South China Sea dispute
In the middle of the global coronavirus pandemic, China has been busy increasing its presence in the South China Sea.
If the dispute were to aggravate, Asia-Pacific researchers believe it could have serious consequences for diplomatic relations and stability in the region.
What’s the issue now?
The focus this time is on two disputed archipelagos of the Spratly Islands and the Paracel Islands in the middle of the South China Sea waters, between the territory of Vietnam and the Philippines.
Beijing unilaterally renamed 80 islands and other geographical features in the area, drawing criticism from neighbouring countries who have also laid claim to the same territory.
What is the Spratly Islands dispute about?
The ongoing territorial dispute is between China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia concerning the ownership of the Spratly Islands archipelago and nearby geographical features like corals reefs, cays etc.
In the middle of the global coronavirus pandemic, China has been busy increasing its presence in the South China Sea.
If the dispute were to aggravate, Asia-Pacific researchers believe it could have serious consequences for diplomatic relations and stability in the region.
What’s the issue now?
The focus this time is on two disputed archipelagos of the Spratly Islands and the Paracel Islands in the middle of the South China Sea waters, between the territory of Vietnam and the Philippines.
Beijing unilaterally renamed 80 islands and other geographical features in the area, drawing criticism from neighbouring countries who have also laid claim to the same territory.
What is the Spratly Islands dispute about?
The ongoing territorial dispute is between China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia concerning the ownership of the Spratly Islands archipelago and nearby geographical features like corals reefs, cays etc.
Brunei has contained its objections to the use of its maritime waters for commercial fishing.
The islands may have large reserves of untapped natural resources including oil.
What is the Paracel Islands dispute about?
Located in the South China Sea, almost equidistant from China and Vietnam.
Beijing says that references to the Paracel Islands as a part of China sovereign territory can be found in 14th century writings from the Song Dynasty.
Vietnam on the other hand, says that historical texts from at least the 15th century show that the islands were a part of its territory.
With increased tensions accelerated by Colonial powers, China and Vietnam fought over their territorial disputes in January 1974 after which China took over control of the islands.
In retaliation, in 1982, Vietnam said it had extended its administrative powers over these islands.
In 1999, Taiwan jumped into the fray laying its claim over the entire archipelago.
Since 2012, China, Taiwan and Vietnam have attempted to reinforce their claims on the territory by engaging in construction of government administrative buildings, tourism, land reclamation initiatives and by establishing and expanding military presence on the archipelago.
Understanding UNCLOS:
United Nation Convention on the Laws of the Sea defines the rights, responsibilities of nations with respect to their use of world’s oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, environment, and the management of marine natural resources.
The islands may have large reserves of untapped natural resources including oil.
What is the Paracel Islands dispute about?
Located in the South China Sea, almost equidistant from China and Vietnam.
Beijing says that references to the Paracel Islands as a part of China sovereign territory can be found in 14th century writings from the Song Dynasty.
Vietnam on the other hand, says that historical texts from at least the 15th century show that the islands were a part of its territory.
With increased tensions accelerated by Colonial powers, China and Vietnam fought over their territorial disputes in January 1974 after which China took over control of the islands.
In retaliation, in 1982, Vietnam said it had extended its administrative powers over these islands.
In 1999, Taiwan jumped into the fray laying its claim over the entire archipelago.
Since 2012, China, Taiwan and Vietnam have attempted to reinforce their claims on the territory by engaging in construction of government administrative buildings, tourism, land reclamation initiatives and by establishing and expanding military presence on the archipelago.
Understanding UNCLOS:
United Nation Convention on the Laws of the Sea defines the rights, responsibilities of nations with respect to their use of world’s oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, environment, and the management of marine natural resources.
ADM Jabalpur vs. Shivkant Shukla (1976)
This case is commonly referred to as the Habeas Corpus Case. The case highlights a controversial ruling of the Supreme Court as it pertains to state emergencies and fundamental rights.
This case is an overflow of the Smt. Indira Gandhi case of which she was accused of electoral malpractices. The opposition declared a National Emergency by invoking Article 352 of the Constitution. Such invocation suppressed the Press and gave the government the right to abuse powers through arrest, detention, and propagation of reasonable apprehension.
