Articles Covered:

• TRAI releases recommendations on ‘Usage of Embedded SIM for Machine-to-Machine Communications’
• BRO connects strategic Nimmu-Padam-Darcha Road in Ladakh
• As part of overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, ICG Ship Samudra Paheredar arrives at Manila Bay, Philippines
• Archaeological Survey of India will ‘delist’ some ‘lost’ monuments. What’s happening, and why?
• IRDAI approves 8 principle-based regulations
• On campaigning in the name of religion | Explained
• India’s EAM Jaishankar discusses bilateral ties with Singapore leaders
• Kerala moves SC: ‘Governor referring Bills, President withholding assent’
• Meme coins

TRAI releases recommendations on ‘Usage of Embedded SIM for Machine-to-Machine Communications’

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today released recommendations on ‘Usage of Embedded SIM for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communications’.

• Department of Telecommunications (DoT), through its letter dated 09.11.2021, sought TRAI’s recommendations under the TRAI Act, 1997 on the usage of embedded SIM for M2M communications. In this regard, TRAI issued a Consultation Paper on ‘Embedded SIM for M2M Communications’ on 25.07.2022 for soliciting comments/counter comments from stakeholders. In response, 15 stakeholders submitted their comments. An open house discussion on the consultation paper was held on 14.12.2022 through virtual mode. Based on the comments/inputs received from stakeholders, extensive deliberations on the subject and on its own analysis, the TRAI has finalized its recommendations.
• With the rolling out of 5G services in the country, the opportunities for M2M ecosystem have expanded greatly, offering increased scope for applications in various sectors of the economy such as agriculture, transportation, healthcare and industrial automation. These recommendations are aimed at streamlining the regulatory landscape of M2M embedded SIM (eSIM) in India. Through these recommendations, the Authority has laid emphasis on ensuring security by way of proper Know Your Customer (KYC), which is essential for ensuring network security, mitigating fraud risks and enhancing the overall integrity of the M2M eSIM ecosystem. The Authority has also recommended a framework for profile switching of eSIMs and swapping of SM-SR. This will provide significant flexibility to the M2M eSIM users and will promote healthy competition in the sector.
• Implementation of these Recommendations by the Government will promote orderly growth in the M2M eSIM segment of the telecom sector in India and will stimulate the development of a homegrown M2M eSIM ecosystem in the country, thus enabling the growth of modern M2M communication.

The salient features of these Recommendations are as follows:

1. All communication profiles on any M2M eSIM fitted in an imported device on international roaming in India should be mandatorily converted/reconfigured into communication profiles of Indian telecom service providers (TSPs) within a period of six months from the date of activation of international roaming on such M2M eSIM or on change of ownership of the device, whichever is earlier.
2. Unified Access Service License holder, Unified License (Access Service Authorization) holder, Unified License (Machine-to-Machine Authorization) holder, Unified License for VNO (Access Service Authorization) holder, Unified License for VNO (Machine-to Machine Authorization) holder and the companies holding M2M Service Providers (M2MSP) Registration with a specific permission to own and manage Subscription Manager-Secure Routing (SM-SR) in India should be permitted to own and manage SM-SRs in the country.
3. For installation of profiles of Indian TSPs on M2M eSIMs fitted in the devices imported in India, the concerned Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and M2MSP should be given the flexibility to choose between (i) profile download from the Subscription Manager-Data Preparation (SM-DP) of the Indian TSP to the M2M eSIMs through the existing (foreign) SM-SR, or (ii) profile download from the SM-DP of the Indian TSP to the M2M eSIMs through the new (Indian) SM-SR, after SM-SR switch from foreign to Indian.
4. The M2MSP registrant/telecommunication service licensee, whose SM-SR controls M2M eSIMs in India, should not refuse integration of its SM-SR with the SM-DP of the licensed telecom service provider, whose profiles are to be added in such M2M eSIMs, upon the request of the concerned OEM/ M2MSP. The integration of SM-SR with SM-DP should be carried out in accordance to the GSMA’s specifications and should be completed within a period of three months from the date of receipt of the formal request from the concerned OEM/ M2MSP.
5. The M2MSP registrant/ telecommunication service licensee, whose SM-SR controls M2M eSIMs in India, should mandatorily facilitate switching of its SM-SR with the SM-SR of another entity, eligible to hold SM-SR in India, upon the request of the concerned OEM/ M2MSP. Such SM-SR switching should be carried out as per the GSMA’s specifications and should be completed within a period of six months from the date of receipt of formal request from the concerned OEM/ M2MSP.
6. Keeping in view the challenges in its implementation, the use of 901.XX IMSI series allocated by International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to Indian entities should not be permitted for providing M2M services in India, at this stage.

