{"id":2659,"date":"2024-08-20T10:26:09","date_gmt":"2024-08-20T10:26:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawentranceindia.com\/blogs\/?p=2659"},"modified":"2024-08-20T10:26:09","modified_gmt":"2024-08-20T10:26:09","slug":"mlc-daily-current-affairs-20-august-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawentranceindia.com\/blogs\/mlc-daily-current-affairs-20-august-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"MLC Daily Current Affairs – 20 August 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today in History (August 20th<\/sup>, 1828)<\/h1>\n

In the year 1828, an auspicious occasion unfolded in Kolkata as Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s visionary initiative, the Brahmo Samaj, convened for its first session. This marked the dawn of a significant chapter in the evolution of Indian socio-religious reform.<\/p>\n

TEST YOURSELF<\/span><\/h3>\n

A) What does the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aim to achieve in India?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Separate laws for each religion<\/li>\n
  2. A common law for personal matters across all religions<\/li>\n
  3. A different legal system for each state<\/li>\n
  4. Abolishing all personal laws<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Answer: 2) <\/strong>
    \nExplanation:<\/strong> The UCC aims to provide a single legal framework for personal matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, applicable to all citizens regardless of religion.<\/p>\n

    B) Which Indian state currently implements a UCC using the Portuguese Civil Code?<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Gujarat<\/li>\n
    2. Assam<\/li>\n
    3. Madhya Pradesh<\/li>\n
    4. Goa<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Answer: 4) <\/strong>
      \nExplanation:<\/strong> Goa is noted for using the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867, which applies uniformly to all religions in the state.<\/p>\n

      C) Under which Article of the Indian Constitution is the Uniform Civil Code mentioned?<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Article 21<\/li>\n
      2. Article 25<\/li>\n
      3. Article 44<\/li>\n
      4. Article 51A<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Answer: 3) <\/strong>
        \nExplanation:<\/strong> Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy states that the state should aim to provide a uniform civil code for all citizens.<\/p>\n

        D) Which of the following is NOT an argument in favor of the UCC?<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Simplification of laws<\/li>\n
        2. Enhancement of women\u2019s rights<\/li>\n
        3. Reinforcement of religious diversity<\/li>\n
        4. Promotion of national integration<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Answer: 3) <\/strong>
          \nExplanation:<\/strong> The UCC aims to reinforce secularism and unity rather than religious diversity by providing a uniform set of laws.<\/p>\n

          E) What is a significant concern against the implementation of the UCC?<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Increase in judicial efficiency<\/li>\n
          2. Uniform application across diverse communities<\/li>\n
          3. Strengthening women\u2019s legal rights<\/li>\n
          4. Simplification of legal procedures<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Answer: 2) <\/strong>
            \nExplanation:<\/strong> A major concern is that applying one law uniformly may not account for the diverse personal laws and practices of various communities.<\/p>\n

            F) What is the main criticism of the UNSC highlighted by the G4 countries?<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Lack of funding<\/li>\n
            2. Inefficient decision-making process<\/li>\n
            3. Inadequate geographic representation<\/li>\n
            4. Excessive number of permanent members<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Answer: 3) <\/strong>
              \nExplanation:<\/strong> The G4 countries criticize the UNSC for not adequately representing various geographic regions, including Africa, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific.<\/p>\n

              G) What do the G4 nations propose for the UNSC reform?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                \n
              1. Reducing the number of permanent members<\/li>\n
              2. Expanding the Council\u2019s membership<\/li>\n
              3. Increasing the power of non-permanent members<\/li>\n
              4. Eliminating the veto power<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Answer: 2) <\/strong>
                \nExplanation:<\/strong> The G4 propose expanding the UNSC\u2019s membership to include more permanent and non-permanent members to address representation issues.<\/p>\n

                H) Which informal group is known for opposing UNSC reforms?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. The Coffee Club<\/li>\n
                2. The Security Group<\/li>\n
                3. The Reform Alliance<\/li>\n
                4. The Global Council<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Answer: 1) <\/strong>
                  \nExplanation:<\/strong> The Coffee Club, consisting of middle-sized states, opposes larger regional powers gaining permanent seats, thus hindering UNSC reforms.<\/p>\n

                  I) What is India’s position on UNSC reform?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. India opposes any changes to the UNSC<\/li>\n
                  2. India supports maintaining the status quo<\/li>\n
                  3. India advocates for a permanent seat on the UNSC<\/li>\n
                  4. India calls for the abolition of the UNSC<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    Answer: 3) <\/strong>
                    \nExplanation:<\/strong> India has consistently advocated for UNSC reform and believes it deserves a permanent seat on the Council due to its significant global role.<\/p>\n

