Detailed Analysis of Fire in Amazon. Amazon will be disappeared in next 40 years.

The Amazon rain forest is the world's largest tropical forest. It is about half the size of United States of America. But for several weeks now the forest also describe as "The Lungs of the Earth has been on fire. The fire has been raising across the range of States in Brazil section of the Amazon forest that broke out in early August. More than 9500 new forest fires have been spotted by Brazil's National Institute for space research in just the last 2 weeks. According to forest experts, Amazon almost never burns of its own and the increase in fire this year is quite more. So, the majority of fire is believed to be caused by humans. The concern worldwide now is at present the world needs billions of more trees to absorb carbon and stabilize the climate but the planet is loosing its biggest rain forest. Brazil has declared the state of emergency in the region.

Amazon on Fire.

The lungs of the Earth are on Fire. It has been several months that the World's largest tropical forest "The Amazon" has been ablaze. The raising fire has spelt Environmental Catastrophe consuming trees, brushes, vegetation and killing animals and birds. The alarming extent of the raising fire is even visible from space. Since January this year 74,000 fires have been detected in Brazil's Amazon rain forest and increase of 84% as compared to the same time last year as per Brazil's National Institute of Space Research. While fires often occur in the dry season, the Amazon's wing spreading fire in larger areas. However, a number of factors have contributed to the current crisis like deforestation for agriculture and cattle rearing being the biggest driver. The Amazon spreads over 2.1 Million square miles across 9 countries including Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guinea. The borders are also not enough to contain the wild fires, the blaze has spread to hilly tropical forest near Bolivia's border with Brazil. At leat 1 million hectares of forest land has been impacted. The Amazon fire issue dominated the climate change session at the recently concluded G7 summit in France. The French President Emmanuel Macron organizing 22 Million Dollar fund to fight the crisis.

Effects of Fire on Biodiversity of Amazon

The Amazon rain forest holds at least 10% of the world's biodiversity. As per latest news report at least 9000 wildfires are raising simultaneously across the vast rain forest of Brazil and spreading into Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. Experts worried that the fire has catastrophic consequences on the thousands of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and bird species that line in the Amazon forest. Forest fires have multiple implications on biological diversity. At the global scale they are significant source of emitted carbon contributing to global warming which could lead to biodiversity changes. At the regional and local level they lead to change in biomass stocks, alter the hydrological cycle with subsequent effects for marine system like coral reefs and impact functioning of plants and animal species. Further, smoke from fire can significantly reduce photosynthetic activity and can be detrimental to the health of humans and animals. As per the study conducted by the Centre for International Research in Indonesia on the most important ecological effects of raising forest fires is the increased probability of further burning in subsequent years as dead trees topple to the ground, open up forests to drying by sunlight and building up the fuel load with an increase in fire pro species. Fires are taking massive toll on wildlife such as flames, heat, smoke in inhalation having devastating impacts on vertebrates and invertebrates. Fire has indirect effects also like loss of habitat, territories, shelter and food. The loss of key organism in forest ecosystem can slow forest recovery rate.

Interesting Facts of Amazon

The Amazon rain forest also known as Amazonia is the greatest forest on earth. Located in South America the world's largest tropical rain forest covers 2.1 Million Square miles of land spreading across north-western Brazil and extending into Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guinea. Of the total area of the forest, Brazil has 60%. In terms of size if the Amazon would be country it would be 9th largest in the world. In existence for at least 55 Million years, Amazonia is a world in its own. It is home to 10% of the known species in the world, more than 1500 bird species, over 40,000 different plant species and 2.5 million insect species. Around 80% of the food consumed by humans like coffee, chocolate, rice, tomato, potato, banana, black paper, pine apple, and corn came from Amazon. 25% of all western pharmaceuticals ingredients came from Amazon. Yet less than 1% of trees and plants have ever being tested. Only 6% of our planet surface area is covered by rain forest and almost half belongs to Amazon. Every day the Amazon releases approximately 20 billion tones of moisture into the atmosphere. The Amazon rain forest is also responsible for creating 50-70% of precipitation.

