Current Affairs – 17th Jan 2024

Articles covered:

  • Meghalaya received the accolade of Top Performer State at the National Startup Awards (All India Radio News)
  • Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (DD News)
  • e-SAKSHI Mobile Application (PIB News)
  • Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (Down To Earth Magazine)
  • Central government will extend basic facilities to the endangered Kolam tribe under the Jan Jati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan (Deccan Chronicle)
  • Understanding the Tenth Schedule (The Hindu)

Meghalaya received the accolade of Top Performer State at the National Startup Awards, 2022 held as part of the National Startup Day celebrations:

  • Mr Conrad Sangma spearheaded efforts which materialised into the Meghalaya Startup Policy 2018. It was introduced with the objective of making the state “India’s leading startup hub by 2023”.
  • In pursuit of that target, the state government launched the PRIME (Promotion & Incubation of Market-driven Enterprises) program in 2020 for building a startup ecosystem.
  • PRIME has been instrumental in catalysing the state’s startup revolution.
  • Chief Minister’s E-Champion Challenge and the PRIME Incubation program are cornerstones of this effort. It is a recurring annual event through which promising youngsters are selected for pitching startup ideas in front of industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and government officials.
  • A large number of incubation centres called ‘PRIME Hubs’ are currently being set up where new entrepreneurs are offered state-of-the-art workspace and supportive infrastructure for processing, packaging and value addition activities.
  • These PRIME Hubs also facilitate market access for the entrepreneurs to realise premium prices for their products in local and overseas markets.
  • In December 2023, a large consignment of GI-tagged Khasi mandarins was sold during the three-day ‘Zest Fest’ held at Bangalore. Earlier in the year, world famous Kew Pineapples and Lakadong Turmeric from the state were exported to premium retail outlets in the Middle East.
  • Recognizing Meghalaya’s matrilineal society, 20% of the funding support offered under the PRIME program is reserved exclusively for women entrepreneurs.
  • To take the PRIME program to the next level, Meghalaya government launched the CM-ELEVATE program last year. The program has an ambitious target of supporting 20,000 entrepreneurs over the next 5 years with 35 to 75% subsidy on the project cost for 15 different trades. As a massive thumbs up to the effort from the people, the scheme has already received more than 30,000 applications.
  • As a precursor to the Top Performing State Award, Meghalaya was prominently featured as a ‘Focus State’ at the World Food India 2023 event held in New Delhi in November 2023.
  • In January this year, the state was awarded the second runner-up trophy at the One District One Product (ODOP) Awards held during the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Utsav 2024 in New Delhi. The Startup Award is now the latest feather in the state cap.

National Startup Day:

  • National Startup Day is observed annually on 16th January to appreciate and promote the Indian Startup Ecosystem.
  • Startup India initiative was launched on 16th January, 2016, with a vision to cultivate innovation, support startups, and stimulate investments.
  • The Startup India program encompasses initiatives like the Seed Fund scheme and Credit Guarantee Scheme, further aiding startups.

Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM):

Context: The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has confirmed that its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) is in the final stages of preparation for a historic landing scheduled on January 20.

  • JAXA transitioned to the landing descent phase on January 10 after the lander entered lunar orbit.
  • The space agency successfully executed the crucial apolune (the furthest point from the lunar surface) descent manoeuvre on January 14.
  • Currently positioned in a stable circular orbit at the targeted altitude of 600 kilometres, SLIM is gearing up for the next critical step – lowering the perilune, the closest point to the lunar surface. This manoeuvre, scheduled for January 19, will bring SLIM within 15 kilometres of the Moon.
  • The final descent is set to commence on January 20, with the anticipated touchdown at 0:20 JST, potentially marking a groundbreaking achievement for Japan’s space program.
  • Launched in September 2023, SLIM carries the ambitious mission of showcasing precision lunar landing capabilities. Its lightweight design holds immense potential for future missions, enabling more frequent lunar expeditions and the exploration of moons orbiting other planets, such as Mars.
  • The success of SLIM’s landing, as envisioned by JAXA, could revolutionise space exploration, shifting from “landing where we can” to “landing where we want.”
  • If all proceeds as planned, Japan will join the exclusive group of nations that have achieved a soft landing on the Moon, including the United States, Russia, China, and India.