BRO connects strategic Nimmu-Padam-Darcha Road in Ladakh

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) connected the strategic Nimmu-Padam-Darcha Road in Ladakh on March 25, 2024. This 298-km road will connect Manali to Leh through Darcha and Nimmu on Kargil – Leh Highway. The road is now the third axis apart from Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh which connects Ladakh to the hinterland.

The Nimmu-Padam-Darcha Road derives its strategic importance from the fact that it is not only shorter vis-a-vis the other two axes, but crosses only one pass; Shinkun La (16,558 feet) on which tunnel work is about to commence by the BRO. This will result in the road having all weather connectivity to the Ladakh region. The connectivity will strengthen the defence preparedness and provide a boost to the economic development in the Zanskar valley.

DG Border Roads Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan said that in January, when the river Zansakar was frozen, the equipment and personnel were mobilised and the work of establishing the connectivity was completed. He exuded confidence that the work on black topping the road will start soon. With construction of Shinkun La tunnel commencing, the third all weather axis to Ladakh will be established, he added.

As part of overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, ICG Ship Samudra Paheredar arrives at Manila Bay, Philippines

1. Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar, a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, arrived at Manila Bay, Philippines on 25 March 2024 on a three-day visit. The visit of specialized Pollution Control Vessels is part of a broader initiative aimed at demonstration of ICG Marine Pollution Response capabilities and shared concern & resolve towards Marine Pollution in the ASEAN region, besides bolstering bilateral cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The ICG ship is on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries namely the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei from 25 March to 12 April 2024. The deployment is the third in a row by the Indian Coast Guard to ASEAN countries. Earlier in the year 2023, ICG Pollution Control Vessels visited Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia as part of the initiative.

1. During this deployment, the ship is scheduled to make port calls in Manila (Philippines), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), and Muara (Brunei). The ship is equipped with specialized marine pollution control equipment and a Chetak Helicopter in Pollution Response configuration, designed to contain, and recover spilled oil and augment the operation. The demonstration at visiting ports includes Pollution Response training and a practical display of various equipment.
2. Additionally, the ship has also embarked 25 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets to participate in the Government’s initiative “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan,” and provide it an international outreach in coordination with partner nations. As part of an overseas exchange program, the NCC cadets, in coordination with ICG ship crew, Partner agencies personnel, Indian Embassy/ Mission staff, and local youth organizations will undertake beach cleanup and similar activities during the port call of the ship.
3. This visit holds significant importance in strengthening bilateral relationships with key maritime agencies, including the Philippine Coast Guard, Vietnam Coast Guard, and Brunei Maritime agencies. ICG has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) towards Enhanced Maritime Cooperation and Maritime Safety and Security with the Coast Guards of the Philippines and Vietnam. These relationships have evolved over the years to ensure the safety, security, and marine environment concerns in the region. The visit’s agenda includes professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, joint exercises, as well as official and social engagements including visits to capacity-building facilities.

ICGS Samudra Paheredar:

• ICGS Samudra Paheredar, stationed on the East Coast of India in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, is under the Command of Deputy Inspector General Sudhir Ravindran. Over the years, Samudra Paheredar has successfully undertaken various Coast Guard operations, including Pollution Response, IMBL/EEZ surveillance, counter-transnational crimes, and Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR).

