Polity

 

Indian Polity and Constitution Current Affairs, Important for competitive Exams.

‘One Nation, One Election’ bills refers to Joint Parliamentary Committee for wider consultations

On December 17, 2024, the government referred the One Nation One Election (ONOE) bills to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for wider consultations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced in the Lok Sabha that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recommended detailed discussions at every level before proceeding with the bills. This followed the introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Law (Amendment) Bill, 2024 by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, which aim to enable simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. Opposition leaders objected to the bills, but Meghwal described the opposition as political and reiterated the government’s readiness to involve the JPC.

The JPC is a temporary parliamentary committee comprising members from both Houses and political parties. It examines specific bills or issues in detail, gathers evidence from experts, and consults stakeholders. Its recommendations are advisory, and the government is not obligated to implement them. The JPC is dissolved after completing its examination.

Union Cabinet Approves ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bills

On December 12, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bills, a significant step towards implementing simultaneous elections across India. This initiative aims to synchronize the elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies, reducing the frequency of elections and the associated costs and disruptions.

The concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ has been a long-standing agenda of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The proposal received a major push with the recommendations of a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The committee suggested amendments to the Constitution to facilitate simultaneous elections in two phases: first, aligning the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, followed by synchronizing municipal and panchayat elections within 100 days of the national and state polls.

The approved bills include a constitutional amendment to enable simultaneous elections and another bill to amend provisions in laws dealing with Union Territories that have legislative assemblies, such as Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir. The government plans to introduce these bills in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, with the expectation of referring them to a parliamentary committee for further scrutiny and consultations.

Supporters of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative argue that it will enhance governance efficiency, reduce election-related expenditures, and minimize the disruption caused by frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct. However, the proposal has faced criticism from opposition parties, who claim it threatens regional representation and federalism.

Devendra Fadnavis becomes Maharashtra Chief Minister for the Third Time

Devendra Fadnavis becomes the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the third time on 5 December 2024. He leads the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance to a landslide victory in the recent assembly elections.

There are two deputy chief ministers: Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena. The swearing-in ceremony to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other prominent leaders.

Fadnavis, who has previously served as Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019 and briefly in 2019, was unanimously chosen as the Leader of the BJP Legislative Party.

In the recent Assembly Election Mahayuti alliance secured 235 seats in the 288-member House. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats, followed by Shiv Sena with 57 and NCP with 41 seats.

JMM Leader Hemant Soren Becomes Chief Minister of Jharkhand for the Fourth Time

Hemant Soren, the leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), is set to take the oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand for the fourth time on 28 November 2024. This follows the recent state elections where his JMM-led coalition secured a decisive victory, winning 56 out of the 81 Assembly seats. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 4 pm at the Morabadi Ground in Ranchi, with Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar administering the oath.

Soren’s victory marks a significant moment in Jharkhand’s political history, as it is the first time an incumbent government has returned to power after completing a full five-year term. The JMM achieved its highest-ever tally, winning 34 of the 43 seats it contested, while its allies, the Congress and RJD, secured 16 and four seats respectively.

The ceremony is expected to be attended by several prominent leaders from the INDIA bloc, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In his victory speech, Soren expressed gratitude to the people of Jharkhand for their continued trust and emphasized the importance of unity and social justice.

Winter session of Parliament commence on 25 November 2024

The Winter session of Parliament will commence on 25 November 2024, featuring 19 sittings over 26 days. There will be no session on 26 November to commemorate Constitution Day, with the main celebration at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.

The session will continue until 20 December 2024, with 16 bills listed for legislative business, including the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Railways (Amendment) Bill, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, and the Indian Ports Bill, 2024. Additionally, discussions and voting on Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2024-25 will be addressed.

An all-party meeting was held to ensure smooth functioning, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urging cooperation from opposition parties. 42 leaders from 30 political parties participated, providing suggestions to be discussed in the business advisory committee.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari highlighted issues for discussion, including an alleged bribery scam, the Manipur situation, unemployment, and pollution in North India. The meeting was presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, with attendance from various Union Ministers and MPs.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged members to follow parliamentary decorum, inspired by the Constituent Assembly debates and discussions.

BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra and JMM-led INDIA bloc in Jharkhand retained power in Assembly Elections

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance achieved a decisive victory in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections, while the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led INDIA bloc retained power in Jharkhand.

