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Today in History (December 12th,1936)
12 December 1936 – Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek declared war on Japan.
Let’s Revise
Q.1) Who serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
a) Prime Minister of India
b) President of India
c) Vice President of India
d) Speaker of Lok Sabha
Answer: c)
Explanation: The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Q.2) Which article of the Indian Constitution outlines the removal process of the Vice President?
a) Article 54
b) Article 61
c) Article 67(b)
d) Article 75
Answer: c)
Explanation: Article 67(b) of the Indian Constitution outlines the process for the removal of the Vice President from office.
Q.3) What is required for a resolution to remove the Vice President to be moved in the Rajya Sabha?
a) A majority of members in the Lok Sabha
b) A two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha
c) A 14-day notice of intent
d) Approval from the Prime Minister
Answer: c)
Explanation: A resolution to remove the Vice President cannot be moved unless at least a 14-day notice has been given, stating the intention to move the resolution and outlining the reasons for it.
Q.4) Which one must agree to the resolution for the removal of the Vice President after it is passed by the Rajya Sabha?
a) Lok Sabha
b) State Legislative Assemblies
c) House of the People
d) Both houses
Answer: a)
Explanation: After being passed by the Rajya Sabha, the resolution must be agreed to by the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
Q.5) Does the Indian Constitution specify particular grounds for the removal of the Vice President?
a) Yes, it specifies grounds like misconduct
b) No, it leaves it to the discretion of Parliament members
c) Yes, it includes incompetence
d) No, it requires a Supreme Court ruling
Answer: b)
Explanation: The Constitution does not specify particular grounds for the removal of the Vice President, leaving it to the discretion of the members of Parliament.
Q.6) Which prestigious award did Madhav Gadgil receive from the United Nations?
a) Nobel Prize
b) Champions of the Earth award
c) Pulitzer Prize
d) World Food Prize
Answer: b)
Explanation: Madhav Gadgil was honored with the United Nations’ annual Champions of the Earth award, the highest environmental accolade.
Q.7) What is the significance of Madhav Gadgil receiving the Champions of the Earth award this year?
a) He is the first Indian to receive the award
b) He is the only Indian to receive the award this year
c) He is the youngest recipient of the award
d) He received the award for his work in agriculture
Answer: b)
Explanation: Madhav Gadgil is the only Indian to receive the United Nations’ annual Champions of the Earth award this year.
Q.8) In which area did Madhav Gadgil make significant contributions to earn the Champions of the Earth award?
a) Marine biology
b) Conservation and ecology
c) Astrophysics
d) Medicine
Answer: b)
Explanation: Madhav Gadgil made significant contributions in the fields of conservation and ecology, particularly through his work in the Western Ghats, which earned him the Champions of the Earth award.
Q.9) The resolution for removing the Vice President of India can be moved in:
a) Lok Sabha only
b) Rajya Sabha only
c) Either of the two houses of the Parliament
d) Both houses of the Parliament in agreement with half of state legislatures in India
Answer: b)
Rationale: In India, Vice-President has the second-highest office in the country. Article 63 of the Indian Constitution mentions the post of Vice-President. The Constitution states that the Vice President can be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by an effective majority (i.e., majority of all the then member of the house) and agreed by the Lok Sabha with a simple majority (Article 67(b)).
• The resolution can be initiated only in Rajya Sabha.
• But no such resolution may be moved unless at least 14 days advance notice has been given.
• Notably, the Constitution does not list grounds for removal.
Summary of Today’s News
World Solar Report 2024
Context
• The third edition of the World Solar Report series was released during the 7th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
• The World Solar Report 2024 was published by the International Solar Alliance.
• Initially introduced in 2022, this report series offers a detailed overview of global advancements in solar technology, key challenges, and investment trends in the sector.
Key Findings
• Increase in Solar Capacity: Solar capacity has grown significantly from 1.22 GW in 2000 to 1,419 GW in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 36%.
• Solar capacity accounts for three-quarters of all renewable capacity additions globally in 2023.
• Employment: The solar PV sector employed 7.1 million people worldwide in 2023.
New Solar Technologies
• Quantum Dot Solar Cells: Achieved a record efficiency of 18.1%, enhancing energy capture and enabling atmospheric water harvesting.
• Solar Paver Blocks and BIPV: Integration of solar technology into infrastructure, including transparent solar panels for light transmission and visibility.
• Solar-Powered Phyto-Mining: Utilizes plants to extract valuable metals sustainably, powered by solar energy.
Global Market Share
• China: Leads with 43% of global installed solar capacity.
• Other Major Players: The U.S. (10%), Japan, Germany, and India (5-6% each).
• Emerging Markets: Brazil, Australia, and Spain each contribute 2%.
About the International Solar Alliance
• An international organization with 120 member and signatory countries.
• Established: In 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and President Francois Hollande of France.
• Headquarters: The first international intergovernmental organization to be headquartered in India.
• Mission: To unlock $1 trillion of investments in solar by 2030, focusing on reducing the cost of technology and its financing.
Lok Adalat
• Executive Chairman, NALSA: Highlighted that over 7 crore 70 lakh cases were resolved through three National Lok Adalats (NLA) organized by NALSA in 2024.
• National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
• NLA: Lok Adalats held on a single day across the country at regular intervals, in all courts from the Supreme Court to Taluka levels.
Key Points about Lok Adalats
• An Alternative Dispute Redressal mechanism where pending civil or criminal cases or pre-litigation cases are settled amicably.
• Given statutory status under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
• Decisions are final and binding with no appeal.
• Has the same powers as a civil court under the CPC, 1908.
• The first Lok Adalat was held in 1982 in Junagarh, Gujarat.
India Needs Right to Disconnect
Context
• Australia recently announced the “Right to Disconnect,” allowing employees to refuse work-related communications outside of scheduled hours. Parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor has remarked on the need for similar legislation in India, which currently lacks specific laws recognizing this right.
Relevance of the Topic
• Conceptual Understanding: The ‘Right to Disconnect’ and related issues.
Issues and Concerns
• A report by The Hindu highlighted that Indians in professional jobs work more than 55 hours a week.
• A study by ADP Research Institute found that 49% of Indian workers reported workplace stress negatively impacting their mental health.
• Employees often remain attached to work through electronic means even after leaving the office.
Constitutional and Legal Provisions in India
• Article 38: Mandates the State to promote the welfare of the people.
• Article 39(e): Directs State policy towards securing the strength and health of workers.
• Article 43: Ensures work conditions that provide a decent standard of life and leisure.
• Vishakha v State of Rajasthan (1997): Recognized the right to dignity at the workplace, ensuring a safe environment for women.
• Praveen Pradhan v. State of Uttaranchal (2012): Ruled against extreme humiliation and scolding by superior officers.
• Ravindra Kumar Dhariwal v. Union of India (2021): Recognized inclusive equality and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities.
International Examples
• France: The Labour Chamber ruled that employees are not obligated to work from home.
• Portugal: Law prohibits employers from contacting employees outside working hours, except in emergencies.
• Spain: Right to disconnect ensures respect for off-time, leave, and privacy.
• Australia: Passed legislation allowing employees to disconnect from work outside of hours.
• Ireland: Recognized the right to disconnect for employees.
