Current Affairs 09 August 2024

CONTENTS

1. Preamble Removed from new NCERT Textbooks
2. 5 Years after Removal of Article 370
3. Quit India Movement
4. Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
5. Pyrocumulonimbus Clouds
6. Eta Carinae

Preamble Removed from new NCERT Textbooks

Context:

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recently removed the Preamble to the Constitution from select textbooks for Class 3 and 6, as issued in 2024. This decision aligns with NCERT’s broader educational strategy, which now prioritizes a comprehensive understanding of the Indian Constitution, encompassing its Preamble, fundamental duties, rights, and the National Anthem. This shift in focus is guided by the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020, aiming to promote holistic development in students.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Basis and Amendment of Preamble
2. Key Words in Preamble
3. Overview of the Preamble’s Status
4. Significance of the Preamble
5. Amendment of the Preamble

Basis and Amendment of Preamble

The Preamble to the Indian Constitution is based on the ‘Objectives Resolution’, drafted and moved by Pandit Nehru, and adopted by the Constituent Assembly. It has been amended by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1976), which added three new words​—socialist, secular and integrity

Ingredients of the Preamble

The Preamble reveals four ingredients or components:

1. Source of authority of the Constitution: The Preamble states that the Constitution derives its authority from the people of India.
2. Nature of Indian State: It declares India to be of a sovereign, socialist, secular democratic and republican polity.
3. Objectives of the Constitution: It specifies justice, liberty, equality and fraternity as the objectives.
4. Date of adoption of the Constitution: It stipulates November 26, 1949 as the date.

Key Words in Preamble

Sovereign

• The word ‘sovereign’ implies that India is neither a dependency nor a dominion of any other nation, but an independent state.
• There is no authority above it, and it is free to conduct its own affairs (both internal and external).

Socialist

• Even before the term was added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, the Constitution had a socialist content in the form of certain Directive Principles of State Policy.
• In other words, what was hitherto implicit in the Constitution has now been made explicit. Moreover, the Congress party itself adopted a resolution to establish a ‘socialistic pattern of society’.
• Notably, the Indian brand of socialism is a ‘democratic socialism’ and not a ‘communistic socialism’ (also known as ‘state socialism’) which involves the nationalisation of all means of production and distribution and the
• abolition of private property.
• Democratic socialism, on the other hand, holds faith in a ‘mixed economy’ where both public and private sectors co-exist side by side

Secular

• The term ‘secular’ too was added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976. However, as the Supreme Court said in 1974, although the words ‘secular state’ were not expressedly mentioned in the Constitution, there can
• be no doubt that Constitution-makers wanted to establish such a state and accordingly Articles 25 to 28 (guaranteeing the fundamental right to freedom of religion) have been included in the constitution.
• The Indian Constitution embodies the positive concept of secularism that is, all religions in our country (irrespective of their strength) have the same status and support from the state

Democratic

• A democratic polity, as stipulated in the Preamble, is based on the doctrine of popular sovereignty, that is, possession of supreme power by the people.
• Democracy is of two types
  • Direct democracy
    • People exercise their supreme power directly as is the case in Switzerland.
    • There are four devices of direct democracy, namely, Referendum, Initiative, Recall and Plebiscite
  • Indirect democracy
  • In indirect democracy, on the other hand, the representatives elected by the people exercise the supreme power and thus carry on the government and make the laws. This type of democracy, also known as representative democracy, is of two kinds
    • Parliamentary
    • Presidential.
• The Indian Constitution provides for representative parliamentary democracy under which the executive is responsible to the legislature for all its policies and actions. Universal adult franchise, periodic elections, rule of
• law, independence of judiciary, and absence of discrimination on certain grounds are the manifestations of the democratic character of the Indian polity.

Republic

• A democratic polity can be classified into two categories monarchy and republic. In a monarchy, the head of the state (usually king or queen) enjoys a hereditary position, that is, he comes into office through succession, eg, Britain.
• In a republic, on the other hand, the head of the state is always elected directly or indirectly for a fixed period, eg, USA.
• Therefore, the term ‘republic’ in our Preamble indicates that India has an elected head called the president. He is elected indirectly for a fixed period of five years.