  • Maharashtra:
    • Total seats: 288
    • BJP: 132 seats
    • Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde): 57 seats
    • NCP (Ajit Pawar): 41 seats
    • Congress: 16 seats
    • NCP (Sharad Pawar group): 10 seats
    • Shiv Sena (UBT): 20 seats
    • Others: 12 seats
    • The Mahayuti coalition includes BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP.
  • Jharkhand:
    • Total seats: 81
    • JMM: 34 seats
    • Congress: 16 seats
    • RJD: 4 seats
    • BJP: 21 seats
    • Others: 6 seats
    • The INDIA bloc includes JMM, Congress, RJD, and CPI(ML).

Polling dates:

  • Maharashtra: October 20.
  • Jharkhand: Two phases on October 13 and 20.
  • Counting Date : 22 November 2024

Formation Day of 8 States And 5 Union Territories on November 1

On November 1, eight states and five Union Territories celebrate their Foundation Day. These include Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, along with the UTs of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes, recognizing their contributions to the nation.

  • Andhra Pradesh was the first state created based on language, formed on November 1, 1956, after the split of Hyderabad State.
  • Karnataka, previously called Mysore, was restructured on November 1, 1956, uniting Kannada-speaking regions. It celebrates “Rajyotsava Day” with parades and cultural programs.
  • Kerala was also formed on November 1, 1956, by merging Malabar, Cochin, and Travancore, celebrating its rich heritage and literacy achievements.
  • Madhya Pradesh, known as India’s “heart,” was reorganized on November 1, 1956, with celebrations including traditional performances and awards.
  • Chhattisgarh became India’s 26th state on November 1, 2000, and is renowned as the “rice bowl of India.”
  • Haryana was carved out from Punjab on November 1, 1966, due to linguistic distinctions, honoring its legacy in agriculture and sports.
  • Punjab was restructured on the same day in 1966 to establish a state for Punjabi speakers, highlighting its vibrant culture and history.

Prabowo Subianto became the President of Indonesia

In Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto became the president of the world’s third-largest democracy on October 20, 2024. He will be the eighth president of Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population.

The 73-year-old, a former special forces commander, won the election held on February 14, 2024, with almost 60% of the vote. His policies, like providing free meals to school children, helped him secure a strong victory.

Nayab Singh Saini sworn in as the Chief Minister of Haryana

Nayab Singh Saini was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Haryana for a second term on October 17, 2024, marking the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) third consecutive government in the state. The oath was administered by Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya at a ceremony in Panchkula.

The BJP won 48 out of 90 seats in the recent elections, while Congress secured 37. The event was attended by key BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, as well as NDA allies like Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu.

Omar Abdullah sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir

Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on 16 October 2024. This is the first elected government in the Union Territory since it was reorganized in 2019 after the removal of Article 370. The oath ceremony took place in Srinagar, and Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha gave him the oath of office.

Several ministers were also sworn in, including National Conference MLAs Javed Ahmed Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar, Sakina Itoo, Surinder Kumar Chowdhary, and independent MLA Satish Sharma.

The National Conference won 42 out of 90 seats, and their ally Congress won 6.

Omar Abdullah, who was the Chief Minister from 2009 to 2014, comes from a famous political family. His grandfather, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, and his father, Farooq Abdullah, both served as Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir.

Maharashtra, Jharkhand assembly elections in November; counting of votes on 23rd Nov

Maharashtra will hold assembly elections in a single phase on November 20, while Jharkhand will conduct its elections in two phases on November 13 and 20. The Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, announced the schedule for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections.

  • Maharashtra, with 9.63 crore voters, will have 288 assembly seats, and the notification for nominations will be issued on October 22.
  • Jharkhand, with 2.6 crore voters, will have polling in over 26,000 stations, with notifications for its phases on October 18 and 22.
  • Vote counting for both states will occur on November 23.

Additionally, bye-elections for 48 assembly seats and two Lok Sabha seats will be held on November 13, including the Wayanad Parliamentary seat, and the bye-polls for one assembly seat in Uttarakhand and Nanded Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra will be on November 20.

BJP retained Haryana; NC and Congress alliance secured a majority in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly

On 8 October 2024, vote counting for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana was completed.

Haryana Assembly Elections 2024:

  • BJP secured a majority in the 90-member Haryana Legislative Assembly and retained power for the third consecutive term, winning 48 seats.
  • Congress won 37 seats, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) got 2 seats, and independents won 3 seats.

