1

SEP 07

M/o Tourism approves projects of Rs. 450 Crore under Swadesh Darshan for Madhya Pradesh,
Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim

The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) for the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in
Ministry of Tourism has approved projects to the tune of Rs. 450 Crore for development of
Heritage circuit in Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Ramayana Circuit in Uttar Pradesh, North
East Circuit in Sikkim and Coastal Circuit of Tamil Nadu.

The Heritage Circuit in state of Madhya Pradesh, covers Gwalior- Orchha- Khajuraho-Chanderi-
Bhimbetka-Mandu with total project cost of approximately Rs. 100.00 Crore. The project envisages
world class infrastructural development of the sites which includes developing a Theme Park and
Convention centre in Khajuraho, Sound and Light Show in Mandu. Site Illumination, Construction of
Tourist Facilitation Centres and parking area are other intervention proposed in the circuit. The
Heritage Circuit in Uttarakhand is on developing Tourism Infrastructure in Jageshwar-Devidhura-
Katarmal-Baijnath sites with total project cost of approximately Rs.83 Crore. The highlights of
project in Uttarakhand are development of Eco Log Huts, Sound and Light Show and Upgradation of
Temple Pathways.

Coastal circuit in State of Tamil Nadu envisages development Chennai- Mamamallapuram-

Rameshwaram-Manpadu–Kanyakumari with total project cost of approximately Rs.100 Crore has
been approved. Sound and Light Show, development of Beach amenities, Construction of Pedestrian
Bridge connecting Vivekanand memorial with Tiruvalluvar Statue are major highlights of project.

Ramayana Circuit in State of Uttar Pradesh envisages development of two destinations viz.
Chitrakoot and Shringverpur. The Project cost for this circuit is approximately Rs.70 Crore for
development of Parikrama marg, food Plaza, Laser Show, Foot Over Bridge connecting MP and UP
part of Chitrakoot. Development of Ghats, Tourist Facilitation Centre and Parking area. Ramayana
Circuit in Uttar Pradesh also includes Ayodhya for which the State Tourism Department of Uttar
Pradesh is preparing Detailed Project Report (DPR)

North East circuit in State of Sikkim with approximate project cost of Rs.95.50 Crore includes
development of eco log huts, cultural centre, paragliding centre, craft bazaar, base camp for
mountaineering and meditation hall.
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Half-Indian beauty crowned Miss Japan

Priyanka Yoshikawa holds the trophy after winning the Miss Japan title.— PHOTO: AFP

A half-Indian beauty queen with an elephant trainer’s licence was crowned Miss Japan on Monday,
striking a fresh blow for racial equality.

Priyanka Yoshikawa’s tearful victory comes a year after Ariana Miyamoto faced an ugly backlash for
becoming the first black woman to represent Japan.

Social media lit up after Miyamoto’s trail-blazing triumph as critics complained that Miss Universe
Japan should instead have been won by a “pure” Japanese rather than a “haafu” — the Japanese for
“half”, a word used to describe mixed race.

“Before Ariana, haafu girls couldn’t represent Japan,” Ms. Yoshikawa said in an interview after her
exotic Bollywood looks helped sweep her to the title. “That’s what I thought too. I didn’t doubt it or
challenge it until this day. Ariana encouraged me a lot by showing me and showing all mixed girls the
way.”

Ms. Yoshikawa, born in Tokyo to an Indian father and a Japanese mother, vowed to continue the
fight against racial prejudice in homogenous Japan, where multiracial children make up just two per
cent of those born annually.

Miss Japan has Bengal's first CM as her ancestor

KOLKATA: When Priyanka Yoshikawa was crowned Miss Japan on Monday, it was a memorable
moment for India, and especially Bengal, as well. Priyanka is the first woman of Indian descent to
have conquered Japan with her beauty.The 22-year-old beauty queen from Tokyo is half-Bengali by
origin and has spent a few years of her childhood (2003-04) in Kolkata.

She is from a very politically active family, which gave us our first chief minister, Prafulla Chandra
Ghosh - her great-grandfather.