Justice

• The term ‘justice’ in the Preamble embraces three distinct forms social, economic and political, secured through various provisions of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles.
• Social justice denotes the equal treatment of all citizens without any social distinction based on caste, colour, race, religion, sex and so on. It means absence of privileges being extended to any particular section of the society,
• and improvement in the conditions of backward classes (SCs, STs and OBCs) and women.
• Economic justice denotes the non-discrimination between people on the basis of economic factors. It involves the elimination of glaring inequalities in wealth, income and property. A combination of social justice and economic justice denotes what is known as ‘distributive justice’.
• Political justice implies that all citizens should have equal political rights, equal access to all political offices and equal voice in the government.
• The ideal of justice social, economic and political has been taken from the Russian Revolution (1917).

Liberty

• The term ‘liberty’ means the absence of restraints on the activities of individuals, and at the same time, providing opportunities for the development of individual personalities.
• The Preamble secures to all citizens of India liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship, through their Fundamental Rights, enforceable in court of law, in case of violation.
• The liberty conceived by the Preamble or fundamental rights is not absolute but qualified. The ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity in our Preamble have been taken from the French Revolution (1789–1799).

Equality

• The term ‘equality’ means the absence of special privileges to any section of the society, and the provision of adequate opportunities for all individuals without any discrimination.

Fraternity

• Fraternity means a sense of brotherhood. The Constitution promotes this feeling of fraternity by the system of single citizenship.
• Also, the Fundamental Duties (Article 51-A) say that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic, regional or
• sectional diversities.
• The Preamble declares that fraternity has to assure two things the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation.
• The word ‘integrity’ has been added to the preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976).

Overview of the Preamble’s Status

The Preamble to the Constitution of India, while not a directly enforceable part of the document in terms of judicial proceedings, plays a crucial role in constitutional interpretation. Its significance and application have been elaborated upon through various landmark judgments.

Key Judicial Interpretations

1. Berubari Union Case (1960)
   • Context: This case concerned the implementation of an agreement between India and Pakistan regarding the exchange of certain territories.
   • Supreme Court’s View: The Court referenced the Preamble under Article 143(1) to understand the intentions of the framers of the Constitution. It concluded that the Preamble, while providing a key to the minds of the framers, does not itself constitute an enforceable part of the Constitution.
2. Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973)
   • Significance: This landmark decision involved the largest bench ever assembled at the time—a 13-judge bench—to adjudicate a writ petition.
   • Ruling: The Court reversed earlier opinions by declaring that the Preamble is indeed a part of the Constitution. However, it emphasized that the Preamble does not confer supreme power, nor does it impose restrictions; rather, it serves a significant interpretative role for understanding the Constitution’s text.
3. Union Government vs LIC of India Case (1995)
   • The Court reaffirmed its position, recognizing the Preamble as an integral part of the Constitution. However, it maintained that the Preamble is not justiciable, meaning its provisions are not enforceable in courts as direct claims

Significance of the Preamble

• The Preamble embodies the basic philosophy and fundamental values— political, moral and religious on which the Constitution is based.
• It contains the grand and noble vision of the Constituent Assembly, and reflects the dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of the Constitution.

Amendment of the Preamble

• The question as to whether the Preamble can be amended under Article 368 of the Constitution arose for the first time in the historic case of Kesavananda Bharati (1973).
• It was urged that the Preamble cannot be amended as it is not a part of the Constitution. The petitioner contended that the amending power in Article 368 cannot be used to destroy or damage the basic elements or the
• fundamental features of the Constitution, which are enshrined in the Preamble.
• The Supreme Court, however, held that the Preamble is a part of the Constitution.
• The Court stated that the opinion tendered by it in the Berubari Union (1960) in this regard was wrong, and held that the Preamble can be amended, subject to the condition that no amendment is done to the ‘basic features’.
• In other words, the Court held that the basic elements or the fundamental features of the Constitution as contained in the Preamble cannot be altered by an amendment under Article 368.
• The Preamble has been amended only once so far, in 1976, by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, which has added three new words— Socialist, Secular and Integrity—to the Preamble. This amendment was held to be valid.

-Source: The Hindu

5 Years after Removal of Article 370

Context:

Recently, the fifth anniversary of the revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was observed. On 5th August 2019, the Government of India revoked Article 370.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Understanding Article 370 of the Indian Constitution: Special Provisions for Jammu and Kashmir
2. Removal of Special Status of Jammu and Kashmir: Article 370 and Subsequent Developments
3. Impact of the Abrogation of Article 370
4. Challenges Ahead for Jammu and Kashmir: Addressing Key Concerns

Understanding Article 370 of the Indian Constitution: Special Provisions for Jammu and Kashmir

Context and Scope:

• Article 370 is the initial provision of Part XXI, titled ‘Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions,’ in the Indian Constitution.
• It grants special provisions to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), allowing the state to have its own constitution and offering exemptions from certain aspects of the Constitution of India.

