Porul

Indian Constitution- Fundamental Rights [Part 4]

2 ஏப்., 2023

PART III

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

Cultural and Educational Rights

29. Protection of interests of minorities.—

(1) Any section of the citizens residing in the territory of India or any part thereof having a distinct language, script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same.

(2) No citizen shall be denied admission into any educational institution maintained by the State or receiving aid out of State funds on grounds only of religion, race, caste, language or any of them.

30. Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.—

(1) All minorities, whether based on religion or language, shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

(1A) In making any law providing for the compulsory acquisition of any property of an educational institution established and administered by a minority, referred to in clause (1), the State shall ensure that the amount fixed by or determined under such law for the acquisition of such property is such as

would not restrict or abrogate the right guaranteed under that clause.

(2) The State shall not, in granting aid to educational institutions, discriminate against any educational institution on the ground that it is under the management of a minority, whether based on religion or language.

31. [Compulsory acquisition of property.].—Omitted by the Constitution (Forty-fourth Amendment) Act, 1978, s. 6 (w.e.f. 20-6-1979).

[Saving of Certain Laws]

31A. Saving of laws providing for acquisition of estates, etc.—

[(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in article 13, no law providing

for—

(a) the acquisition by the State of any estate or of any rights therein or the extinguishment or modification of any such rights, or

(b) the taking over of the management of any property by the State for a limited period either in the public interest or in order to secure the proper management of the property, or

(c) the amalgamation of two or more corporations either in the public interest or in order to secure the proper management of any of the corporations, or

(d) the extinguishment or modification of any rights of managing agents, secretaries and treasurers, managing directors, directors or managers of corporations, or of any voting rights of shareholders thereof, or

(e) the extinguishment or modification of any rights accruing by virtue of any agreement, lease or licence for the purpose of searching for, or winning, any mineral or mineral oil, or the premature termination or cancellation of any such agreement, lease or licence, shall be deemed to be void on the ground that it is inconsistent with, or takes away or abridges any of the rights conferred by 1 [article 14 or article 19]:

Provided that where such law is a law made by the Legislature of a State, the provisions of this article shall not apply thereto unless such law, having been reserved for the consideration of the President, has received his assent:]

[Provided further that where any law makes any provision for the acquisition by the State of any estate and where any land comprised therein is held by a person under his personal cultivation, it shall not be lawful for the State to acquire any portion of such land as is within the ceiling limit applicable to him under any law for the time being in force or any building or structure standing thereon or appurtenant thereto, unless the law relating to the acquisition of such land, building or structure, provides for payment of compensation at a rate which shall not be less than the market value thereof.]

(2) In this article,—

(a) the expression “estate” shall, in relation to any local area, have the same meaning as that expression or its local equivalent has in the existing law relating to land tenures in force in that area and shall also include—

(i) any jagir, inam or muafi or other similar grant and in the States of [Tamil Nadu] and Kerala, any janmam right;

(ii) any land held under ryotwari settlement;

(iii) any land held or let for purposes of agriculture or for purposes ancillary thereto, including waste land, forest land, land for pasture or sites of buildings and other structures occupied by cultivators of land, agricultural labourers and village artisans;]

(b) the expression “rights”, in relation to an estate, shall include any rights vesting in a proprietor, sub-proprietor, under-proprietor, tenureholder, [raiyat, under-raiyat] or other intermediary and any rights or privileges in respect of land revenue.

31B. Validation of certain Acts and Regulations.—Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions contained in article 31A, none of the Acts and Regulations specified in the Ninth Schedule nor any of the provisions thereof shall be deemed to be void, or ever to have become void, on the ground that such Act, Regulation or provision is inconsistent with, or takes away or abridges any of the rights conferred by, any provisions of this Part, and notwithstanding any judgment, decree or order of any court or Tribunal to the contrary, each of the said Acts and Regulations shall, subject to the power of any competent Legislature to repeal or amend it, continue in force.

31C. Saving of laws giving effect to certain directive principles.—

Notwithstanding anything contained in article 13, no law giving effect to the policy of the State towards securing 4 [all or any of the principles laid down in Part IV] shall be deemed to be void on the ground that it is inconsistent with, or takes away or abridges any of the rights conferred by 5 [article 14 or article 19;] [and no law containing a declaration that it is for giving effect to such policy shall be called in question in any court on the ground that it does not give effect to such policy]:

Provided that where such law is made by the Legislature of a State, the provisions of this article shall not apply thereto unless such law, having been reserved for the consideration of the President, has received his assent.

31D. [Saving of laws in respect of anti-national activities.].—Omitted

by the Constitution (Forty-third Amendment) Act,1977, s. 2 (w.e.f.13-4-1978).

Indian Constitution- Fundamental Rights [Part 3]

Part III

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

Right against Exploitation

23. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour.—

(1) Traffic in human beings and begar and other similar forms of forced labour are prohibited and any contravention of this provision shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law.

(2) Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from imposing compulsory service for public purposes, and in imposing such service the State shall not make any discrimination on grounds only of religion, race, caste or class or any of them.

24. Prohibition of employment of children in factories, etc.—No child below the age of fourteen years shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment

Right to Freedom of Religion

25. Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion.—

(1) Subject to public order, morality and health and to the other provisions of this Part, all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate religion.

(2) Nothing in this article shall affect the operation of any existing law or prevent the State from making any law—

(a) regulating or restricting any economic, financial, political or other secular activity which may be associated with religious practice;

(b) providing for social welfare and reform or the throwing open of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus.

Explanation I.—The wearing and carrying of kirpans shall be deemed to be included in the profession of the Sikh religion.

Explanation II.—In sub-clause (b) of clause (2), the reference to Hindus shall be construed as including a reference to persons professing the Sikh, Jaina or Buddhist religion, and the reference to Hindu religious institutions shall be construed accordingly.

26. Freedom to manage religious affairs.—Subject to public order, morality and health, every religious denomination or any section thereof shall have the right—

(a) to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes;

(b) to manage its own affairs in matters of religion;

(d) to administer such property in accordance with law.

27. Freedom as to payment of taxes for promotion of any particular religion.—No person shall be compelled to pay any taxes, the proceeds of which are specifically appropriated in payment of expenses for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion or religious denomination.

28. Freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institutions.—

(1) No religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained out of State funds.

(2) Nothing in clause (1) shall apply to an educational institution which is administered by the State but has been established under any endowment or trust which requires that religious instruction shall be imparted in such institution.

(3) No person attending any educational institution recognised by the State or receiving aid out of State funds shall be required to take part in any religious instruction that may be imparted in such institution or to attend any religious worship that may be conducted in such institution or in any premises

attached thereto unless such person or, if such person is a minor, his guardian has given his consent thereto

Indian Constitution- Fundamental Rights [Part 2]

PART III

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

Right to Freedom

19. Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc.—

(1) All citizens shall have the right—

(a) to freedom of speech and expression;

(b) to assemble peaceably and without arms;

(d) to move freely throughout the territory of India;

(e) to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India; [and][(f)* * * * *]

(g) to practise any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.

(2) Nothing in sub-clause (a) of clause (1) shall affect the operation of any existing law, or prevent the State from making any law, in so far as such law imposes reasonable restrictions on the exercise of the right conferred by the said sub-clause in the interests of [the sovereignty and integrity of India], the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.

(3) Nothing in sub-clause (b) of the said clause shall affect the operation of any existing law in so far as it imposes, or prevent the State from making any law imposing, in the interests of [the sovereignty and integrity of India or] public order, reasonable restrictions on the exercise of the right conferred by

the said sub-clause.

(4) Nothing in sub-clause (c) of the said clause shall affect the operation of any existing law in so far as it imposes, or prevent the State from making any law imposing, in the interests of [the sovereignty and integrity of India or] public order or morality, reasonable restrictions on the exercise of the right

conferred by the said sub-clause.

(5) Nothing in [sub-clauses (d) and (e)] of the said clause shall affect the operation of any existing law in so far as it imposes, or prevent the State from making any law imposing, reasonable restrictions on the exercise of any of the rights conferred by the said sub-clauses either in the interests of the

general public or for the protection of the interests of any Scheduled Tribe.

(6) Nothing in sub-clause (g) of the said clause shall affect the operation of any existing law in so far as it imposes, or prevent the State from making any law imposing, in the interests of the general public, reasonable restrictions on the exercise of the right conferred by the said sub-clause, and, in particular,

[nothing in the said sub-clause shall affect the operation of any existing law in so far as it relates to, or prevent the State from making any law relating to,—

(i) the professional or technical qualifications necessary for practising any profession or carrying on any occupation, trade or business, or

(ii) the carrying on by the State, or by a corporation owned or controlled by the State, of any trade, business, industry or service, whether to the exclusion, complete or partial, of citizens or otherwise.]

20. Protection in respect of conviction for offences.—

(1) No person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the Act charged as an offence, nor be subjected to a penalty greater than that which might have been inflicted under the law in force

at the time of the commission of the offence.

(2) No person shall be prosecuted and punished for the same offence more than once.

(3) No person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.

21. Protection of life and personal liberty.—No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.

21A. Right to education.—The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the State may, by law, determine.

22. Protection against arrest and detention in certain cases.—

(1) No person who is arrested shall be detained in custody without being informed, as soon as may be, of the grounds for such arrest nor shall he be denied the right to consult, and to be defended by, a legal practitioner of his choice.

(2) Every person who is arrested and detained in custody shall be produced before the nearest magistrate within a period of twenty-four hours of such arrest excluding the time necessary for the journey from the place of arrest to the court of the magistrate and no such person shall be detained in custody beyond the said period without the authority of a magistrate.

(3) Nothing in clauses (1) and (2) shall apply—

(a) to any person who for the time being is an enemy alien; or

(b) to any person who is arrested or detained under any law providing for preventive detention.

(4) No law providing for preventive detention shall authorise the detention of a person for a longer period than three months unless—

(a) an Advisory Board consisting of persons who are, or have been, or are qualified to be appointed as, Judges of a High Court has reported before the expiration of the said period of three months that there is in its opinion sufficient cause for such detention: Provided that nothing in this sub-clause shall authorise the detention of any person beyond the maximum period prescribed by any law made by Parliament under sub-clause (b) of clause (7); or

(b) such person is detained in accordance with the provisions of any law made by Parliament under sub-clauses (a) and (b) of clause (7).

(5) When any person is detained in pursuance of an order made under any law providing for preventive detention, the authority making the order shall, as soon as may be, communicate to such person the grounds on which the order has been made and shall afford him the earliest opportunity of making a

representation against the order.

(6) Nothing in clause (5) shall require the authority making any such order as is referred to in that clause to disclose facts which such authority considers to be against the public interest to disclose.

(7) Parliament may by law prescribe—

(a) the circumstances under which, and the class or classes of cases in which, a person may be detained for a period longer than three months under any law providing for preventive detention without obtaining the opinion of an Advisory Board in accordance with the provisions of subclause (a) of clause (4);

(b) the maximum period for which any person may in any class or classes of cases be detained under any law providing for preventive detention; and



Indian Constitution- Fundamental Rights [Part 1]

Emblem of India

PART III

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

General

12. Definition.—In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires, “the State” includes the Government and Parliament of India and the Government and the Legislature of each of the States and all local or other authorities within the territory of India or under the control of the Government of India.

13. Laws inconsistent with or in derogation of the fundamental rights.—(1) All laws in force in the territory of India immediately before the commencement of this Constitution, in so far as they are inconsistent with the provisions of this Part, shall, to the extent of such inconsistency, be void.

(2) The State shall not make any law which takes away or abridges the rights conferred by this Part and any law made in contravention of this clause shall, to the extent of the contravention, be void.

(3) In this article, unless the context otherwise requires,—

(a) “law” includes any Ordinance, order, bye-law, rule, regulation, notification, custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of

law;

(b) “laws in force” includes laws passed or made by a Legislature or other competent authority in the territory of India before the commencement of this Constitution and not previously repealed,

notwithstanding that any such law or any part thereof may not be then in operation either at all or in particular areas.

(4) Nothing in this article shall apply to any amendment of this Constitution made under article 368.

Right to Equality

14. Equality before law.—The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.

15. Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.—(1) The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.

(2) No citizen shall, on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them, be subject to any disability, liability, restriction or condition with regard to—

(a) access to shops, public restaurants, hotels and places of public entertainment; or

(b) the use of wells, tanks, bathing ghats, roads and places of public resort maintained wholly or partly out of State funds or dedicated to the use of the general public.

(3) Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any special provision for women and children.

(4) Nothing in this article or in clause (2) of article 29 shall prevent the State from making any special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.

(5) Nothing in this article or in sub-clause (g) of clause (1) of article 19 shall prevent the State from making any special provision, by law, for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes in so far as such special

provisions relate to their admission to educational institutions including private educational institutions, whether aided or unaided by the State, other than the minority educational institutions referred to in clause (1) of article 30.

(6) Nothing in this article or sub-clause (g) of clause (1) of article 19 or clause (2) of article 29 shall prevent the State from making,—

(a) any special provision for the advancement of any economically weaker sections of citizens other than the classes mentioned in clauses (4) and (5); and

(b) any special provision for the advancement of any economically weaker sections of citizens other than the classes mentioned in clauses (4) and (5) in so far as such special provisions relate to their admission to educational institutions including private educational institutions, whether aided or unaided by the State, other than the minority educational institutions referred to in clause (1) of

article 30, which in the case of reservation would be in addition to the existing reservations and subject to a maximum of ten per cent. of the total seats in each category.

Explanation.—For the purposes of this article and article 16, "economically weaker sections" shall be such as may be notified by the State from time to time on the basis of family income and other indicators of economic disadvantage.

16. Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.—(1) There shall be equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State.

(2) No citizen shall, on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, residence or any of them, be ineligible for, or discriminated against in respect of, any employment or office under the State.

(3) Nothing in this article shall prevent Parliament from making any law prescribing, in regard to a class or classes of employment or appointment to an office [under the Government of, or any local or other authority within, a State or Union territory, any requirement as to residence within that State or Union

territory] prior to such employment or appointment.

(4) Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any provision for the reservation of appointments or posts in favour of any backward class of citizens which, in the opinion of the State, is not adequately represented in the services under the State.

(4A) Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any provision for reservation [in matters of promotion, with consequential seniority, to any class] or classes of posts in the services under the State in favour of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes which, in the opinion of the State, are not adequately represented in the services under the State.

(4B) Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from considering any unfilled vacancies of a year which are reserved for being filled up in that year in accordance with any provision for reservation made under clause (4) or clause (4A) as a separate class of vacancies to be filled up in any succeeding

year or years and such class of vacancies shall not be considered together with the vacancies of the year in which they are being filled up for determining the ceiling of fifty per cent. reservation on total number of vacancies of that year.

(5) Nothing in this article shall affect the operation of any law which provides that the incumbent of an office in connection with the affairs of any religious or denominational institution or any member of the governing body thereof shall be a person professing a particular religion or belonging to a

particular denomination.

(6) Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any provision for the reservation of appointments or posts in favour of any economically weaker sections of citizens other than the classes mentioned in clause (4), in addition to the existing reservation and subject to a maximum of

ten per cent. of the posts in each category.

17. Abolition of Untouchability.—“Untouchability” is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of “Untouchability” shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law.

18. Abolition of titles.—(1) No title, not being a military or academic distinction, shall be conferred by the State.

(2) No citizen of India shall accept any title from any foreign State.

(3) No person who is not a citizen of India shall, while he holds any office of profit or trust under the State, accept without the consent of the President any title from any foreign State.

(4) No person holding any office of profit or trust under the State shall, without the consent of the President, accept any present, emolument, or office of any kind from or under any foreign State.

Also read: The Preamble and its significance in The Indian Constitution.

National Investigation Agency - UPSC

26 மார்., 2023

National Investigation Agency:

Mains : GS2 (Polity and Governance), GS3 (Security)

What is National Investigation Agency (NIA), exactly?

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is a federal agency in India that works under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India which was established in 2009 by the Indian government to combat terrorism and other serious crimes that have national and international ramifications.

The NIA is empowered to investigate and prosecute offenses related to terrorism, as well as offenses that fall under the purview of various other laws, including the Atomic Energy Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosives Act, and the Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act.

Headquarters: New Delhi, India

Branches: Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Guwahati, Mumbai, Lucknow, Raipur, Kochi and Jammu

Why was NIA set up?

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was created in India primarily to address the increasing threat of terrorism in the country and to strengthen the legal framework for investigating and prosecuting terrorism-related cases.

The need for a specialized agency that could investigate and prosecute terrorism-related cases across state and international borders was felt strongly after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which were carried out by terrorists who had crossed the border from Pakistan.

The NIA's objectives:

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was established in India with the primary goal of combating terrorism and other serious crimes that have national and international ramifications. The agency was created to strengthen the existing legal framework for investigating such cases and to provide a specialized agency with the necessary resources and expertise to effectively investigate and prosecute terrorism-related cases across state and international borders.

The following are a few of the NIA's specific objectives:

To investigate and prosecute offenses related to terrorism and other serious crimes that have national and international ramifications, as per the provisions of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008.
To take over investigations of such offenses from state police forces under certain circumstances, as per the provisions of the Act.
To coordinate with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies in India and around the world to identify, track, and prosecute individuals and groups involved in such crimes.
To gather and analyze intelligence related to terrorism and other serious crimes.
To develop and maintain expertise in the investigation of terrorism-related cases, including the use of advanced forensic techniques and technologies.
To enhance public awareness about the threat of terrorism and other serious crimes and to promote cooperation and coordination among various stakeholders in countering such threats.
To Investigate professionally the scheduled offences utilising the latest scientific methods.

Amendments of NIA:

There have been several recent amendments made to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008. Here are some of the key amendments:

Empowering NIA to investigate cybercrimes: The NIA Act was amended in 2019 to empower the NIA to investigate cybercrimes and offenses related to the use of explosives.
Provision for attachment of property: The NIA Act was amended in 2019 to provide for the attachment of property of a person who is being investigated by the agency. This provision is aimed at preventing the person from disposing of the property and frustrating the investigation.
Expansion of NIA's jurisdiction: The NIA Act was amended in 2019 to expand the agency's jurisdiction to investigate offenses related to human trafficking, counterfeit currency, and manufacture or sale of prohibited arms.
Provision for special courts: The NIA Act was amended in 2019 to provide for the establishment of special courts for the trial of cases investigated by the agency.
Authorization to investigate cases related to scheduled offenses: The NIA Act was amended in 2019 to authorize the NIA to investigate cases related to scheduled offenses even if they are not directly linked to terrorism.

Cases that NIA dealt with:

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been involved in several high-profile cases related to terrorism, organized crime, and other serious offenses in India. Here are some examples of cases held by the NIA:

Mumbai Terror Attack Case: The NIA investigated the 2008 Mumbai terror attack case, in which ten Pakistani terrorists carried out coordinated attacks in Mumbai, killing 166 people.

Pathankot Attack Case: The NIA investigated the 2016 Pathankot attack case, in which a group of terrorists attacked an Indian Air Force base in Pathankot, Punjab, killing seven security personnel.

Pulwama Attack Case: The NIA investigated the 2019 Pulwama attack case, in which a suicide bomber attacked a convoy of vehicles carrying security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 40 CRPF personnel.

ISIS Conspiracy Case: The NIA has investigated several cases related to the activities of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in India, including the ISIS Conspiracy Case in which several individuals were arrested for allegedly planning to carry out terror attacks in India.

Hizbul Mujahideen Funding Case: The NIA investigated the Hizbul Mujahideen funding case, in which several individuals were arrested for allegedly providing financial support to the Hizbul Mujahideen terror group in Jammu and Kashmir.

Illegal Arms and Ammunition Case: The NIA has also investigated several cases related to the illegal trafficking of arms and ammunition, including the seizure of a large cache of arms and ammunition from various parts of the country.

From Ireland to the World: How St. Patrick's Day Became a Global Celebration

17 மார்., 2023

Credit: Amanda Marie

What actually is St. Patrick's day?

St. Patrick's Day is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated annually on March 17th, commemorating the death of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. However, it became a public holiday in Ireland only in the early 20th century, and it has since become a global celebration of Irish culture and heritage.

The holiday is primarily observed by the Irish and those of Irish descendant around the world, but it has become a popular celebration in many countries. The holiday is typically associated with the colour green, shamrocks, and other symbols of Ireland. People often wear green clothing and accessories, and many cities host parades and festivals featuring Irish music, dance, and food.