                    J) What is one of the challenges in implementing UNSC reform?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. Overwhelming support from all member states<\/li>\n
                    2. Procedural delays and differing views<\/li>\n
                    3. Lack of interest from major powers<\/li>\n
                    4. Excessive funding<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      Answer: 2) <\/strong>
                      \nExplanation:<\/strong> Reform efforts face challenges due to differing views among countries and procedural tactics that delay progress.<\/p>\n

                      K) Which Directive Principle of State Policy addresses the Uniform Civil Code?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      1. Equality of opportunity<\/li>\n
                      2. Protection of minorities<\/li>\n
                      3. Uniform civil code for all citizens<\/li>\n
                      4. Right to constitutional remedies<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        Answer: 3) <\/strong>
                        \nExplanation: <\/strong>Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy suggests that the state should aim to provide a uniform civil code for all citizens.<\/p>\n

                        L) Which of the following is a reason for the G4 nations advocating for UNSC reform?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        1. Historical alignment of UNSC with 1945 geopolitics<\/li>\n
                        2. UNSC’s excessive power over member states<\/li>\n
                        3. Over-representation of the Asia-Pacific region<\/li>\n
                        4. Lack of non-permanent members<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                          Answer: 1) <\/strong>
                          \nExplanation:<\/strong> The G4 argue that the UNSC’s structure, established in 1945, no longer reflects the current geopolitical realities.<\/p>\n

                          M) What role does India play in the current UNSC?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                            \n
                          1. Permanent member<\/li>\n
                          2. Non-permanent member<\/li>\n
                          3. Observer<\/li>\n
                          4. Chairperson<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                            Answer: 2) <\/strong>
                            \nExplanation:<\/strong> India is currently a non-permanent member of the UNSC, a position it will complete in December.<\/p>\n

                            N) Which constitutional provision might be challenged by the UCC?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                              \n
                            1. Right to Equality<\/li>\n
                            2. Right to Freedom of Speech<\/li>\n
                            3. Rights to practice religion<\/li>\n
                            4. Right to Information<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                              Answer: 3) <\/strong>
                              \nExplanation:<\/strong> The UCC might be seen as challenging rights under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, which guarantee the freedom to practice and propagate religion.<\/p>\n

                              Summary of Today’s News<\/strong><\/h2>\n

                              Sexual Abuse Rampant in Malayalam Film Industry \u2013 Hema Committee Report<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

                              Report Release:<\/strong> The K. Hema Committee report on the Malayalam film industry was released five years after submission to the Kerala government.
                              \nThe 235-page report details severe issues faced by women in the industry, including:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                \n
                              1. Sexual exploitation<\/li>\n
                              2. Illegal bans<\/li>\n
                              3. Discrimination<\/li>\n
                              4. Drug and alcohol abuse<\/li>\n
                              5. Wage disparity<\/li>\n
                              6. Inhuman working conditions<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                  \nKey Findings:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                1. Power Dynamics:<\/strong> The industry is controlled by certain male producers, directors, and actors, referred to as \u201cmafia\u201d due to their ability to impose bans.<\/li>\n
                                2. Casting Couch:<\/strong> The practice of demanding sexual favours for roles is confirmed.<\/li>\n
                                3. Early Harassment:<\/strong> Sexual harassment often starts before a woman begins working in the industry.<\/li>\n
                                4. Evidence:<\/strong> Witnesses provided video\/audio clips and WhatsApp messages as proof of \u201ccasting couch\u201d practices.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                    \nUnsafe Conditions:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                  1. Women feel unsafe in accommodations during shoots due to inappropriate behaviour by men in inebriated conditions.<\/li>\n
                                  2. Perception is created that success in the industry is due to “compromises.”<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                    Witness Fears:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                      \n
                                    1. Witnesses are afraid to speak out due to safety concerns for themselves and their families.<\/li>\n
                                    2. Fear of repercussions from powerful industry figures and potential cyberattacks.<\/li>\n
                                    3. Witnesses often avoid police involvement due to the powerful forces and public exposure.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                        \nIndustry Practices:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                      1. A \u201cpower group\u201d of industry insiders warns producers against casting actors who fall out of favour.<\/li>\n
                                      2. The release of movies can be blocked if the Film Chamber of Commerce does not issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC).<\/li>\n
                                      3. Production controllers play a role in banning individuals from the industry.<\/li>\n
                                      4. Members of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) have faced bans.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                          \nWorking Conditions:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                        1. Lack of basic facilities like changing rooms and toilets, leading to health issues such as urinary infections.<\/li>\n
                                        2. Junior artists often work up to 19 hours and face delayed payments and misappropriated funds.<\/li>\n
                                        3. A 70-year-old woman sustaining serious burns on set did not receive medical treatment.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                            \nComplaints Handling:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                          1. Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) can be ineffective due to threats or coercion by powerful individuals.<\/li>\n
                                          2. The committee recommends enacting a statute and constituting a Tribunal to address these issues effectively.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                            India\u2019s Relations with Russia and Ukraine<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