Exemptions and Legislative Restrictions:

• Article 370 exempts J&K from the application of the Indian Constitution, with the exception of Article 1 (which defines the territory of India) and Article 370 itself.
• It enables the state to draft its own constitution.
• Parliamentary legislative powers over J&K are restricted, necessitating “consultation” with the state government for extending central laws related to subjects listed in the Instrument of Accession (IoA).

Instrument of Accession and Powers:

• The Instrument of Accession (IoA) was signed in 1947 by Raja Hari Singh of J&K and Governor General Lord Mountbatten.
• The IoA granted Parliament authority to legislate on Defence, External Affairs, and Communications for J&K.
• However, for extending these powers to other subjects, the “concurrence” of the state government is essential.

Application and Transformation:

• Often described as a “tunnel,” Article 370 facilitated the gradual application of the Indian Constitution to J&K.
• Through a 1954 order, a significant portion of the Constitution, including numerous Constitutional amendments, was extended to J&K.

Removal of Special Status of Jammu and Kashmir: Article 370 and Subsequent Developments

Article 370(3) and Removal of Special Status:

• Article 370(3) allows for the removal of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status through a Presidential Order.
• Such an order requires prior concurrence from J&K’s Constituent Assembly, which was dissolved in 1957.

Views on Removal:

• One perspective holds that since the Constituent Assembly was dissolved, the removal of special status is not possible.
• Another viewpoint suggests that removal can occur with the concurrence of the State Assembly.

2019 Developments:

• The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order 2019, issued by the President, eliminated J&K’s special status and extended the Indian Constitution’s provisions to the region.
• The J&K (Reorganization) Act 2019 led to the division of J&K into two Union Territories: J&K with a Legislative Assembly and Ladakh without one.

Legal Challenge and Supreme Court Hearing:

• The Supreme Court of India is presently hearing petitions challenging the 2019 abrogation of Article 370.
• These developments are significant in shaping the legal and constitutional landscape surrounding Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

Impact of the Abrogation of Article 370

• Domicile Clause Implementation:
  • Introduced in April 2020, redefining residency and eligibility for domicile certificates in J&K for individuals with 15 years of residency or 7 years of education culminating in 10th/12th exams in the region.
• Land Law Revisions:
  • Fourteen land laws were amended, with 12 being repealed, altering land ownership rules that previously favored permanent residents over non-permanent ones.
• Rights to West Pakistan Refugees:
  • Proprietary rights granted to West Pakistan Refugees and those displaced by the 1965 India-Pakistan war.
• Legal and Administrative Changes:
  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (previously the Indian Penal Code) replaced the Ranbir Penal Code, making central laws enforceable.
  • Establishment of the State Investigation Agency in November 2021 to synergize with the National Investigation Agency for efficient handling of terrorism cases.
• Security and Societal Impacts:
  • Post-abrogation, marked decrease in terrorist activities, recruitment, and violent protests, leading to an enhanced peace and order scenario in the region.

Challenges Ahead for Jammu and Kashmir: Addressing Key Concerns

Grassroot Democracy and Development:

• Despite the establishment of District Development Councils (DDCs), genuine grassroot democracy remains a challenge.
• Development plans are often formulated by officials rather than by elected representatives, hampering effective local governance.

Electoral Uncertainty and Protests:

• The delimitation process sparked speculation about early Assembly elections, but their timing is uncertain.
• Efforts to include new groups in the state’s Scheduled Tribes (ST) list led to protests from certain communities like the Gujjars and Bakerwals.

Targeted Killings and Security Vulnerabilities:

• A series of targeted civilian killings, particularly of Kashmiri Hindus and non-Kashmiris, has exposed vulnerabilities despite improved security measures.
• The security situation is complicated by the use of small weapons dropped by drones and alleged “part-time” militants engaged by handlers from across the border.

-Source: Indian Express

Quit India Movement

Context:

August Kranti Day is observed on the 8th August annually in India. In 2024, India celebrates the 82nd anniversary of the Quit India Movement.

