Today in History (July 1^st, 2017)

On this day the Union Government implemented GST laws on 1 July, 2017.

Let’s revise

A) What is the primary aim of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)?

1. Promote international trade
2. Prevent anti-money laundering and financing of terrorist activities
3. Enhance technological innovation
4. Regulate global stock markets

Answer: (2)

B) When was the FATF established?

1. 1985
2. 1989
3. 1995
4. 2001

Answer: (2)

C)Where is the headquarters of the FATF located?

1. New York, USA
2. Geneva, Switzerland
3. London, UK
4. Paris, France

Answer: (4)

D) What additional responsibility was given to FATF in 2001?

1. Regulate international trade
2. Develop standards to prevent the financing of terrorist activities
3. Oversee global financial markets
4. Promote technological advancements in finance

Answer: (2)

E) Who has been appointed as the Foreign Secretary?

1. Vikram Misri
2. Vikas Mohan
3. Vijay suri
4. Ajay Shah

Answer: (1)

Summary of Today’s News

Implementation of New Criminal Laws

• Three new criminal laws, the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Bharatiya Sakshya (BS), come into effect across India, replacing the existing Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.PC), Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Indian Evidence Act respectively.

Concurrent Application of Old Laws:

• The Cr.PC and IPC will still apply to ongoing and older cases that occurred before July 1, 2024, even as the new laws take effect.

State Amendments Permitted:

• States are free to amend certain provisions of the BNSS according to their requirements, as stated by Union government officials.

Future Amendments for Inclusivity:

• The BNS may soon be amended to include a section addressing sexual crimes against men and transgender persons. Until then, police can use allied charges such as wrongful confinement and physical hurt.

Nationwide Transition:

• Starting July 1, all district courts and police stations across the country are required to adopt the new legal framework, with cognisable offences now being registered under Section 173 of the BNSS instead of Section 154 of the Cr.PC.

Objections of legal experts against new criminal laws

1. New Provision on Police Custody:

• The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.PC), allows police custody to be extended beyond the initial 15 days of arrest.

2. Extended Custody Duration:

• Under Section 187 of the BNSS, police custody of 15 days can be authorized at any time during the initial 40 or 60 days of judicial custody, depending on the severity of the offense.

3. Concerns from Legal and Civil Rights Activists:

• Activists argue that this provision is a “retrograde step” and a violation of citizens’ fundamental rights. They fear it could lead to increased police abuse and extrajudicial measures.

4. Potential for Misuse:

• Critics highlight that the extended custody rules may lead to prolonged detention without bail and expose detainees to greater risks of torture and intimidation.

5. Opposition from Human Rights Organizations:

• Prominent human rights advocates, including those from the People’s Union Civil Liberties (PUCL) and People’s Watch, have voiced strong objections, stating that the new law undermines custodial protections and could contravene the spirit of the Constitution.

6. Police Perspective:

• Police officials defend the new provision, arguing that it will allow for more thorough investigations and prevent rushed interrogations, particularly in complex cases such as property offenses or cheating.

New Chief of the Army Staff- Upendra Dwivedi

• General Upendra Dwivedi took over as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) from General Manoj Pande, who retired after more than four decades of service.

2. Series of Senior Appointments:

• The change in leadership initiated a series of changes among senior appointments, including the Vice-Chief of the Army Staff and several Army Commanders.

3. Focus on Security and Technological Advancements:

• The Defence Ministry highlighted that General Dwivedi assumes his role during a dynamic global geo-strategic environment with pronounced security challenges due to technological advancements and modern warfare. Operational preparedness and responding to non-traditional security challenges are key focus areas.

4. General Dwivedi’s Background and Experience:

• Born on July 1, 1964, General Dwivedi was commissioned into the Infantry (Jammu & Kashmir Rifles) of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984.
• He is an alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, and has held significant appointments, including Director-General of Infantry and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (Northern Command) from 2022 to 2024, before becoming Vice-Chief.

5. Technological Expertise:

• General Dwivedi is recognized for his deep understanding of modern and emerging technologies in the security domain and his thoughtful approach to integrating these technologies into military systems to enhance operational effectiveness.

6. Other Key Appointments:

• Lieutenant-General N.S. Raja Subramani to become the Vice-Chief of the Army Staff.
• Lieutenant-General Anindya Sengupta to take over as Central Command chief.
• Lieutenant-General Dhiraj Seth to replace A.K. Singh as the Southern Command chief.
• Lieutenant-General Manjinder Singh to lead the South West Army Command, with Lieutenant-General Devendra Sharma replacing him as the Chief of the Shimla-based Army Training Command.

India won world cup-2024

• India won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 by defeating South Africa in the final.
• This is India’s second T20 World Cup title, ending a 13-year wait for an ICC trophy.

2. Historical Achievements:

• India, West Indies, and England each have won the T20 World Cup twice.

3. 2024 Tournament Details:

• The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 was co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA.
• The tournament started on June 2^nd and concluded on June 29^th.