Today's Brief 10/08/2024

Youtube English:https://youtu.be/XY3uk0FflTk?si=jaiNUlLbFWbnHG57

Youtube Hindi: https://youtu.be/EdOsGtVVsDw?si=4b7cykkZqrqT0Yfh

1. Kakori Train Action:also known as the Kakori Conspiracy, was a significant event in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule. It took place on August 9, 1925, near the town of Kakori, which is now in Uttar Pradesh, India.

1. 
   

2. Key Points:

   
   

   1. Objective: The primary aim of the Kakori Train Action was to rob a train carrying money bags belonging to the British government. The funds were intended to finance revolutionary activities aimed at overthrowing British rule.

   2. Execution: The action was carried out by members of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), a revolutionary organization that sought independence for India.

      
      

      Prominent revolutionaries involved in the Kakori Train Action included Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Chandrashekhar Azad, Rajendra Lahiri, and Roshan Singh.

      
      

   3. The Incident: On the evening of August 9, 1925, the revolutionaries stopped the Number 8 Down Train near Kakori, about 10 miles from Lucknow. They overpowered the guard and seized a significant amount of money from the train's strongbox.

   4. Aftermath: Following the action, the British authorities launched an extensive manhunt. Several revolutionaries were arrested, tried, and convicted. Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, and Roshan Singh were sentenced to death, while others received long prison sentences.

   5. Legacy: The Kakori Train Action is remembered as a bold and courageous act against British imperialism. The sacrifice of the revolutionaries inspired future generations of freedom fighters in India. The event remains a symbol of the determination and bravery of those who fought for India's independence.

2.The Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan- Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana is an initiative launched by the Government of India to promote the use of biofuels and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

The scheme is aimed at creating an ecosystem for the production and use of ethanol from non-food-based feedstocks, such as agricultural waste, to support the country's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy security.

Key Objectives:

1. Promote Ethanol Production: The scheme focuses on increasing the production of ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass (such as agricultural residues) and other renewable feedstocks. This is part of the government's broader National Policy on Biofuels, which aims to achieve a target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2030.

2. Reduce Environmental Impact: By converting agricultural waste into biofuels, the scheme seeks to reduce the environmental impact of burning crop residues, which is a significant source of air pollution in India.

3. Support for Second-Generation Biofuels: The JI-VAN Yojana emphasizes the development and commercialization of second-generation (2G) bioethanol technologies. These technologies are more sustainable as they utilize non-food feedstocks, unlike first-generation biofuels, which are derived from food crops like sugarcane.

4. Financial Support: Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided to set up 2G ethanol bio-refineries across the country. The government offers Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to support the construction of these refineries, encouraging private sector participation in the biofuel industry.

5. Enhance Rural Economy: By creating demand for agricultural residues, the scheme aims to provide additional income sources for farmers and support the rural economy.

Implementation:

• The scheme was launched in 2019 and is implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).

• The government has allocated funds for the establishment of 12 commercial-scale and 10 demonstration-scale 2G ethanol plants under this scheme.

Expected Outcomes:

• Energy Security: Reducing dependence on imported crude oil by substituting petrol with domestically produced ethanol.

• Environmental Benefits: Decreasing carbon emissions and improving air quality by reducing the need for crop residue burning.

• Economic Growth: Stimulating the biofuel sector, creating jobs, and providing additional income to farmers.

The Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana is a critical component of India's strategy to transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon economy.

3.A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is a special committee formed by the Parliament of India to investigate specific issues or matters of public importance. A JPC is typically constituted when there is a need for a detailed and comprehensive examination of complex issues, such as allegations of corruption, irregularities in government functioning, or significant legislative matters that require bipartisan consensus.

Key Features of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC):

1. Formation:

   • A JPC is usually formed by a motion passed in one house of Parliament (either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha) and then agreed upon by the other house.

   • The motion defines the scope and objectives of the JPC, including the terms of reference, which outline what the committee will investigate.

   
   

2. Composition:

   • A JPC consists of members from both houses of Parliament, i.e., Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

   • The composition of the committee generally reflects the strength of political parties in Parliament, ensuring proportional representation.

     
     

3. Powers:

   • A JPC has wide-ranging powers to summon witnesses, demand documents, and hold hearings. It can call upon ministers, government officials, and even private individuals to testify.

   • The committee has the authority to conduct detailed investigations and make recommendations based on its findings.

     
     

4. Functioning:

   • The JPC conducts its inquiries and deliberations in a non-partisan manner. Members of the committee work collectively to examine the issue at hand, gather evidence, and draft a report.

   • The committee’s proceedings are usually conducted behind closed doors, but its final report is presented to both houses of Parliament.

     
     

5. Outcome:

   • The JPC submits its report to Parliament, which may include findings, conclusions, and recommendations for action. The government is not legally bound to accept the recommendations, but the report can significantly influence public opinion and government policy.

   • The report is typically debated in Parliament, and the government may respond to the recommendations through a written statement or by taking appropriate action.

     
     

Notable JPCs in Indian History:

1. Bofors Scandal (1987): A JPC was formed to investigate the allegations of kickbacks in the purchase of Bofors guns from Sweden.

2. Harshad Mehta Stock Market Scam (1992): This JPC investigated the stock market scam involving manipulation of stocks and banking systems.

3. 2G Spectrum Scam (2011): A JPC was constituted to investigate irregularities in the allocation of 2G spectrum licenses.

4. VVIP Chopper Scam (2013): A JPC was set up to investigate allegations of bribery and corruption in the purchase of AgustaWestland helicopters.

   
   

Importance of JPCs:

• Transparency and Accountability: JPCs help ensure transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government by providing a mechanism for detailed scrutiny of controversial matters.

• Public Confidence: By addressing issues of public concern, JPCs play a crucial role in maintaining public trust in democratic institutions.

• Policy Impact: The findings and recommendations of a JPC can lead to policy changes, legal reforms, or corrective actions by the government.

  
  

Overall, the JPC is an essential tool in the Indian parliamentary system for maintaining checks and balances and ensuring that significant issues are thoroughly investigated.

Thanks For Visiting!!