Syllabus:

  POLITY

Context: The Supreme Court took a strong stand against prolonged inaction by Speakers in deciding disqualification petitions under the anti-defection law, asserting that it cannot remain “a mute spectator”.

Decoding the context: The court was hearing a case related to the disqualification of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLAs from Telangana who defected to the ruling Congress. The petitions, pending before the Speaker for an extended period, prompted the bench to question whether courts should remain powerless if no action is taken for years.

Learning Corner:

• The Tenth Schedule was inserted into the Indian Constitution by the 52nd Amendment Act of 1985. Its primary purpose is to curb political defections (often called “horse-trading”) by presiding over the issue of disqualification of legislators who defect from their political parties. 
• Grounds for Disqualification under Anti-Defection Law – A legislator (MP or MLA) can be disqualified:
  • If an elected member voluntarily gives up the membership of their political party.
  • If they vote or abstain from voting in the legislature against the party’s directive (whip) without prior permission.
  • If an independent member joins a political party after the election.
  • If a nominated member joins a party after six months of nomination.
• Exceptions – 
  • Merger provision: If 2/3rd of a legislative party merges with another party, it will not be considered defection. Earlier exception for split by 1/3rd members was removed by the 91st Amendment Act, 2003.

Role & Powers of the Speaker (or Chairman)

• Final Authority: The Speaker or Chairman is the final deciding authority on disqualification under the Tenth Schedule.
• Quasi-Judicial Authority: The Speaker’s decision acts in a quasi-judicial capacity.
• Judicial Review: Initially, the Speaker’s decision was not subject to judicial review. However, in the Kihoto Hollohan case (1992), the Supreme Court ruled that:
  • Speaker’s decision is subject to judicial review.
  • Courts can review the legality and constitutionality of the Speaker’s decision after it is made.
• Criticism of Speaker’s Role:
  • Bias concerns arise as the Speaker belongs to a political party.
  • Delays in decision-making allow legislators to hold power despite defection.

Source : Hindustan Times

Syllabus:

          GEOGRAPHY 

Context: Heard and McDonald islands featured in a list released by the White House of “countries” that would have new trade tariffs imposed.

Decoding the context: Heard Island and McDonald Islands are among several “external territories” of Australia listed separately in the tariff list to Australia, which will see a 10% tariff imposed on its goods.

External territories are part of Australia and not self-governing but have a unique relationship with the federal government. Such territories featured on the White House list were the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island and Norfolk Island.

Learning Corner:

• Heard Island and McDonald Islands (often abbreviated as HIMI) are a remote group of subantarctic volcanic islands that form an external territory of Australia.
• Located in the southern Indian Ocean, the islands lie roughly 4,100 kilometers southwest of Perth, Australia, and about 1,600 kilometers north of Antarctica.
• As the only volcanically active subantarctic islands they ‘open a window into the earth’, thus providing the opportunity to observe ongoing geomorphic processes and glacial dynamics. 
• Composition: The territory consists primarily of two island groups:
  • Heard Island: The larger of the two, known for its rugged terrain, extensive glaciation, and active volcanic features.
  • McDonald Islands: A smaller group that, while less extensive than Heard Island, has experienced notable volcanic activity in recent decades.

Geological and Volcanic Features

• Volcanic Origin: Both Heard and McDonald Islands are volcanic in origin. They lie on the Kerguelen Plateau, which is a vast submarine volcanic province.
• Volcanism: Heard Island is home to Big Ben, an impressive volcanic complex, whose highest point is Mawson Peak (approximately 2,745 meters above sea level). This active volcano is one of only two in the Australian external territories.
• McDonald Islands have also exhibited volcanic activity, including eruptions that have altered the shape and size of the landmass.

Ecological and Environmental Significance

• Pristine Ecosystems: The islands possess exceptionally well-preserved subantarctic ecosystems. Their isolation has helped protect these areas from invasive species and significant human disturbance.
• Biodiversity Hotspot: Despite being uninhabited, the islands serve as breeding grounds for a variety of marine birds (such as penguins, albatrosses, and petrels) and marine mammals, including seals.
• Protected Status: Recognized for their outstanding natural values, the territory is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• These islands are administered by Australia and are managed as a nature reserve. Access is highly restricted, typically limited to research expeditions due to the challenging environmental conditions and the emphasis on conservation.

Source : The Guardian

Syllabus:

        INTERNATIONAL

Context: The 14th edition of the Indian – Russia bilateral naval exercise INDRA, a cornerstone of the enduring maritime partnership between India and Russia, has concluded.

Decoding the context: Since its inception in 2003, Exercise INDRA epitomises the long-term strategic relationship between the two Navies.

Learning Corner:

• Exercise Indra is a biennial bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Russian Navy.

