Current Affairs 14-MAR-2024 (The Hindu)

Protected Areas

D => (Pg-16)

Why in News?

The Supreme Court intervened to stop the Assam government's attempt to revoke the Pobitora wildlife sanctuary notification, citing concerns over rhino habitat protection and the rights of forest dwellers.

Protected Areas

• Defined in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA) Section 2(24A).
• Include National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation/Community Reserves (excluding Reserved Forests).
• Union government formulates policies and plans for wildlife conservation.
• National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) chaired by the Prime Minister provides a policy framework for wildlife conservation.

National Board of Wildlife

• Makes recommendations on the establishment of protected areas and restrictions on activities within those areas.
• No alteration of boundaries in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries without NBWL approval.

Protected Areas in Assam

1. Kaziranga National Park:

   • Famous for Indian one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, and elephants.
   • UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Manas National Park:

   • UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   • Renowned for tigers, elephants, and rare species like the roofed turtle and pygmy hog.

3. Nameri National Park:

   • Located along the eastern Himalayan foothills.
   • Home to the critically endangered white-winged wood duck.

National board of wildlife:

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park:

• Features swamp and grassland ecosystems.
• Habitat for feral horses, migratory birds, and the rare Gangetic dolphin.

Orang National Park:

• Also known as Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park.
• Home to the endangered Bengal florican and great Indian one-horned rhinoceros.

Practice Question

Which of the following statements regarding Manas National Park and other protected areas in Assam is/are correct?

1. Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Himalayan foothills, known for its population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
2. Kaziranga National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam, is famous for its population of Bengal tigers and wild elephants.
3. Orang National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, is recognized for its population of the critically endangered Bengal florican.
4. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is celebrated for its unique blend of swamp and grassland ecosystems, providing habitat for feral horses and the rare Gangetic dolphin.

Choose the correct option:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) All of the above

Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA)

D => (Pg-10)

Why in News?

The sudden implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) amid electoral controversy raises concerns about its timing and necessity after five years of dormancy. While its essence may not directly harm minority citizens, its discriminatory nature and political rhetoric fuel apprehensions and emphasize a religious underpinning in policy.

Practice Question

Mains GS - II

How justified it is to view the issue of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) from the communal prism? Substantiate your views. (150 words, 10 marks)

Introduction

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, enables illegal migrants from three countries to obtain Indian citizenship after fulfilling minimum legal requirements. They are eligible for citizenship if they entered India before December 31, 2014.

CAA Through Communal Prism

• Exclusion of Muslims from CAA benefits is seen as discriminatory.
• Fears of a nationwide National Register of Citizens (NRC) have arisen.
• Leads to political rhetoric and polarization, sectarian violence, and social cohesion breakdown.

CAA Cannot Be Viewed Under Communal Prism

• Framed as a humanitarian measure, not communal.
• No changes to current legal citizenship acquisition processes.
• No automatic Indian citizenship for migrants from specified communities.
• Opts for positive discrimination, possibly not violating Article 14 of the constitution.

Conclusion

• Justified to some extent to view from a communal prism.
• No violation of constitutional principles in deciding citizenship fate.
• Need for a balance between national security and a humanitarian approach in India's complex society.

One Nation, One Poll

D => (Pg-15)

Why in News?

The committee, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, is set to submit its report on the concept of "one nation, one election." The report is anticipated to propose constitutional amendments or new sections to facilitate simultaneous elections across various levels of governance, including the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats. Established in September 2023, the committee comprises key figures such as Home Minister Amit Shah, former Finance Commission Chairman N.K. Singh, former Lok Sabha Secretary-General Subhash Kashyap, and senior advocate Harish Salve.

Pros of Simultaneous Elections

• Lead to a lot of money, time, energy savings.
• Reduce burden on administrative setup and security forces.
• Necessary to solve the problem of governance on the part of the politicians who are ruling.
• Higher voter turnout than usual.

Cons of Simultaneous Elections

• Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 – enable illegal migrants from 3 countries to get Indian citizenship after fulfilling the minimum legal requirements.
• Eligible for citizenship from the date of their entry into India any time before December 31, 2014.

Practice Question

Which of the following countries typically conduct simultaneous elections for both national and regional levels of government?

1. South Africa
2. Sweden
3. United Kingdom
4. India

Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:

a) One only

b) Two only

c) Three only

d) All four