Side effects of Deforestation on the Amazon

In the last half century nearly 20% of the Amazon's forest has disappeared. It is estimated that more than 137 species are getting extinct every day. The Amazon rain forest is disappearing at the alarming rate of  1.5 acres per second. It will be completely destroyed in next 40 years if deforestation continues.

By 2025, Scientists will create Miniature Sun on Earth. India has given 17,500 Crore Rupees.

Rapid population growth and urbanization has multiplied the demand of energy worldwide. Electricity demand is increasing twice as far as overall energy use. In the coming decades, World will need a lot of energy especially clean energy. To answer this demand the World's best scientists are trying to create Miniature sun on the Earth. This is Plasma based fusion reactor that will cost 25 Billion US Dollars. It will be the costliest mega science project on the Earth in the 21st century. India is one of the Seven partners in this Global Collaborations. India has already committed about 17,500 Crore Rupees. In the recent trip to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the joint partnership in the International Thermo Nuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). There is need of this project because people have been trying to harness the energy of the Sun since Centuries. Today Solar Energy has become the need of the hour in the aim to achieve Sustainable Development. Scientists have started looking beyond our natural star to generate solar energy. Scientists are working on unique way to generate Solar Energy without Sun by building a Miniature Sun.

What is Miniature Sun Project ?

The scientific name of the project is International Thermo Nuclear Experimental Reactor(ITER). In 1988, the ITER project was officially initiated. In 2005, India officially became part of ITER. The construction of ITER Tokamark Complex started in 2013. The construction of facility is expected to be completed by 2025. Initial Plasma experiments are scheduled to begin in 2025. However, bringing the Sun to the Earth is not without its challenges especially managing the massive temperature varient in the reactor but with the World's best Scientists on job, once operational the Miniature Sun may provide the ultimate solution to all our energy needs.

Being termed as new and carbon free energy, ITER is the most ambitious project on the Earth today. Thousands of engineers and scientists from as many as 35 Countries have contributed to its design since its inception back in 1985. 66% work of the project is completed so far with operation expected to start in 2025.

The ITER project is cooperation of 35 Countries represented by Seven main members. They are China, European Union, Japan, South Korea, Russia, India and USA. The seven members nations will share the costs of project including construction and operation. They will also share expenses of experiment and intellectual property. The total cost of the project is estimated 25 Billion US Dollars. In this Europe is responsible for 45.6% expenditure.

What is India's Role in Miniature Sun Project ?

India has committed 10% of the Project's cost i.e., 17,500 Crore Rupees. A team of over 100 Indian Scientists is trying to do what was once unthinkable. They are trying to tap Sun's real energy source to give world an unlimited supply of clean energy.

India has also contributed one of the biggest components of the project. That is World's Largest Refrigerator which houses this unique reactor. The refrigerator is weighing around 3800 tones. It was made in Gujarat.

What is Tokamak Reactor ?

It is magnetic fusion device designed to harness fusion energy based on the same principles that powers the Sun and the Stars in the Universe. Inside the Tokamark the Energy produced through fusion of atoms is absorbed as heat in the walls of the vessel just like conventional power plant. The fusion power plant will use the heat to produce steam and electricity by way of Turbines and Generators. 

Challenges: There are few challenges in this mega project. Like the meltdown of nuclear reactor, harmful effects on human health and effective disposal of radioactive wastes. 

India-Pakistan and Donald Trump

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rejected any scope for third party mediation between India and Pakistan, saying both nations can discuss and resolve issues bilaterally. He made during his meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of G7 Summit in France. President Trump also concurred with Prime Minister Modi referring to Kashmir issue, and he said" He is confident that both India and  Pakistan can resolve their issue". In the run up of this meeting there was lot of anticipation and expectations but several anxieties and concerns were also there like the relation between India and Pakistan, and issue of Kashmir. On July 22, when President Trump met Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, he said "He has been contacted by PM Modi, Modi has asked his to mediate over Kashmir issue".

However, this statement of Trump has been completely denied by India. India's stand is very clear that no third party interference is required between India and Pakistan. India once again through Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphatically reiterated its stand on Kashmir issue.

Why US President is constantly making statements on Kashmir ?

Donald Trump has been hyperactive. It seems he has taken the whole event since 22 July when he met Imran Khan. If we look the time period between January 2017 to December 2018, there has been consistent pressure on Pakistan by the whole world  to stop terror activity, terrorist funding etc. USA was also one of them to put pressure on Pakistan.

As far as India and Afghanistan is concerned, if we recall the South Asia strategy of August 2017, National Security Strategy of 2018, all these events have put pressure on Pakistan. But more recently the 2nd Electoral cycle which comes into position, Mr. Trump is keen that he should withdraw Troops from Afghanistan and in that context he needs the support of Pakistan to bring the Taliban on negotiating table. This is the reason that US is constantly trying to please Pakistan.

However, the Kabul Government and the Taliban leadership have said that Pakistan should not try to confuse the Kashmir and the Afghan issue.

The whole story of Money Laundering and P. Chidambaram

We have been listening the term money laundering since many years. It is a process to convert black money into white money and to hide the source of illegal earning. In recent years many big faces are accused of this charge. Money laundering a complete fake process where fake company, documents and even transactions are shown to the Government in order to save tax. Recent news is related to Former Home Minister P. Chidambaram who has been accused of INX media corruption case. CBI has arrested P. Chidambaram on Wednesday night.

What are allegations on P. Chidambaram ?

CBI has filed FIR against INX Media Group on 15 May 2017. It was allegation that INX Media Group was facing problem in clearance of Foreign Investment by Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). When the company was allowed to invest in 2007, Chidambaram was Finance Minister. The Investigating Agencies named Chidambaram when the promoter of INX Media Indrani Mukharjee and her husband Peter Mukharjee were questioned by Enforcement Directorate. 

Enforcement Directorate (ED) said: Indrani Mukharjee has said that P. Chidambaram had put condition for FIPB's clearance. The condition was, they have to favour Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram in his Foreign Investment. 

According to media report: P. Chidambaram and his son had got 305 Crore Rupees as commission by INX Media promoters. 

The Enforcement Directorate had loged the case of Money Laundering in 2018.

CBI is also investigating the deal of 3500 crore Rupees between Aircle and Maxis. In 2006, Malaysian company Maxis has bought 100% shares of Aircel. In this case, the clearance of merging of the two companies were questioned. It is because at that time Finance Minister could give clearance of Foreign Investment only upto 600 Crore Rupees. The meeting of Cabinet Committee related to Finance was required for the clearance of more than 600 Crore Rupees of Foreign Investment.

What is Money Laundering ?

Money Laundering word was originated in America by local Mafia Groups. These groups used to collect money forcefully by Gambling etc. In 1980, Money Laundering was matter of serious concern in America. Through money laundering black money is invested in a way that Investigating Agencies could not find the real source of income. This way black money is converted into white money. The Government has no record of this money and hence taxes are not paid by the Launderers. In money laundering, fake companies, document and transactions are shown.

There are 3 stages of Money Laundering:

1) Placement 

2) Layering

3) Consolidation

Placement: It means money comes into market. In this process the Launderer invest money in Banks or other Formal and Informal sectors.

Layering: It is the process of hiding source of money and tax. In this, Launderers shows some difference in his transactions and invest in Bonds, Stocks and Foreign Banks.

Consolidation: In this process, the investment in various things at different places comes back to the Launderer in form of white money.

PNB Scam, Sandesara Brother's Scam, Commonwealth Games Scam, 2G Scam, these are few examples of money laundering.

Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

              

When Stock market scam was done, Harshad Mehta case comes into picture. That time Kirit Somaiya was Member of Parliament from Mumbai. He moved resolution that Money Laundering is very serious issue. Then the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 was passed by Atal Ji's Government.

Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, Launderers can be punished with 3 to 7 years of imprisonment with fine. The property can be attatched as well. The power of investigation is given to Enforcement Directorate (ED). For the trials, Special Courts has been set up. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act has been amended 3 times in 2005, 2009 and 2012.

