CURRENT AFFAIRS AND EDITORIALS | 26 JANUARY 2024

PM joins Parakram Diwas celebrations at Red Fort 

Source: PIB

Syllabus Reference: GS I ( Indian National Movement)

Why In News

• Recently, the Prime Minister of India took part in the Parakram Diwas celebrations at the Red Fort on January 23, 2024, to honor Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary. 
• Additionally, the PM inaugurated Bharat Parv, a nine-day event organized by the Ministry of Tourism, aimed at highlighting India's diverse culture and showcasing various traditions.

About Parakram Diwas

• Parakram Diwas, initiated in 2021, is an annual celebration in India marking the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
• "Parakram" translates to courage or valor in Hindi, symbolizing the strong spirit of Netaji and those involved in India's freedom struggle.

• The celebrations feature various events emphasizing Netaji's historical role in India's fight for independence.
• Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the collaboration includes institutions like the Archaeological Survey of India, the National School of Drama, Sahitya Akademi, and the National Archives of India.
• The event includes diverse activities exploring the profound legacy of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj.

Subhas Chandra Bose Disaster Management Award

• The Subhas Chandra Bose Disaster Management Award is an annual acknowledgment created to celebrate the noteworthy contributions and altruistic efforts made by individuals and organizations in India within the realm of disaster management. 
• Declared annually on January 23rd, the award comprises a cash grant of Rs. 51 lakh, coupled with a certificate for institutions, and Rs. 5 lakh along with a certificate for individuals.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to Indian nationals and Indian institutions exclusively.
• The nominee must have demonstrated work in various aspects of disaster management in India, including Prevention, Mitigation, Preparedness, Rescue, Response, Relief, Rehabilitation, Research, Innovation, or early warning.

NOTE
The Subhash Chandra Bose Disaster Management Award for 2024 has been conferred upon the 60 Parachute Field Hospital in Uttar Pradesh, acknowledging its outstanding efforts and achievements in the field of disaster management.

Supreme Court Refines Cheating Criteria under IPC 420

Source: Live Law

Syllabus Reference: GS (Indian Polity)

Why In News

The Supreme Court recently explained that when charging someone with cheating (Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code), it's important to check if the deceitful act involved convincing the complainant to give away any property.

About Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code

• Section 420 of the IPC, commonly referred to as IPC 420, addresses the offense of cheating and dishonestly inducing a person to deliver property, create, alter, or destroy valuable securities, or manipulate anything signed or sealed that can be transformed into a valuable security.
• In simpler terms, cheating, as defined in Section 415 of the IPC, involves dishonest actions undertaken to gain an advantage. IPC 420 is a more severe form of cheating, encompassing inducement leading to the delivery of property and valuable securities.
• This section applies to cases involving the destruction of property through cheating or inducement. Offenders found guilty under Section 420 may face imprisonment for up to seven years and are also subject to a fine. The offense is cognizable and non-bailable.

The essential elements for constituting an offense under Section 420, IPC are

• The representation made by the accused was false.
• The accused knew the representation was false at the time of making it.
• The accused made the false representation with the dishonest intention to deceive the person to whom it was made.
• The accused thereby induced the person to deliver property or to do or omit to do something they would not have otherwise done or omitted.

Supreme to hear dispute on BSF Jurisdiction in Punjab

Source The Indian Express

Syllabus Reference: GS II & III (Government Policy / Security)

Why In News

The Supreme Court is set to hear the dispute over expanding the Border Security Force (BSF) jurisdiction in Punjab.

In October 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification broadening the BSF's authority to cover Punjab, West Bengal, and Assam

About BSF

Established in December 1965, the Border Security Force (BSF) is one of India's seven Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). 

Originating in the aftermath of the 1965 War, its primary objective is to safeguard the nation's borders. Distinguishing itself, the BSF is the sole CAPF equipped with its own Water Wing, Air Wing, and additional ancillary units. 

The headquarters of BSF are situated in New Delhi.

The primary objectives of BSF include preventing trans-border crimes, unauthorized entry into or exit from Indian territory, as well as thwarting smuggling and other illicit activities.

Gist of the MHA Notification

As per the notification, within the extended 50-kilometer jurisdiction, the BSF is authorized to wield powers exclusively under the Criminal Procedure Code, the Passport (Entry into India) Act, and the Passports Act. 

However, the 15-kilometer limit persists for enforcement of other central legislations.

Understanding BSF Powers Extension

Addressing Smuggling Challenges in Punjab

• Punjab confronts a significant hurdle in tackling the trafficking of drugs and arms, prompting the need for enhanced operational efficiency and measures to curb illicit activities.

Security Concerns in Border Regions

• The vulnerability of these border regions to illegal migration underscores the necessity for strategic measures to bolster security and prevent unauthorized entry.

Rise of Drones and UAVs

• The growing use of drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has led to the recent expansion of the Border Security Force's (BSF) jurisdiction. These technologies, equipped with long-range capabilities, present challenges related to surveillance and the clandestine transport of arms and counterfeit currency.

Notification for Uniform BSF Jurisdiction

• The recent notification aims not only to address security challenges but also to establish uniformity in BSF jurisdiction across states. While a 50-kilometer limit was already in place in Rajasthan, the same notification reduced the jurisdiction in Gujarat from 80 kilometers to 50 kilometers.