                                            \"indiarelationwithrussiaandukraine\"
                                            \nIndependent Relations:<\/strong> India maintains substantive and independent relations with both Russia and Ukraine, which are not influenced by each other.<\/p>\n

                                              \nPrime Minister\u2019s Visit:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                            1. Upcoming Visits: <\/strong>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Poland (August 21-22) and Ukraine (August 23), marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 45 years and to Ukraine in over 30 years.<\/li>\n
                                            2. Objective:<\/strong> The visits aim to review and strengthen bilateral relations, covering areas like agriculture, economy, defense, pharmaceuticals, and people-to-people ties.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                \nContext of Visits:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                              1. Recent Criticism:<\/strong> Modi’s recent visit to Russia coincided with a missile attack on Ukraine and a NATO Summit, leading to criticism from senior U.S. officials and Ukraine\u2019s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.<\/li>\n
                                              2. U.S. Reactions:<\/strong> U.S. officials termed the timing and symbolism of the visit as a \u201cdisappointment,\u201d while Zelenskyy criticized the meeting between Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                  \nIndia\u2019s Position:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                                1. Diplomacy and Dialogue:<\/strong> India advocates for diplomacy and dialogue as essential for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict and achieving lasting peace.<\/li>\n
                                                2. Engagement with Stakeholders:<\/strong> India remains engaged with all relevant stakeholders, supporting a negotiated settlement that is acceptable to both parties involved.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                    \nDiscussion Topics:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                                  1. Bilateral Relations:<\/strong> Modi\u2019s meetings with Zelenskyy will include discussions on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing the ongoing conflict.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                    Concept of Lateral Entry and Political Debate<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
                                                      \nHistorical Context:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                                    1. Origins:<\/strong> The concept of lateral entry into government positions was developed during the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) rule.<\/li>\n
                                                    2. Examples:<\/strong> Notable figures like Dr. Manmohan Singh and Montek Singh Ahluwalia were appointed through lateral entry during the Congress-led government.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                        \nCurrent Government\u2019s Stance:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                                      1. Reorganization:<\/strong> Under the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) government, the lateral entry process has been formalized and organized, with recruitments now made through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).<\/li>\n
                                                      2. Transparency:<\/strong> The NDA has introduced a transparent system for implementing lateral entry, with positions being contractual for three years and extendable by two additional years if needed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                          \nReservation Policies:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                                        1. No Impact:<\/strong> The lateral entry posts do not affect the reservation system or the roster of regular services, thus maintaining the integrity of reservation policies.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                            \nPolitical Reactions:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                                          1. Congress Criticism:<\/strong> Opposition parties, including Rahul Gandhi, have criticized lateral entry, suggesting it bypasses reservation policies.<\/li>\n
                                                          2. Government Response:<\/strong> Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw refute these allegations, stating that the practice was initiated under the Congress government and highlighting the current government’s efforts to ensure transparency and fairness.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                              \nGovernment Claims:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                                            1. Improved Governance:<\/strong> The NDA government asserts that the reform will enhance governance by bringing in experts through a transparent recruitment process.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                              Moily on Lateral Entry Reforms<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

                                                              \"Veerappa<\/p>\n

                                                                \nOriginal Purpose:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                                              1. Recommendation:<\/strong> The second Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by M. Veerappa Moily in 2005, recommended lateral entry for specialists to fill roles not easily covered by traditional civil services.<\/li>\n
                                                              2. Objective:<\/strong> Intended to enhance the government\u2019s appointment process with specialized expertise, not to bypass existing recruitment methods or affect reservations.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                  \nCurrent Debate:<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                                                1. Congress Criticism:<\/strong> Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders accuse the Modi government of using lateral entry to undermine reservation policies for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).<\/li>\n
                                                                2. BJP Defense:<\/strong> The BJP has criticized Congress for hypocrisy, noting that lateral entry was introduced under previous Congress governments.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n