Lunar Missions:

1959-1976:

  • Luna 1: Soviet Union (Jan 2, 1959) – Flyby
  • Pioneer 4: United States (Mar 3, 1959) – Flyby
  • Luna 2: Soviet Union (Sep 12, 1959) – Impact
  • Luna 3: Soviet Union (Oct 4, 1959) – Probe
  • Ranger series (1-9): United States (1961-1965) – Lunar photography and impact analysis
  • Surveyor series (1-7): United States (1966-1968) – Soft landers for surface analysis
  • Zond 5: Soviet Union (Sep 15, 1968) – Return Probe
  • Luna series (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17): Soviet Union (1963-1970) – Various lunar missions including orbiters, landers, rovers, and sample return

1970-1999:

  • Luna series (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24): Soviet Union (1971-1976) – Continuation of Luna missions with orbiters, landers, and sample return
  • Hiten: Japan (Jan 24, 1990) – Flyby and Orbiter
  • Clementine: United States (Jan 25, 1994) – Orbiter
  • Lunar Prospector: United States (Jan 7, 1998) – Orbiter

2000-2013:

  • SMART 1: European Space Agency (Sep 27, 2003) – Lunar Orbiter
  • Chang’e 1: China (Oct 24, 2007) – Lunar Orbiter
  • Chandrayaan-1: India (Oct 22, 2008) – Lunar Orbiter
  • Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter: United States (June 17, 2009) – Lunar Orbiter
  • LCROSS: United States (June 17, 2009) – Lunar Orbiter and Impactor
  • Chang’e 2: China (Oct 1, 2010) – Lunar Orbiter
  • GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory): United States (Sep 10, 2011) – Lunar Orbiter
  • LADEE (Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer): United States (Sep 6, 2013) – Lunar Orbiter
  • Chang’e 3: China (Dec 01, 2013) – Lunar Lander and Rover

2014-2019:

  • Chang’e 5 Test Vehicle: China (Oct 23, 2014) – Lunar Flyby and Return
  • Chandrayaan-2: India (April 2019) – Moon Orbiter, Lander, and Rover
  • Beresheet: Israel (Feb 22, 2019) – Lunar Lander

2020 onwards:

  • Chang’e 5: China (Nov 23, 2020) – Lunar Sample Return Mission
  • CAPSTONE: United States (June 28, 2022) – Lunar Navigation Test Orbiter
  • Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (Danuri): South Korea (Aug 4, 2022) – Lunar Orbiter
  • LunaH-Map: United States (Nov 16, 2022) – Lunar Orbiting CubeSat
  • Lunar Ice Cube: United States (Nov 16, 2022) – Lunar Orbiting CubeSat
  • Lunar InfraRed imaging (LunIR): United States (Nov 16, 2022) – Lunar Flyby and Technology Test CubeSat
  • OMOTENASHI: Japan (Nov 16, 2022) – Lunar Lander CubeSat
  • EQUULEUS: Japan (Nov 16, 2022) – L2 Orbit Lunar CubeSat
  • Artemis 1: United States (Nov 16, 2022) – Lunar Test Flight
  • Hakuto-R M1: Japan (Dec 11, 2022) – Japanese Lunar Lander
  • Lunar Flashlight: United States (Dec 11, 2022) – Lunar Orbiter CubeSat
  • Luna 25: Russia (Aug 10, 2023) – Russian Lunar Lander
  • SLIM: Japan (Sep 6, 2023) – Lunar Lander
  • Chandrayaan 3: India (July 14, 2023) – Lunar Orbiter, Lander, and Rover
  • Lunar Trailblazer: United States (2024) – Lunar Orbiting Small Satellite
  • Peregrine Mission 1 (TO 2-AB): United States (Jan 8, 2024) – Lunar Lander
  • Intuitive Machines 1 (TO 2-IM): United States (Feb 2024) – Lunar Lander
  • VIPER (TO 20A): United States (Nov 2024) – Lunar South Pole Rover
  • Prime 1 (IM-2): United States (2024) – Lunar Lander
  • Blue Ghost 1 (TO 19D, Firefly): United States (2024) – Lunar Lander
  • Chang’e 6: China (2024) – Lunar Sample Return Mission
  • Intuitive Machines 3 (TO CP-11): United States (TBD) – Lunar Lander and Rovers
  • Draper (TO CP-12): United States (2025) – Lunar Lander
  • Chang’e 7: China (2026) – Lunar Survey Mission
  • Chang’e 8: China (TBD) – Lunar Technology Test