Archaeological Survey of India will ‘delist’ some ‘lost’ monuments. What’s happening, and why?

Some of India’s protected monuments, part of the country’s rich historical heritage, have disappeared — they have been lost to development, encroachment, or neglect. Which monuments are these, and when did the ASI find out?

These 18 monuments are part of an earlier list of monuments that the ASI had said were “untraceable”.

Among the monuments that face delisting now are a medieval highway milestone recorded as Kos Minar No.13 at Mujessar village in Haryana, Barakhamba Cemetery in DELHI, Gunner Burkill’s tomb in Jhansi district, a cemetery at Gaughat in LUCKNOW and the Telia Nala Buddhist ruins in Varanasi. The precise location of these monuments, or their current physical state, is not known.

Monument of national importance AMASR Act, 1958– Section 4 of the Act states that ancient monuments or archaeological sites which are of historical, archaeological or artistic interest and which have been in existence for not less than 100 years may be declared as of national importance. Coverage– It covers temples, cemeteries, inscriptions, tombs, forts, palaces, step-wells, rock-cut caves, and even objects like cannons and mile pillars (“kos minars”) that may be of historical significance. Designation importance– If designated by ASI, it authorises the central government to “maintain, protect and promote the site”, which may be considered of significant historical importance, as mandated by the Act. Protection– The monuments of national importance are to be conserved and maintained by the ASI as an important site pertaining to history and culture, and any kind of construction-related activity is not allowed around the protected site. Regular inspection– ASI should regularly inspect protected monuments to assess their condition, and to conserve and preserve them. Prohibit encroachments– In cases of encroachment, the ASI can file a police complaint, issue a show-cause notice for the removal of the encroachment, and communicate to the local administration the need for demolition of encroachments. Delisting monuments– ASI plans to delist 18 monuments demand no longer of national importance, drawn from a list of 24 traceable monuments.

Archaeological Survey of India

• About- It is a premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
• Established year- 1861
• Founder- Alexander Cunningham, he is the first Director-General of ASI.
• Ministry – Ministry of Culture
• Prime functions – Custodian of all Centrally Protected Monuments (CPM) in India. Maintenance of ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance.
• Centrally protected monuments- India has a total of 3,693 Centrally Protected Monuments or Sites.
• Uttar Pradesh having the largest number in the country at 743, followed by Tamil Nadu which has 412.
• Regulating functions – It regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the,
• Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
• Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.
• Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) (Amendment) Act, 2010.

Conservation measures in foreign countries:

• Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan
• Ta Prohm and Preah Vihear temples in Cambodia
• My Son Group of Temples in Vietnam
• Friday Mosque in Maldives

IRDAI approves 8 principle-based regulations

The IRDAI (Bima Sugam – Insurance Electronic Marketplace) Regulations, 2024, aims to establish a digital public infrastructure named Bima Sugam towards universalization and democratization of insurance as well as empowering and safeguarding policyholders’ interests and achieve the vision of “Insurance for all by 2047”, IRDAI said.

• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has approved eight principle-based regulations including the much-awaited Bima Sugam marketplace.
• In its board meeting, IRDAI cleared the regulatory changes under rural, social sector and motor Third-Party (TP) motor insurance. For rural obligations, the unit of measurement will now be the gram panchayat. The scope of the social sector has been extended to cover cardholders and beneficiaries under various schemes.

BIMA SUGAM

1. It is an online platform where customers can choose a suitable scheme from multiple options given by various companies.
2. All insurance requirements, including those for life, health, and general insurance (including motor and travel) will be met by Bima Sugam.
3. This platform will help in the settlement of claims, whether it is health coverage or death claims, in a paperless manner on the basis of policy numbers.

Benefits of Bima Sugam

Single window for the policyholder to manage his/her insurance coverage.

• It will provide end-to-end solutions for customers’ insurance needs i.e., purchase, service, and settlement in a seamless manner.

