Current Affairs [Prelims] Lexicon – April, 2024
Polity & Governance
Article 244(A)
Article 244(A) of the Constitution of India allows for the creation of an autonomous state within Assam, specifically for tribal areas like Karbi Anglong. It was introduced in 1969 to enhance local governance and legislative powers beyond what the Sixth Schedule provides. This article has been a focal point in the Diphu constituency, where candidates promise its implementation. The demand for autonomy has been a long-standing issue, often leading to political unrest and insurgency in the region.
Article 293
Article 293 of the Constitution of India allows States to borrow money within limits set by their legislatures. It also gives the Union government the power to impose conditions on State borrowings, particularly when previous loans are outstanding. This article is as it marks the balance of power between the Centre and States regarding fiscal management. It was in the news due to Kerala’s challenge against the Centre’s borrowing regulations, raising questions about federalism and fiscal autonomy.
Article 31C
Article 31C is a provision in the Constitution of India that was introduced by the 25th Amendment in 1971. It aimed to protect laws that promote the distribution of material resources for the common good, preventing them from being challenged in court based on fundamental rights. It was in the news due to a Supreme Court case questioning its current validity, which could impact property rights and socio-economic reforms in India.
Article 39(b) of the Constitution of India
Article 39(b) mandates the state to ensure that the ownership of material resources serves the common good. It is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which guide law-making but are not enforceable in courts. This article has been pivotal in legal cases concerning resource distribution and property rights, particularly in Mumbai’s housing context. Its relevance has surged recently as the Supreme Court deliberates on its interpretation in relation to privately owned resources.
Article 47
Article 47 of the Constitution of India mandates the State to improve public health and nutrition standards. It is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which, while not enforceable by courts, guide the State in governance. The article was in the Karnataka High Court’s ruling against hookah bars, as it was used to justify restrictions on individual rights for the greater public good. This article underscores the State’s responsibility towards citizens’ health.
Article 81
Article 81 of the Constitution of India outlines the composition of the Lok Sabha, stating it should not exceed 550 members, with a maximum of 20 representing Union Territories. This article is as it governs the allocation of seats based on population ratios among states. It was in the news due to the ongoing debate about the freeze on seat allocation since 1976 and the implications for future delimitation processes after 2026.
Compulsory Licences (CLs)
Compulsory Licences (CLs) allow governments to authorise the production of patented drugs without the consent of the patent holder, primarily to ensure public access to essential medications. India granted its first CL in 2012 to Natco Pharma for Bayer’s cancer drug Nexavar, based on the drug’s unaffordability. The recent amendments to patent laws have raised alarms about the dilution of these provisions, which could hinder access to life-saving treatments, especially during health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, making this an important topic in public health discussions.
Crime GPT
Crime GPT is a customised large language model created by Staqu Technologies to assist law enforcement in India. Trained on over 900,000 criminal records, it can process natural language queries and retrieve relevant information from unstructured data. This innovative tool has been in the media for its potential to revolutionise police work, enabling officers to quickly access detailed suspect histories and streamline investigations. Its development addresses the unique challenges faced by Indian police forces in managing data.
Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL)
ISPRL is a government-owned company responsible for creating and managing India’s strategic petroleum reserves. Established in 2006, it aims to enhance energy security by storing crude oil for emergencies. The reserves are crucial as India imports over 85% of its oil. Recently, ISPRL has been in the news for inviting bids to construct a new storage facility at Padur, Karnataka, as ...