Recently, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the MPLADS e-SAKSHI Mobile Application:

e-SAKSHI Application:

The e-SAKSHI application was launched for the revised fund flow procedure under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD) Scheme. It aims to revolutionise the engagement and management of development projects by Members of Parliament in their constituencies.

Features: 

Convenience and Accessibility:

  • Allows MPs to propose, track, and oversee projects conveniently.
  • Offers real-time access for enhanced decision-making.

Streamlined Communication:

  • Facilitates efficient communication between MPs and relevant authorities.
  • Ensures a smoother exchange of information.

Transparency:

  • Provides instant updates on the status and progress of proposed projects.
  • Promotes transparency in the utilisation of MPLADS funds.

Budget Management:

  • Features budget management capabilities.
  • Enables MPs to monitor project expenditures effectively.

MPLAD Scheme:

The Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD Scheme) was first introduced in 1993, initially under the Ministry of Rural Development and later transferred to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation in October 1994.

Funding and Entitlement:

  • Fully funded by the Government of India.
  • Funds released in the form of grants-in-aid directly to district authorities.
  • Non-lapsable funds with an annual entitlement of 5 crore rupees per MP/constituency.

Recommendation and Implementation:

  • MPs recommend works within their respective constituencies.
  • Lok Sabha members recommend works in their state, while Rajya Sabha members can recommend works anywhere in the state they represent.
  • Nominated Members can recommend works anywhere in the country.

Special Focus Areas:

  • MPLADS works can be implemented in areas affected by natural calamities.
  • 15 percent of funds for areas inhabited by Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 7.5 percent for areas inhabited by Scheduled Tribes (STs) to accord special attention to their development.

The 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF), a state festival of Arunachal Pradesh, will take place at Seijosa in the Pakke Kessang district from January 18-20, 2024:

Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF):

Introduction:

  • The 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) is scheduled to be held from January 18-20, 2024, at Seijosa in the Pakke Kessang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Historical Background:

  • The inaugural PPHF took place in 2015.
  • Originated to acknowledge the Nyishi tribal group’s significant role in conserving hornbills within the Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR).

Objectives:

  • Recognition of Nyishi tribal group’s contribution to hornbill conservation.
  • Generating alternative sources of income for the region.
  • Raising awareness about the wonders of PTR and its surroundings across India.

Theme of the Festival (2024):

  • The theme for the 9th edition is “Domutoh Domutoh, Paga hum Domutoh,” translating to ‘Let Our Hornbills Remain’ in the Nyishi language.
  • Emphasises the critical need for preserving these iconic birds.

Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR):

Geographical Location:

  • Situated in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Surrounded by Tenga Reserve Forest to the North, Doimara Reserve Forest to the West, Nameri National Park and Tiger Reserve (Assam) to the South.

Ecological Significance:

  • High species diversity and endemicity, forming a transition zone between Indian and Malayan ecoregions.
  • North of the Brahmaputra River, acting as a transition zone between Assam plains and Arunachal Pradesh’s hilly forests.

Vegetation:

  • Comprises tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.

Flora & Fauna:

  • Notable plant species include Polyalthia simiarum, Pterospermum acerifolium, Sterculia alata, Stereospermum chelonoides, Ailanthus grandis, and Duabanga grandiflora.
  • Eight bamboo species are found in the area.
  • Rich biodiversity includes species like Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Clouded leopard, and more.
  • The Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival serves as a platform to celebrate and conserve the unique natural and cultural heritage of the region.