Empowerment of consumers

• Currently, there are hundreds of insurance schemes in the life and non-life sectors.
• Customers have no idea who is offering the best deal and the pros and cons of different schemes.
• Bima Sugam will enable them to identify a suitable scheme for the customers in a single platform.

Benefits for insurance companies and intermediaries

• It will facilitate insurance companies to access the validated and authentic data from various touch points on a real-time basis.
• The platform will provide interface for the intermediaries and agents to sell policies and provide services to policyholders, among others, and reduce paperwork.

Universalise and democratise insurance

• IRDAI says Bima Sugam is an electronic marketplace protocol.
• This protocol will be connected with India Stack which is a set of APIs (application programming interface) that allows governments, businesses, startups, etc. to utilise the unique digital infrastructure to enable seamless delivery of services.

Approvals made by IRDAI

The IRDAI (Bima Sugam – Insurance Electronic Marketplace) Regulations, 2024

1. It aims to establish a digital public infrastructure named Bima Sugam.
2. It will empower and safeguard policyholders’ interests and achieve the vision of Insurance for all by 2047.

The IRDAI (Corporate Governance for Insurers) Regulations, 2024

1. It aims to establish a robust governance framework for insurers, defining the roles and responsibilities of the board and management.
2. This is for the first time that the governance aspects under the existing guidelines are notified in the form of regulations.

IRDAI (Insurance Products) Regulations, 2024

1. It merges six regulations into a unified framework.
2. It is aimed at enabling insurers to swiftly respond to evolving market demands, enhancing the ease of conducting business and boosting insurance penetration.

IRDAI (Registration and Operations of Foreign Reinsurers Branches & Lloyd’s India) Regulations, 2024

• It consolidates two regulations and aims to foster the systematic development of the reinsurance sector in India by promoting orderly growth and harmonizing the existing legal and regulatory framework.

Other decisions

1. IRDAI cleared the regulatory changes under rural, social sector and motor Third-Party (TP) motor insurance.
2. For rural obligations, the unit of measurement will now be the gram panchayat.
3. The scope of the social sector has been extended to cover cardholders and beneficiaries under various schemes.
4. Under Motor TP, the unit of measurement will be the renewal of coverage for goods and passenger-carrying vehicles, as well as tractors.

On campaigning in the name of religion | Explained

What does Section 123(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 stipulate? What about the Model Code of Conduct laid down by the Election Commission of India?

• The story so far:Recently the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Rahul Gandhi for hurting the sentiments of Hindus through his remark on ‘shakti’. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), in turn, filed a counter complaint against the Prime Minister for appealing to religious sentiments during his campaign on the same issue.
• Section 123(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act) provides that appeals by a candidate, or any other person with the consent of a candidate, to vote or refrain from voting on the ground of his religion, race, caste, community or language is a corrupt electoral practice. Section 123(3A) denounces any attempt by a candidate to promote feelings of enmity or hatred among citizens on these grounds during elections.
• The RP Act further provides that anyone found guilty of corrupt electoral practice can be debarred from contesting elections for a maximum period of up to six years.

Representation of People’s Act, 1951 (RPA, 1951)

RPA, 1951 provide for:

1. the conduct of election of the Houses of Parliament and to the House or Houses of the Legislature of each State,
2. the qualifications and disqualifications for membership of those Houses,
3. the corrupt practices and other offences at or in connection with such elections and
4. the decision of doubts and disputes arising out of or in connection with such elections.
5. It was introduced in Parliament by the then law minister Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
6. The Act was enacted by the provisional parliament under Article 327 of Indian Constitution, before the first general election.