"Yes, my dad is Indian and I am proud of it, I am proud that I have India in me," said Priyanka. "But
that doesn't mean I am not Japanese."

Priyanka's father Arun Ghosh migrated to Japan around 36 years ago. "We have always supported
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her with her ambitions. She has made us proud," said the delighted father. Her mother Naoko was a
Bengali teacher in Tokyo when she got married.

"It was a pleasure to get to live with my Indian family and get to know my father's background.
Also, it was one of the best years of my life because I got to see, learn and feel about the amazing
country I have in half of me," said a beaming Priyanka. Her father had seven brothers and sisters,
families of six of them still residing in India. One of her uncles, Amal Ghosh, also stays in Tokyo.
Prafulla Chandra Ghosh, her grandfat her's uncle, was an integral part of India's fight for
Independence. Born on January 20, 1994, in Tokyo, Priyanka was always had a knack of trying out
something different.She is an elephant trainer, which she says she learnt to add spice to her
resume.

NSG warns of attacks

Terrorists and insurgents are getting “public support” in some parts of the country and unless this
is stopped, India will continue to get hit by acts of terrorism, a report prepared by the elite
counter-terror force NSG has said.

The analytical report on recent bombing incidents in the country, compiled with data from all States
for the period between April and June this year, also raised concern over the possible leakage and
use of ordnance factory-made explosives by terror outfits.

“Analysis of the data by the National Bomb Data Centre (NBDC) shows public was the prime target
of the terrorists/militants/insurgents. Public support to terrorists/insurgents continues in some
parts of the nation. Until and unless the public support to anti-national elements stops, the acts of
terrorism will continue.

“Sincere efforts are required to mitigate the IED menace. A ‘Whole of Nation’ effort is the way
ahead to keep the citizens of the country safe,” the report said. — PTI

Footprints of fish-eating dinosaurs found

A Spanish paleontological team has found more than 700 footprints belonging to carnivorous
dinosaurs in Portugal.

The dinosaurs were believed to be part of the Megalosauridae group, from the Middle Jurassic
Period, and were thought to take advantage of low tides to hunt fish trapped in tidal pools, EFE
news reported. Novella Razzolini, the leading investigator on the Catalan Institute of Paleontology’s
team, said the footprints were a “marvellous finding”. — IANS
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Global warming making oceans ‘sicker’

Cause for concern:The phenomenon is spreading diseases and is threatening food security, says the
report.— FILE PHOTO: AFP

Global warming is making the oceans sicker than ever before, spreading disease among animals and
humans and threatening food security across the planet, a major scientific report said on Monday.

The findings, based on peer-reviewed research, were compiled by 80 scientists from 12 countries,
experts said at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation
Congress in Hawaii.

“We all know that the oceans sustain this planet. We all know that the oceans provide every second
breath we take,” IUCN Director General Inger Andersen told reporters at the meeting, which has
drawn 9,000 leaders and environmentalists to Honolulu. “And yet we are making the oceans sick.”

The report, ‘Explaining Ocean Warming’, is the “most comprehensive, most systematic study we have
ever undertaken on the consequence of this warming on the ocean,” co-lead author Dan Laffoley
said.

The world’s waters have absorbed more than 93 per cent of the enhanced heating from climate
change since the 1970s, curbing the heat felt on land but drastically altering the rhythm of life in
the ocean, he said.

“The ocean has been shielding us and the consequences of this are absolutely massive,” said Mr.
Laffoley, marine vice chair of the World Commission on Protected Areas at IUCN.

The study included every major marine ecosystem, containing everything from microbes to whales,
including the deep ocean.

It documents evidence of jellyfish, seabirds and plankton shifting toward the cooler poles by up to
10 degrees latitude.

Perfumes may pollute the environment

Love to wear designer perfumes? Be careful, as certain molecules produced in these man-made
fragrances act as potential contaminants of the environment, and may also impact our ecosystem in
the long run, said a study conducted in the canals of Venice, also known as the city without sewers.
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Investigating the canals of Venice, the researchers looked for traces of molecules referred to as
“perfumes” in the ingredients of products such as soaps, detergents, shampoos and many other
personal hygiene products that we use daily.

