MHA accused CPR of redirecting foreign donations to support protests and legal challenges against development projects, alleging misuse of funds and FCRA violations.
WVI, which received the highest foreign donations among NGOs registered since 1986, had its registration revoked for alleged FCRA violations spanning 2012-13 to 2020-21.
The FCRA aims to regulate foreign donations to protect internal security and align with democratic principles.
Amendments in 2010 and 2020 refined regulations, including Aadhaar requirements and a complete ban on domestic transfer of foreign funds.

Wildlife (Protection) Licensing Rules, 2024

The central government introduced the Wildlife (Protection) Licensing (Additional Matters for Consideration) Rules, 2024, amending the wildlife trade rules of 1983.
The changes, effective from January 16, 2024, mark the first revision since 1983.
Notable alterations include the retention of restrictions on Schedule I species, like tigers and elephants, with the provision for consultation.
However, licensing restrictions for Schedule II species, which cover endangered mammals, birds, turtles, geckos, and snakes, have been removed without clear justification.

Construction of the Ram Temple

The Ram temple in Ayodhya was inaugurated on January 22, 2024, marking the culmination of a 200-year-old saga.
The temple, designed in the Nagara Style of Temple Architecture, spans 71 acres and showcases traditional craftsmanship with pink sandstone.
The timeline of the Ram Janmabhoomi Movement traces back to 1751, gaining momentum in the 19th century with tensions leading to the violent clash near the Babri Masjid in 1855.

Vijay Raghavan Panel on DRDO Functioning

The nine-member Vijay Raghavan panel was established by the government to address concerns about the functioning of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The panel submitted a comprehensive report, which includes recommendations for refocusing on research and development (R&D) and advising against involvement in productization and production cycles.

18th Annual Status of Education Report 2023

The 18th Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023, titled ‘Beyond Basics,' focuses on students' activities, basic and applied reading and math abilities, and digital awareness and skills.
ASER is an annual citizen-led survey in rural India, conducted since 2005, providing representative estimates of enrollment and learning levels.
The report highlights various aspects, including enrollment rates, vocational training, basic abilities, language and arithmetic skills, digital awareness, and foundational numeracy skills.

World Economic Forum 2024

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is hosting its Annual Meeting from January 15 to January 19, 2024, in Davos, Switzerland.
WEF is a platform for key diplomatic moments, including meetings between North and South Korea, discussions on German reunification, and significant milestones in South African politics.

Multidimensional Poverty - NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog released a Discussion Paper titled 'Multidimensional Poverty in India since 2005-06,' which highlights that 24.82 crore people have escaped multidimensional poverty in the last nine years.
The paper utilizes data from National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) conducted in 2005-06, 2015-16, and 2019-21 to analyze long-term poverty trends.
The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) measures deprivations across three equally weighted dimensions: Health, Education, and Standard of Living.

Swachh Survekshan Awards

The Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 were conferred by the President of India at Bharat Mandapam, hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
Indore and Surat were jointly awarded the cleanest city title, with Indore retaining this position for the 7th consecutive year.

Website Blocking by the Government

The reply to a Right to Information (RTI) application revealed a significant increase in website blocking orders in India from 2013 to October 2023.
The number of website blocking orders grew from 62 in 2013 to 6,954 by October 2023.

Concerns over new Hit and Run Law

The recent protests by transporters and commercial drivers, particularly against Section 106 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, highlight concerns about the severity of penalties for hit-and-run incidents.
While the government aims to address road safety and accountability, protesters argue that the law lacks nuance and may disproportionately affect drivers.

2023 - Warmest Year on Record

2023 emerged as the warmest year on record, surpassing the previous record set in 2016.
The global average temperature in 2023 was 1.48°C warmer than the average of the 1850-1900 pre-industrial level.

Supreme Court Verdict on Article 370

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Adani group and SEBI, rejecting the transfer of the investigation to other bodies.
The court emphasized that the power to transfer an investigation must be exercised only in exceptional circumstances and with cogent justifications.

16th Finance Commission being Constituted

The creation of the Sixteenth Finance Commission is in accordance with Article 280(1) of the Constitution of India.
Dr. Arvind Panagariya, a former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Sixteenth Finance Commission.
The commission has specific terms of reference, including the distribution of tax proceeds between the Union and States, principles governing grants-in-aid to States, and measures to strengthen State finances for local bodies.### Allahabad High Court Criticizes Lawyers' Strikes
The Allahabad High Court, led by Acting Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta and Justice Kshitij Shailendra, has expressed strong disapproval of lawyers' strikes.
The court emphasized that strikes in the legal profession cause significant judicial time wastage, harm social values, and contribute to the pendency of cases, affecting the justice delivery system.

Supreme Court Reaches Full Strength

The Supreme Court of India has achieved its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges with the swearing-in of Justice PB Varale.
Justice Varale, previously serving as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, was recommended for this position by the Supreme Court Collegium on January 19.
He becomes the third sitting judge from the Dalit community in the Supreme Court, alongside Justices BR Gavai and CT Ravikumar.

