14 February 2020: PIB Summary & Analysis

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February 14th, 2020 PIB:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Election Commission of India to implement the directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court
 concerning criminal antecedents of candidates
2. Competition Commission of India engages with States to boost competition advocacy
3. Change of Command of Western Fleet
4. Employees’ State Insurance Corporation
5. Cooperation Agreement signed between India and Portugal in the field of 
Maritime Transport and Ports.

1. Election Commission of India to implement the directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court concerning criminal antecedents of candidates

What’s in News?

Flagging the alarming increase in the incidence of criminals in politics, the Supreme Court has ordered political parties to publish the entire criminal history of their candidates for the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections along with the reasons that provoked them to field suspected criminals over decent people.

The Supreme Court has invoked Article 129 and Article 142 of the Constitution of India directed as under:

• It shall be mandatory for political parties [at the Central and State election level] to upload on their website detailed information regarding individuals with pending criminal cases (including the nature of the offences, and relevant particulars such as whether charges have been framed, the concerned Court, the case number etc.) who have been selected as candidates, along with the reasons for such selection, and also as to why other individuals without criminal antecedents could not be selected as candidates.
• The reasons as to selection shall be with reference to the qualifications, achievements and merit of the candidate concerned, and not mere winnability at the polls.
• This information shall also be published in:
  • One local vernacular newspaper and one national newspaper.
  • On the official social media platforms of the political party, including Facebook & Twitter.
• These details shall be published within 48 hours of the selection of the candidate or not less than two weeks before the first date for filing of nominations, whichever is earlier.
• The political party concerned shall then submit a report of compliance with these directions with the Election Commission within 72 hours of the selection of the said candidate.
• If a political party fails to submit such compliance report with the Election Commission, the Election Commission shall bring such non-compliance by the political party concerned to the notice of the Supreme Court as being in contempt of this Court’s orders/directions.

2. Competition Commission of India engages with States to boost competition advocacy

What’s in News?

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has organised a training and orientation programme for Resource Persons for competition advocacy to sensitize them on competition law and CCI’s enforcement and advocacy efforts.

Read more about Competition Commission of India

3. Change of Command of Western Fleet

What’s in News?

The Western Fleet, known as the ‘Sword Arm’ of the Indian Navy, witnessed a change of helm on 14 Feb 2020.

• The Western Fleet has been at the forefront of all naval operations across the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean Region since its inception, consistently executing the military, diplomatic, constabulary and benign roles of the Indian Navy.
• The Fleet has grown in capacity and capability over the years and presently include the aircraft carrier, multi-role destroyers and frigates, fleet tankers, three air squadrons and integral flights.
• The Fleet has maintained a very high operational tempo, strengthening maritime and energy security, deterrence at sea and the Indian Navy’s position as a Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean Region.

The change of command was held at sea on board the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.

INS Vikramaditya:

• INS Vikramaditya is the country’s most powerful aircraft carrier.
• It is a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier.
• It was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2013.
• It can carry 30 aircrafts including ALH-Dhruv, Chetak helicopter, MiG 29K etc.

4. Employees’ State Insurance Corporation

• The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation was established in 1952.
• The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation is a pioneer Social Security organization providing comprehensive social security benefits like reasonable Medical Care and a range of Cash Benefits in times of need such as employment injury, sickness, death etc.
• The ESI Act applies to premises/precincts where 10 or more persons are employed.
• The employees drawing wages up to Rs.21,000/- a month are entitled to health insurance cover and other benefits, under the ESI Act.
• The Act now applies to over 12.11 lakh factories and establishments across the country, benefiting about 3.49 crore family units of workers.
• As of now, the total beneficiary population of ESI Scheme stands over 13.56 crore.

5. Cooperation Agreement signed between India and Portugal in the field of Maritime Transport and Ports.

What’s in News?

India and Portugal have signed a Cooperation Agreement in the field of Maritime Transport and Ports.

• The signing of Agreement with the Republic of Portugal, will open avenues for cooperation to promote Maritime Transport between the two countries for better operation of their merchant fleets, cooperation to harmonize and unify their position with International Organizations, Institution, forums and conferences related to Maritime and Port activities.
• It will also help both the countries to coordinate accession to international conventions so that the objectives of this Agreement can be strengthened.

February 14th, 2020 PIB:- Download PDF Here

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