1. NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Recently, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) observed that there has been a lack of adequate action to control farm fires in Punjab, and the measures taken so far have been described as "selective."

National Green Tribunal (NGT)

• Established: Under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
• Principal Place of Sitting: New Delhi.
• The other four places: Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai 
• Composition: Chairperson, the Judicial Members, and the Expert Members.
• Tenure: 5 years and are not eligible for reappointment.
• Appointment: The Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
• Disposal of cases: NGT is mandated to make disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of the filing of the same.
• NGT Powers: The following are the Acts under which NGT can take actions and has the authority to take actions:

oThe Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

oThe Water (Prevention and control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977.

oThe Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

oThe Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution), 1981.

oThe Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

oThe Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

The NGT Act does not cover two important legislations related to environment, they are:

• The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006

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2. GOVERNOR’S POWERS ON BILL (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court acknowledged the Tamil Nadu government's contention that the Constitution does not grant Governor the "discretion" to withhold the 10 Bills that were "re-passed" by the State Legislative Assembly.

Governor

• About: They serve as the Chief Executive Head of a State, similar to the role of the President of India. 

oIn this capacity, they function as both a nominal (titular or constitutional) head and an agent of the central government, signifying a dual role for the office of the governor.

• Appointment: By the President.
• Oath: By the Chief Justice of the concerned State’s High Court.
• Tenure: 5 Years.

Governor’s Powers over State Bills

• Article 200: This Art of the Indian Constitution delineates the procedure for a Bill approved by the Legislative Assembly of a State to be presented to the Governor for assent. 

oThe Governor holds the authority to either assent to the Bill, withhold assent, or reserve the Bill for consideration by the President. 

oAdditionally, the Governor has the option to return the Bill to the Legislative Assembly with a message, requesting reconsideration.

• Article 201: It stipulates that when a Bill is reserved for the consideration of the President, the President can either assent to or withhold assent from the Bill. 

oFurthermore, the President has the power to instruct the Governor to return the Bill to the Legislative Assembly for reconsideration.

• In Nabam Rebia and Bamang Felix vs Deputy Speaker: The Governor cannot withhold assent to a Bill indefinitely but must return it to the Assembly with a message and this could include his recommendation for amendments to the Bill.

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3. EKLAVYA MODEL SCHOOL (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Government Schemes)

Context: The President of India, recently inaugurated an Eklavya Model Residential School at Kuliana, district Mayurbhanj, Odisha.

Eklavya Model Residential School

• About: The EMRS model was initially introduced in 1997-98 with the primary goal of providing quality education to tribal students.
• Aim: To offer residential facilities in remote corners, addressing the educational needs of tribal communities.
• Established Institutions: The overarching objective was to establish schools that matched the standards of Jawahar Navoday Vidyalayas and Kendriya Vidyalayas. 

oThis strategic approach aimed at ensuring that tribal students received education at par with their non-tribal counterparts.

• Holistic Development Focus: EMRS schools were designed to go beyond traditional academic education. 
• School Capacity: Each EMRS has a specific capacity, accommodating up to 480 students. 
• Range: These schools catered to students spanning from Class VI to XII, covering a crucial phase in their educational journey.
• Funding Mechanism: The funding for EMRS schools was intended to be sourced from grants under Article 275(1), charged to the Consolidated Fund of India. 

oThese grants were allocated annually as aids to support the functioning and development of these educational institutions.

• Guidelines and State Discretion: Only specify the infrastructural requirement of 20-acre plots for each school. However, other criteria, such as specific operational details, were left to the discretion of State governments, allowing flexibility in implementation.

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4. GLOBAL FISHERIES CONFERENCE INDIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Union Fisheries Minister of India is set to inaugurate the two-day Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 in Ahmedabad.

Global Fisheries Conference India 2023

• Location: Gujarat Science City.
• Theme: Celebrate the Fisheries and Aquaculture Wealth.
• Participants: Foreign missions, experts, government officials, think tanks, academia, international organizations(such as the World Bank, FAO), industry associations, and other key stakeholders for the conference. 
• Objective: It provides an opportunity for them to come together, exchange ideas, share information on relevant technologies, and explore market linkage opportunities.
• World Fisheries Day: Celebrated annually on November 21st.