Several citizens including the Appellant filed for fundament rights in the court. The court including the Supreme Court held that it cannot entertain a writ of habeas corpus if it is filed during a state of emergency or national emergency.
Thus, all fundamental rights cases under Article 14, 21 and 22 of the Constitution are suspended in emergency and the citizens cannot turn to the judiciary for solace or help.
This case is commonly referred to as the Habeas Corpus Case. The case highlights a controversial ruling of the Supreme Court as it pertains to state emergencies and fundamental rights.
This case is an overflow of the Smt. Indira Gandhi case of which she was accused of electoral malpractices. The opposition declared a National Emergency by invoking Article 352 of the Constitution. Such invocation suppressed the Press and gave the government the right to abuse powers through arrest, detention, and propagation of reasonable apprehension.
Several citizens including the Appellant filed for fundament rights in the court. The court including the Supreme Court held that it cannot entertain a writ of habeas corpus if it is filed during a state of emergency or national emergency.
Thus, all fundamental rights cases under Article 14, 21 and 22 of the Constitution are suspended in emergency and the citizens cannot turn to the judiciary for solace or help.
29-04-2020
1.Explain MHA order on full wages,SC tells govt.
2.US Dollar 1.5 bn ADB loan to fund Covid Response.
3.The outline of another Pandemic combat strategy.
4.Signalling Support
5.No end on sight.
6.Ministry dies U-Turn on plasma therapy.
7.Geared up
8.USCIRF downgrades India in 2020 list.
9.Govt starts planning for Haridwar Kumbh Mela.
1.Explain MHA order on full wages,SC tells govt.
2.US Dollar 1.5 bn ADB loan to fund Covid Response.
3.The outline of another Pandemic combat strategy.
4.Signalling Support
5.No end on sight.
6.Ministry dies U-Turn on plasma therapy.
7.Geared up
8.USCIRF downgrades India in 2020 list.
9.Govt starts planning for Haridwar Kumbh Mela.
Autonomous District Councils
The COVID-19 pandemic may earn Governor’s rule for the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) in Assam.
The State’s Governor is the constitutional head of the BTAD that falls under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and is administered by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).
Background:
Elections were scheduled to be held for the BTC on April 4 but was deferred indefinitely in view of the pandemic. The council’s current term expires on April 27.
What are Autonomous District Council?
As per the Sixth Schedule, the four states viz. Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram contain the Tribal Areas which are technically different from the Scheduled Areas.
Though these areas fall within the executive authority of the state, provision has been made for the creation of the District Councils and regional councils for the exercise of the certain legislative and judicial powers.
Each district is an autonomous district and Governor can modify / divide the boundaries of the
The COVID-19 pandemic may earn Governor’s rule for the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) in Assam.
The State’s Governor is the constitutional head of the BTAD that falls under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and is administered by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).
Background:
Elections were scheduled to be held for the BTC on April 4 but was deferred indefinitely in view of the pandemic. The council’s current term expires on April 27.
What are Autonomous District Council?
As per the Sixth Schedule, the four states viz. Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram contain the Tribal Areas which are technically different from the Scheduled Areas.
Though these areas fall within the executive authority of the state, provision has been made for the creation of the District Councils and regional councils for the exercise of the certain legislative and judicial powers.
Each district is an autonomous district and Governor can modify / divide the boundaries of the
said Tribal areas by notification.
The Governor may, by public notification:
(a) Include any area.
(b) exclude any area.
(c) create a new autonomous district.
(d) increase the area of any autonomous district.
(e) diminish the area of any autonomous district.
(f) alter the name of any autonomous district.
(g) define the boundaries of any autonomous district.
Constitution of District Councils and Regional Councils:
(1) There shall be a District Council for each autonomous district consisting of not more than thirty members, of whom not more than four persons shall be nominated by the Governor and the rest shall be elected on the basis of adult suffrage.
(2) There shall be a separate Regional Council for each area constituted an autonomous region.
(3) Each District Council and each Regional Council shall be a body corporate by the name respectively of the District Council of (name of district) and the Regional Council of (name of region), shall have perpetual succession and a common seal and shall by the said name sue and be sued.
