- CAN THE VICE PRESIDENT BE IMPEACHED?
SUBJECT: POLITY
- On December 10, the Opposition submitted a no confidence motion against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
- Allegations: Engaging in partisan conduct and acting as an impassioned spokesperson for the government
- Constitutional Authority: Vice President draws powers from Article 63and serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- Grounds for Removal: Article 67(b): Vice President can be removed if a majority of Rajya Sabha members pass a resolution, which must then be agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
- A 14-day notice is mandatory before the resolution can be considered.
- Constitutional Provisions: The motion must be passed in both Houses of Parliament to be valid.
- During this process: The Vice President (Chairman) cannot preside over proceedings but can speak and participate.
2. WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR SYRIA AFTER ASSAD’S EXIT
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s President for 24 years, has fallen and sought refuge in Russia.
- Syria now has a transitional government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist militant group controlling the northwestern province of Idlib.
- Factors Leading to Assad’s Fall: Domestic and international pressures weakened Assad.
- Economic collapse: GDP shrank by 87% in 13 years, from $66 billion in 2010 to $9 billion in 2023.
- Western sanctions intensified the crisis.
- Declining morale in the Assad regime’s military.
- Role of External Powers: Russia: Shifted its focus to the Ukraine war and securing its naval base in Syria.
- Iran: Prioritized its regional interests and influence, including Hezbollah, which suffered losses in its Israel conflict.
- Turkey: Exploited the situation to expand influence, backing Syrian opposition groups.
- Emerging Factions: HTS leads Syria’s transitional government, while other groups like the Syrian Salvation Government administer Idlib.
- The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the U.S., and other rebel factions pose challenges to HTS.
3. WILL ESTABLISH TELUGU VARSITY NAMED AFTER POTTI SRIRAMULU : NAIDU
SUBJECT: HISTORY
- He participated actively in movements such as the Non Cooperation Movement(1920-1922),Salt Satyagraha(1930),Individual Satyagraha(1941-42).
- He was arrested by the British during the Quit India Movement(1942).
- Potti Sriramulu became a pivotal figure in the struggle for a separate Telugu-speaking linguistic state.
- He embarked on a hunger strike in 1952, demanding the creation of Andhra Pradesh, separate from the Madras Presidency.
- He had undertaken fast unto death (‘Amarajeevi’)at Maharshi Bulusu Sambamurthy’s house in Madras on 19 October 1952.
- After the Andhra Congress committee disapproved of his hungerstrike, he died on15 December 1952 at Mylapore.
- After his death, the Prime Minister announced the formation of Andhra Pradesh on 19 December 1952, while given statehood on November 1, 1956.
4. LET’S TALK ABOUT ONE CANDIDATE. MULTIPLE CONSTITUENCIES
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- The Representation of People Act, 1951 allows candidates to contest multiple constituencies, amended in 1996 to limit it to two seats.
- Frequent by-elections increase financial burden on the exchequer.
- Unfair advantage to ruling parties.
- Confusion and discontent among voters.
- Violation of democratic principles like equality and transparency
- International Practices: Countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh allow candidates to contest multiple seats.
- Solutions Suggested: Amend laws to impose financial costs or penalties on candidates vacating seats.
- Ensure better electoral management and fairness through reforms
5. THE DIGITA; FRONTIER OF INEQUALITY
SUBJECT: SOCIAL ISSUES
- India’s digital revolution has enabled opportunities for women but exposed them to Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), such as cyberstalking, harassment, and exploitation
- Rural women face higher digital risks due to low literacy, skills, and awareness.
- Social norms and lack of robust reporting mechanisms worsen vulnerability.
- TFGBV causes women to withdraw from digital spaces, perpetuating inequality
- Government Initiatives: Legal protections: IT Act, 2000 and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2024.
- Reporting tools: National Cyber Crime Portal, Digital Shakti, and TechSakhi helplines.
- National campaigns like Ab Koi Bahana Nahi promote awareness against gender-based violence