The findings showed traces of “scented” molecules, including those more distant from inhabited
areas, though concentrations were up to 500 times higher in the inner city canals.

Samples collected during conditions of low tide showed concentrations comparable to those of
untreated waste water, the study revealed. “The study confirms that fragrances are released
continuously into the canals of Venice, both during high and low tide and in the historic centre and
the lagoon,” said Marco Vecchiato, post-doctoral student at the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice in
Italy.

Fragrance additive

One of the most frequently found compounds in the waters of the lagoon was benzyl salicylate — a
chemical compound used in cosmetics as a fragrance additive or UV light absorbed and also known to
cause dermal irritation. Thus, Venice’s system of treating wastewater through biological tanks
which then flows directly into the canals, seems an insufficient method of lowering the
concentration of these molecules, the study said.

However, according to the data, the concentrations seem to be below the threshold for acute
toxicity to marine organisms.

NPCIL submits crucial report on Kovvada plant to MoEF

The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has reportedly submitted its crucial
report to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest seeking its approval for the construction of
an atomic power plant in Kovvada of Ranasthalam mandal in Srikakulam district.

The report, in the form of terms and references, will be studied by officials of the Ministry and
crosschecked before giving the nod for the project.

The NPCIL undertook the Environmental Impact Assessment study before submitting the report.
It explained the environmental impact of the project in and around Kovvada and radiation impact on
the population and flora and fauna.

The company took almost one year for completion of the study and preparation of the final
document.

Though the atomic power plant will be owned by the Union government, the clearance of the MoEF
is a must for all the crucial projects. The Ministry’s approval will help the U.S.-based company,
Westinghouse, supply reactors to the NPCIL.
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Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is a Public Sector Enterprise under the
administrative control of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE),Government of India. The
Company was registered as a Public Limited Company under the Companies Act, 1956 in September
1987 with the objectives of operating atomic power plants and implementing atomic power projects
for generation of electricity in pursuance of the schemes and programmes of the Government of
India under
the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. NPCIL also has equity participation in BHAVINI, another PSU of
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) which implements Fast Breeder Reactors programme in the
country.

NPCIL is responsible for design, construction, commissioning and operation of nuclear power
reactors. NPCIL is a MoU signing, profit making and dividend paying company with the highest level
of credit rating (AAA rating by CRISIL and CARE). NPCIL is presently operating 21 nuclear power
reactors with an installed capacity of 5780 MW. The reactor fleet comprises two Boiling Water
Reactors (BWRs) and 18 Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) including one 100 MW PHWR
at Rajasthan which is owned by DAE, Government of India. Latest addition to the fleet is the unit-1
of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, a 1000 MW VVER (Pressurised Water Reactor type), which
has started its commercial operation on December 31, 2014. Currently NPCIL has five reactors
under various stages of construction/commissioning totaling 3800 MW capacity.

Pre-project activities at new sites, which were accorded ‘in principle' approval by the Government,
have been initiated so as to enable early launch of projects at these sites.

Being a responsible corporate citizen, NPCIL accomplishes CSR activities and implements projects
related to Sustainable Development (SD). The company is compliance to Corporate Governance as
per guidelines issued by Department of Public Enterprises (DPE).

Sri Lanka ‘malaria-free’, says WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday declared Sri Lanka to be malaria-free, after
certifying that the life-threatening disease had been completely eliminated here.

“Sri Lanka’s achievement is truly remarkable. In the mid-20th century, it was among the most
malaria-affected countries, but now it is malaria-free,” said Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO
regional director.

Sri Lanka’s road to elimination had not been easy. It demanded well-calibrated, responsive policies.
For instance, after cases of malaria soared in Sri Lanka in the 1970s and 80s, the country revised
its strategy, intensively targeting the parasite in addition to targeting the mosquito. “The change in
strategy was unorthodox, but highly effective,” a statement from the WHO said.

