Today's Brief 19/11/2024

IE Analysis: https://youtu.be/yRlH58_HdrU?feature=shared

(GS Paper III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management ) 

1 .Aphantasia: is a condition where individuals are unable to visualize mental images. It means they cannot picture objects, scenes, or people in their mind's eye. While this might seem strange to those who can visualize, it's a genuine neurological difference.

While it might seem unusual, aphantasia is not a disability or a sign of a problem, but rather a variation in how the brain functions. Despite this unique experience, people with aphantasia can still live fulfilling lives, often relying on other senses like hearing and touch to enrich their imagination.

2 .GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) is a set of measures implemented in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) to combat air pollution. As air quality worsens, stricter restrictions are imposed under different stages of GRAP. Currently, Delhi is under GRAP 4, which includes measures like work-from-home for non-essential staff, closure of schools, and restrictions on industrial activities and vehicular traffic.

These measures are aimed at reducing pollution levels and improving air quality in the region.

GRAP Stages and Actions

1. Moderate to Poor AQI (AQI: 101-300):

   • Close visibly polluting brick kilns, stone crushers, and industries not meeting emission standards.

   • Regulate dust-generating construction activities.

   • Encourage use of public transport through awareness campaigns.

2. Very Poor AQI (AQI: 301-400):

   • Ban on diesel generator (DG) sets except for essential services.

   • Increase parking fees to discourage private vehicle use.

   • Enhance public transport services.

3. Severe AQI (AQI: 401-450):

   • Ban on construction and demolition activities (except essential projects).

   • Closure of industries that run on non-clean fuels.

   • Intensify mechanized road cleaning and water sprinkling.

4. Severe Plus/Emergency AQI (AQI: 450+):

   • Ban on entry of heavy vehicles into the city (except essential commodities).

   • Stop all construction activities.

   • Consider odd-even vehicle rationing scheme.

   • Closure of educational institutions if necessary.

3 . Article 356 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President of India to impose President's Rule in a state if there is a failure of the constitutional machinery in that state. It is also referred to as a State Emergency or Constitutional Emergency in a state.

Key Provisions of Article 356:

1. Grounds for Imposition:

   • If the President, based on a report from the Governor of the state or otherwise, is satisfied that the government of the state cannot function according to the provisions of the Constitution.

   • This could happen due to political instability, breakdown of law and order, or a failure to comply with constitutional directions from the Union.

2. Procedure:

   • A Proclamation is issued by the President, which:

     • Dissolves or suspends the state legislature.

     • Vests the executive powers of the state in the President, to be exercised by the Governor on his behalf.

     • Transfers legislative powers of the state to the Parliament.

   • The Proclamation must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within two months.

   • If approved, it can last for six months and be extended for up to three years with periodic approval every six months.

3. Limitations:

   • 44th Constitutional Amendment Act (1978): It introduced safeguards to prevent misuse. Beyond one year, President's Rule cannot continue unless:

     • A national emergency is in force in the country or in the state.

     • The Election Commission certifies that elections to the state legislature cannot be conducted.

Criticism and Misuse:

• It has been criticized for being used to dismiss state governments controlled by opposition parties.

• Judicial review: The Supreme Court of India in the S.R. Bommai vs. Union of India (1994) case laid down guidelines to prevent misuse. It ruled that the imposition of President's Rule is subject to judicial review, and the floor test in the assembly is the ultimate way to determine majority support.

Key Implications:

• It ensures federal balance but has been contentious in India's political history.

• Article 356 has been used over 125 times since independence, often sparking debates about its impact on state autonomy.

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