‘Corrupt practices’ under the RPA, 1951

Section 123 of the Act – defines corrupt practices

1. When a candidate, for the furtherance of his prospects in the election, indulges in certain practices such as mentioned below, it can be called corrupt practices. This includes:
2. bribery, undue influence, false information, and
3. promotion or attempted promotion of feelings of enmity or hatred between different classes of the citizens of India on grounds of religion, race, caste, community, or language” by a candidate.
4. The incurring or authorizing of expenditure in contravention of section 77

Section 123 (2) of the Act – deals with undue influence

1. Undue influence is defined as any direct or indirect interference or attempt to interfere on the part of the candidate or his agent, or of any other person, with the consent of the candidate or his election agent, with the free exercise of any electoral right.
2. This could also include threats of injury, social ostracism and expulsion from any caste or community.
3. Moreover, convincing a candidate or an elector that they will become an object of divine displeasure or spiritual censure, will also be considered as an undue influence.

Section 123 (4) of the Act – extends the ambit of corrupt practices

• This section includes the intentional publication of false statements which can prejudice the outcome of the candidate’s election.

Provision of disqualification

1. Under the provisions of the Act, an elected representative can be disqualified if:
2. convicted of certain offences;
3. on grounds of corrupt practices;
4. for failing to declare election expenses; and
5. for interests in government contracts or works.

court held as corrupt practices in the past

1. In 2017, the SC held that an election will be annulled if votes are sought in the name of a candidate’s religion, race, caste, community, or language.
2. It held that this observation was in line with the Section 123 (3) of RPA, which prohibits the same.
3. Recently in 2022, the top court directed a three-judge bench to look into prayers for reconsidering its 2013 judgment in ‘S. Subramaniam Balaji vs State of Tamil Nadu’.
4. In 2013 judgement, the apex court held that promises of freebies cannot be termed a corrupt practice. However, the matter is still yet to be decided.

PAST EXPERIENCE

1. In ‘Anugrah Narayan Singh v. Harsh Vardhan Bajpayee’, the apex court was hearing a plea challenging a 2017 Allahabad High Court ruling. However, the Apex Court refused to interfere with the High Court’s order of dismissal.
2. Allahabad HC had dismissed a similarly titled petition to declare the election of an MLA as null and void.
3. The petition, in the Allahabad HC, had alleged that the accused MLA committed a corrupt practice under Section 123(2)by interfering in the free exercise of electoral rights of the voters.
4. He did so by not disclosing his liabilities and correct educational qualifications in his affidavit of nomination.
5. The petition also argued that a corrupt practice under Section 123(4)was committed by the accused in publishing a false statement of fact about his character and conduct to influence the outcome of his election, knowingly.

On what grounds the Allahabad HC had dismissed the petition?

1. The Allahabad HC held that the inaccuracy or concealment regarding educational qualificationof the respondent did not amount to unduly influencing the voters.
2. This is due to the fact that the defect in disclosure was not of substantial characterthat could have materially prejudiced the prospects of the election.
3. Hence, it cannot be termed as a corrupt practice within the meaning of Section 123 of the Representation of People Act.

India’s EAM Jaishankar discusses bilateral ties with Singapore leaders

They discussed various topics including trade, semiconductors, space, green energy, supply chains, and defence

Indo-Pacific and West Asia regions, trade, green energy, supply chains, and defense issues.

• External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Monday met with his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan and two other senior ministers and discussed ways to further enhance bilateral ties, and the situation in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia regions.

initiative is taken for strengthening economic and trade relationships between India and Singapore

• Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement: Signed in 2005, this agreement significantly boosted bilateral trade, which quadrupled to reach $35.6 billion by 2022-23.
• 100% FDI Policy in India:India’s policy allowing 100% Foreign Direct Investment in most manufacturing sectors attracted numerous Singaporean conglomerates and institutions to ramp up investments in India.
• Growth of Indian Companies in Singapore:From 2014 to 2023, the number of Indian companies in Singapore increased from 6,000 to over 9,000, covering diverse sectors like tourism, telecommunications, financial services, and e-commerce.
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-PayNow Linkage:Launched in 2023, this is the first real-time payment systems linkage in the world, facilitating easier and faster financial transactions between the two countries.
• Trade Trust Framework:Introduced in 2023, this framework utilizes blockchain technology for electronic Bills of Lading, enhancing efficiency in trade finance transactions between Singapore and Indian entities.
• Focus on Renewable Energy:India’s renewable energy initiatives, with 92% of its 2022 power capacity growth from renewables, attract interest from Singapore for investment and sourcing.

partnership affect global trade and Investment

• Global Trade Influence:The India-Singapore economic corridor is influential in shaping global trade and investment patterns.
• Leadership on the Global Stage:India, with Singapore as a key ally, is increasingly influential in global economic and political matters, such as its role in the G20.
• Question for practice: Discuss the key initiatives taken to strengthen the economic and trade relationships between India and Singapore.

