Attorney General
Why in News?
R Venkataramani was appointed as Attorney General (AG) of India for period of 3 years succeeding K K Venugopal whose term will end on September 30.
About AG:
AG is the highest law officer in the country
Article 76 provided for the office of Attorney General of India
Qualification:
1. High court of Judge for 5 years
2. Advocate of high court for 10 years
3. Eminent jurist
Appointment and Tenure:
1. Appointed by President
2. Holds office during pleasure of President
Functions:
1. To give advice to the Government of India upon legal matters which are referred to him by President.
2. To discharge functions conferred on him by the Constitution.
Duties:
1. To appear on behalf of Government of India in Supreme court / High court in which Government of India is concerned.
2. To represent Government of India in any reference made by President to the Supreme court under Article 143 of the Constitution.
Limitations:
1. Not advise or hold a brief against GoI.
2. Not defend accused persons in criminal prosecutions without permission of GoI.
3. Not accept appointment as Director in company without permission of GoI.
Unlawful activities prevention act (UAPA)
Why in news?
Union home ministry declared popular front of India for five years under UAPA
Unlawful activities prevention act:
It is also known as Anti-terrorist law.
Objective:
To make powers available for dealing with activities against the integrity and sovereignty of India.
Recent amendment:
- Unlawful activities prevention amendment act,2019.
- It has made possible for union government to designate individuals as terrorists without due process of law.
Significance:
- Under UAPA both Indians and foreign nationals can be charged.
- UAPA has death penalty and life imprisonment as highest punishment.
Union government may designate an organization as terrorists’ organization if it
- Commits are participated in act of terrorism
- Prepares for terrorism
- Promotes terrorism
- Otherwise involved in terrorism
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
Why in news?
Centre extends PMGKAY for three months from October 1
About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana:
PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana is a food security scheme launched by Government of India in March 2020 during Covid-19 pandemic.
- Largest food security program in the world.
- Free food grains at 5kg per person per month for all the Beneficiaries of NFSA.
- This scheme is introduced by PM Modi during covid pandemic.
- It provides free ration to poor through public distribution system.
- Part of AtmaNirbhar Bharat to supply free food grains to migrants and the poor.
- Implemented by the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
Objective:
To support the needy and poorest citizens of India by providing food grains through Public Distribution System.
Beneficiaries:
Eligible beneficiaries will receive 5kg of food grains and 1 kg Gram per month.
- Families belongs to following categories are eligible
- Below Poverty line
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana
- Priority households
- Households headed by widows or disabled persons or persons aged above 60 years
- All primitive tribal households.
- Fund allocation: Government of India will all expenditure.
- Cons: Beneficiaries are based on 2011 census.
Bandhavgarh Tiger reserve
Why in news?
Buddhist caves and temples revealed in bandhavgarh tiger reserve by Archaeology survey of India.
Findings:
- Buddhists caves and stupas dated back to 2nd century.
- Hindu temples from 9th – 11th century
- Varaha sculpture
Bandhavgarh tiger reserve:
Bandhavgarh national park(1968) was declared as tiger reserve in 1993.
Location: Umaria district of madhya pradesh. Eastern satpura hill ranges.
Name Bandhavgarh means: Bandhav – brother and garh – fort.
Significance:
- One of the highest density of Tigers in India.
- Also has high population of leopards.
- Many streams flow through this tiger reserve which merges to form son River, tributary of river Ganges.
Future Officers 