• 17 Oct 2024

Jammu & Kashmir Gets New CM

Why in News?

Recently, Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, focusing on restoring regional balance between Jammu & Kashmir through his new cabinet.

Key Points

• Cabinet Composition:
  • The new cabinet includes a blend of leaders from Jammu & Kashmir, such as Surinder Kumar Choudhary, a prominent leader from Jammu, as Deputy Chief Minister, and Javed Rana and Satish Sharma from Jammu.
  • The inclusion of Surinder Kumar Choudhary and other Jammu leaders signifies Abdullah’s attempt to address the polarized electorate post the abrogation of Article 370, which removed J&K’s special status.
• Role of Governor and Constitutional Provisions:
  • Under Article 164, the Governor appoints the Chief Minister, who is typically the leader of the majority party, and the Council of Ministers is appointed on the advice of the Chief Minister.
  • Article 163 grants the Governor discretionary powers in special situations, especially in appointing the CM and dealing with coalition politics.
• The demand for restoration of statehood remains central, as leaders continue to push for its reinstatement.

Chief Minister

• Appointment:
  • Article 164 of the Constitution envisages that the Chief Minister shall be appointed by the governor.
    • A leader of the party that has got the majority share of votes in the assembly elections, is appointed as the Chief Minister of the state.
    • The Governor is the nominal executive authority, but real executive authority rests with the Chief Minister.
    • However, the discretionary powers enjoyed by the governor reduces to some extent the power, authority, influence, prestige and role of the Chief Minister in the state administration.
  • A person who is not a member of the state legislature can be appointed as Chief Minister for six months, within which time, he should be elected to the state legislature, failing which he ceases to be the Chief Minister.
• Term of the CM:
  • The term of the Chief Minister is not fixed and he holds office during the pleasure of the governor.
    • He cannot be dismissed by the governor as long as he enjoys the majority support in the legislative assembly.
  • The State Legislative Assembly can also remove him by passing a vote of no-confidence against him.
• Powers and Functions:
  • With Respect to Council of Ministers:
    • The governor appoints only those persons as ministers who are recommended by the Chief Minister.
    • He allocates and reshuffles the portfolios among ministers.
    • He can bring about the collapse of the council of ministers by resigning from office, since the Chief Minister is the head of the council of ministers

Hooch Tragedy

Why in News?

Recently, a tragic hooch incident in Bihar has claimed eight lives, drawing attention to the severe consequences of illicit liquor consumption.

Key Points

• Hooch Formation Process:
  • Hooch, also known as illicit or spurious liquor, is typically made by fermenting and distilling cheap raw materials like molasses or grains.
  • Often, dangerous chemicals like methanol are added to speed up production or increase potency. Methanol can cause fatal poisoning even in small amounts.
• Contributing Factors:
  • Despite strict prohibition laws, the underground liquor trade continues to thrive in Bihar. Poor enforcement and high demand for alcohol contribute to recurring hooch incidents.
  • Public health experts point to the need for better regulation and stronger policing to prevent the sale of toxic alcohol.
• Prohibition Laws:
  • Bihar has enforced a total prohibition on alcohol since 2016 under the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016. However, loopholes and weak enforcement allow the illegal trade to flourish.
  • The law includes stringent punishments for those involved in the production and sale of illicit liquor, including heavy fines and imprisonment.

Methanol

• Methanol, chemically represented as CH3OH, is a simple alcohol molecule consisting of one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one hydroxyl group (OH).
• Regulations:
  • Methanol is classified under Schedule I of the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules 1989 in India.
  • Indian Standard IS 517 specifies how the quality of methanol should be determined.
• Industrial Production:
  • Methanol is primarily produced industrially by combining carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of copper and zinc oxide catalysts, typically at pressures of 50-100 atm and temperatures around 250°C.
    • Historically, methanol was also produced through the destructive distillation of wood, a method known since ancient times, including in ancient Egypt.
• Industrial Uses:
  • Methanol serves as a crucial precursor in the production of acetic acid, formaldehyde, and various aromatic hydrocarbons. It is widely used as a solvent, antifreeze, and in various industrial processes due to its chemical properties.
• Effect on Human Body:
  • Metabolic Acidosis:
    • Methanol in the body is broken down into toxic byproducts, primarily formic acid. This acid disrupts the body's delicate pH balance in the blood, leading to a condition called metabolic acidosis (production of excessive acid that cannot be flushed out by kidneys).
    • This makes the blood more acidic, hindering its ability to function properly.
  • Cellular Oxygen Deprivation:
    • Formic acid also interferes with an enzyme called cytochrome oxidase, which is crucial for cellular respiration. This disrupts the cells' ability to use oxygen, leading to a buildup of lactic acid and further contributing to acidosis.
  • Vision Impairment:
    • Methanol can damage the optic nerve and retina, causing methanol-induced optic neuropathy. This condition can lead to permanent vision problems, including blindness.
  • Brain Damage:
    • It can cause cerebral edema (fluid buildup in the brain) and hemorrhage (bleeding). These can lead to coma and death.