Relevance:

GS I- Modern History

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Build-up to August 1942
2. Extent of Mass Participation
3. Brutal suppression of protests

Build-up to August 1942

• While factors leading to such a movement had been building up, matters came to a head with the failure of the Cripps Mission.
• With World War II raging, the beleaguered British government needed the cooperation of its colonial subjects.
• With this in mind, in March 1942, a mission led by Sir Stafford Cripps arrived in India to meet leaders of the Congress and the Muslim League.
• The idea was to secure India’s whole-hearted support in the war, and the return offer to Indians was the promise of self-governance.
• But things did not go that way. Despite the promise of “the earliest possible realisation of self-government in India”, Cripps only offered dominion status, not freedom. Also, there was a provision for the partition of India, which was not acceptable to the Congress.
• The failure of the Cripps Mission made Gandhi realise that freedom would come only if Indians fought tooth and nail for it.
• The Congress was initially reluctant to launch a movement that could hamper Britain’s efforts to defeat the fascist forces.
• But it eventually decided on mass civil disobedience. At the Working Committee meeting in Wardha in July 1942, it was decided the time had come for the movement to move into an active phase.
• Gandhi made a call to Do or Die in his Quit India speech, followed by the launch of a mass protest demanding what Gandhi called “An Orderly British Withdrawal” from India.
• Almost the entire leadership of the Indian National Congress was imprisoned without trial within hours of Gandhi’s speech.

The slogan ‘Quit India’

• While Gandhi gave the clarion call of Quit India, the slogan was coined by Yusuf Meherally, a socialist and trade unionist who also served as Mayor of Bombay.
• A few years ago, in 1928, it was Meherally who had coined the slogan “Simon Go Back”.

Extent of Mass Participation

• The participation was on many levels.
• Youth, especially the students of schools and colleges, remained in the forefront.
• Women, especially school and college girls, actively participated, and included Aruna Asaf Ali, Sucheta Kripalani and Usha Mehta.
• Workers went on strikes and faced repression.
• Peasants of all strata were at the heart of the movement. Even some zamindars participated. These peasants concentrated their offensive on symbols of authority and there was complete absence of anti-zamindar violence.
• Government officials, especially those belonging to lower levels in police and administration, participated resulting in erosion of government loyalty.
• Muslims helped by giving shelter to underground activists. There were no communal clashes during the movement.
• The Communists did not join the movement; in the wake of Russia (where the communists were in power) being attacked by Nazi Germany, the communists began to support the British war against Germany and the ‘Imperialist War’ became the ‘People’s War’
• The Muslim League opposed the movement, fearing that if the British left India at that time, the minorities would be oppressed by the Hindus.
• The Hindu Mahasabha boycotted the movement.
• The Princely states showed a low-key response.

Lack of Unity

• The British had the support of the Viceroy’s Council (which had a majority of Indians), of the All India Muslim League, the princely states, the Indian Imperial Police, the British Indian Army, the Hindu Mahasabha and the Indian Civil Service.
• Many Indian businessmen profiting from heavy wartime spending did NOT support the Quit India Movement.

Brutal suppression of protests

• The Quit India movement was violently suppressed by the British — people were shot and lathicharged, villages were burnt, and backbreaking fines were imposed.
• In the five months up to December 1942, an estimated 60,000 people had been thrown into jail.
• However, though the movement was quelled, it changed the character of the Indian freedom struggle, with the masses rising up to demand with a passion and intensity like never before: that the British masters would have to Quit India.

-Source: Indian Express

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

Context:

The Indian government has introduced the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) awards for the year 2024, establishing a new precedent in acknowledging scientific contributions. This initiative marks a transformative step in the country’s strategy towards celebrating scientific achievements. The inaugural presentation of these awards is scheduled for August 23rd, coinciding with India’s first National Space Day, which commemorates the successful moon landing of Chandrayaan-3.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Overview of Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
2. Special Recognitions of 2024

Overview of Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

• The RVP was established in 2024, replacing the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, aiming to offer a more inclusive and contemporary acknowledgment of achievements in science and technology.
• Open to scientists, technologists, and innovators of Indian origin, including Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), regardless of their location.
• Awards are distributed across several fields including Physical, Chemical, Biological, Mathematical, Earth & Atmospheric, and Engineering Sciences.

