Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Discussions and protests arose regarding the protocol and rendition of 'Vande Mataram' and other national songs/invocations during Independence Day celebrations across various states and by different political groups.
Key points
- Disputes over the order of singing 'Vande Mataram', 'Jana Gana Mana', and state songs like 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' at official functions.
- Allegations by BJP against Congress leaders for 'objecting' to the full rendition of 'Vande Mataram'.
- Parallel Independence Day celebrations by groups like Rashtraksha Samithi protesting the exclusion of full 'Vande Mataram' rendition in official programmes.
- The significance of 'Vande Mataram' as a symbol of the freedom struggle and national consciousness.
Background & context
'Vande Mataram', written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. Its rendition and status have historically been subjects of debate and national discourse.
★ Prelims fact capsule
'Vande Mataram' was first sung at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Indian culture and heritage; Indian National Movement. GS Paper II: Constitution of India - Provisions relating to national symbols; Polity - Secularism.
Why in news?
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's Independence Day speech emphasized the need to restore federalism by empowering states and returning powers that were 'taken away', implicitly referring to the abrogation of Article 370.
Key points
- Call for genuine federalism through empowerment of states, not just granting statehood.
- Concerns about central agencies interfering in state domains and erosion of state powers.
- Debate over centralisation of national-level examinations like NEET, NET, JEE, suggesting states should conduct exams for state institutions.
- Implicit demand for the return of Jammu and Kashmir's pre-2019 special status.
Background & context
Federalism in India is a complex subject, balancing the powers of the Union and the States. Article 370 of the Constitution granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, which was abrogated in August 2019.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Article 370 was originally intended to be a temporary provision concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Federalism; Centre-State Relations; Governance; Polity.
Why in news?
The Rajya Sabha passed an amendment to the MMDR Act, which prohibits states from levying taxes or cesses on mineral rights and operations, leading to opposition from mineral-rich states.
Key points
- The amendment aims to provide stability and certainty to the fiscal regime in the mineral sector.
- It prevents states from imposing taxes, cesses, or similar levies on mineral rights and operations.
- Mineral-rich states like Odisha and Jharkhand accuse the Union Government of encroaching on their constitutional powers.
- The move seeks to avert price arbitrage and ensure an equitable price regime for minerals across states.
Background & context
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, is the principal legislation governing the mining sector in India. Amendments are periodically introduced to address evolving needs.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Mineral-rich states like Odisha and Jharkhand have historically levied taxes on mineral-bearing lands.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance; Centre-State Relations; Economy.