Haryana

• 24 Feb 2025

Article 101

Why in News? 

The Punjab and Haryana High Court postponed the hearing on Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh’s petition, which sought permission to attend Parliament. 

 Key Points 

• Legal Argument on Absence: 
  • Amritpal Singh’s counsel argued that he had already been absent for 46 days from the date of filing the petition. 
  • As per Article 101(4) of the Constitution, a parliamentary seat may be declared vacant if a member is absent for more than 60 days without permission. 
  • It was emphasized that only six days remained before reaching this threshold, after which his membership could be terminated. 
• Background of the Case: 
  • Amritpal Singh, MP from the Khadoor Sahib constituency, initially moved the court in January 2025. 
  • He sought permission to attend Parliament and meet Union ministers to discuss development issues in his constituency. 
  • His plea argued that, as an elected MP representing over 19 lakh people, he should be allowed to fulfill his parliamentary duties. 

 Article 101(4) 

• Key Provisions: 
  • An MP’s seat may be declared vacant if they are absent from the House for 60 consecutive days without permission. 
  • The counting of days excludes periods when Parliament is not in session. 
  • The Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha) decides on the disqualification. 
• Objective: 
  • Ensures active participation of MPs in legislative proceedings. 
  • Prevents neglect of parliamentary responsibilities by elected representatives. 
  • Upholds the principle of accountability in a democracy. 
• Exceptions and Special Cases: 
  • MPs can apply for leave of absence due to valid reasons such as illness, detention, or unavoidable circumstances. 
  • If the House grants permission, the MP retains their seat. 
  • In cases of legal detention, courts may intervene to allow attendance if required. 

38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela Concluded

Why in News? 

Union Minister of Energy, Housing, and Urban Affairs presided over the vibrant closing ceremony of the 38^th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela. 

 Key Points 

• Mela’s Global Impact: 
  • The Union Minister emphasized the international significance of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela. 
  • He stated that the event has given Haryana and India global recognition while setting a milestone in cultural tourism. 
• Cultural and Economic Importance: 
  • Calling the fair the “MahaKumbh of art and craft,” he highlighted its role in fostering direct interaction between artisans and visitors. 
  • The Mela promotes India’s rich heritage and cultural diversity, attracting artisans and tourists from across the world. 
• Strengthening National and Cultural Unity: 
  • He praised the Mela’s role in enhancing national unity and cultural integrity. 
  • Calling Surajkund the world’s largest cultural confluence, he said it reflects the growing appreciation for art and craft worldwide. 
• Participation and Awards: 
  • The closing ceremony featured awards for outstanding artisans across multiple categories. 
  • The 38^th edition witnessed over 1,600 artisans from India and abroad and attracted approximately 15 lakh visitors. 

 Surajkund Mela 

• The Surajkund International Crafts Mela was from 7^th February to 23^rd February 2025.  
• The event will showcase art, craftsmanship, and talent from artisans across India and the world.  
• The Union Minister described Surajkund Mela as more than just a marketplace, highlighting its role in preserving and promoting ancient craftsmanship. 

Aravalli Jungle Safari

Why in News? 

Haryana Environment, Forest, and Wildlife Minister urged people to pledge to protect endangered wildlife on World Wildlife Day. Efforts for a jungle safari and the Aravalli Green Wall Project were underway to launch the safari on World Wildlife Day. 

 Key Points 

• Execution of the Safari Project: 
  • Initially, the Tourism Department was responsible for the safari project, but Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has now assigned its execution to the Forest and Wildlife Department. 
  • The department is making rapid progress on the project. 
• Study Visits for Project Planning: 
  • The Minister, along with department officials, visited the Gorewada Wildlife Safari in Nagpur (Maharashtra) and the Vantara Project in Jamnagar (Gujarat) to study best practices. 
  • Efforts are underway to ensure that Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the proposed safari in the Aravalli region. 
• Aravalli Green Wall Project: 
  • The project aims to restore over 1.15 million hectares across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, promoting multi-state cooperation. 
  • Key objectives include: 
    • Afforestation with indigenous tree species 
    • Biodiversity conservation 
    • Soil health restoration 
    • Enhancing groundwater recharge 

 World Wildlife Day  

• About: 
  • It has been celebrated every year on the 3rd of March since 2013. 
  • The date chosen coincides with the day of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which was signed in 1973. 
  • The UNGA (General Assembly) resolution also designated the CITES Secretariat as the facilitator for the global observance of this special day for wildlife on the UN (United Nations) calendar. 
• Significance: 
  • This aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 1, 12, 14 and 15, and their wide-ranging commitments on alleviating poverty, ensuring sustainable use of resources, and on conserving life both on land and below water to halt biodiversity loss. 
  • Our planet is currently facing the urgent challenge that is the loss of biodiversity and up to a million species could disappear in the coming decades if unsustainable human activity, climate change and habitat degradation are left unchecked.