2 April 2024, The Hindu
New rule to save fliers from tiring wait aboard aircraft stuck by delays
(Page No-1)
(GS Paper 3, Science & Tech)
- Long delays due to reasons such as poor weather have on occasion forced airlines to confine passengers for up to 12 hours within an aircraft waiting on the ground for its turn for a take-off.
- But this is set to change soon. In an important security reform for air travellers that seeks to ensure their convenience, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued new standard operating protocols (SOPs) for airports and airlines.
- In a first, these allow passengers who have deplaned and are escorted back to the terminal building to undergo a security check at the boarding gate itself if a flight is delayed due to either weather or technical issues or the death of a passenger onboard.
The PMLA — a law that has lost its way
(Page No-6)
(GS Paper 3, Indian Economy)
- The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 was enacted with a distinct objective.
- The humongous volume of black money generated through international drug trafficking posed a grave threat to the economy of many countries.
- There was widespread realisation that the black money generated through the flourishing drug trade and integrated into the legitimate economy was likely to destabilise the world economy and endanger the integrity and sovereignty of nations
Solar surge
(Page No-6)
(GS Paper 3, Indian Economy)
- The new financial year has begun with the government finally bringing into effect a policy that will discourage solar power project developers from relying on imported panels.
- The Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2019, requires module makers to submit to an inspection of their manufacturing facilities by the National Institute of Solar Energy.
- Being on the list as an ‘approved’ manufacturing facility certifies a company as legitimately manufacturing solar panels within its premises and not importing modules.
- The major advantage is eligibility to compete for the government’s tenders for its flagship solar energy programmes. This includes the recently announced PM solar rooftop scheme.
A speech that put India on the global stage
(Page No-6)
(GS Paper 3, Indian Economy)
- On April 2, 1954, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru made a speech in the Lok Sabha that would put India on the global stage of nuclear disarmament. Prompted by the U.S.’s ‘Castle Bravo’ thermonuclear test of the previous month, which was reportedly so powerful that it overwhelmed all measuring instruments, Nehru called for “a standstill agreement” on nuclear testing.
- This speech was marked by pragmatism, vision, and self-assurance. Newly decolonised India, with all the problems of nation-building and none of the traditional markers of international power such as military and economic might or even nuclear weapons to disarm was an unlikely candidate for this leadership role; yet such was Nehru’s belief in India’s global standing that he not only called for this moratorium but also pushed for it at every opportunity and forum.
- With this speech, he cemented India’s claim to leadership, gave impetus to calls that eventually yielded the Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT), and arguably limited horizontal nuclear proliferation by insisting on treating nuclear weapons as beyond the pale.
Two States: a comparison on access to life-saving C-sections
(Page No-7)
(GS Paper 2, Issue related Human Resources)
- A study published by IIT Madras shows that in Tamil Nadu, access to cesarean section (C-section), an essential medical intervention that can save lives when vaginal deliveries are risky, is more equitable compared to India’s average.
- However, C-section rates among the women of Tamil Nadu are also alarmingly high, especially in private hospitals, pointing to the need for corrective action, the study points out.
- The report also compares Tamil Nadu’s figures with those of Chhattisgarh to show how in certain States, C sections are more prevalent among richer sections of society, while the poor lack access to it.
Ladakh’s protest; a hunger for justice
(Page No-8)
(Prelims)
- On March 6, in Leh, a town situated at about 3,500 metres in the cold, arid Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh, Sonam Wangchuk, Ladakh’s famous educationist and environmentalist, began a 21-day hunger strike that he called a “climate fast”.
- The strike was in support of thousands of Ladakh residents who have been demanding Statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, so they can make decisions regarding the use and management of resources such as land and water, which they currently can’t.
- Mr. Wangchuk discontinued his hunger strike on March 26, as he urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to “prove that they are statesmen”. The strike is currently being continued by women in Leh.
- If their demands stay unmet, the youth, monks, and the elderly have said they will join the hunger strike as well, in phases.
Arunachal Pradesh will always be a part of India: Jaishankar
(Page No-8)
(GS Paper 2, IR)
- Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be a part of India, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Monday in response to China renaming yet another 30 places in the State, which it claims as ‘south Tibet’.
- The development follows closely after the recent visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the State for the inauguration of the Sela tunnel, built at an altitude of 13,000 ft.
Heatwave conditions likely during election season, warns IMD
(Page No-12)
(GS Paper 2, Issue related Human Resources)
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday warned of “above-normal” heatwave conditions in most parts of the country in April and May.
- These are the months when polling will be held across the country. Advisories have been issued to the Election Commission (EC) and the States to take adequate precautions.
Agencies must focus on crimes that truly threaten nation: CJI
(Page No-12)
(GS Paper 2, Judiciary)
- Underlining that investigative agencies such as the Central Bureau of India (CBI) have been spread “too thin” over the years, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on Monday said they must pick their battles to promote effociency and concentrate attention on crimes that truly threaten the nation’s security, economic health, and public order.
- Justice Chandrachud made the remarks while delivering the 20th D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture on “Adopting Technology to Advance Criminal Justice”, on the Central Bureau of Investigation Raising Day.