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024:

  • The National Conference and Congress alliance secured a majority with 48 seats in the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
  • National Conference won 42 seats, and Congress won 6 seats. BJP secured 29 seats.
  • Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won 3 seats, while Jammu & Kashmir People’s Conference, CPI(M), and Aam Aadmi Party each won 1 seat. Independents secured 7 seats.

10th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference, held on 23-24 September 2024 in New Delhi

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla chaired the 10th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference, which concluded on 24th September 2024 in New Delhi.

The conference focused on issues like the digitisation of legislative assemblies, building the capacity of legislators, and the role of legislative bodies in promoting sustainable and inclusive development. Speakers, chairmen, and presiding officers from various states and union territories participated. Discussions highlighted the importance of making legislative bodies more engaged with the public. Participants shared innovative practices from their assemblies, and a key goal discussed was completing the digitisation of state assemblies to create a unified digital platform.

The CPA India Region, established in 2004, includes 31 branches, comprising the Indian Parliament and 30 state and union territory legislatures.

59 percent voter turnout in the first phase of Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections

On 18 September 2024, Jammu and Kashmir saw its highest voter turnout in 35 years, with around 59 percent of voters participating in the first phase of assembly elections. The voting process was peaceful across 24 assembly constituencies in seven districts: Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Kishtwar, Anantnag, Ramban, and Doda.

Youth and women voters played a key role, showing enthusiasm and trust in the democratic process. In the Kashmir division, Kulgam recorded the highest turnout with 61.57 percent, while Kishtwar in the Jammu division saw a turnout of 77.23 percent.

Polling took place across 3276 stations, with strong security and webcasting measures. Special arrangements, including home-voting and polling stations for Kashmiri migrants, were introduced to enhance participation.

Union Cabinet approves ‘One nation, One election’ proposal

On 18 September 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal. This plan aims to hold Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together, followed by local body and panchayat elections within 100 days.

The proposal is based on recommendations by a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw explained that it will be implemented in two phases: first, the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, then local body elections.

The proposal will be discussed widely, and an implementation group will be formed. The committee’s report highlights that simultaneous elections can improve policy stability and voter turnout. The proposal will now go to Parliament for approval.

Arvind Kejriwal submits resignation, Atishi becomes Delhi Chief Minister

Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), resigned as Delhi Chief Minister on September 17, 2024. Kejriwal submitted his resignation to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. Kejriwal had been granted bail on September 13 in the Delhi excise policy case, with conditions imposed by the Supreme Court, including avoiding public comments about the case.

Atishi, the newly-elected legislative party leader of AAP, has staked a claim to form the new government in Delhi.

Atishi, born and raised in Delhi, began her political career as an adviser to former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the education ministry. She later became the Education Minister, handling multiple portfolios, and eventually succeeded Arvind Kejriwal. Atishi is a History graduate from St Stephen’s College, Delhi, and a Chevening and Rhodes Scholar. She completed two master’s degrees at Oxford University. Her parents, Vijay Singh and Tripta Wahi, were professors at Delhi University.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury died at the age of 72

Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury died on 12 September 2024 at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. Yechury had been undergoing treatment for an acute respiratory tract infection since August 19 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.

He was born on August 12, 1952, in Chennai and started his political career in 1974 with his involvement in the Students’ Federation of India (SFI). He served as President of the JNU Students’ Union three times and later as the All-India President of the SFI. In 1984, he was elected to the Central Committee of the CPI(M), and in 1992, he ascended to the Politburo.

Sitaram Yechury served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal from 2005 to 2017. He succeeded Prakash Karat as the General Secretary of the CPI(M) in 2015 and was re-elected to the position in 2018 and 2022.

Assembly Elections in Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana: Schedule, Phases Announced

Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Haryana are scheduled for September and October 2024. J&K will hold elections in three phases, starting on 18th September, with subsequent phases on 25th September and 1st October. Haryana will conduct its elections in a single phase on 1st October. Counting for both states will take place on 4th October.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar announced the election schedule on 16th August 2024, highlighting the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct. He emphasized the commitment to inclusive and accessible elections, noting that over 87 lakh voters in J&K and over two crore voters in Haryana will participate.

In J&K, 11,800 polling stations will be set up, and the increased voter participation in recent Lok Sabha elections indicates a strengthening democracy. The CEC assured impartiality and adequate security measures for a free, fair, and peaceful election process in both regions.