Indo-Pak Water Treaty

The Indus water treaty between India and Pakistan in 1960 has taken centre stage once again. In line with its plan to fully use its share of water without violating the long-standing treaty, India has started work to rechannel the water into states like Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan instead of letting it flow in Pakistan. A data show that India uses nearly 93% to 94% of its share under its Indus water treaty. The rest of the water is unutilized and flows into Pakistan.

What is Indus water treaty?

The Indus water treaty was signed in 1960 by the then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru and then Pakistani President Ayub Khan. It was administrated by the World Bank which took 9 years of negotiations. It divided the control of 6 rivers between the two countries. India got control over river Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, While Pakistan got control over Indus, Chenab and Jhelum rivers.

How India has been utilizing its shares of waters from the three rivers in the Indus Basin ?

Three western rivers Indus, Jhelum and Chenab were proposed to flow unrestricted to Pakistan. However, India is being big country is entitled 20% use of waters from Western rivers. But India is not availing even the use of 20% that it is entitled from the Western rivers. In Fact, India is not even fully utilizing water of 3 Eastern Rivers assigned entirely to it. About 2 million acre feet of water annually from Ravi river flowing unutilized to Pakistan.

The BJP led NDA Government has announced that it will stop water from flowing into Pakistan without violating the Indus water treaty. According to Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Sekhawat, the process to secure Eastern river water in the Indus Basin by building a diversion has already started.

Pakistan again lied that India is stealing its water.

The Indus water treaty is considered one of the most successful water sharing endeavours in the world. But this has not prevented Pakistan from drumming up Anti India propaganda on water issues. Pakistan has time and again falsely blamed India for its own water crisis. It has repeatedly made false allegations that India is violating Indus water treaty.

Double Standard of China on Human Rights

China is a country which never rests on its own words. China is being criticized by the whole world because of Xinjiang Problem. It is allegation upon China that it has captured Weger Muslims in Xinjiang region.

What is Xinjiang Problem ?

China has claimed that Xinjiang is its undivided region. It has all the authority to do anything in Xinjiang. China has stated operation against terrorism in Xinjiang region in 2014. On the other hand China has denied the presence of terrorism in Pakistan and refused to accept Masood Azhar as terrorist.

China is saying that those Weger Muslims are in custody for education and everything is done for social and economic development of the region.

But the fact is those Weger Muslims are taught Chinese language, and they are forced to follow the customs and traditions of China. There has been assault on the culture of Weger Muslims, and they are not allowed to follow their own traditions and customs. The Wegers are not allowed to do prayer in Mosque according to their own Islamic traditions.

The World on Xinjiang.

On the assault on Wegers, the wester countries have shown deep concern. In Geneva, Human Rights Watch Commission and 22 Western countries have requested China to remove inhumane restrictions from Weger Muslims and implement Human Rights guidelines.

Britain, France, Germany and 18 European Countries along with Japan, Australia, Canada and New Zealand has also asked China to stop this assault on Weger Muslims.

It is report of various Human Rights Commissions that more than 10 Lakhs Weger Muslims are sent to Camp where they are forced to change their Political Opinion.

History of Violence in Xinjiang Region ?

In Urumqi which is capital of Xinjiang, 200 people were killed in 2008.

In 2009, 156 Weger Muslims were Killed in Urumaqi.

In 2010, Violence with Weger Muslims was reported again.

In 2013, 27 Weger Muslims were killed by Police firing during peaceful protest.

Wing Commander Abhinandan has been conferred the Vir Chakra

Wing Commander Abhinandan VArthaman has been conferrerd the Vir Chakra. It is India's third highest Gallantry Award.On February 27, Abhinandan's MiG-21 Bison Jet was shot down in fight with Pakistan. Before his jet was shot down, he had destroyed F-16 Fighter Jet of Pakistan's Air Force.

On March 1, Abhinandan was released by Pakistan.
On this Independence Day, 180 Gallantry awards have been announced by the Government for Central Armed Police Forces and 132 awards for Paramilitary Forces.
 The Indian Air Force got 13 awards including 5 Yudh Seva Medals and 7 Vayu Sena Medals.