- 125th amendment bill:
It seeks to increase the financial and executive powers of the 10 Autonomous Councils in the Sixth Schedule areas of the northeastern region.
The amendments provide for elected village municipal councils,ensuring democracy at the grassroot level.
Powers: The village councils will be empowered to prepare plans for economic development and social justice including those related to agriculture, land improvement, implementation of land reforms, minor irrigation, water management, animal husbandry, rural electrification, small scale industries and social forestry.
The Finance Commissionwill be mandated to recommend devolution of financial resources to them.
Finance: The Autonomous Councils now depend on grants from Central ministries and the State government for specific projects.
Reservations: At least one-third of the seats will be reserved for women in the village and municipal councils in the Sixth Schedule areas of Assam, Mizoram and Tripura after the amendment is approved.
The Governor may, by public notification:
(a) Include any area.
(b) exclude any area.
(c) create a new autonomous district.
(d) increase the area of any autonomous district.
(e) diminish the area of any autonomous district.
(f) alter the name of any autonomous district.
(g) define the boundaries of any autonomous district.
Constitution of District Councils and Regional Councils:
(1) There shall be a District Council for each autonomous district consisting of not more than thirty members, of whom not more than four persons shall be nominated by the Governor and the rest shall be elected on the basis of adult suffrage.
(2) There shall be a separate Regional Council for each area constituted an autonomous region.
(3) Each District Council and each Regional Council shall be a body corporate by the name respectively of the District Council of (name of district) and the Regional Council of (name of region), shall have perpetual succession and a common seal and shall by the said name sue and be sued.
- 125th amendment bill:
It seeks to increase the financial and executive powers of the 10 Autonomous Councils in the Sixth Schedule areas of the northeastern region.
The amendments provide for elected village municipal councils,ensuring democracy at the grassroot level.
Powers: The village councils will be empowered to prepare plans for economic development and social justice including those related to agriculture, land improvement, implementation of land reforms, minor irrigation, water management, animal husbandry, rural electrification, small scale industries and social forestry.
The Finance Commissionwill be mandated to recommend devolution of financial resources to them.
Finance: The Autonomous Councils now depend on grants from Central ministries and the State government for specific projects.
Reservations: At least one-third of the seats will be reserved for women in the village and municipal councils in the Sixth Schedule areas of Assam, Mizoram and Tripura after the amendment is approved.
Sarla Mudgal v. Union Of India 1995
Facts
This is a landmark case that made emphasis on section 494 of the Indian Penal Code. The Petitioners filed a writ petition in court alleging that their husbands, converted to Islam for the sole purpose of marrying another wife. They contended that such marriage was illegal and the husband was punishable under section 494 of the IPC.
Issues
The issues addressed by the court were:
Whether a Hindu husband who is married under the Hindu law can convert to Islam and marry a second wife?
Whether the Hindu husband after such act can be charged under section 494 of the IPC?
Judgment
The court held that the first marriage stands valid and that the conversion to Islam is not an opportunity to pick another wife. Therefore, the husband is punishable under section 494 of the IPC.
Facts
This is a landmark case that made emphasis on section 494 of the Indian Penal Code. The Petitioners filed a writ petition in court alleging that their husbands, converted to Islam for the sole purpose of marrying another wife. They contended that such marriage was illegal and the husband was punishable under section 494 of the IPC.
Issues
The issues addressed by the court were:
Whether a Hindu husband who is married under the Hindu law can convert to Islam and marry a second wife?
Whether the Hindu husband after such act can be charged under section 494 of the IPC?
Judgment
The court held that the first marriage stands valid and that the conversion to Islam is not an opportunity to pick another wife. Therefore, the husband is punishable under section 494 of the IPC.
