Disqualification of MPs/MLAs
Why in News?
In a political crisis in Himachal Pradesh, six Congress legislators were disqualified for cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections. Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania took this action after they defied a party whip to support the government during the State Budget and Finance Bill voting.
Disqualification of MPs/MLAs
About the Grounds
- Provisions of the Constitution:
- Holds any office of profit under the Union or state government.
- Unsound mind, as declared by the court.
- Undischarged insolvent.
- Not a citizen of India or has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a foreign state.
- Disqualified under any law made by Parliament.
- Representation of People Act (1951):
- Must not have been found guilty of certain election offences or corrupt practices in the elections.
- Must not have been convicted for any offence resulting in imprisonment for two or more years.
- Must not have failed to lodge an account of his election expenses within the time.
- Neither have any interest in government contracts, works or services nor a director in a corporation - government has at least 25 per cent share.
- Must not have been dismissed from government service for corruption or disloyalty to the State.
- Should not be convicted for promoting enmity between different groups or for the offence of bribery.
- Must not have been punished for preaching & practising social Crimes - Untouchability, Dowry & Sati.
Practice Question – Prelims
Consider the following statements:
1. The Constitution of India provides for disqualification of an MP if convicted in the criminal case.
2. The decision of the Speaker in cases related to the tenth schedule is final and cannot be challenged.
Select the correct statements using the codes given below:
[A] 1 only
[B] 2 only
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
India's Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet approved ₹1.25 lakh crore for semiconductor facilities, with Tata to build India’s first fab in Gujarat and Assam. The fab in Dholera by Tata Electronics Pvt. Ltd. will produce 50,000 ‘wafer starts’ per month. Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation will be the technology partner. The move aims to boost India's semiconductor ecosystem and diversify global electronics supply chains away from China. The facilities are expected to create 20,000 direct and 60,000 indirect jobs.
Practice Question – Mains GS – III
Discuss the significance and opportunities of India's Semiconductor Mission in the context of the country's technological advancement and self-reliance in the semiconductor industry. Assess the potential challenges associated with the mission and suggest measures to ensure its successful implementation. (250 words, 15 marks)
India's Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
Introduction
Fundamental components of all modern electronics, from smartphones and computers to electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced medical devices.
India's Semiconductor Mission (ISM) aims to:
- Establish India as a global hub for semiconductor and display manufacturing.
- Integrate into the global electronics supply chain.
Significance
- Reduction of dependence on foreign suppliers for national security and technological independence.
- Enhancement of domestic electronics manufacturing and export capabilities.
- Promotion of innovation and indigenous IP in the semiconductor domain.
- Attraction of domestic and international investments, creating job opportunities.
- Strengthening defense and strategic sectors through reliable technology access.
Challenges
- High capital requirement for semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure.
- Need for a skilled workforce in semiconductor manufacturing and design.
- Development of a robust supply chain for raw materials and equipment.
- Competition with established global players in the semiconductor industry.
- Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements in semiconductor technology.
Measures for Successful Implementation
- Building alliances with global semiconductor leaders for technology transfer.
- Offering financial incentives to attract investments in the semiconductor sector.
- Enhancing STEM education and training for skill development.
- Establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for semiconductor manufacturing.
- Boosting R&D funding and public-private partnerships in semiconductor innovation.
Conclusion
India's Semiconductor Mission as a strategic step towards Atma-nirbhar Bharat and enhancing global supply chain resilience
Theyyam Dance
Why in News?
Rhythmic Ritual
Artists performing Theyyam, a traditional ritual form of dance, at the Chala Kadankottu Makkam Bhagavathi temple in Kannur district. The vibrant performance combines intricate steps and rhythmic beats, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
About the Dance
- Theyyam is one of the folk arts in North Kerala.
- It is a famous ritual art consisting of thousand-year-old traditions, rituals, and customs.
- People consider Theyyam as a channel to a god and seek blessings from them.
- Each Theyyam represents a man or a woman who attained divine status by performing heroic deeds or leading a virtuous life.
- Theyyam is believed to be incarnations of Shiva or Shakti (the consort of Shiva).
- It is performed in sacred groves and other places once a year, known as Kaliyattam.
Characteristics of Theyyam
- It consists of dance, mime, and music.
- The dance is accompanied by the chorus of various musical instruments like Chenda, Elathalam, Kurumkuzal, and Veekkuchenda.
- A key feature in this dance is the Mudi, a sacred crown made of coconut and arecanut splices dyed in different colors.
- Each artist represents a hero with great power.
- Performers wear heavy makeup and flamboyant costumes called theyyeyakolam, and the performer is called Kolakaran.
- The deities portrayed in Theyyam are mainly Mother Gods, for example, Muchchil Bhagavathi.
- Heroes are also worshiped as Thayyas, for example, Kathivanoor Veeran.
- There are around 400 separate Theyyams, each with its own music, style, and choreography, such as Raktha Chamundi, Kari Chamundi, Muchilottu Bhagavathi, Wayanadu Kulaven, Gulikan, and Pottan.
Practice Question – Prelims
Consider the following pairs: (2014)
1. Garba : Gujarat
2. Mohiniattam : Odisha
3. Yakshagana : Karnataka
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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