Warrant issued against congress MP: Shashi Tharoor

A bailable warrant is issued by a Kolkata Court against congress MP Shashi Tharoor for his statement of "Hindu Pakistan". He made this statement last year.

The petition was filed by advocate Sumeet Chowdhary at Bankshall Court. The magistrate after hearing the petition issued bailable warrant because Shashi Tharoor or his advocate has failed to appear before the Court on date of hearing.

Now Shashi Tharoor has to appear before September 24. This warrant shall be executed unless High Court quashes it.


The controversial statement of Shashi Tharoor

In July last year, Shashi Tharoor while addressing public in Thiruvanathapuram said that if BJP will win 2019 Lok Sabha election then it will change the philosophy of the Constitution. The rights of minorities will be violated and ultimately a Hindu Pakistan will be created. 

India is not answerable to anyone: S. Jaishankar said in China

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that  India's decision on Jammu and Kashmir is country's internal matter and have no implication for either the external boundaries of India or the line of actual control with China. He told on his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the China's objection for the formation of Ladakh as Union Territory.

Foreign Minister visited China.

On August 6, two statements have come from China. One regarding change of status of Ladakh into Union Territory which the Chinese termed as "unacceptable" and other was on the Jammu and Kashmir issue.

In the backdrop of all these developments it was an extremely timely and useful visit. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was there for technically High level meeting of High level mechanism for Cultural and People exchange. This initiative was taken last year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi  and President Xi Jinping had met in wuhan in April and then it was decided to enhance further impetus to bilateral relations.

S. Jaishankar's statement in China on Jammu and Kashmir:

- It is internal matter of India.

- It is part of Indian Constitution and it was temporary provision. The reason for it is done is to 

   improve Governance, Socio-Economic development of the State.

- India has all the sovereign authority to take action and India is not answerable to anyone outside.

By this a strong message was given by External Affairs Minister that When China is looking at relations between India and neighbouring countries, it should look at the realities exists on the ground. 

Has China realized that it should focus on Bilateral relations with India ?

Both the countries do realize that they need to focus their energies on Domestic Economic growth, Social development. Moving at a pace which is going ahead of the preferences of what India and China has become accustomed to in their bilateral relations. India and China finding common ground on multilateral affairs, good governance. 

We need more Supreme Court: Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu

To bring close the judicial system of the country, Vice President has suggested to set up Benches of Supreme Court in Chennai and different parts of the country. He said at least in 4 metropolitan cities, the benches of Supreme Court should be set up because common people from remote areas have to travel a lot if their matter goes to Supreme Court. In the Supreme Court there are approx 60,000 cases pending and in High Courts there are approx 44,00,000 cases pending. Vice President said that we should reduce this number by set up of Benches of Supreme court.

Why reform is required ?

We are the largest democracy of the world. Judiciary is considered to be the 3rd pillar of  Democracy.

The faith of common people in the essential element of this. In a Justice delivery system where Judgements are pronounced late, this will shake the confidence of  common people sooner or later.

In Supreme Court, Monday and Friday is miscellaneous day. It takes 1 or 2 minutes to admit or dismiss the case. The time from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM is time limit in which judges have of the Supreme Court either have to admit or dismiss the case.

In this situation suppose a person from Kerala has come in hope of justice, he had fought in District Court then High Court then he came to Supreme Court, what he sees in that one minute either his case will be admitted or dismissed. This raises question mark on his faith on Judicial System.

Supreme Court has its own limitations. There are less number of Judges, number of cases are high.

How Justice can be delivered on the door step of common people ?

To improve the Justice delivery system we have to analyse the motive behind the establishment of Supreme Court. 

Supreme Court was not set up for matrimonial disputes or rent disputes between 2 parties. Supreme Court was established for totally different purpose. It has various jurisdiction like original jurisdiction. Example: if there is dispute between Centre or State, or between two states then matter will go to Supreme Court. Under Article 129 it has jurisdiction regarding contempt. Under Article 143 it has advisory jurisdiction.