Sirisena gets award

The announcement came at the 69th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia
Region.
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Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena — who served as Health Minister in former President
Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Cabinet — and the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea were on Tuesday conferred the ‘Excellence in Public Health’ awards by the WHO
South-East Asia Region for “their remarkable and sustained role in the public health gains” of their
countries.

Sri Lanka has, despite the protracted civil war that ravaged the country, set high standards in
public health and sanitation in South Asia.

India is in the “control phase” with regard to malaria, but is working to reach pre-elimination by
2017 and to complete elimination thereafter, says a 2015 WHO report.

China may allow imports of Indian non-basmati rice

China was the largest importer of the grain in 2015-16

Quality Check:Chinese officials have finally agreed to visit India during September 19-28 to inspect
rice mills. — FILE PHOTO: K. Mustafah

China may soon grant market access to India's non-basmati rice exports, acceding to a long-pending
request from New Delhi.

The Centre had repeatedly taken up the issue of the country’s ballooning goods trade deficit with
China bilaterally. India had demanded market access for products including non-basmati rice,
pharmaceuticals and several fruits & vegetables among others.

India’s goods trade deficit with China has surged from $1.1 billion in 2003-04 to $52.7 billion in
2015-16. Beijing has been “denying” market access to India's non-basmati rice claiming that the
item had failed to meet Chinese norms on quality, health and safety. Its concerns included the
likelihood of a pest called ‘Khapra beetle (or cabinet beetle)’ getting transported along with Indian
non-basmati rice consignments to China.

China was the world’s largest rice importer in 2015-16 followed by Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
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Mill inspection

Official sources said after several requests from the Indian side, Chinese officials have finally
agreed to visit India during September 19-28 to inspect 19 rice mills registered with the National
Plant Protection Organization (NPPO). These mills are situated in states including Punjab, Haryana,
Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

To export to countries including China, it is mandatory for Indian rice exporters to be registered
with the NPPO — the Indian government body in charge for inspecting these mills and granting
certificates on plant health for export purposes.

The NPPO will assist its Chinese counterpart AQSIQ during the inspection from September 19-28
for pest risk analysis and plant quarantine purposes to ensure that the non-basmati consignments
from India will be pest-free, safe and of good quality.

Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Indian
commerce ministry is also involved in the process. India had earlier sent the information sought by
AQSIQ regarding the quality protocol and standard operating procedures, the sources said.

BHEL, Swiss firm evince interest in Maglev train

Six firms including Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Switzerland-based Swissrapide AG
and an American rail firm, have shown interest in developing India’s proposed Maglev trains that
would operate on the principle of magnetic levitation and can run at a top speed of 500 km an hour.

The Indian Railways had floated an expression of interest in July this year for developing Maglev
trains and will now frame a request for proposal document after examining the responses from
these six firms in the next four months, a senior Railways official said.

Swissrapide AG has been operating Shanghai’s Transrapid Maglev train for more than a decade.
This is the fastest commercial train at present running at a top speed of 430 km per hour. Georgia-
based American Maglev Technology Inc, which has also shown interest in the project, has built test
tracks for Maglev trains in the U.S., a senior Railway Ministry official said.

Indian firms

Among Indian firms, apart from BHEL, Hyderabad-based Medha Servo Drives, Surat-based Agilu
Setu Pvt Ltd and a Gurgaon-based private person Sharad M. Marathe have shown interest in the
levitation-based system.

The developer will design, test, build, run trials and operate the levitation-based system between
two key cities separated by a distance of 200-500 km.
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A few countries are using powerful electromagnets to develop high-speed trains, called maglev
trains. Maglev is short for magnetic levitation, which means that these trains will float over a
guideway using the basic principles of magnets to replace the old steel wheel and track trains. In
this article, you will learn how electromagnetic propulsion works, how three specific types of maglev
trains work and where you can ride one of these trains.

