- LOGJAM ENDS: PARIAMENT TO DEBATE CONSTITUTION
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The constitutional debate was proposed to address issues related to the functioning of Parliament and its alignment with constitutional provisions.
- It reflects a broader concern about the governance framework, legislative decorum, and the role of institutions in upholding constitutional values.
- CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
- ARTICLES ON PARLIAMENT:
- Article 79-122: Structure, powers, and procedures of Parliament.
- Article 105: Privileges of MPs.
- Fundamental Duties (Article 51A): MPs are expected to uphold the Constitution and promote harmony.
- SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL DEBATE
- Reinforces Constitutional Values: Acts as a reminder of the sanctity of the Constitution and the need for all stakeholders to adhere to its principles.
- Addresses Current Issues: Provides a platform for discussing governance challenges, internal security, and disaster management.
- Promotes Legislative Decorum: Aims to reduce disruptions and restore public faith in Parliament.
2. PUTIN TO VISIT INDIA EARLY NEXT YEAR TO ATTEND ANNUAL SUMMIT
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- First visit by President Vladimir Putin to India since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
- Highlights India-Russia ties amidst global geopolitical tensions.
- AGENDA OF THE SUMMIT:
- Discussion on the Ukraine war and India’s potential role in peace negotiations.
- Strengthening the “economic road map” for 2030:
- Doubling bilateral trade to $100 billion.
- Operationalizing trade routes, e.g., Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor.
- Negotiations on discounted crude oil imports from Russia, which totaled nearly $60 billion last year.
- Mediation:
- PM Modi has offered India as a mediator for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
- India has maintained diplomatic neutrality, balancing ties with Russia and the West.
3. 40 YEARS AFTER BHOPAL GAS TRAGEDY, UNION CARBIDE’S TOXIC WASTE YET TO BE REMOVED
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT
- On 3rd December 1984, highly toxic Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from a pesticide plant owned by Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL).
- Even after four decades of tragedy, hundreds of tonnes of toxic waste remain on premises of UCIL.
- It was India’s first major Chemical (industrial) disaster.
PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE ACT, 1991
- About: The Act was introduced after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
- Mandate for Insurance Coverage: It mandates enterprises handling hazardous substances to have a public liability insurance policy.
- Insurance Coverage Scope: The insurance covers claims for death, injury, or property damage caused by hazardous substances.
- Insurance Premium Allocation: The premium collected from industries contributes to an Environment Relief Fund.
- Purpose of the Fund: The Environment Relief Fund is designed to provide compensation to victims of disasters similar to the Bhopal tragedy.
METHYL ISOCYANATE (CH3NCO)
- Volatile, colorless liquid that is extremely flammable, and potentially explosive when mixed with air.
- Reacts with water, giving off heat and producing methylamine and carbon dioxide.
- Liquid and vapor are toxic when inhaled, ingested, or exposed to the eyes or skin.
4. OXFORD STUDY LAUDS PRAGATI SYSTEM FOR FAST TRACKING PROJECTS
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- It is a multi-purpose and multi-modal platform that is aimed at addressing common man’s grievances and simultaneously monitoring and reviewing important programmes and projects of the Government of India as well as projects flagged by State Governments.
- The platform was launched on March 25, 2015.
- The system has been designed in-house by the PMOteam with the help of the National Informatics Center (NIC).
- The PRAGATI platform uniquely bundles three latest technologies: Digital data management, video conferencing, and geospatial technology.
- It also offers a unique combination in the direction of cooperative federalism since it brings on one stage the Secretaries of Government of India and the Chief Secretaries of the States.
- It is a three-tier system (PMO, Union Government Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries of the States).
- The Prime Minister will hold a monthly programme where he will interact with the Government of India Secretaries and Chief Secretaries through videoconferencing enabled by data and geo-informatics visuals.
- The programme will be held once in every month on the fourth Wednesday at 3.30 PM, to be known as PRAGATI Day.
5. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (IDPD) – DECEMBER 3
SUBJECT: SOCIAL ISSUES
- IDPD, observed annually on December 3, celebrates the resilience, contributions, and leadership of persons with disabilities (PwDs) worldwide.
- This year’s theme is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”.
- The IDPD was proclaimed in 1992 by United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.
- It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development and increase awareness of their situation in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
INITIATIVES BY THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT:
- Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
- Accessible India Campaign
- Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)
- District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC)
- Assistance to Persons with Disabilities for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/ Appliances (ADIP) Scheme.
- Schemes For Implementation of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (SIPDA): It is a comprehensive “Central Sector Scheme” that encompasses 10 sub-schemes.
