Prelim Bits 27-01-2024 | UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Padma Awards

For the year 2024, the President has approved conferment of 132 Padma Awards including 2 duo cases (counted as one).

• Instituted in – 1954, announced every year on the occasion of Republic Day except during 1978 and 1979 and 1993 to 1997.

• Presented by – President of India, usually in March/April every year.
• Eligibility – All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex but government servants including PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for these Awards.
• Awards – A Sanad (certificate) signed by the President, medallion and a small replica of the medallion, awardee names are also published in the Gazette of India on the ceremonial day.
• Title – It does not amount to a title and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix to the awardees’ name
• Number of awards – In a given year (excluding posthumous and to NRI/foreigners/OCIs), it should not be more than 120.
• Fields covered – Art, social work, social service, Public Affairs, science & engineering, trade & industry, medicine, literature & education, civil service, sports and others fields that not covered.

It is normally not conferred posthumously but in highly deserving cases, the Government could consider giving an award posthumously.

• A higher category of Padma award – Only where a period of at least 5 years has elapsed since the earlier Padma award but in highly deserving cases, a relaxation can be made by the Awards Committee.

Padma Awards Committee

• Constituted by – Prime Minister of India every year
• Headed by – Cabinet Secretary,
• Members – It includes Home Secretary, Secretary to the President and 4 to 6 eminent persons.
• Role – It considers the nominations and submits its recommendations to the Prime Minister and the President of India for approval.

2024 list comprises 5 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 110 Padma Shri Awards. It includes 30 women, 8 persons from the category of Foreigners / NRI / PIO / OCI and 9 posthumous awardees.

References

1. PIB| 2024 Padma Awards
2. Padma Awards| History and Relevance of Padma Awards

GI for Arunachal Products

12 distinctive products of Arunachal have obtained the Geographical Indication (GI) tags.

• 12 GI products – Apatani, Monpa, Adi, Galo, Tai Khamti and Nyishi textiles, Monpa handmade paper, Singpho Phalap (Singpho tea), Adi Apong, Dao (machete), Angnyat millet and Marua Apo (Marua millet beverage).

The total number of indigenous products to have obtained the GI tag from Arunachal rises to 20, the highest among North Eastern states. Adis, Apatanis, Singphos, Monpas, Nyishis, Khamtis are some of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.

• Role of NABARD – National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development has actively supported the GI registration process and have endorsed all 12 products.
• Significance – A testament to the dedication of the local communities in preserving traditional and unique products, reflecting the rich social and cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh.

Geographical Indication Tag

• GI tag – A sign for products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• Regulated by – Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999.
• It is covered under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property and under the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
• 34 classes of products – It ranges from chemicals and paint to foodstuffs, handicrafts, musical instruments, and even firearms and locomotives.

Handicrafts has the highest number of GI tags followed by agricultural products.

• Status – Every State in India has at least one GI tag.

Tamil Nadu, with 61 GI-tagged products, has the highest number of GI-tags compared to other States.

References

1. Deccan Herald| 12 Arunachal Products receives GI Tag
2. IP India| GI Tag

Sapinda Marriage

Recently, Delhi High Court has reaffirmed the ban on sapinda marriages.

• Sapindas – According to Section 3 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (HMA),
  • 2 persons are said to be sapindas of each other if 1 is a lineal ascendant of the other or if they have a common lineal ascendant.
• Legality – HMA prohibits marriage between 2 Hindus if they are “sapindas” of each other unless the custom or usage governing each of them permits of a marriage between the 2.
• On the mother’s side – An individual cannot marry their sibling, their parents, their grandparents, or an individual who shares this ancestry within 3 generations.
• On the father’s side – The above (mother side) prohibition would extend up to their grandparents’ grandparent, and anyone who shares this ancestry within 5 generations.
• Violation – Such marriages will be declared void and will be treated as though it never took place.
• Exceptions - It allows such practices if the customs of each individual permits sapinda marriages.

The word ‘custom’, according to Section 3(a) of HMA means ‘a practice that has to be continuously and uniformly observed for a long time, and should have gained enough legitimacy among Hindus in a local area, tribe, group, or family, such that it has obtained the force of law’.

• Issues – Petitioner argued that Section 5(v) which prohibits sapinda marriages unless there is an established custom violates the right to equality under Article 14 of the Constitution.

Reference

The Indian Express| Legality of Incestuous Sapinda Marriage

Scheme for promotion of Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects

Recently, Union Cabinet approved the Scheme for promotion coal/ lignite gasification projects.

• Coal gasification – Coal is partially oxidised by air, oxygen, steam, or carbon dioxide under controlled conditions to produce a liquid fuel known as syngas.
• Syngas – It is a synthesis gas which can be used for power generation and to make methanol as well.

The government is targeting to gasify 100 million tonnes (MT) of coal by 2030.

• Coverage – It can be undertaken by both government PSU and private sectors.
• Finance – Rs. 8500 crore.
• Significance – It could help reduce the imports of natural gas, methanol, ammonia and other products.      

References

1. The Hindu| A new Scheme for Coal Gasification Project
2. PIB| Financial outlay of Coal Gasification Project

Republic Day

French President Emmanuel Macron was India’s chief guest for the 75th Republic Day, celebrated on January 26, 2024.

• It marks the adoption of India's constitution and the country's transition to a republic on January 26, 1950.

According to Constitution of India, it was adopted officially by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949.

• Celebrations – It features military and cultural pageantry.
• Ceremonious parades – It is inaugurated from Raisina Hill along the Kartavya Path, past India Gate, and onto the historic Red Fort in New Delhi.

• Historical Roots of January 26 - The day is deeply symbolic as it serves as a bridge connecting India's past, present and future.
• On January 26, 1930, “Poorna Swaraj” declaration was officially promulgated in Lahore session of INC which marked the beginning of the final phase of India’s freedom struggle.
• Significance – It is a reflection of India’s commitment to democratic values.
• It is a tribute to India, its unity in diversity, and its rich cultural heritage by the states of India by building beautiful tableaus.
• Global impact – It resonates globally emphasizing India’s commitment to democratic governance.
• Educational relevance – It serves as an educational platform, fostering a deeper understanding of the constitution and democratic principles.
• It also nurture a sense of civic responsibility and pride in the democratic heritage.

The theme for the tableaux at the Republic Day Parade 2024 has been decided as ‘Bharat - The Mother of Democracy’.

References

1. The Indian Express| Historical Relevance of Republic Day
2. Times of India| Significance of Republic Day