Q.: When will the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir begin in three phases?

a) 1st September 2024
b) 18th September 2024
c) 25th September 2024
d) 1st October 2024

Ans : b) 18th September 2024
J&K will hold Assembly elections in three phases, starting on 18th September, with subsequent phases on 25th September and 1st October.

Both Houses of Parliament adjourned sine die on 9 Aug 2024

On August 9, 2024, both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die, concluding the Budget Session that began on July 22.

12 government bills were introduced during the session of which four were passed by the Lok Sabha. The Finance Bill, the Appropriation Bill, the Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation Bill, and the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak were passed in the Lower House.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar highlighted Budget discussions in the Upper House.

Question: What does the term “sine die” mean when used in the context of parliamentary sessions?

A) Without setting a future date for resumption
B) With a fixed date for the next session
C) After passing all pending bills
D) After the session ends with a final vote

Answer: A) Without setting a future date for resumption
Explanation:
“Sine die” is a Latin term that means “without a day.” In the context of parliamentary sessions, it refers to the adjournment of a session without assigning a specific date for the next meeting.

Question: Who is the Chairman of Rajya Sabha ?

A) Om Birla
B) Nirmala Sitharaman
C) Jagdeep Dhankhar
D) Venkaiah Naidu

Answer: C) Jagdeep Dhankhar
The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is the Vice President of India. Jagdeep Dhankhar holds the position of Vice President, making him the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

President appoints new Governors for 9 States

The President of India has accepted the resignation of Shri Banwarilal Purohit as Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh on 28 July 2024.

New Appointments of Governors:

The President of India appointed following Governors :

  • Shri Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde: Governor of Rajasthan.
  • Shri Jishnu Dev Varma: Governor of Telangana.
  • Shri Om Prakash Mathur: Governor of Sikkim.
  • Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar: Governor of Jharkhand.
  • Shri Ramen Deka: Governor of Chhattisgarh.
  • Shri C H Vijayashankar: Governor of Meghalaya.
  • Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan: Governor of Maharashtra (previously Governor of Jharkhand with additional charge of Telangana).
  • Shri Gulab Chand Kataria: Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh (previously Governor of Assam).
  • Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya: Governor of Assam and additional charge of Governor of Manipur (previously Governor of Sikkim).

New Appointment of Lt. Governor:

  • Shri K. Kailashnathan appointed as Lt. Governor of Puducherry.

Q.: Who has been appointed as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh in place of Banwarilal Purohit?

a) Shri Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde
b) Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya
c) Shri Gulab Chand Kataria
d) Shri Om Prakash Mathur

Ans : c) Shri Gulab Chand Kataria
Shri Gulab Chand Kataria appointed Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh (previously Governor of Assam).

Monsoon Session of Parliament from July 22 to August 12 ; Union Budget on July 23

The Monsoon Session of Parliament will run from July 22 to August 12. The government will introduce six new bills in the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on July 23.

Besides the Finance Bill, Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024 is listed to replace the Aircraft Act of 1934 to provide enabling provisions for ease of doing business in the civil aviation sector. Other bills listed for introduction and passage include The Boilers Bill, the Coffee (Promotion and Development) Bill, and the Rubber (Promotion and Development) Bill. One of the bills aims to amend the disaster management law.

Question: Which bill will replace the Aircraft Act of 1934?

  • A. The Finance Bill
  • B. The Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024
  • C. The Boilers Bill
  • D. The Coffee (Promotion and Development) Bill

Answer: B. The Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024
Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024 is listed to replace the Aircraft Act of 1934 to provide enabling provisions for ease of doing business in the civil aviation sector.

Budget session of Parliament from July 22 to August 12; Union budget to be presented on July 23

The budget session of Parliament will be from July 22 to August 12. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the union budget for 2024-25 on July 23.

  • This is the first full session of Parliament after new members took oath in the 18th Lok Sabha’s first session from June 24 to July 2.
  • The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) returned to power for the third consecutive term in the general elections.

Q: Who will present the union budget for 2024-25?

A) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
B) President Droupadi Murmu
C) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
D) Home Minister Amit Shah

Ans : C) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the union budget for 2024-25 on July 23.

Om Birla elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha

BJP MP Om Birla was re-elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha on 26 June 2024. He was elected with a voice vote as the opposition, which fielded Congress MP K. Suresh, did not press for voting.

After his election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju escorted Mr. Birla to the Speaker’s chair.

Om Birla had previously served as the Speaker in the 17th Lok Sabha since 2019.