 It can be said that Supreme Court has invited problems by misusing Article 136 which is Special Leave Petition (SLP). Under Article 136 any matter in any court whether it is district court or any tribunal can be transferred directly to the Supreme Court on the discretion of the Supreme Court. Supreme Court has treated Article 136 as routine. This is the root cause because advocate suggests to go Supreme Court under Article 136. This has increased the number of litigations in the Supreme Court. 

WAY FORWARD: There is only one Supreme Court in every Country. Likewise, India should also have one Supreme Court. Its benches are not required. But there should be   Court Of Appeal  in four parts of the country i.e., east, west, north, south. This Court Of Appeal will have the final adjudicating power after High Court. The matter will go to the Supreme Court only when any Constitutional Violations is involved or any matter which comes under the Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

Time has come to revisit the 10th schedule of the Constitution

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday said that "time has come to revisit the 10th schedule of the Constitution". Vice President underlined the need to revisit the 10th schedule which is also known as Anti-Defection Law. He further said "we should discuss this and come to a conclusion that legislatures are for debate and discussion without disruption. Credibility, capability and capacity should be the yard stick for anyone to enter legislature and not Caste, Cash and Criminality." 

What is 10th schedule ? What is history of Anti Defection Law?

This was conceived during the period which was famous for "aaya ram gaya ram". We had instabled government and coalitions. This was around the time of mid 80's when Rajiv Gandhi was Prime Minister, the first of the Anti Defection law came which insisted that one-third members of Parliament  are required to change the party in order to remain member of Parliament. Rajiv Gandhi had just got elected, and he had huge majority but that time many states had Congress Government, but they were facing problem of instabilities.

In between 1985 and 2003, the minority Government of Narasimha Rao gained majority over those five years by taking groups from Janta Dal, then there was JMM BRIBERY CASE in which black money was deposited into the bank accounts of MPs. This was the minority Government of Narasimha Rao came into power with majority.

Then NDA came with an improvement in this Anti Defection Law. Finally amendment was done that two-third(2/3rd) members of the Parliament have to merge with another party in order to save their seats if they want to leave their party to which they belong to. The decision of Speaker shall be final.

What aspects of the 10th schedule need further Scrutiny?

One of the Important thing which requires Judicial Scrutiny is ground of disqualifications and defection under para 2 of the 10th schedule.

The second clause of this paragraph says: if any member of parliament  abstains from voting or vote against the official mandate that is given by WHIP of the party then this qualifies as ground for disqualification.

This level of fear on the elected representative is something which we have to think about. 

EXAMPLE: suppose the party take position that is different from the position that it had promised to the electorate in the part of its manifesto and there is a representative who won because of this promise. In this situation even if that representative abstains from voting because party is going against its manifesto, he would be seen as defecting and this abstention would be ground for disqualification.

The second thing needs to be amended is the discretionary power of the Speaker should be limited.

J&K People will celebrate EID: PM Narendra Modi

Addressing the Nation first time after Article 370 was revoked, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it the beginning of new era. The Prime Minister said that Union Territory status of Jammu and Kashmir is temporary. Accusing the contentious Article 370 and 35A of creating environment of terror and violence in the valley. The Prime Minister added both these articles 370 and 35A were used to encourage anti national sentiments by Pakistan. Because of this 40,000 innocent people lost their lives.

Guaranteeing peace and tranquillity in the valley he said people in Jammu and Kashmir would not face any difficulty in celebrating EID. He congratulated patriotic people of Jammu and Kashmir who stood up against Pakistan's conspiracy of terrorism and separatism.

Should India be extra vigilant on Pakistan's announcement of complete ban on trade?

In Pakistan there was sense of euphoria sometimes back when Imran khan went to U.S. Pakistan thought that President Trump talked of mediation and when U.S talked of getting Taliban on negotiating table, this had turned around their fortune, and they have again come centre stage. 

But when India took step of abrogating Article 370 and 35A, U.S said it as internal affairs of India. U.A.E. also said this is internal matter. All the neighbouring countries supported India's stand.

The support of neighbouring countries to India was almost death blow to Pakistan. The opposition itself started saying that Imran Khan had been claiming a lot of things but nothing happened. "Modi has taken Kashmir" this term was used by Pakistan's opposition.

