- DEMOCRACY IS IN DANGER WARN INDIA BLOC LEADERS AT MASSIVE RALLY IN DELHI
- Democracy is a system of government “by the people, for the people, of the people”
- The word “democracy” comes from Greek, literally meaning “rule of the people”
- Representation: The people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf
- Elections: Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of democracy
- Rule of Law: This ensures no one is above the law and protects individual rights
- Civil Liberties: Citizens have fundamental rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and religion There are two main types of democracies
- Direct Democracy: Citizens directly vote on laws and policies. This is rare in modern times due to population size, but it can be seen in small communities or for specific decisions.
- Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This is the most common form of democracy today
- Key features of Indian democracy Federalism: India is a federal republic with a two-tier system of government – Central Government and State Governments
- Each tier has its own set of powers and responsibilities as outlined in the Constitution
- Parliamentary Democracy: The executive branch (government) derives its authority from the legislature (Parliament)
- The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are responsible to the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) and must retain its confidence to stay in power
- Universal Adult Franchise: Every adult citizen (18 years and above) in India has the right to vote
- Regardless of caste, religion, gender, or economic background. This ensures inclusivity in the political process
- Multi-party System: No single party holding absolute power in most cases
- This encourages political competition, debate, and the formation of coalition governments if needed Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy: The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, such as the right to equality, freedom of speech and expression, and the right to life
- Additionally, the Directive Principles outline the government’s social and economic goals to promote social welfare
- Independent Judiciary: The judiciary is independent of the legislature and executive branches
- It upholds the Constitution and interprets laws, ensuring that the government functions within legal boundaries and protects citizen rights
- Secularism: India is a secular state, meaning it treats all religions equally and does not favour any one religion
- This fosters religious tolerance and harmony in the diverse society
- Electoral Commission: India has an independent Election Commission responsible for conducting free and fair elections across the country
- This helps ensure the legitimacy of the government and public trust in the democratic process
- Challenges – Poverty and illiteracy: High poverty rates and illiteracy can limit participation in the democratic process.
- Communalism: Communal violence based on religion or caste can pose a threat to national unity and social harmony.
- Corruption: Corruption can undermine public trust in government institutions and democratic processes.
- Criminalisation of Politics: The involvement of individuals with criminal records in politics can taint the democratic process.
2. ARMY IS CRANKING UP EFFORTS TO BOOST INFRASTRUCTURE, CONNECTIVITY ALONG LAC IN ARUNACHAL
- Steps taken by Army to secure Arunachal Pradesh along LAC
- Deployment: The Indian Army has increased deployment in Arunachal Pradesh
- Particularly in the previously neglected areas classified as “Rest of Arunachal Pradesh” (RALP)
- Infrastructure Development: through Operation Sadbhavna, Army is involved in building infrastructure projects critical for border security and civilian life
- Examples include: – Kibithu Bakery providing employment and a source of income for locals
- Upgrading primary health centres and teachers’ residences in villages
- Constructing roads to improve connectivity within the region and between valleys.
- Building bridges across strategically important rivers like Lohit.
- Upgraded weaponry: The Army has deployed modern weaponry for improved firepower and defence capabilities
- M777 Howitzers – SIG-716 rifles Special Schemes by Government of India
- Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP): This centrally sponsored scheme aims to develop border villages with an outlay of ₹4,800 crore for 2022-23 to 2025-26
- Kibithoo village is a beneficiary of this program with upgraded infrastructure Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF): This initiative aims to provide affordable mobile connectivity in remote areas like Kibithoo
- This has improved communication and security measures in the region
- Seema Darshan Project: This project by the state government with Army support promotes tourism in border areas
- It includes developing tourist circuits and religious tourism destinations
3. CARDAMOM CROPS IN IDUKKI BEGIN TO WILT IN SEVERE DROUGHT
- Cardamom Crop and Production
- Kerala is a leading producer of cardamom in India, contributing over 56% of the country’s total cardamom production
- Idukki district within Kerala is a major center for cardamom cultivation
- Why in news? – Idukki, a major cardamom-producing region in Kerala, is experiencing a severe drought
- Farmers report this is the worst drought they’ve seen in recent history, causing significant damage to cardamom plantations in several areas like Vandanmedu, Pathumury, and Kattappana
- Most farmers relied on stored water for irrigation, but those reserves are nearly depleted
- The lack of rain and scorching heat are expected to negatively impact cardamom production next year as well
- Why is this concerning? – Some farmers recall a similar drought affecting the region in 1982
- It had led to widespread destruction of cardamom plants and severe economic hardship
- Loss of livelihood for cardamom farmers § Potential decline in cardamom production from this region
- Plant Destruction: prolonged drought can destroy cardamom plants
- Economic impact on the local community
4. A RECORD 60 TRANDITIONAL PRODUCTS FROM ACROSS INDIA GRANTED GI TAG
- Over 60 Products Across India Receive Geographical Indication (GI) Tag
- This marks the highest number of GI tags granted in a single instance, highlighting an increasing focus on protecting traditional products
- The GI tag signifies a specific geographical location possessing a reputation or quality linked to a particular product. This recognition benefits producers and consumers alike.
- Among the diverse products receiving the tag are:
- Traditional Crafts from Assam: Several crafts from Assam, including pottery, metalwork, and handloom textiles, were recognized for their unique heritage.
- Assam’s Rich Textile Tradition: Bodo Dokhona, a traditional attire, and Bodo Eri silk, known for its peaceful production methods, were acknowledged for their cultural significance.
- The Famous Banaras Thandai: This chilled beverage made with milk, nuts, seeds, and spices received the tag, highlighting its historical connection to Varanasi.
- The GI tag empowers local communities and artisans by safeguarding their products and promoting their cultural significance
- This initiative is expected to continue with more states applying for recognition of their traditional products
5. CONG CALLOUSLY GAVE AWAY KATCHATHEEVU TO SRI LANKA IN 1974 SAYS PRIME MINISTER
- Katchatheevu is a tiny uninhabited island spanning 285 acres in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka
- It is spread over 1.6 km in length and slightly over 300 m wide at its widest point
- History
- During early medieval period, the island fell under the control of Sri Lanka’s Jaffna kingdom
- But by the 17th century, it had come under Ramnad kingdom based in Ramanathapuram, India
- While under British rule, it was administered as part of the Madras Presidency
- Since as early as 1921, both India and Sri Lanka asserted their claims over the island to decide maritime fishing boundaries
- In June 1974 – Then-Prime Ministers of India and Sri Lanka, Indira Gandhi and Sirima R D Bandaranaike, signed an agreement
- It defined the boundary between the nations in the waters from the Palk Strait to Adam’s Bridge
- Why was the agreement signed? – After operation Smiling Buddha on may 1974, India was under enormous pressure from International Communities
- India desperately needed support
- Sri Lanka was to host Non Aligned Movement summit for the year 1976
- And it was also likely that president of United nations general Assembly to be from Sri Lanka
- Hence PM Gandhi signed an agreement with Sri Lanka, and ceded Kachatheevu on 7th July, 1974
- Without hearing Tamil Nadu § Without discussing it in parliament
- The issue arises now because — this settlement agreement was not passed or ratified by parliament
ONE LINER
- First ever Nuclear Energy Summit to be held in Brussels Belgium
- The START programme is part of ISRO’s efforts to help Indian Students become professionals in the Sphere of Space Science and Technology