India’s Fisheries Sector

• India is the third largest fish producing country in the world accounting for 7.96% of the global production and second largest producer of fish through aquaculture, after China and 4th largest: exporter in the world.
• Inland fish production: Increased 400 % between 2000-01 and 2021-22.
• Freshwater fishing consists of 55% of total fish production.
• Koyilandy harbour in Kerala is the largest fishing harbour in Asia. It has the longest breakwater.

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5. DRAFT BROADCASTING SERVICES BILL (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Governance)

Context: Recently introduced, experts have indicated that communication over-the-top (OTT) apps like Whatsapp, Telegram, and Signal, among others, might be encompassed in the draft Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill 2023. 

• This has raised concerns that they could potentially be bundled with broadcasting OTTs such as Netflix.

Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill

• Aim: The objective is to establish a consolidated legal framework for the broadcasting sector.
• Modernization: The Bill aims to replace the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and other policy guidelines that currently govern the broadcasting sector.
• Extension: The regulatory scope is expanded to include OTT content, digital news, and current affairs, which are presently regulated under the Information Technology Act, of 2000.
• Regulation: The bill introduces regulatory provisions for various broadcasting services under a unified legislative framework.
• Adaptability: It responds to the dynamic landscape of OTT, Digital Media, DTH, IPTV, and more, fostering technological advancement and service evolution.
• Differentiated Approach: The bill allows for a varied approach to the Programme and Advertisement Code across different services. It mandates self-classification by broadcasters and robust access control measures for restricted content.
• Inclusivity: The goal is to enhance inclusivity and accessibility in broadcasting for people with disabilities by incorporating subtitles, audio descriptors, and sign language.
• Penalty: It provides statutory penalties for operators and broadcasters, such as advisory, warning, censure, or monetary penalties.

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6. RANI LAKSHMIBAI (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to the symbol of the bravery of Indian women power, Rani Lakshmibai on her birth anniversary.

Rani Lakshmibai

• Early Life: Born on November 19, 1828, in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Rani Laxmibai hailed from a family of Marathi Karhade Brahmins.
• Family: Her father was Moropant Tambe, and her mother was named Bhagirathi Bai. She, in turn, was given the name Manikarnika Tambe and affectionately nicknamed Manu.
• Marriage: At the age of 14, she was married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao in 1842.

Contributions in the Indian Freedom Struggle

• Doctrine of Lapse: Lord Dalhousie, born on April 22, 1812, aimed to annex Jhansi using the Doctrine of Lapse after the Maharaja's death due to the absence of a natural heir.

oAccording to this doctrine, the Rani was granted an annual pension and instructed to vacate the fort of Jhansi.

• Revolt of 1857: During the outbreak of the Revolt of 1857 in Meerut, Rani Laxmibai governed Jhansi as a regent for her minor son.

oIn 1858, British forces, led by Sir Hugh Rose, reached Jhansi with the intention of capturing the fort. He demanded the city's surrender, threatening destruction if refused.

oRani Laxmibai, dressed as a soldier, met her demise in Gwalior on June 18, 1858, at the age of 23, while actively engaged in combat.

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7. MONEY LAUNDERING (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Supreme Court recently emphasized that technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have played a pivotal role in facilitating economic offenses like money laundering, posing a genuine threat to the country's financial system.

Money Laundering

• Definition: Money laundering is the process of hiding the source of money obtained from illegal sources and converting it to a clean source, for the purpose of avoiding prosecution, conviction, and confiscation of the criminal funds.
• As per FATF: The goal of a large number of criminal acts is to generate a profit for the individual or group that carries out the act.
• Money laundering is the processing of these criminal proceeds to disguise their illegal origin. 
• This process is of critical importance, as it enables the criminal to enjoy these profits without jeopardizing their source.

Impact of Money Laundering

• Distortion of Economic Sectors: Money laundering disrupts fair competition and market integrity by injecting illicit funds into legitimate businesses.
• Undermining Financial Stability: Money laundering weakens the financial system, increasing the risk of crises and compromising the credibility of banks.
• Undermining the Rule of Law: Money laundering undermines the rule of law by allowing criminals to benefit from their illegal activities, eroding trust in legal systems.
• Corruption and Capture of Institutions: Money laundering infiltrates and corrupts institutions, compromising their integrity and effectiveness.

Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)

• Aim: To prevent money-laundering and to provide for confiscation of property derived from or involved in money laundering.
• The Department of Revenue within the Ministry of Finance oversees the investigation of money laundering offenses under the PMLA through the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

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8. PULSES PRODUCTION IN INDIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, the Union government has initiated the crafting of a scheme to enhance domestic production of pulses, particularly targeting select states. 

• This effort comes at a time when recently erratic weather patterns and the allure of more remunerative crops have prompted many farmers to shift away from these essential kitchen staples.

Indian Mission for Self-Sufficiency in Pulse Production

• Aim: To lift production, meet buffer norms, and end import dependency.
• States: Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Telangana and Karnataka.
• Implementing Agency: National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (Nafed)
• NAFED to preregister farmers, and buy their entire produce.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture
• They will integrate elements of the existing Price Support Scheme (PSS) and the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF).

Pulses Production in India

• India is the largest producer (25% of global production), consumer (27% of world consumption) and importer (14%) of pulses in the world.
• Additionally, pulses cover approximately 20% of the foodgrain cultivation area and contribute around 7-10% to the overall foodgrain production within the country.
• Top States: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.

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9. INDIA-AUSTRALIA ETCA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Recently, official data reveals that Indian exporters have utilized 77% of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) during the first nine months following the implementation of the interim trade deal.

Economic Co-operation and Trade Agreement (ECTA)

• About: It is the first Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that India has signed with a major developed country in over a decade.
• Scope of the Agreement: The Agreement between India and Australia spans various aspects of bilateral economic and commercial relations, covering key areas such as:

oTrade in Goods and Rules of Origin, Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, Dispute Settlement and Movement of Natural Persons, Telecom and Customs Procedures and pharmaceutical products.

oInstitutional Mechanism for Enhanced Trade: The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) establishes an institutional mechanism aimed at encouraging and improving trade between the two nations.

• Inclusive Tariff Coverage: The ECTA between India and Australia is extensive, covering almost all tariff lines dealt with by each country.
• Preferential Market Access for India: India stands to benefit from Australia's provision of preferential market access on 100% of its tariff lines. 
• Reciprocal Trade: This includes vital sectors such as Gems and Jewellery, Textiles, leather, footwear, furniture, and more.

oIn return, India commits to offering preferential access to Australia on over 70% of its tariff lines, encompassing raw materials and intermediaries like coal, mineral ores, and wines.

• Opportunities for Indian Graduates: Under the agreement, Indian graduates in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) will be granted extended post-study work visas.
• Professional Visas: Australia will establish a program facilitating visas for young Indians seeking working holidays, and an annual visa quota of 1800 will be instituted for India's Yoga teachers and Chefs.

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10. NATIONAL INVESTIGATION AGENCY (Syllabus: GS Paper 2– Polity)

Context: Recently, the National Investigation Agency lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against Khalistani extremist and Sikhs For Justice founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun over his threatening video towards passengers flying with Air India.

National Investigation Agency (NIA)

• About: NIA is India's primary Central Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency.
• Nodal Ministry: It operates under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Establishment: NIA was established in response to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks through the National Investigation Agency Act 2008.
• Jurisdiction: NIA has the authority to investigate and handle terrorism-related crimes across Indian states without requiring special permission from the states.

oState Governments can request the Central Government to transfer cases to NIA if they involve offenses listed in the NIA Act's schedule.

oIn 2019, the jurisdiction of the NIA was extended. Consequently, the NIA is also empowered to probe the offences relating to human trafficking, counterfeit currency or bank notes, manufacture or sale of prohibited arms, cyber-terrorism and explosive substances.

• Headquarters: News Delhi.
• NIA (Amendment) Act, 2019:

oIt applied the provisions to persons who commit a scheduled offence beyond India against Indian citizens or affecting the interest of India.

oIt provided NIA officers with powers, duties, privies and liabilities in connection with the investigation of offences, not only in India but also outside India.

oIt empowered the central government, with respect to a scheduled offence committed outside India, to direct the NIA to register the case and take up investigation as if such offence has taken place in India.

oIt provided that the central government and the state governments may designate Sessions Courts as Special Courts for conducting the trial of offences under the NIA Act.

oIt inserted certain new offences in the Schedule of the NIA Act

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