Various Facets: India- Singapore Relations

• Part of various forums: Both countries agree on many global issues and are part of several forums such as the East Asia Summit, G20, Commonwealth etc.
• Trade and Economic cooperation: Bilateral trade between India and Singapore grew by 18% in 2022-23, reaching US$ 35.58 billion.
• Defense and Security Cooperation:Regular joint military exercises  such as Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is held  together
• Cultural and People-to-People Ties: Around 9.1% of Singapore’s population, approximately 350,000 people, are of Indian origin.

Impact of discussion on bilateral ties with Singapore on Indian economy

POSITIVES

NEGATIVES

Trade Enhancement: Strengthening economic ties can boost investments and exports for both nations. Green Energy Collaboration: Joint efforts in clean energy production can lead to environmental benefits and technological advancements. Supply Chain Resilience: Collaboration with Singapore can enhance India’s supply chain diversification and risk management strategies. Defence and Security: Closer cooperation ensures mutual defense interests and regional stability. Regional Impact: Consideration of broader regional dynamics can positively influence the economic growth and stability of both nations.

Trade Challenges: Both countries face economic hurdles such as global supply chain disruptions and market volatility, requiring sustained efforts to overcome. Defence Priorities: While defense cooperation is vital, aligning resources and priorities can be intricate, necessitating a balance with other national imperatives. Limited Tangible Outcomes: Despite discussions on trade and green energy, no specific agreements or steps were announced. Complex Regional Dynamics: Addressing issues in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia regions involves navigating complex geopolitical challenges that can strain relations.

Kerala moves SC: ‘Governor referring Bills, President withholding assent’

The Kerala Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022 has provisions allowing voting rights for nominated members of Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (MILMA).

The Kerala government has approached the Supreme Court against Governor Arif Mohammed Khan referring seven Bills passed by the state legislature to the President and the latter withholding assent to four of them “without giving any reason”, terming their actions “manifestly arbitrary”.

• In a writ petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, the state said, “The conduct of the Governor in keeping Bills pending for long and indefinite periods of time, and thereafter reserving the Bills for the consideration of the President without any reasons relatable to the Constitution is manifestly arbitrary and violates Article 14 of the Constitution.
• Equally, the aid and advise rendered by the Union of India to the President, to withhold assent from the four Bills which are wholly within the domain of the State, while disclosing no reason whatsoever, is also manifestly arbitrary and violates Article 14 of the Constitution.” The petition also cited the violation of Articles 200 and 201.

Governor’s right to withhold assent

Constitution says about the Governor’s role in giving assent to Bills

1. Although, Article 163 of the Constitution deals with the powers of the Governor generally, Article 200 specifically deals with the issue of granting assent to Bills.
2. Both the provisions are read together to determine the contours of the power the Governor holds on this issue.
3. When a Bill passed by the legislature of a state is presented to the Governor, the Governor has four options:

• grant assent to the Bill;
• withhold assent to the Bills;
• return the Bills for reconsideration; or
• reserve the Bill for the consideration of the President.

Article 200 states that:

1. When a State Legislative Assembly passes a bill, or in a State with a Legislative Council, when both houses of the legislature pass the bill, the bill is then presented to the Governor.
2. The Governor has three options: to approve the bill (assent), reject the bill (withhold assent), or hold off on a decision and refer the bill to the President for consideration.
3. However, the Article has a key proviso. It says that the Governor “may, as soon as possible” return Bills other than money Bills, with a message requesting that the House reconsider it in parts or in whole.
4. However, once the Legislative House reconsiders the Bill and sends it to the Governor once again, the Governor “shall not withhold assent therefrom”.