Objectives and Significance

• Enhancing Interoperability: Exercise is designed to improve mutual understanding and coordination. The drills focus on interoperability in a wide range of operations—from tactical maneuvers to anti-air drills—thereby enhancing the ability of both sides to work together during times of crisis.
• Strategic Maritime Partnership: Beyond its operational focus, Indra serves as a symbol of the strategic relationship between India and Russia, echoing decades of defense collaboration.
• Skill Enhancement and Knowledge Exchange: Through subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs), reciprocal visits, and joint pre-sail briefings, both navies gain valuable insights into each other’s operational tactics, thereby enriching their tactical acumen and strategic planning.
• Exercise Indra is typically conducted in two distinct phases:
  • Harbour Phase: This phase is geared toward planning and the exchange of technical and tactical information, ensuring both sides are aligned before heading out to sea.
  • Sea Phase: The sea phase demonstrates and tests the operational effectiveness of both navies in a realistic maritime setting.

Source : PIB

Syllabus:

            GEOGRAPHY

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed grief over a firecracker explosion in the Banaskantha region of Gujarat that claimed 18 lives.

Decoding the context: PM Modi also announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured.

Learning Corner:

• The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) is a centrally managed trust established to provide immediate relief and rehabilitation to families affected by natural calamities, major accidents, and other unforeseen events.

Establishment and Evolution

• Origins: The PMNRF was established shortly after independence, in 1948, in response to the displacement and suffering following the Partition. The then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, launched the fund based on the principle of public solidarity and voluntary contribution for national emergencies.
• Evolution Over Time: Over the decades, the remit of the PMNRF has expanded. Today, it plays a crucial role in providing relief for disasters such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and tsunamis, as well as assisting victims of riots, major accidents, and instances of medical emergencies like heart surgeries, kidney transplants, and cancer treatments.

Funding, Contributions, and Tax Benefits

• Voluntary Contributions Only: PMNRF is unique because it is entirely financed through voluntary contributions from individuals, corporations, trusts, and institutions. It does not receive any budgetary support from the government.
• Tax Exemption: All donations made to PMNRF are eligible for a 100% deduction from taxable income under Section 80(G) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• Administration: The fund is administered on an Honorary basis by Joint Secretary to the Prime Minister as Secretary of the fund. He is assisted on Honorary basis by an Officer of the rank of Director.
• Spending: The disbursement out of the fund is made at the discretion of the Prime Minister, and in accordance with the Prime Minister’s directions.
• Auditing: The PMNRF is audited by an independent auditor outside the Government.

Source : Business Standard

Syllabus:

      ENVIRONMENT

Context: The night traffic ban through Bandipur has been a contentious issue for Kerala, whose MPs have time and again raised it even in Parliament.

Decoding the context: The ban, in effect since 2010, has helped reduce the death of wild animals by being run over by vehicles, apart from providing reprieve from habitat disturbance at night. Though the ban was legally challenged, it was upheld by the High Court of Karnataka and subsequently by the Supreme Court of India which reinforced its necessity to protect the region’s rich biodiversity.

Learning Corner:

• Bandipur Tiger Reserve is situated in the districts of Mysore and Chamarajanagar in Karnataka.
• It is surrounded by Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in the South, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in the South West & on the North West Side the Kabini Reservoir separates the Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserve. 
• In 1973, Bandipur was designated as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger, marking one of the earliest efforts of the Indian government to safeguard its endangered tiger population.
• Geographically, it is an “ecological confluence” as the western and Eastern Ghats meet.
• Flora: Predominantly tropical dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous, and scrub forests.
• Major tree species: Teak, Rosewood, Indian Kino tree, Axlewood, Indian gooseberry
• Fauna:
  • Flagship species: Royal Bengal Tiger
  • Other prominent species:
    • Elephants, Indian Gaur, Leopard, Sloth bear, Wild dog (Dhole)
    • Chital, Sambar deer, Barking deer
    • Rich birdlife: Peafowl, Hornbills, Eagles, Owls

Source : The Hindu

Q1. With reference to the bilateral military exercise INDRA, consider the following statements:

1. It is a joint exercise conducted annually between India and Russia involving only naval forces.
2. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
3. The first edition of INDRA was held in 2015.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
   b) 2 only
   c) 2 and 3 only
   d) 1, 2 and 3

Q2. With reference to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), consider the following statements:

1. It is a statutory fund created by an Act of Parliament.
2. It is used to provide financial assistance for medical treatment of major diseases.
3. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India audits the fund annually.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
   b) 2 only
   c) 1 and 3 only
   d) 1, 2 and 3

Q3. With reference to the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, consider the following statements:

1. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
2. It was declared a tiger reserve in 2006 under Project Tiger.
3. It lies at the confluence of the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
   b) 1 and 3 only
   c) 1 only
   d) 1, 2, and 3

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs

Q.1) – b

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – a