Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
An MLA from North Kashmir boycotted the Lieutenant Governor's anti-drug campaign, alleging that a house was demolished in his constituency based on an eight-year-old case where the accused was acquitted. He accused the demolition drive of being a pretext for an anti-drug campaign and violating Supreme Court directions.
Key points
- MLA Sheikh Khursheed boycotted L-G's anti-drug campaign.
- Protest against the demolition of a house in his constituency.
- Allegations of violating Supreme Court directions on property demolition.
- Accusation that the anti-drug drive is a cover for broader actions against locals.
Background & context
Demolition of properties in Jammu and Kashmir has been a sensitive issue. The Supreme Court has laid down guidelines regarding property demolitions to prevent arbitrary actions by authorities. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act deals with drug-related offenses.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Supreme Court guidelines on property demolition aim to prevent arbitrary actions.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Polity. GS Paper III: Internal Security. Issues related to land rights, rule of law, and administration in J&K.
Why in news?
Assam has achieved a significant milestone by exporting agarwood chips legally to Saudi Arabia and the UAE for the first time. This opens up new revenue streams for the state's agro-forest economy.
Key points
- First legal export of agarwood chips from Assam to Saudi Arabia and UAE.
- Shipment valued at ₹2.35 crore for 112 kg of agarwood.
- Secured CITES permit and restricted export license from DGFT.
- Agarwood ('oud') is a highly valuable aromatic raw material used in luxury products.
- Assam's agarwood is prized for its superior quality and rich aroma.
Background & context
Agarwood, also known as oud, is a dark resinous heartwood that forms in certain species of trees, particularly Aquilaria, when they become infected with a type of mold. It is highly sought after for its distinct fragrance. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Agarwood is derived from infected trees, primarily of the Aquilaria genus.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Economy, Environment. Agribusiness, export potential, conservation of endangered species, trade regulations.
Why in news?
A significant rift within the AIADMK party has led to the removal of district secretaries and legislators, highlighting potential implications under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, commonly known as the anti-defection law.
Key points
- AIADMK leadership removed 26 district secretaries, including 12 legislators.
- Division evident in Assembly during a trust motion vote.
- Implications arise under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law).
- Two grounds for disqualification: voluntary giving up party membership and voting against party direction.
Background & context
The Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, added by the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985, provides for the disqualification of members of Parliament and State Legislatures on the ground of defection. This law aims to ensure party loyalty and prevent 'horse-trading' of legislators.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The anti-defection law is enshrined in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity. Constitution, anti-defection law, political party dynamics, legislative procedures.