Electromagnetic Suspension (EMS)

If you've ever played with magnets, you know that opposite poles attract and like poles repel each
other. This is the basic principle behind electromagnetic propulsion. Electromagnets are similar to
other magnets in that they attract metal objects, but the magnetic pull is temporary. As you can
read about in How Electromagnets Work, you can easily create a small electromagnet yourself by
connecting the ends of a copper wire to the positive and negative ends of an AA, C or D-
cell battery. This creates a small magnetic field. If you disconnect either end of the wire from the
battery, the magnetic field is taken away.

The magnetic field created in this wire-and-battery experiment is the simple idea behind a maglev
train rail system. There are three components to this system:

1. A large electrical power source

2. Metal coils lining a guideway or track
3. Large guidance magnets attached to the underside of the train

Above is an image of the guideway for the Yamanashi maglev test line in Japan.

PHOTOS COURTESY RAILWAY TECHNICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

The big difference between a maglev train and aconventional train is that maglev trains do not have
an engine -- at least not the kind of engine used to pull typical train cars along steel tracks. The
engine for maglev trains is rather inconspicuous. Instead of using fossil fuels, the magnetic field
created by the electrified coils in the guideway walls and the track combine to propel the train.
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The Maglev Track

PREV NEXT

The magnetized coil running along the track, called aguideway, repels the large magnets on the
train's undercarriage, allowing the train to levitate between 0.39 and 3.93 inches (1 to 10
centimeters) above the guideway. Once the train is levitated, power is supplied to the coils within
the guideway walls to create a unique system of magnetic fields that pull and push the train along
the guideway. The electric current supplied to the coils in the guideway walls is constantly
alternating to change the polarity of the magnetized coils. This change in polarity causes the
magnetic field in front of the train to pull the vehicle forward, while the magnetic field behind the
train adds more forward thrust.

Maglev trains float on a cushion of air, eliminating friction. This lack of friction and the trains'
aerodynamic designs allow these trains to reach unprecedented ground transportation speeds of
more than 310 mph (500 kph), or twice as fast as Amtrak's fastest commuter train. In comparison,
a Boeing-777 commercial airplane used for long-range flights can reach a top speed of about 562
mph (905 kph). Developers say that maglev trains will eventually link cities that are up to 1,000
miles (1,609 kilometers) apart. At 310 mph, you could travel from Paris to Rome in just over two
hours.
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Electrodynamic Suspension (EDS)

PREV NEXT

Japan's MLX01 maglev train

PHOTO COURTESY RAILWAY TECHNICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Japanese engineers are developing a competing version of maglev trains that use an electrodynamic
suspension (EDS) system, which is based on the repelling force of magnets. The key difference
between Japanese and German maglev trains is that the Japanese trains use super-cooled,
superconducting electromagnets. This kind of electromagnet can conduct electricity even after the
power supply has been shut off. In the EMS system, which uses standard electromagnets, the coils
only conduct electricity when a power supply is present. By chilling the coils at frigid temperatures,
Japan's system saves energy.However, the cryogenic system uses to cool the coils can be expensive.

Another difference between the systems is that the Japanese trains levitate nearly 4 inches (10
centimeters) above the guideway. One potential drawback in using the EDS system is that maglev
trains must roll on rubber tires until they reach a liftoff speed of about 62 mph (100 kph).
Japanese engineers say the wheels are an advantage if a power failure caused a shutdown of the
system. Germany's Transrapid train is equipped with an emergency battery power supply. Also,
passengers with pacemakers would have to be shielded from the magnetic fields generated by the
superconducting electromagnets.

First cargo truck under BBIN pact reaches Delhi

The first cargo truck under the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle
Agreement for cross border movement reached Delhi recently.
Key facts:

 The cargo truck was dispatched from Dhaka on August 27 as part of a trial run and arrived at the
Inland Customs Depot (ICD).
 According to the Ministry for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the trial was organised to
develop the protocols for implementing the agreement.
 In India the truck travelled for more than 1,850 km through the states of West Bengal,
Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi to reach the customs depot at Patparganj.
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Significance of this test run:

The trial run has demonstrated that time and cost can be saved through facilitation of seamless
transport through the sub-region. Cargo trucks often had to be off-loaded at the border and also
go through customs clearance. This led to delays and often also caused damage to the goods. The
steps being taken to facilitate seamless movement of cargo vehicles will give a major boost to trade
and business in the sub-region.