So, Imran Khan had to do certain pretence of doing something that was firstly for the domestic people. Sending back High Commissioners makes no sense. The trade between India and Pakistan had already come down after Pulwama attack because India denied Pakistan most favoured nation (MFN) status. India put 200% duty.

Bulk of the trade between India and Pakistan takes place through third country like through U.A.E., Afghanistan. By snapping trade Pakistan has dug its own Grave. 

Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha adjourned Sine Die on August 7.

The Budget session of Parliament has come to an end. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned Sine Die on Wednesday after a highly productive session.

In terms of Legislative output, the 249th session saw the passage of 32 Bills proving to be the best of the 52 sessions in the last 17 years and 5th best in the last 41 years.

In the year 2002, the Upper House in its 197th session had passed 35 bills. The productivity in the House during the session was 104.92% again the best of last 17 sessions.

Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu also described the 249th session of the House as a turn around for the disruptive pasts having reach a new normal.

As many as 38 bills were introduced in the Parliament during the just concluded session, 27 of these bills were passed by both the Houses which is the highest for any session in the last 10 years. 

Landmark Bills Approved by Parliament during this session:

The Upper House of the Parliament set a new normal in its highly productive 249th session with extended sittings and a record number of Bills disposed. The House passed the total of 32 Bills in 35 sittings.

The Chairman expressed pleasure that during the Budget session the Council of States had lived up to its mandate of defending the federal spirit by standing up for the rights of state. This he said was evident on three occasions:

1) while passing the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill where the provision of Consultation with state had been converted to Concurrence of State.

2) In respect to the National Medical Commission Bill where the representation of States has been increased as against the initial provisions.

3) The Government agreed to cancel the postal examinations conducted in Tamil Nadu where members raised the issue during Zero Hour.

Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Clocked in over 450 hours: The total time avail for transaction of business in Rajya Sabha was 195 hours while in the Lok Sabha it was 280 hours.

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla also termed it "the most productive session since 1952." 

Key Takeaways from Union Budget 2019:

India's first full time women Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman presented budget in the Lok Sabha. She emphasized heavy investment in infrastructure, digital economy and job creation. Some important points of the Union Budget are:

- India is growing to be a 2.7 trillion dollar economy from 1.58 dollar in 2014.

- Investment of Rs. 100 lakh crore in infrastructure.

- Rs. 70,000 crore to be provided for public sector Banks.

- 17 Iconic sites to be transformed as world-class tourist destination.

- Aadhar for NRIs with Indian Passport.

- Mission study in India to bring Foreign students to India.

- Rs. 80,250 crore to be given for building 1,25,000 KM of roads in next 5 years.

- Power and Fuel for all by 2022

The Parliament in its first session after the January election passed some landmark bills like:

1) Abrogating Article 370

2) Geographical reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir

3) Anti Triple Talaq bill

4) Motor Vehicle (amendment) Bill

5) National Medical Commission Bill

6) Protection of child from sexual offences (amendment) Bill 

7) The Supreme Court number of Judges (amendment) Bill

8) Consumer Protection Bill

IN DEPTH: Abrogation of Article 370 & Article 35A.

In the Historical move the BJP led NDA Government on Monday nullified Article 370 of the constitution that grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Home Minister Amit Shah moved resolution in the Rajya Sabha stating the all clauses of Article 370 will now no longer be applicable in the state. Home Minister also informed that President Ram Nath Kovind has signed official notification that abrogates Article 370. Amit Shah also moved another bill to Bifurcate the state into two union territories, one Jammu & Kashmir and other Ladakh.

5 August 2019, a significant date for India as well as Jammu and Kashmir. A day on which President Ram Nath Kovind promulgated the constitution application to Jammu and Kashmir order 2019, that states that provision of the Indian Constitution will be applicable to Jammu and Kashmir. The order which came into force immediately supersedes the Constitution application to Jammu and Kashmir order 1954.

For this purpose Clause 4 has been added to Article 367 in the constitution introducing 4 changes.