History of Saint Patrick's Day:

Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was killed, and St. Patrick's Day honours his memory. Around the fifth century AD, a christian missionary and bishop by the name of Saint Patrick flourished. Although the specifics of his life are not widely known, it is assumed that he was born in Britain, abducted as a teenager and carried to Ireland as a slave, eventually escaped and returned to Britain. He then made a missionary visit to Ireland, where he is credited with winning many Irish people over to Christianity.

St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated in the United States in the late 18th century, as Irish immigrants brought the holiday with them to the new world. Over time, the holiday became more secular and less religious in nature, and today it is celebrated by people of all backgrounds and nationalities around the world as a celebration of Irish culture and heritage.

On St. Patrick's Day, go green:

Irish history and mythology are the origins of the St. Patrick's Day custom of wearing green. According to one legend, St. Patrick utilised the three-leafed shamrock to convey to the Irish people the idea of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Green shamrocks became a representation of Ireland and Irish heritage.The lush green surroundings of Ireland, popularly known as the "Emerald Isle," are connected to the colour green. People can express their Irish pride and celebrate their ties to Ireland by donning green on St. Patrick's Day.

As a festive display of celebration on St. Patrick's Day, many cities and towns throughout the world also colour their rivers or fountains green. When the Chicago mayor ordered that the Chicago River be painted green in honour of St. Patrick's Day in 1962, this custom got its start. Now days, a lot of different towns and communities around the globe continue to practise this custom.

Events and parades tied with St. Patrick's Day:

St. Patrick's Day parades and events are popular celebrations that take place in many cities and towns around the world. These events often feature live music, dancing, food and drink, and other festivities that celebrate Irish culture and heritage.

In addition to parades, many cities and towns around the world also host other St. Patrick's Day events and festivities. These may include live music concerts, traditional Irish dance performances, food and drink festivals, and other cultural events. Some cities even light up their buildings or landmarks in green to celebrate the holiday.While St. Patrick's Day parades and events have historically been associated with Irish communities and heritage, they are now celebrated by people of all backgrounds and nationalities as a way to join in the festivities and celebrate the spirit of the holiday.

Heatwaves in India - UPSC

13 மார்., 2023

Heatwaves and its effects on India

Prelims: Climate Change, Air mass.
Mains (GS3): Conservation, environmental Pollution, Climate Change

WHAT IS A HEATWAVE?

A heatwave is a period of unusually hot weather with above-normal temperatures that typically lasts for 3 or more days. A heat wave is a situation of high air temperature that, when experienced by a person, is fatal. The period of heatwave in India is mainly during March to June and in some rare cases even in July. The peak month of the heat wave over India is May. It is the third biggest natural killer in India, with 2,040 people dying of them in 2015.

The prescription given by IMD suggests that a heatwave is considered if the maximum temperature at a station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius for plains, at least 37 degrees Celsius for coastal stations, and at least 30 degrees Celsius for hilly areas.

Credit : Gyan Shahane

CRITERIA:

If normal maximum temperature is ≤40 degrees Celsius, then an increase of 5 degree Celsius to 6 degree Celsius from normal temperature, is considered to be heat wave. An increase of 7 degree Celsius or more is severe heat wave condition.If normal maximum temperature of a station is > 40 degree Celsius, then an increase of 4 degree Celsius to 5 degree Celsius from normal temperature, is considered to be heat wave. More than 6 degree Celsius is considered to be severe heat wave.

Also read: What are Invasive alien species ? Why are they important

IMPACTS:

On lives and livelihoods:

According to a World Bank report, "Climate Investment Opportunities in India's Cooling Sector," from 2030, about 16 to 20 crore people would be exposed to lethal heatwaves in India every year, resulting in 3.4 crore people losing their jobs because of heat stress-related productivity decline.
Mortality because of the high temperature. According to a 2019 report by the Tata Centre for Development and the University of Chicago, more than 1.5 million people will likely die each year by 2010.

On food insecurity:

Heatwaves cause crop production losses and tree mortality to increase. An increase in heat waves can cause an increase in forest fires and a decrease in forest products.