Background:

The BBIN agreement was signed on June 15 last year in Thimphu, Bhutan to facilitate cross border
movement of both passengers and cargo vehicles. Protocols to implement the agreement are being
negotiated by the four countries for passengers and cargo vehicles separately.
Sources: the hindu.
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Sedition charges can’t be slapped for criticising government, clarifies Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has clarified that sedition charges cannot be brought against a person merely
for raising a voice against the government or its policies. The clarification became necessary in view
of the controversy generated after sedition charges were recently slapped in a number of cases,
sparking demands for the law to be scrapped.

Important observations made by the court:

 The authorities, while dealing with offences under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code, shall
be guided by the principles laid down by the Constitution Bench in Kedar Nath Singh vs State of
Bihar.
 The guidelines framed by the Constitution Bench then are good enough in the present
circumstances.

Background:
The court had clarified in its 1962 verdict that a “citizen has a right to say or write whatever he
likes about the government, or its measures, by way of criticism or comment, so long as he does not
incite people to violence against the government established by law or with the intention of creating
public disorder”.
The court had clarified that comments, however strongly worded, expressing disapproval of
government actions, without exciting those feelings which generate the inclination to cause public
disorder by acts of violence was not sedition.
The court had pointed out two essential ingredients required to establish the crime of sedition:
 The acts must be intended to have the “effect of subverting the government” by violent means.
 The acts must be intended to create disorder or disturbance of public peace and order by resort
to violence and must incite violence.

Petitioner’s arguments:
Seeking the court’s intervention to stop misuse of IPC Section 124A, petitioner contended that it
was high time the court examined the issue as the law was misused despite the apex court’s order.
 Also, the law has not been amended after the Kedar Nath Singh judgment by the apex court and
many police personnel are not aware of this judgment.
 Referring to an NCRB report, the plea said 47 cases of sedition were filed in 2014 alone and 58
people arrested in connection with these cases.
The bench, however, was not convinced and refused to pass any direction.
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In Kedar Nath Singh’s Case, 5 judges of the Supreme Court – a Constitution bench – made it clear
that allegedly seditious speech and expression may be punished only if the speech is an ‘incitement’
to ‘violence’, or ‘public disorder’. Subsequent cases have further clarified the meaning of this
phrase. In Indra Das v. State of Assam and Arup Bhuyan v. State of Assam, the Supreme Court
unambiguously stated that only speech that amounts to “incitement to imminent lawless action” can
be criminalised. In Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, the famous 66A judgment, the Supreme Court
drew a clear distinction between “advocacy” and “incitement”, stating that only the latter could be
punished.

Therefore, advocating revolution, or advocating even violent overthrow of the State, does not
amount to sedition, unless there is incitement to violence, and more importantly, the incitement is
to ‘imminent’ violence. For instance, in Balwant Singh v. State of Punjab, the Supreme Court
overturned the convictions for ‘sedition’, (124A, IPC) and ‘promoting enmity between different
groups on grounds of religion, race etc.’, (153A, IPC), and acquitted persons who had shouted –
“Khalistan zindabaad, Raj Karega Khalsa,” and, “Hinduan Nun Punjab Chon Kadh Ke Chhadange, Hun
Mauka Aya Hai Raj Kayam Karan Da”, late evening on 31 October 1984, i.e. a few hours after Indira
Gandhi’s assassination – outside a cinema in a market frequented by Hindus and Sikhs in Chandigarh.

Thus, words and speech can be criminalised and punished only in situations where it is being used to
incite mobs or crowds to violent action. Mere words and phrases by -------themselves, no matter
how distasteful, do not amount to a criminal offence unless this condition is met.