Award Categories and Recognition

• Vigyan Ratna (VR): For lifetime achievements in science and technology, with up to 3 awardees each year.
• Vigyan Shri (VS): Recognizes significant contributions in any scientific or technological domain, with up to 25 awardees annually.
• Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB): Focuses on young scientists under 45 who have shown exceptional innovation or research.
• Vigyan Team (VT): Honors collaborative efforts in science and technology, with up to 3 team awards each year.

Special Recognitions of 2024

• Vigyan Ratna: Awarded to G. Padmanabhan for his research on malaria parasites.
• Vigyan Team: The Chandrayaan-3 Team for their historical moon landing in 2023.
• Vigyan Shri: Awarded to Annapurni Subramaniam, Jayant Bhalchandra Udgaonkar, and Naba Kumar Mondal for their contributions to astrophysics, biology, and particle physics, respectively.
• Vigyan Yuva: Recognizes Vivek Polshettiwar for carbon capture technologies, Urbasi Sinha for quantum research, and Roxy Mathew Koll for climate science.

Award Ceremony

• The awards are announced on May 11th, National Technology Day.
• Ceremony: Held on National Space Day, where each awardee receives a ‘Sanad’ (Certificate) from the President of India, and a brochure detailing their contributions is distributed.

-Source: Indian Express

Pyrocumulonimbus Clouds

Context:

The wildfires currently raging in the United States and Canada are so intense that they have created ‘pyrocumulonimbus’ clouds, which have the potential to spit out thunder and spark more fires.

Relevance:

GS I: Geography

Pyrocumulonimbus Clouds

Pyrocumulonimbus clouds, often formed during intense wildfires or volcanic eruptions, represent a dramatic and powerful natural phenomenon.

Formation

• Pyrocumulonimbus clouds develop exclusively during extreme heat conditions like wildfires or volcanic activities.
• Process:
  • The fire heats the surrounding air, causing it to rise rapidly.
  • This hot, buoyant air carries water vapor along with smoke and ash upwards.
  • As the air ascends and cools, the water vapor condenses on the particles of ash, forming a dense, grey or brown cloud initially known as a pyrocumulus or ‘fire cloud.’
  • With enough moisture and heat, these can develop into larger, more complex pyrocumulonimbus clouds.

Characteristics and Impact

• These clouds can soar up to 50,000 feet, creating their own weather systems, including thunderstorms.
• Despite producing lightning, these clouds seldom bring significant rainfall.
• Secondary Effects:
  • They can ignite new wildfires far from the original fire due to lightning strikes.
  • They may generate strong winds that exacerbate fire spread, making containment efforts challenging and unpredictable.

Environmental Concerns

• Climate Change Link: There is growing evidence that climate change, contributing to higher global temperatures, may be increasing the frequency and intensity of conditions favorable to the formation of pyrocumulonimbus clouds.
• Broader Implications: As global temperatures continue to rise, wildfires and consequently pyrocumulonimbus clouds are expected to become more frequent and intense, posing increased risks to ecosystems and human settlements.

-Source: Indian Express

Eta Carinae

Context:

Astronomers are closely monitoring Eta Carinae, as it may be on the verge of a spectacular explosion.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Eta Carinae:

• Eta Carinae is classified as a hypergiant star, with a mass around 100 times greater than that of the Sun.
• This star resides approximately 7,500 light-years away within the Carina Nebula, positioning it among the most massive and luminous stars known, making it a prime candidate for a future supernova event.
• About 170 years ago, Eta Carinae experienced a massive outburst known as the Great Eruption, which momentarily made it one of the brightest stars visible from the southern hemisphere.
• This event led to the formation of the Homunculus Nebula, an iconic hourglass-shaped cloud of gas and dust encircling the star.

Unique Characteristics:

• Uniquely, Eta Carinae is the only star known to emit natural laser light, enhancing its mysterious nature.
• The Hubble Space Telescope has captured detailed imagery of the nebula surrounding Eta Carinae, featuring intriguing phenomena like diffraction spikes and radial streaks that remain unexplained.
• The eventual supernova of Eta Carinae is anticipated to be a monumental astronomical event, possibly surpassing the brilliance of any other recorded supernova, including SN 2006gy.
• The supernova of Eta Carinae, when it occurs, is expected to be a spectacular visual event from Earth, providing critical data for understanding the life cycles of massive stars.

-Source: The Hindu