De-registration of political parties
Delhi High Court rejected a PIL to de-register political parties registered with names having religious, caste, ethnic, and linguistic connotations.
- Political Parties in India are registered under Section 29A of Representation of People Act (RPA), 1951.
- RPA 1951 does not provide any mechanism to deregister political parties.
- Law Commission (255th and 170th reports) on electoral reforms – recommended granting ECI power to deregister a party in cases of non-compliance.
Suspension of Member of Parliament (MPs)
13 MPs of Lok Sabha have been suspended for their unruly behavior.
- Rule 373: Speaker may direct a Member to withdraw immediately from House and remain absent remainder of the day’s sitting, if his conduct is grossly disorderly.
- Rule 374: Speaker to name member who disregards authority of Chair or abuses the rules of the House by persistently. And when member is suspended by House by adopting the motion, he stands suspended.
- Rule 374A: In case of grave disorder occasioned by a Member (abusing Rules of House), such Member shall stand automatically suspended.
Inverted Duty Structure (IDS)
Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry submitted a list of items to Ministry of Finance to address IDS.
- Refers to a tax structure where taxation on imports of inputs is at higher rates than finished products.
- IDS go against the ‘Make in India’ initiative as it encourages import of finished products.
- Adversely impacts the export competitiveness.
- IDS may also result in reduced tax revenue as domestic production declines.
Electron rocket
Rocket Lab launched its Electron rocket from its launch site on the Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand recently.
- 2-stage partially reusable rocket
- Designed to launch small satellites into Low Earth orbit.
- World’s most frequently launched small rocket.
- Uses Rutherford engine – world’s 1st 3D-printed, electric-pump-fed engine
Barracuda boat
The launch of Barracuda in Alappuzha marks a significant step forward in eco-friendly maritime transportation.
- India’s fastest solar-electric boat
- Developed by – Navalt Solar and Electric Boats
- Engineered to navigate waves as tall as 4 meters
- Operates silently without noise, vibration, or air pollution.