NGT issues notice to Centre on expansion of glacial lakes

- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance (कार्रवाई जो वह अपने विवेक से करता है ) of the rapid expansion of Himalayan glacial lakes, which have increased by 10.81% in the last 13 years due to rising temperatures.
- This highlights the impact of climate change and glacier melting, leading to larger glacial lakes that pose risks of natural disasters like floods and landslides.
- The NGT has directed respondents to submit their replies before the next hearing on March 10, reflecting proactive judicial intervention to address environmental concerns.
- This issue emphasizes the need for climate-resilient infrastructure and comprehensive disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.

What are Himalayan glacial lakes ?

They are bodies of water that form when a glacier melts after eroding the land. They are a growing concern due to climate change, which is causing the glaciers to melt faster. The expansion of these lakes can lead to a number of risks, including: 

• Floods: The rapid melting of ice can lead to floods and landslides. 
• Infrastructure damage: The lakes can damage infrastructure. 
• Biodiversity loss: The lakes can harm local biodiversity. 

Here are some recent updates on Himalayan glacial lakes:

• Size

The surface area of glacial lakes in the Himalayas increased by 10.81% from 2011 to 2024. 

• Number

There are more than 25,000 glacial lakes in the Hindu Kush Himalayas. 

• High-risk lakes

67 lakes in India have increased in size by more than 40% and are considered high-risk for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). 

• Regions affected

The most significant expansions have occurred in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. 

• Mitigation measures

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has identified 189 high-risk lakes and is taking steps to reduce the risk. These steps include installing early warning systems and automated weather and water level monitoring stations.

PMAY funds swindled in the name of dead people in Tamil Nadu

- A scam involving fraudulent disbursement of ₹73 lakh under PMAY (Gramin) in Tiruvarur district has been uncovered, with funds diverted to 43 ineligible individuals.
- Officials created fake beneficiaries using forged documents, bypassing scheme protocols such as identity verification and proof of construction.
- The accused include Block Development Officers (BDOs) who exploited their positions in the absence of elected village representatives.
- This incident exposes systemic loopholes in welfare schemes and the need for strict oversight, digital transparency, and accountability in fund disbursement.
- The DVAC investigation highlights governance failures and sets a precedent for stricter audits in government schemes.

Pradhan Mantri Gramin Aawas Yojana is a social welfare programme under the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, to provide housing for the rural poor in India. A similar scheme for urban poor was launched in 2015 as Housing for All by 2022. 

CJI flays barbs about ‘unelected’ judiciary

- Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna defended the judiciary’s independence, addressing criticisms about "unelected" judges wielding power in a democracy.
- The CJI argued that judges are appointed to ensure impartial decisions free from external pressures, contrasting it with the impracticality of an elected judiciary.
- He stressed that judicial independence is not a barrier but a bridge connecting the judiciary to other arms of governance.
- CJI Khanna acknowledged challenges like case pendency but highlighted improvements in case clearance rates across district courts, High Courts, and the Supreme Court.
- The speech underscores the judiciary’s commitment to transparency, openness to scrutiny, and serving public welfare while balancing criticism and accountability.

A ‘nation-first’ spirit will keep Constitution alive, says Modi

- Prime Minister Modi emphasized the "nation-first" principle as the key to upholding the Constitution's values during a Constitution Day event marking its 75th anniversary.
- He described the Constitution as a "living document", adaptable to the nation’s changing needs, citing its successful response during crises like the 1975 Emergency.
- The PM highlighted government measures to promote social and financial equality, including the full implementation of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir after the dilution of Article 370.
- Paying homage to the 26/11 Mumbai terror victims, the PM reaffirmed India's resolve to combat terrorism.
- PM Modi’s speech reinforced the importance of constitutional values and hinted at the opposition’s allegations regarding undermining democracy, signaling a politically significant statement amid contemporary debates on governance and constitutionalism.

Bill designed to manipulate status of Waqf properties: AIMPLB

- The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, claiming it is designed to manipulate and usurp Waqf properties (वक्फ संपत्तियों में हेरफेर करना और उन पर कब्जा करना).
- The AIMPLB has criticized the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for acting in a partisan manner, ignoring stakeholder suggestions, and addressing individuals with "no locus standi."
- Members like Arshad Madani have argued that the Bill threatens constitutional safeguards for Waqf properties and, more broadly, minority rights.
- The Board plans to use legal and democratic means to challenge the Bill if passed, while urging regional parties to oppose it in Parliament.
- The issue reflects tensions between the government and minority groups over perceived attempts to dilute institutional protections for religious properties, raising broader concerns about minority rights and constitutional guarantees.

NGT issues notice to Centre on expansion of glacial lakes

1. What is the primary concern associated with the expansion of Himalayan glacial lakes, as highlighted by the NGT?
a) Loss of biodiversity
b) Increased risk of floods and landslides
c) Reduced agricultural productivity
d) Desertification
Answer: b) Increased risk of floods and landslides

2. Which environmental phenomenon is most directly linked to the expansion of glacial lakes in the Himalayas?
a) Deforestation
b) Rising global temperatures
c) Reduced monsoon rainfall
d) Urbanization in mountain areas
Answer: b) Rising global temperatures

PMAY funds swindled in the name of dead people in Tamil Nadu

1. What systemic failure allowed the fraudulent disbursement of PMAY (Gramin) funds in Tamil Nadu?
a) Lack of monitoring by village representatives
b) Absence of biometric verification
c) Poor documentation and forged records
d) Delayed fund transfer protocols
Answer: c) Poor documentation and forged records

2. What is the funding ratio of the PMAY (Gramin) scheme between the Centre and State governments?
a) 50:50
b) 60:40
c) 75:25
d) 100% funded by the Centre
Answer: b) 60:40

CJI flays barbs about ‘unelected’ judiciary

1. What is the primary argument for appointing judges rather than electing them, as per CJI Sanjiv Khanna?
a) To ensure judicial independence and impartiality
b) To maintain efficiency in case pendency
c) To increase accountability to the electorate
d) To align judiciary with political processes
Answer: a) To ensure judicial independence and impartiality

2. What improvement in judicial productivity was highlighted by the CJI?
a) Reduction in the number of pending cases
b) Enhanced case clearance rate in district courts
c) Introduction of fast-track courts
d) Reduction in the number of new cases filed
Answer: b) Enhanced case clearance rate in district courts

A ‘nation-first’ spirit will keep Constitution alive, says Modi

1. What principle did Prime Minister Modi emphasize as crucial for the longevity of the Indian Constitution?
a) Secularism
b) Social equality
c) Nation-first spirit
d) Cooperative federalism
Answer: c) Nation-first spirit

2. Which significant milestone in Jammu and Kashmir was highlighted during the Constitution Day speech?
a) Granting special status under Article 370
b) Complete implementation of the Indian Constitution post-dilution of Article 370
c) Introduction of new electoral reforms
d) Establishment of new regional councils
Answer: b) Complete implementation of the Indian Constitution post-dilution of Article 370

Bill designed to manipulate status of Waqf properties: AIMPLB

1. Which organization is opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, citing concerns over the manipulation of Waqf properties?
a) All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB)
b) Jamaat-e-Islami Hind
c) Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above

2. What action has the AIMPLB planned to counter the Waqf Amendment Bill?
a) Boycott of Parliament proceedings
b) Legal and democratic opposition to the Bill
c) Requesting intervention by the Supreme Court
d) Organizing protests across the country
Answer: b) Legal and democratic opposition to the Bill