Passage
Chief Minister (1) announced that the Cauvery delta region would be declared a Protected Special Agriculture Zone as a step towards ensuring food security of the State.The announcement was widely hailed by political parties and farmers’ organisations, while the others termed it a “diversionary tactic”.At an official function at Thalaivasal in his native Salem district said the State government would never give its approval for projects such as hydrocarbon exploration in the delta region.“I am a farmer and the State government would never give permission for any project that would affect the livelihood of farmers... At Neduvasal, whatever project the Centre may introduce, it cannot be implemented without NOC from the State government,” he said.“The Cauvery delta region is an important agriculture region in (2) and farmers continue to do agriculture, despite climate challenges. It is just and reasonable that projects like hydrocarbon exploration have raised concerns among farmers and other agriculture-based labourers. Since the delta region is close to the sea, there is a need to safeguard the region. To ensure that agriculture is not affected, the Cauvery delta regions will be converted into a Protected Special Agriculture Zone,” he announced.(1)said the State government would hold consultations with legal experts, and steps would be taken to enact special legislation.Spreading lies’He alleged that other leaders who had served as the Union Minister of State for Petroleum in 1996, when methane gas was found in the Rajasthan desert, chose to get the project implemented in (2)in 2010.The other government in January 2011 signed a memorandum of understanding with the Great Eastern Energy Corporation to dig borewells and conduct explorations for four years in the region, he charged.
1.which of the following will replace (1) in the passage?
A) Edappadi K. Palaniswami B)K.Vijayan c)Jaganmohan Reddy d)K.Chandrasekhar Rao
2.which of the following will replace (2) in the passage?
A)Tamil Nadu B)Kerala C)Andhra Pradesh D)Telangana
3.which state has maximum number of agriculture protected Zones?
A)Gujarat B)Uttar Pradesh C)Andhra Pradesh D) Punjab
4.which of the following is also referred as Marsh Gas?
A)Hydrogen B)Butane C)Methane D) Nitrogen
5.which of the following river is one of the tributaries of Cauvery river?
A)Pennant B)Musi C)Tungabhadra d) Hemavati
Chief Minister (1) announced that the Cauvery delta region would be declared a Protected Special Agriculture Zone as a step towards ensuring food security of the State.The announcement was widely hailed by political parties and farmers’ organisations, while the others termed it a “diversionary tactic”.At an official function at Thalaivasal in his native Salem district said the State government would never give its approval for projects such as hydrocarbon exploration in the delta region.“I am a farmer and the State government would never give permission for any project that would affect the livelihood of farmers... At Neduvasal, whatever project the Centre may introduce, it cannot be implemented without NOC from the State government,” he said.“The Cauvery delta region is an important agriculture region in (2) and farmers continue to do agriculture, despite climate challenges. It is just and reasonable that projects like hydrocarbon exploration have raised concerns among farmers and other agriculture-based labourers. Since the delta region is close to the sea, there is a need to safeguard the region. To ensure that agriculture is not affected, the Cauvery delta regions will be converted into a Protected Special Agriculture Zone,” he announced.(1)said the State government would hold consultations with legal experts, and steps would be taken to enact special legislation.Spreading lies’He alleged that other leaders who had served as the Union Minister of State for Petroleum in 1996, when methane gas was found in the Rajasthan desert, chose to get the project implemented in (2)in 2010.The other government in January 2011 signed a memorandum of understanding with the Great Eastern Energy Corporation to dig borewells and conduct explorations for four years in the region, he charged.
1.which of the following will replace (1) in the passage?
A) Edappadi K. Palaniswami B)K.Vijayan c)Jaganmohan Reddy d)K.Chandrasekhar Rao
2.which of the following will replace (2) in the passage?
A)Tamil Nadu B)Kerala C)Andhra Pradesh D)Telangana
3.which state has maximum number of agriculture protected Zones?
A)Gujarat B)Uttar Pradesh C)Andhra Pradesh D) Punjab
4.which of the following is also referred as Marsh Gas?
A)Hydrogen B)Butane C)Methane D) Nitrogen
5.which of the following river is one of the tributaries of Cauvery river?
A)Pennant B)Musi C)Tungabhadra d) Hemavati
Question of the Day (Current Affairs)
Which country abolishes flogging as a punishment?
Which country abolishes flogging as a punishment?
Anonymous Poll
20%
UAE
71%
Saudi Arabia
7%
Yemen
3%
Oman
Question of the Day (static GK)
UN General Assembly elects a President and how many Vice Presidents at the start of its each regular session?
UN General Assembly elects a President and how many Vice Presidents at the start of its each regular session?