Madhya Pradesh Mining Conclave, 2024

Why in News?

Recently, the Madhya Pradesh Mining Conclave, 2024 was organized to attract investments in the mining and energy sectors, with discussions on sustainable practices and technological advancements.

Key Points

• Objective of the Conclave:
  • Aimed at boosting investments in mining, oil, gas, and related industries in Madhya Pradesh.
  • Focuses on sustainable mining practices, regulatory frameworks, and adopting advanced technologies for efficient resource utilization.
• Strategic & Technical Discussions:
  • Topics include coal, energy, limestone, cement, and mineral beneficiation.
  • Highlights new technologies like drone solutions for mine operations and innovations in mineral processing.
• Madhya Pradesh's Mineral Wealth:
  • The state is rich in minerals like coal, limestone, and diamonds.
  • Madhya Pradesh holds 90% of India’s diamond reserves, making it a hub for the diamond business with five identified blocks for development.

Uttarakhand Government’s Guidelines for ‘Spit Jihad’

Why in News?

Recently, the Uttarakhand government introduced new guidelines aimed at curbing food contamination incidents involving spitting, addressing growing concerns around food safety during the festive season.

Key Points

• Strict Fines Imposed: A fine of up to Rs. 1 lakh will be imposed on offenders who contaminate food by spitting or committing similar offenses.
  • The guidelines come after recent viral incidents, including videos from Mussoorie and Dehradun where individuals were caught spitting in food items, triggering public outrage.
• Police Verification and CCTV: Hotels and eateries are now required to conduct police verification for their staff, and the installation of CCTV cameras in kitchens is mandatory.
  • Authorities will run awareness campaigns to educate the public and businesses about maintaining food safety standards.
• Health Department Involvement: The Health and Food Safety departments will assist police in random inspections and checks at eateries to ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Legal Action: Offenders could be charged under multiple legal provisions, including sections related to public nuisance and food adulteration under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Uttarakhand Police Act, 2007.
• Zero Tolerance for Religious Sensitivities: If the act affects religion or community harmony, additional charges under BNS section 196 (promoting enmity) could be applied

Chhattisgarh DMF Scam

Why in News?

Recently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested a Chhattisgarh government official in relation to the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) scam.

Key Points

• DMF Scam Investigation:
  • The ED is focusing on widespread misuse of the DMF, which is meant to benefit communities affected by mining activities.
• District Mineral Foundation (DMF):
  • DMF is a non-profit trust established to work for the interest and benefit of people affected by mining operations.
  • Funded by a percentage of the royalty from mining companies, DMF aims to develop infrastructure and provide healthcare, education, and livelihood support in mining-affected areas.
• Enforcement Directorate (ED):
  • The ED is a law enforcement agency responsible for investigating and enforcing laws related to economic offenses, particularly money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
  • It plays a key role in probing financial crimes and corruption, such as the current investigation into the DMF scam.

DMF Scheme

• About:
  • As per the Mine and Minerals Development Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2015, in every district affected by mining-related operations, the state government shall, by notification, establish a trust as a non-profit body to be called the District Mineral Foundation.
• DMF Funds:
  • Every mining lease holder is required to contribute a fraction of the royalty up to one-third towards the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), as per the rates set by the Central Government.
  • This fund will be used for welfare of the people affected in the mining affected areas.
• Objective:
  • The idea behind the contribution is that local mining-affected communities, mostly tribal and among the poorest in the country, also have the right to benefit from natural resources extracted from where they live.
• Functioning:
  • The functioning of the DMF trusts and the fund use governed by states’ DMF Rules incorporate the mandates of a central guideline, Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY).