Current Affairs 17-JAN-2024 (The Hindu)

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

D => Pg-11)

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Overview:

• Semiconductor devices - emit light when an electric current is applied.
• Working principle - electroluminescence.

Difference:

• Fluorescent Bulbs:
  • Produce light by exciting mercury vapor.
  • Mercury vapor emits ultraviolet light.
  • Stimulates phosphor coating on the inside of the bulb.

Advantages of LED:

• Energy Efficiency.
• Longevity.
• Instantaneous Illumination.
• Durability.
• Color Range.
• Lower environmental impact.

Practice Question – Prelims

Which of the following semiconductor materials is commonly utilized in the fabrication of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)?

(a) Silicon

(b) Germanium

(c) Gallium arsenide

(d) Zinc oxide

Anti-Defection Law

D => Pg-10)

Anti-Defection Law

Overview:

• Defector - person who deserts one political party & moves on to another political party.
• Aims of Anti-Defection Law (ADL):
  • Bring down defection.
  • Ensure stability of government.
• 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1985 – added 10th schedule.
• 10th schedule disqualifies legislators who get involved in party hopping.

Provisions for Disqualification:

• When a legislator voluntarily gives up membership after getting elected from a political party.
• When a legislator does not obey the decision of party whip.
• Independent legislator joins a political party after getting elected.
• Nominated member joins a political party after 6 months.

Exceptions from Disqualification:

• Member voluntarily gives up the membership of the party - as the original party being merged with another party then he will not be disqualified.
• Presiding officer of the house gives up his party membership.
• Nominated member joins a political party before 6 months.

Other Provisions:

• Decision regarding anti-defection taken by the Presiding officer.
  • Kihoto Hollohan case 1993:
    • Decision of the presiding officer regarding defection is subjected to judicial review.
• Sadiq Ali vs Election Commission of India (1971):
  • Three-test formula given by the Supreme court:
    • Aims & objective of the party.
    • Act as per the party’s constitution & reflecting the inner party democracy.
    • Majority in the legislative and organization wings of the party.

UPSC 2022 Prelims Question

With reference to anti-defection law in India, consider the following statements:

1. The law specifies that a nominated legislator cannot join any political party within six months of being appointed to the House.

2. The law does not provide any time-frame within which the presiding officer has to decide a defection case.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2