1) Any further reference to  constitution of Jammu and Kashmir will be construed as reference to the Indian Constitution.

2)  References to Sadar-i-Riyasat of Jammu and Kashmir shall be construed as reference to the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.

3) References to Government shall be construed as the references to the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir including council of ministers acting on his advice.

4) The expression Constituent Assembly of the state shall be read Legislative Assembly of the State.

Changes after Abrogation of Article 370.

No separate Constitution, Flag for Jammu and  Kashmir.

Citizens from other state can buy property in Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K will be Governed by laws applicable to rest of India.

BIFURCATION: Jammu and Kashmir will be Union territory with legislature like Delhi and Puducherry. While Ladakh will have no legislature like Chandigarh.

Analysis of Article 35A.

Apart from Article 370, Article 35A also gives special rights to Citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 35A allowed the state legislature to define Jammu and Kashmir's permanent residence.

The article had been inserted by our Constitution Order issued by then President Rajendra Prasad on the advice of then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru.

This particular Article prevents the people of other state from buying real estate in J&K. This has meant that "many people who have come from outside and are living in the state for last several decades have not got any right in the state." 

Article 35A was given by Presidential Ordinance not through the Constitutional amendment under Article 368. 

This has also been revoked now.

Consular Access to Kulbhushan Jadhav

The Mysterious arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav by Pakistan:

On March 3, 2016, the former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav was arrested reportedly from Baluchistan after he entered from Iran. Few days later Pakistan released a video of Jadhav purportedly confessing of the Indian Spy. According to Pakistani law Jadhav was found guilty of Espionage under section 59 of Pakistan Army Act, 1952 and section 3 of Official Secrets Act of 1923. On March 26, 2016 the Indian Government claimed there was no proof that Jadhav who owns business in Iran was arrested in Baluchistan. On April 10, 2017, Pakistani Army court sentenced Jadhav to death for his involvement in Espionage.

CURRENT STATUS OF THE CASE:

ICJ had put stay on the order of Pakistan Military Court. There were many appeals by India regarding Consular Access to Jadhav. Two weeks ago, the International Court of Justice ordered Pakistan to grant Consular Access to Indian National Kulbhushan Jadhav. 

Finally, on Friday Islamabad announced that they are ready to comply ICJ order.

India has once again reminded Pakistan that Consular Access that is intended to provide Jadhav should be done in an environment that is free from the fear of intimidation. 

The term Consular Access refers to a basic right of anyone who is arrested or detained in Foreign Country. It implies that the Embassy or Consulates of that person's country of origin is notified of the arrest. Consulate Officials can then check up the arrested person and provide them the necessary assistance.

India is demanding Consular Access to Jadhav on the basis of Article 36 of Vienna Convention which says"Foreign Nationals arrested should be given notice of their right to notify their Embassy."   

UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES (PREVENTION) AMENDMENT BILL, 2019

The Parliament on Friday has approved an amendment in the Anti Terror law to give powers to Central Government to designate an individual as a terrorist and seize  property. The Lok Sabha had passed the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 that seeks to amend the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967 of July 24. The Rajya Sabha approved it by voice vote on Friday after rejecting an Opposition's sponsored motion to send it to the Select Committee.

The Salient Features of the Bill.

The amendments allow the Government to designate an individual as terrorist and bring in embargo on arms/assets seizures.

Under the law, personal/financial information of an individual designated as terrorist can be shared with various western agencies.

It gives power to officers of the rank of Inspector of NIA to investigate the offences under chapter 4 and chapter 5.

The bill will empower NIA to conduct raids anywhere without the relevant State Government's prior permission.

Besides designating an individual as a terrorist, the bill empowers the NIA  to grant approval to seize/attach property when the case is being probed.

Can this Act be Misused?

Anyone will be designated terrorist on certain belief and that should be based on material evidence.

There is right of appeal and Article 21 of the Indian Constitution talks about "due process" of law which clearly means no conclusion can be made arbitrarily.

It is not the scenario that investigating agencies takes the call and it remains the final word. The Judicial Scrutiny is there. So there is no chance that it will be misused.