124A. Sedition — Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible

representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or
attempts to excite disaffection towards, the Government established by law in 1India, 1 shall be
punished with 1imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may
extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine.
Explanation 1— The expression “disaffection” includes disloyalty and all feelings of enmity.
Explanation 2— Comments expressing disapprobation of the measures of the Government with a
view to obtain their alteration by lawful means, without exciting or attempting to excite hatred,
contempt or disaffection, do not constitute an offence under this section.
Explanation 3 — Comments expressing disapprobation of the administrative or other action of the
Government without exciting or attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, do not
constitute an offence under this section.

Classification of offence
Punishment—Imprisonment for life and fine, or imprisonment for 3 years and fine, or fine—
Cognizable—Non-bailable—Triable by Court of Session—Non- compoundable.

Comments
The offence of sedition under section 124A is the doing of certain acts which would bring the
Government established by law in India into hatred or contempt, or create disaffection against it;
Bilal Ahmed Kaloo v. State of Andhra Pradesh, (1997) Supreme Today 127.
1. Subs. by Act 4 of 1898, s. 4, for the original s. 124A which had been ins. by Act 27 of 1870, s. 5.
2. The words “Her Majesty or” omitted by the A.O. 1950. The words “or the Crown Representative
inserted after the word “Majesty” by the A.O. 1937 were omitted by the A.O. 1948.
 15

3. The words “British India” have successively been subs. by the A.O. 1948, the A.O.1950 and Act 3
of 1951, sec.3 and sch. to read as above.
4. The words “or “British Burma” ins. by the A.O.1937 omitted by the A.O.1948.
5. Subs. by Act 26 of 1955, sec.117 and sch., for “Transportation for life or any shorter term”
(w.e.f.1-1-1956).

European Union and neighbouring states join global aviation emissions pact

The European Union and 16 surrounding countries including Turkey, Ukraine and Georgia, are
planning to join the first phase of a UN-brokered deal- GMBM (global market-based measure)
scheme. It aims to limit carbon emissions from international flights.
 The United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will shortly meet to finalise
the deal.

Background:
Aviation was excluded from last December’s climate accord in Paris when countries agreed to limit
the global average rise in in temperatures to ‘well below’ 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit)
above pre-industrial levels.

Details:
 The proposed new deal on aviation will be voluntary between 2021 and 2026 and then mandatory
from 2027 for the world’s largest emitters.
 The deal aims to cap the carbon pollution of all international flights at 2020 levels.
 Airlines in participating countries would need to limit their emissions or offset them by buying
carbon credits from designated environmental projects around the world.
G20 nations for global forum to address excess steel capacity

Major steel producers China, India and Japan along with other G20 nations have called for
increased sharing of information as well as more cooperation by forming a global forum to address
the issue of excess steel capacity.

Significance of this move:

The development assumes significance in the backdrop of the problem caused in international
markets due to excess steel capacity amidst softening of prices, which eroded sales and profits of
firms across countries, especially at a time when the global economy recovery is weak. The forum
facilitates increased information sharing and cooperation.
This move also assumes significance as it comes in the backdrop of nations such as the U.S. imposing
heavy duties on imports of cheap steel from countries such as China.
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Background:
The decision was announced by G20 leaders recently. G20 leaders recognised the “structural
problems, including excess capacity” in some industries, exacerbated by a weak global economic
recovery and depressed market demand that have caused a negative impact on trade and workers.
The leaders also recognised that “subsidies and other types of support from government or
government-sponsored institutions” can cause market distortions and contribute to global excess
capacity and therefore require attention.

Why is it important for India?

India, the world’s third largest steel producer, too is facing a spate of cheap imports from China,
Japan and Korea.
 This has hit the sales and profits of domestic steel producers and also impacted their liquidity,
which in turn has affected their capacity to repay loans and meet interest payment deadlines
having a cascading effect on the number of non performing assets (NPAs) with the banks.
 Steel sector in India accounts for the highest number of NPAs with the banks.