Anonymous Poll
36%
Seven
25%
Fifteen
21%
Twenty one
18%
Two
Question of the Day (Current Legal GK)
Who is the Head of constitutional Bench which Reiterated about Upholding NEET for Admission in Medical courses as it doesn't violates Minority Rights.?
Who is the Head of constitutional Bench which Reiterated about Upholding NEET for Admission in Medical courses as it doesn't violates Minority Rights.?
Anonymous Poll
12%
Justice MR Shsh
22%
Justice Vineet Saran
51%
Justice Arun Mishra
15%
Chief Justice SA Bobde
Law Prep Tutorial - CLAT Coaching
Question of the Day (Current Legal GK)
Who is the Head of constitutional Bench which Reiterated about Upholding NEET for Admission in Medical courses as it doesn't violates Minority Rights.?
Who is the Head of constitutional Bench which Reiterated about Upholding NEET for Admission in Medical courses as it doesn't violates Minority Rights.?
Answer Justice Arun Mishra
Explanation
Supreme Court in its judgement held that the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), examination (medical and dental courses) does not violate the right of minorities to run their own institutions and impart education.
The apex court's three-judge bench, headed by Justice Arun Mishra, passed the verdict after hearing a clutch of petitions including that of Vellore's Christian Medical College (CMC) and several others against the Union of India.
Explanation
Supreme Court in its judgement held that the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), examination (medical and dental courses) does not violate the right of minorities to run their own institutions and impart education.
The apex court's three-judge bench, headed by Justice Arun Mishra, passed the verdict after hearing a clutch of petitions including that of Vellore's Christian Medical College (CMC) and several others against the Union of India.
Answer Twenty one
Explanation
Unless the General Assembly decides otherwise, the General Assembly shall elect a President and twenty-one Vice-Presidents at 9 least three months before the opening of the session over which they are to preside. The President and the Vi ce-Presidents so elected will assume their functions only at the beginning of the session for which they are elected and shall hold office until the close of that session.
Explanation
Unless the General Assembly decides otherwise, the General Assembly shall elect a President and twenty-one Vice-Presidents at 9 least three months before the opening of the session over which they are to preside. The President and the Vi ce-Presidents so elected will assume their functions only at the beginning of the session for which they are elected and shall hold office until the close of that session.
Strategic Petroleum Reserves(SPR)
The oil price meltdown provides an opportunity for oil importing country like India to tweak its energy policies to take advantage of the situation
Brent Crude Oil is trading around $25 a barrel (April 2020), the lowest in 18 years.
In 2019, the average closing price of a barrel of crude was $57.05. In 2018, it was $64.90, and in 2017, U$50.84.
Reduced oil price and India
Normally, reduced oil prices would translate into surplus oil for the consumers
It also means a fiscal bonus for the government through increased tax collections (when the reduced price is not fully transferred to consumers)
However, these gains will not be easy to come by given that the demand for petrol has drastically reduced.
Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) programme
Objective is to maintain emergency stockpile of oil reserves
India claims to have 87 days of reserves.
Out of this, Oil refiners maintain 65 days of oil storage
The rest of the reserves are held in
The oil price meltdown provides an opportunity for oil importing country like India to tweak its energy policies to take advantage of the situation
Brent Crude Oil is trading around $25 a barrel (April 2020), the lowest in 18 years.
In 2019, the average closing price of a barrel of crude was $57.05. In 2018, it was $64.90, and in 2017, U$50.84.
Reduced oil price and India
Normally, reduced oil prices would translate into surplus oil for the consumers
It also means a fiscal bonus for the government through increased tax collections (when the reduced price is not fully transferred to consumers)
However, these gains will not be easy to come by given that the demand for petrol has drastically reduced.
Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) programme
Objective is to maintain emergency stockpile of oil reserves
India claims to have 87 days of reserves.
Out of this, Oil refiners maintain 65 days of oil storage
The rest of the reserves are held in
underground salt caverns maintained by Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL).
The existing and planned capacity for the underground reserves is 10 and 12 days of import cover for crude oil respectively.
The existing and planned capacity for the underground reserves is 10 and 12 days of import cover for crude oil respectively.