Bone of contention

1. The tug-of-war between the government and the Governor in the Opposition-ruled states essentially lies in the wordplay in the proviso.
2. The proviso says the Governor must return the Bill “as soon as possible” but does not prescribe a specific timeframe.
3. Raj Bhavans have exploited this ambiguity to sit on Bills indefinitely without returning them to the state legislature.

Can a Governor in practice actually sit on a Bill forever?

1. An indefinite timeline in deciding on Bills can in effect amount to paralysing the elected government.
2. At the same time, giving assent to Bills is one of the few areas in which the Governor can exercise his discretion.
3. But this discretion cannot be used arbitrarily or based on a personal preference, but only in Constitutional terms with cogent reasons.
4. Additionally, Article 200 uses the word “shall” which indicates that the framers of the Constitution intended a mandatory tone for the Governor on this aspect.

viewpoint of SC on this

1. The SC in its landmark 2016 ruling in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly case (Nabam Rebia and Bamang Felix vs Deputy Speaker) discussed this aspect briefly.
2. It said that the Governor cannot withhold assent to a Bill indefinitely but must return it to the Assembly with a message and this could include his recommendation for amendments to the Bill.

What can the Supreme Court do now?

1. Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, and Punjab, have sought the intervention of the Supreme Court on the issue.
2. Several aspects dealing with the Governor’s powers have been litigated extensively, and there is now settled law on these aspects.
3. This includes the role in recommending President’s Rule, inviting the party with a majority to form the government, or during a trust vote.
4. The SC has now been called upon to decide a new aspect — whether it can fix a timeline for Governors to give assent to Bills, which amounts to deciding whether it can prescribe limits to an office exercising constitutional powers.
5. In the past, the court has reluctantly fixed timelines for the Speaker’s office to decide disqualification cases.
6. A Governor cannot be made a party before the Supreme Court.
7. Generally, therefore, the court issues notice to the Secretary of the Governor in such disputes.

Meme coins

• Meme coins, a unique category of cryptocurrencies, have gained significant popularity in the digital currency space. These coins trace their origin to the growth of meme culture on the internet. Often lacking in any real underlying value, these coins have seen massive price fluctuations in the past and crypto traders have burnt their fingers due to their highly volatile nature

Meme coins

Also known as ‘memetic tokens’ or ‘community coins’, meme coins are digital currencies created as a form of satire or humorous tribute to the internet culture. They often feature quirky names, logos, and branding that reference popular memes, jokes, or internet phenomena.

1. Recently Meme Coins are Garnering considerable popularity (as their inception is rooted in the burgeoning meme culture on the internet, characterized by humor and levity) within the cryptocurrency realm.
2. Meme Coins: The term “meme coin” originated with Dogecoin, conceived as a playful response to the Doge meme featuring a Shiba Inu dog.

• Highly Volatility: Possibility of earning a profit if values rise
• Extensive or uncapped supply: Minimal values per token due to extensive supply.
• Exploring Blockchain Technology: An Engaging Approach to Understanding Cryptocurrency, Smart Contracts, and Platforms such as Ethereum and Solana.
• Straightforward creation process: Comparatively straightforward creation process when juxtaposed with traditional cryptocurrencies.
• Increase participation in Trading: Potential participation in an active investing and trading community

Definition: 

• Meme coins, also known as ‘memetic tokens’ or ‘community coins’,are digital currencies created as a form of satire or humorous tribute to the internet culture.
• They often feature quirky names, logos,and branding that reference popular memes, jokes, or internet phenomena.
• Presently, the market boasts over 300 different meme coins.
• For Example:Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Retik Finance (RETIK)

Working of Meme Coins:

• Meme coins function similarly to traditional cryptocurrencies, leveraging blockchain technology to operate.
• They are commonly established on platforms like Ethereum and Solana, which facilitate their functionalities.