• 09 Oct 2024

NC and PDP: A Political Overview

Why in News?

The Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections of 2024 have seen the National Conference (NC) and Congress alliance leading, with the People's Democratic Party (PDP) trailing behind.

Key Points

• Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC):
  • Founded in 1932 by Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah.
  • Emerged as a powerful political force advocating for Kashmiri rights and land reforms.
  • After Independence, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession in 1947 amidst a Pakistani invasion.
  • Sheikh Abdullah was appointed Prime Minister of an interim government in 1948.
  • The NC won 73 of 75 seats in the 1951 elections for the Constituent Assembly of J&K.
  • Sheikh Abdullah was dismissed and jailed in 1953, reportedly under Prime Minister Nehru’s orders, due to concerns over Abdullah’s links with Pakistan.
  • Abdullah returned to power after an accord with Indira Gandhi in 1975.
  • Sheikh Abdullah’s son, Farooq, succeeded him in 1982.
  • Militancy and the 1990s:
    • The 1990s saw the rise of militancy in the region, with the NC's political dominance weakening.
  • Post-2000 Political Alliances:
    • The NC briefly aligned with the BJP-led NDA in 1999.
    • Since then, NC has intermittently allied with Congress, including in the 2019 elections under the INDI Alliance.
    • Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the NC has called for the restoration of J&K’s special status.
• Peoples Democratic Party (PDP):
  • Founded in 1999 by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed after leaving the Congress.
  • Sayeed’s political career started in the Democratic National Conference, an NC splinter group.
  • Sayeed briefly served as India’s first Kashmiri Muslim Home Minister (1989-91) in the V P Singh government.
  • The PDP came to power in 2002 in coalition with the Congress, with Sayeed serving as CM.
  • Alliance with BJP (2014):
    • In 2014, the PDP entered into an alliance with the BJP, a controversial decision given their ideological differences.
    • Mufti Mohammed Sayeed passed away in 2016, and his daughter Mehbooba Mufti took over as party leader.
  • The PDP, like the NC, has demanded the restoration of Article 370 since its abrogation.
  • The PDP’s political influence has waned in recent years, with only 3 seats won in the 2024 elections.

State Party

• A party is recognised as a state party in a state if any of the following conditions is fulfilled:
  • If it secures 6% of the valid votes polled in the state at a general election to the respective state legislative assembly (state LA) and also, it wins 2 seats in the same state LA.
  • If it secures 6% of the total valid votes in the state at a general election to the LS; and also, it wins 1 seat in the LS from the same state.
  • If it wins 3% of seats in the LA at a general election to the legislative assembly of the state concerned or 3 seats in the assembly (whichever is more).
  • If it wins 1 seat in the LS for every 25 seats or any fraction thereof allotted to the state at a general election to the LS from the state concerned.
  • If it secures 8% of the total valid votes polled in the state at a General Election to the LS from the state or to the State LA.

Losing Security Deposit in Elections

Why in News?

Recently, despite a significant push in Haryana, a political party failed to win any seats in the local elections, resulting in the forfeiture of candidates' security deposits due to not meeting the required vote percentage.

Key Points

• Security Deposit Mandate:
  • As per the Representation of People Act, 1951, candidates must deposit a security amount when contesting elections.
  • For Parliamentary elections: Rs. 25,000; for Assembly elections: Rs. 10,000.
  • This ensures that only genuinely committed candidates submit nominations.
• Forfeiture of Security Deposit:
  • A candidate must secure at least one-sixth (16.67%) of the total valid votes cast to retain the deposit, If not, the deposit is forfeited to the Election Commission.
• Example Calculation:
  • In an Assembly seat with 200,000 votes, candidates must secure over 33,332 votes to avoid losing their deposit.

The Representation of the People Act (RPA),1951

• It regulates the actual conduct of elections and by-elections.
• RPA, 1951 provides administrative machinery for conducting elections.
• It deals with the registration of political parties.
• This specifies the qualifications and disqualifications for membership of the Houses.
• It provides provisions to curb corrupt practices and other offences.
• It lays down the procedure for settling doubts and disputes arising out of elections.

Kumbh Summit 2024

Why in News?

Recently, the UP government has launched a series of cultural events across the state for the preparation of Maha Kumbh 2025.

Key Points

• Kumbh Summit Events:
  • Launched across 18 tehsils of U.P. as a prelude to Maha Kumbh 2025.
  • Events include "Kumbh Abhinandan" road show, Bal-Yuva Kumbh, Kala-Sanskriti Kumbh, Kavi Kumbh, and Bhakti Kumbh.
  • Universities and educational institutions will take part in these cultural celebrations.
  • Various cultural academies, including Lalit Kala Academy and Sangeet Natak Academy, are responsible for organizing competitions.
  • Focus on eco-friendly practices like ‘zero plastic usage’ and AI tools for security.
  • Ensuring transport via 700 electric buses and enhancing accessibility for devotees during peak festival days.
  • Deadline of December 15, 2024 is set for all facilities to be ready for Maha Kumbh.

