Daily Current Affairs

To The Point Notes

Art and Culture

1.Ahom ‘Moidams’

What are Moidams?

• Ancient mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty (Assam, Northeast India).
• Final resting places for Ahom royalty.
• Moidams preserve mortal remains and cherished objects of the deceased.

Charaideo Necropolis:

• Pyramid-like structures on elevated land.
• Silent narration of Ahom royalty, legacies, and time.

UNESCO Recommendation:

• International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) recommended Ahom Moidams for World Heritage status.
• Moidams stood out as India’s sole applicant among 36 nominations globally.

Criteria for Recommendation:

• Criterion (III): Moidams showcase the exceptional Ahom cultural tradition and civilization.
• Criterion (IV): Moidams represent a unique architectural ensemble (mound-burial system) reflecting significant stages in human history.

 

 

 

Polity and Governance

2.Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas

Background:

• Government of India observes June 25th as “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas” (Constitution Assassination Day).

Reason:

• Commemorates the Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975.
• Emergency period (until March 21, 1977) witnessed:
  • Suspension of fundamental rights.
  • Detention of opposition leaders and critics.
  • Press censorship.
  • 38th Amendment Act (1975) making emergency declarations immune to judicial review (repealed by 44th Amendment Act, 1978).

Article 352 and Emergency:

• Allows President to proclaim emergency based on Cabinet advice (headed by PM).
• Grounds for proclamation:
  • War or external aggression.
  • Armed rebellion (removed in 1978).
• 1975 Emergency: First and only instance based on “internal disturbance.”

Significance of Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas:

• Honors those who endured the hardships of the Emergency.
• Serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the Constitution and democratic values.

 

 

IR

3.India Seizes Pak-bound Banned Chemicals

Context:

• Indian authorities seized a China-shipped consignment of banned chemicals headed for Pakistan at a Tamil Nadu port.

About the Chemicals:

• The consignment contained Ortho-Chloro Benzylidene Malononitrile (CS), a banned tear gas component.
• Seized under Customs Act (1962) and Weapons of Mass Destruction Act (2005).
• CS is listed under the Wassenaar Arrangement (export control regime).
  • India is a member; China and Pakistan are not.

Multilateral Export Control Regimes (relevant to India):

• Wassenaar Arrangement (1996): Controls conventional arms, dual-use goods (civilian & military applications).
• Nuclear Suppliers Group (1974): Prevents nuclear proliferation through export controls.
• Australia Group (1985): Controls chemical weapons precursor chemicals.
• Missile Technology Control Regime (1987): Limits proliferation of missiles for weapons of mass destruction. (India joined in 2016)

 

 

Cyber Security

4.CERT-In Ownership Debate

Current Status:

• Dispute between IT Ministry and Home Ministry (MHA) for control of CERT-In (India’s cybersecurity watchdog).
• CERT-In currently under IT Ministry’s administrative control (established 2004).

CERT-In’s Role:

• National nodal agency for handling cyber security incidents.
• Prevents, detects, and responds to cyberattacks.
• Crucial for incident reporting, malware alerts, and safeguarding digital infrastructure.

Importance of CERTs:

• Rapid response to cyberattacks, minimizing damage.
• Global collaboration for sharing threat intelligence and best practices.
• Proactive prevention through alerts and security guidelines.

Ownership Debate – Key Players:

• IT Ministry:
  • Backed by Information Technology (Amendment) Act 2008 designating CERT-In as the national cybersecurity agency.
  • Emphasizes CERT-In’s technical expertise for handling cyber incidents.
• MHA:
  • Argues control under MHA would enhance investigative capabilities in cyberspace.
  • MHA has a broader law enforcement mandate.