The Central government has initiated the Jan Jati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan to provide essential facilities to the endangered Kolam tribe, focusing on health and education:

Kolam Tribes:

Geographical Presence:

  • Primarily located in Madhya Pradesh, the Kolam tribes, also known as Kolamboli, Kulme, and Kolmi, have a significant presence.
  • Inhabit both plains and mountainous regions.

Scheduled Tribes Status:

  • Recognized as scheduled tribes not only in Madhya Pradesh but also in some areas of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Designated as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

History:

  • During the twelfth century, the Kolam tribe served as priests for the Gond, representing important gods.
  • Descendants of the original population in the area.

Adoption of Gond Lifestyle:

  • Living near the Gond community led to the adoption of much of the Gond lifestyle.

Clans and Social Structure:

  • Divided into clans like Chal Deve, Pach Deve, Saha Deve, and Sat Deve.
  • Marriages between the same clans are prohibited.
  • Society is patrilineal, tracing descent through males.

Occupation and Agriculture:

  • Mainly engaged in farming and forest work.
  • Transitioned from shifting cultivation on hill slopes to settled farming and plough cultivation.

Language and Communication:

  • Speak the Dravidian language called Kolami.
  • Adults are also proficient in Marathi, Telugu, or Gondi.
  • Utilise the Devanagari script for writing.

The Jan Jati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan aims to uplift the Kolam tribe by addressing their specific needs in health and education, acknowledging their unique cultural and historical background.

Understanding the Tenth Schedule:

Introduction of ‘Anti-Defection’ Law:

  • The Tenth Schedule, introduced in 1985 through the 52nd constitutional amendment, serves to establish the ‘anti-defection’ law.
  • Aimed at ensuring the stability of elected governments.

Provisions of the Tenth Schedule:

  • This Schedule provides that a member of a House of Parliament or State legislature who voluntarily gives up the membership of their political party or votes against the instructions of their party in a House are liable for disqualification from said House.
  • This instruction with respect to voting is issued by the ‘whip’ of a party.

Role of the ‘Whip’ and Definitions:

  • The ‘whip’ is a member of the ‘legislature party’ appointed by the political party.
  • ‘Political party’ encompasses the entire organization, while ‘legislature party’ includes party members in the Parliament or State legislature.

Issues Involved:

  • The Tenth Schedule originally provided for two exceptions that would not render the members liable for disqualification.
  • First, one-third members of the ‘legislature party’ split to form a separate group (para 3). Second, merger of their ‘political party’ with another party that is approved by two-third members of its ‘legislature party’ (para 4).
  • However, considering the need to strengthen the ‘anti-defection’ law, para 3 was omitted in 2003.

Practical Defection Instances:

  • Deletion of para 3 led to cases where two-thirds of a legislature party defected while claiming to be the original party.
  • Instances of more than two-thirds of a State ‘legislature party’ merging with another to evade disqualification.

Disqualification Decision Authority:

  • The Speaker of the House holds the authority to decide on member disqualification.
  • Concerns arise due to perceived biases, with Speakers often favouring the ruling dispensation.
  • The Supreme Court, in K. M. Singh versus Speaker of Manipur (2020), recommended transferring this power to an independent tribunal led by judges.

Reforms Needed:

Three-Test Formula:

  • Based on Sadiq Ali versus Election Commission of India (1971), the Election Commission uses a three-test formula to determine the original political party.
  • Criteria include aims and objectives of the party, adherence to the party’s constitution reflecting inner-party democracy, and majority in legislative and organisational wings.

Institutionalising Internal Democracy:

  • Lack of inner-party democracy contributes to defections.
  • Institutionalising internal democracy through regular inner-party elections, monitored by the Election Commission, is a crucial reform.
  • An authoritative Supreme Court judgement and the establishment of an independent tribunal can mitigate ambiguities surrounding the Tenth Schedule.
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