Maha Kumbh

• Kumbh Mela comes under United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• It is the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims on earth, during which participants bathe or take a dip in a sacred river.
• It takes place on the banks of the Godavari river in Nashik, the Shipra river in Ujjain, the Ganges in Haridwar, and the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati river in Prayagraj. The confluence is referred to as the ‘Sangam‘.
• As it is held in four different cities in India, it involves different social and cultural activities, making this a culturally diverse festival.
• The over month-long fair is marked by the construction of a massive tented township, complete with cottages, huts, platforms, civic facilities, administrative and security measures.
• It is organized immaculately by the government, the local authorities and the police.
• The mela is especially renowned for the presence of an extraordinary array of religious ascetics enticed from remote hideaways in forests, mountains and caves

Uttarakhand UCC Implementation

Why in News?

The Uttarakhand government is finalizing its rules for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with a focus on digital services.

Key Points

• Committee and Report:
  • The UCC addresses marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships.
  • A 500-page report was prepared by a committee formed in February.
  • Over 130 meetings were held involving legal experts and law interns.
  • Marriage and live-in relationship registrations can be done digitally via a website and mobile app.
  • Documentation and modifications of the Will (legal document) will also be facilitated digitally.
  • Common Service Centres (CSCs) will assist those with limited digital skills.
• Implementation Timeline:
  • UCC implementation expected before 9^th November 2024, Uttarakhand’s foundation day.

Uniform Civil Code

• The Uniform Civil Code refers to a single set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession for all citizens of India.
• The concept of UCC is mentioned in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution as a Directive Principle of State Policy, which states that the state shall endeavor to secure a uniform civil code for citizens throughout the territory of India.
  • However, it's important to note that this is not a legally enforceable right but a guiding principle for the state.

Silicosis Tragedy in Panna Mining Community

Why in News?

The devastating impact of mining continues to claim lives in Panna, with families grappling with silicosis misdiagnosed as tuberculosis.

Key Points

• Silicosis:
  • A fatal lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust, common in mining industries.
  • Symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue, often mistaken as tuberculosis.
  • Since 2014, five family members have died, suspected from silicosis.
• Tuberculosis (TB):
  • TB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, belonging to the Mycobacteriaceae family consisting of about 200 members.
  • Some of Mycobacteria cause diseases like TB and Leprosy in humans and others infect a wide range of animals.
  • In humans, TB most commonly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but it can also affect other organs (extra-pulmonary TB).
  • TB is a very ancient disease and has been documented to have existed in Egypt as early as 3000 BC. It is a treatable and curable disease.

Best Tourism Villages Award

Why in News?

Recently, three villages in Madhya Pradesh were recognized for their sustainable tourism efforts on International Tourism Day (27^th September).

Key Points

• Awarded Villages:
  • Pranpur:
    • Category: Craft
    • Notable for its weaving tradition with 243 households involved in handloom production.
    • Artisans craft items from bamboo, wood, stone, jewelry, and clay.
    • Infrastructure improvements include locally sourced stones for visitor access.
    • Features a "Handloom Cafe" and an amphitheater for cultural performances.
  • Sabarvani:
    • Category: Responsible Tourism
    • Transformed into a tourism hub since 2019, hosting over 300 international tourists.
    • Offers cultural experiences like traditional cuisine and participation in local agricultural practices.
    • Attractions include Anhoni Hot Spring, Ghoghra Waterfall, and proximity to Satpura National Park.
    • Activities for tourists include bullock cart rides, cow milking, and trekking on Monakhedi Hill.
  • Ladpura Khas:
    • Category: Responsible Tourism.
    • Known for its community engagement and promotion of local traditions.
• Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024:
  • It was launched by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to promote sustainable practices.
  • It aimed to identify villages preserving cultural and natural heritage.
  • A total of 36 villages recognized across eight categories.

International Tourism Day

• History: World Tourism Day was first celebrated in 1980 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and raises awareness about the social, cultural, and economic importance of tourism.
  • The day marks the adoption of UNWTO’s statutes in 1975, signifying its official establishment five years later.
  • UNWTO advocates for tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability while supporting the sector in advancing knowledge and policies worldwide.
    • UNWTO comprises 160 Member States (including India), 6 Associate Members, 2 Observers, and over 500 Affiliate Members.
    • Headquartered in Madrid, Spain.