'One Nation One Election'

A recent survey conducted by the Central government revealed that 81% of respondents support the concept of 'One Nation One Election'.
The survey, which received 20,972 responses, was part of an initiative to explore changes in legal and administrative frameworks to enable simultaneous elections in India.
The high-level committee overseeing this initiative is chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind and includes notable members like Ghulam Nabi Azad, Arjun Ram Meghwal, NK Singh, and Harish Salve.

Kerala High Court Initiates Digital Accessibility Training

The Kerala High Court has launched a four-day digital accessibility training program for 51 visually challenged court staff.
The initiative aligns with the Supreme Court e-committee's goal of enhancing digital infrastructure accessibility for persons with disabilities in the Indian judicial system.

Review Petitions Challenge Supreme Court's Decision

Review petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging its recent unanimous verdict upholding the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Supreme Court Directs High Courts

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court has directed all High Courts in the country to set up committees to implement the recommendations of the Second National Judicial Pay Commission.
The committees will be responsible for implementing the recommendations with respect to salaries and service conditions of members of the district judiciary and for dealing with grievances of judicial officers.

Bilkis Bano Gangrape Case

A division bench of the Supreme Court has quashed the Gujarat government's decision to allow the premature release of eleven men convicted in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case.
The Court held that the convicts who were set free by the State have to report back to the jail authorities within two weeks.

Delhi High Court Upholds Validity of Anti-Profiteering Law

The Delhi High Court has held that Section 171 of the CGST Act, which mandates that reduction in rate of tax on any supply of goods or services has to be passed on as a commensurate reduction in price to the consumers, falls within the law-making power of the parliament.
The bench said that Section 171 lays out a clear legislative policy, does not delegate any essential legislative function, and is not a price-fixing mechanism.

Right to Clean Air

A division bench of the Supreme Court has berated the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for suggesting that trucks heading to an Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Delhi's Tughlakabad be diverted to ICDs outside the National Capital Region (NCR).
The Court said that the right to clean air is not the entitlement of people living in Delhi alone, and a suggestion to divert trucks to other ICDs was unjustified and unwarranted.

Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023

The Supreme Court has made it clear that the right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutes under Article 30 of the Constitution is not meant to ghettoize any religious community.
The Court noted that it is permissible for such institutes to admit students from other religious communities too.### India-Maldives Relations
Maldives is a key maritime neighbour of India in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), located 300 nautical miles from the Indian mainland (West coast) and 70 nautical miles from the Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep.
The country's location holds significant strategic importance to India, especially amid China's growing engagements in the region.
Maldives recently signed agreements with China, elevating their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
Britain relinquished control of the Maldives in 1965, marking a historical point in India-Maldives relations.
The Maldives and Lakshadweep Islands are separated by the Eight Degree Channel.
Until the first half of the 12th century, Buddhism was the principal religion in the Maldives.
Maldivian politics has witnessed an "India Out" campaign, branding Indian presence as a threat to Maldivian sovereignty.
The Maldives transitioned to a democratic nation in 2008.
The current Maldives' President has set a deadline of 15th March 2024, for the withdrawal of Indian troops.
Indian tourists have become the leading source market for Maldives, accounting for 11.2% of total tourist arrivals in 2023.

Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023

The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, repeals the colonial-era law of the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867.
The Bill introduces the role of the Press Registrar General, responsible for issuing registration certificates for all periodicals.
The Press Act of 1835 (Metcalfe Act) is often referred to as the Liberated Press Act of 1835, as it repealed restrictive press restrictions.
The Vernacular Press Act, 1878, was enforced to regulate the vernacular press in India.
The Press Registrar General is responsible for issuing registration certificates for all periodicals under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023.

Red Sea Attacks

One ship on its way to India was struck by a drone attack on Saturday, roughly 200 nautical miles (370 km) off the coast of Gujarat.
The Red Sea attacks have been carried out by rebels, who have been in a civil war with the Yemeni government for about a decade.
The attacks are to protest Israel's military offensive in Gaza.
The disruption at the Red Sea route, for instance, is estimated to push the prices of Indian agricultural products by 10 to 20 per cent, as shipments would be routed through the Cape of Good Hope.

Caste-Based Discrimination in Prisons

Caste-based discrimination of prisoners, segregation of manual work among them according to caste-hierarchy and treatment of inmates from the denotified tribes as "habitual offenders" within the four walls of jails across India is a "very important issue" and needs to be addressed.
Prison manuals in more than 10 States, including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, continue to have provisions which sanction discrimination and forced labour on the ground of caste in prisons.
Labour is segregated on the basis of caste, and Dalits even have a separate ward in prisons.
Caste discrimination continues despite changes in the prison manuals, and these provisions in the prison manuals of the States should be repealed.

Bilkis Bano Case

The Supreme Court struck down the remission granted by the Gujarat government to 11 convicts who were serving life imprisonment for the gangrape of Bilkis Bano during the communal riots in Gujarat.
The men, who had been granted early release on August 15, 2022, after serving 14 years in jail, were directed by the top court to surrender within two weeks.
The court said that as per the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973, an application for remission can only be before the government within whose territorial jurisdiction the applicant was convicted, in this case, Maharashtra, and not where the offence took place, in this case, Gujarat.

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Stay updated with the latest current affairs news and legal affairs questions from January 2024. Test your knowledge on FCRA regulations, Ministry of Home Affairs, and more.