Todays in History (February 7th, 1783)
In 1783, the Great Siege of Gibraltar was lifted by France and Spain after three years and seven months of unsuccessfully fighting the British during the American Revolution.
Summary of Today’s News
Uttarakhand tables UCC Bill in Assembly
Context: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami introduced the State’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the Assembly, labeling it a “historic moment.” The Opposition criticized it as a “poll gimmick.”
Key Points
- After passing this bill Uttarakhand will become the first state of independent India to implement UCC.
- This uniform law will cover marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships for all communities.
- Notably, the Scheduled Tribes, constituting 2.9% of the State’s population, are excluded from the scope of this Bill.
- The call for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has long featured in the political and legislative debates ever since before the days of formulation of the Constitution.
- Time and again, the Supreme Court has also been asserting the need for a UCC.
- Recently, Supreme Court described Goa (with a common family law) as a “shining example” where “uniform civil code is applicable to all, regardless of religion except while protecting certain limited rights”.
- Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part 4) of the Indian Constitution lays down that the state shall endeavor to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India.
- The codification of personal laws has historically generated protests.
- The Hindu Code Bill, one of the foremost pieces of social legislation, had triggered enormous opposition.
Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024
Context: Recently on 6th February the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 introduced in Lok Sabha.
Key Points
- The objective of the Bill is to bring greater transparency, fairness and credibility to the public examination systems.
- It will supplement government’s other initiatives in this direction
- For example introducing self-attestation; shortening examination cycle (from 18-22 months to 6-10 months), etc.
- It will serve as a model draft for States to adopt at their discretion.
Why we need this Bill:
- Malpractices in public examinations lead to delays and cancellation of examinations adversely impacting the prospects of millions of youth.
- Reportedly, over the last five years, leaks affected as many as 1.4 crore applicants applying for a little over 1.04 lakh posts.
- At present, there is no specific substantive law to deal with unfair means adopted or offences committed.
Key Features of the Bill:
- Coverage– Examinations held by the Union Public Service Commission, the Staff Selection Commission, Railways, CUET, NEET, JEE, National Testing Agency etc.
- Offences: Will be cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable (involved parties cannot compromise).
- Provisions for Punishment- Minimum of 3 to 5 years of imprisonment.
- Organized crimes group will face 5 to 10 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.
- Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has also been decided to set up a High level National Technical Committee on Public Examinations.
- It shall look into developing protocol for insulating digital platforms, devising ways and means for developing effective IT security system.
Annual Survey of Industries (ASI)
Context:
On 6th of February, the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The results of the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for the financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Key Points
- ASI is the principal source of Industrial Statistics in India.
- It is released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
- It covers all factories registered under the Factories Act, 1948.
- Also, covers unit under the Bidi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act 1966 etc.
- However, defence establishments, oil storage and distribution depots, etc. are not covered under it.
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