Q: Who was re-elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha on 26 June 2024?

a) K. Suresh
b) Rahul Gandhi
c) Om Birla
d) Kiren Rijiju

c) Om Birla
BJP MP Om Birla was elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha. He had previously served as the Speaker in the 17th Lok Sabha.

Rahul Gandhi appointed Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha

On 25 June 2024, the Congress party announced Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the 18th Lok Sabha. Rahul Gandhi is won from Raebareli constituency.

The position of LoP had been vacant since 2014, as no opposition party met the required minimum of 10% of the total Lok Sabha seats.

The LoP is recognized as the leader of the largest opposition party with not less than one-tenth of the Lok Sabha seats. The Congress party secured 100 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, an improvement from 52 seats in 2019.

The LoP is a member of crucial committees such as Public Accounts (Chairman), Public Undertakings, Estimates, and various Joint Parliamentary Committees.

The LoP is entitled to membership in selection committees for heads of statutory bodies like the Central Vigilance Commission, Central Information Commission, CBI, NHRC, and Lokpal.

The LoP in both Houses were accorded statutory recognition under the Salaries and Allowances of Leader of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977, with salary and allowances equivalent to a cabinet minister. The office of the LoP is not mentioned in the Constitution.

Q: Who was appointed as the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the 18th Lok Sabha on 25 June 2024?

A) Mallikarjun Kharge
B) Sonia Gandhi
C) Rahul Gandhi
D) KC Venugopal

Ans : C) Rahul Gandhi

Q: Why was the position of Leader of Opposition vacant for 2014 to 2024?

A) No opposition party met the required minimum of 10% of the total Lok Sabha seats
B) The position was abolished
C) The ruling party opposed the appointment
D) There was a lack of eligible candidates

Ans : A) No opposition party met the required minimum of 10% of the total Lok Sabha seats
The position of LoP had been vacant since 2014, as no opposition party met the required minimum of 10% of the total Lok Sabha seats.

First Session of the 18th Lok Sabha from June 24 to July 3, 2024.

First Session of the 18th Lok Sabha which began on June 24, and scheduled to run up to July 3, 2024.

Oath-taking ceremony: All newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs), including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took oath. This session marked the historic first swearing-in ceremony in the new Parliament building.

Speaker election: The session will witness the election of the new Lok Sabha Speaker.

President’s address: The President of India will address the House, outlining the government’s agenda.

Possible stormy sessions: The opposition, strengthened after the elections, staged protests highlighting concerns about democracy and the controversial NEET-UG 2024 exam.

The 264th Session of Rajya Sabha will also commence on June 27 and conclude on July 3.

Q: What is a significant aspect of this first Session of the 18th Lok Sabha which began on June 24, 2024?

a) Introduction of a new voting system
b) First oath-taking ceremony in a newly built Parliament building
c) Introduction of a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister
d) Farewell address by the outgoing President

Ans : b) First oath-taking ceremony in a newly built Parliament building
This session marked the historic first swearing-in ceremony of newly elected Members of 18th Lok Sabha, in the new Parliament building.

New criminal laws will come into force on July 1, 2024

New criminal laws Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will come into force on July 1, 2024. IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act are being replaced after consultation and Law Commission of India reports. Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) and judicial academies are providing training.

Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita will have 531 sections, with 177 provisions changed, nine new sections, 39 new sub-sections, and 44 new provisions and clarifications added. The police custody under general criminal laws is increased from 15 days to 90 days, depending on the offense.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita will have 358 sections, with 20 new crimes added, increased imprisonment for 33 crimes, higher fines for 83 crimes, and mandatory minimum punishment in 23 crimes. Community service penalty introduced for six crimes, and 19 sections repealed or removed.

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will have 170 provisions, with 24 provisions changed, two new provisions, six sub-provisions added, and six provisions repealed or deleted.

Q: When will the new criminal laws Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam come into force?

A) January 1, 2024
B) April 1, 2024
C) July 1, 2024
D) October 1, 2024

Ans : C) July 1, 2024

Q: What laws are being replaced by the new criminal laws on July 1, 2024?

A) Constitution of India
B) IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act
C) Consumer Protection Act
D) Right to Information Act

Ans : B) IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act

N. Chandrababu Naidu took the oath of office as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh

N. Chandrababu Naidu took the oath of office as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on 12 June 2024. This is Naidu’s fourth term as Chief Minister and Second term since the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. Previously served as Chief Minister from 1995 to 2004 and from 2014 to 2019.

Ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah, J.P. Nadda, and Nitin Gadkari. Oath administered by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer. Cabinet consist of 21 MLAs from TDP, three from Janasena Party, and one from BJP.

Notable attendees: former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundarajan, Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh, Union Minister Rammohan Naidu, actors Chiranjeevi, Rajnikanth, and Nandamuri Balakrishna.

Naidu led TDP-BJP-Janasena National Democratic Alliance to a landslide victory in assembly and parliamentary elections. TDP holds majority in 175-member assembly with 135 MLAs. Janasena Party has 21 MLAs, BJP has eight MLAs. Opposition YSR Congress Party has 11 legislators.

Q: Who became the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on 12 June 2024?

A) Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy
B) Pawan Kalyan
C) N. Chandrababu Naidu
D) K. Chandrashekar Rao

Answer: C) N. Chandrababu Naidu

Pema Khandu elected Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh for the third term in a row

BJP leader Pema Khandu was re-elected as leader of the BJP Legislature Party in Arunachal Pradesh. Pema Khandu will become Chief Minister for the third term in a row. He will take the oath of office along with his cabinet on 13 June 2024. He became Chief Minister for the first time in 2016.

BJP won 46 seats in the 60-member Arunachal Pradesh assembly in the elections. A meeting of the newly-elected BJP MLAs was held in the presence of Bharatiya Janata Party’s central observers Ravi Shankar Prasad and Tarun Chugh and Pema Khandu was unanimously elected as the leader of the legislative party. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who is an MP from the state, was also present at the meeting.

Q: Who has been elected Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh for the third time in 2024?

A) Kiren Rijiju
B) Nabam Tuki
C) Pema Khandu
D) Tapir Gao

Answer: C) Pema Khandu

Mohan Majhi to be the new Chief Minister of Odisha

Mohan Charan Majhi will be the new chief minister of Odisha. He was elected leader of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) legislature party at a meeting held on 11 June 2024. The 52-year-old leader, a four-time MLA, is a prominent tribal face in Odisha.

There will two Deputy CM- Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida.

The BJP is forming its first government in Odisha after securing a majority in the assembly polls. The BJP won 78 of 147 seats in the Odisha assembly.

Rajnath Singh and union minister Bhupender Yadav were in the state capital as the party’s central observers for the meeting of MLAs.

Q: Who has been elected as the new Chief Minister of Odisha?

A) Rajnath Singh
B) Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo
C) Mohan Charan Majhi
D) Pravati Parida

Answer: C) Mohan Charan Majhi

List of Ministers with Portfolios : Modi-3 (2024)

The portfolios allocated to the members of the Council of Ministers, who have been sworn in on 9 June, 2024, are as shown in the below
list.

LIST OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS WITH PORTFOLIOS

Prime Minister

NamePositionPortfolio Responsibilities
Shri Narendra ModiPrime MinisterMinistry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy; Department of Space; All important policy issues; and all other portfolios not allocated to any Minister.

Cabinet Ministers

No.NamePortfolio
1Shri Raj Nath SinghMinister of Defence
2Shri Amit ShahMinister of Home Affairs; Minister of Cooperation
3Shri Nitin Jairam GadkariMinister of Road Transport and Highways
4Shri Jagat Prakash NaddaMinister of Health and Family Welfare; Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers
5Shri Shivraj Singh ChouhanMinister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; Minister of Rural Development
6Smt. Nirmala SitharamanMinister of Finance; Minister of Corporate Affairs
7Dr. Subrahmanyam JaishankarMinister of External Affairs
8Shri Manohar LalMinister of Housing and Urban Affairs; Minister of Power
9Shri H. D. KumaraswamyMinister of Heavy Industries; Minister of Steel
10Shri Piyush GoyalMinister of Commerce and Industry
11Shri Dharmendra PradhanMinister of Education
12Shri Jitan Ram ManjhiMinister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
13Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan SinghMinister of Panchayati Raj; Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
14Shri Sarbananda SonowalMinister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
15Dr. Virendra KumarMinister of Social Justice and Empowerment
16Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan NaiduMinister of Civil Aviation
17Shri Pralhad JoshiMinister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; Minister of New and Renewable Energy
18Shri Jual OramMinister of Tribal Affairs
19Shri Giriraj SinghMinister of Textiles
20Shri Ashwini VaishnawMinister of Railways; Minister of Information and Broadcasting; Minister of Electronics and Information Technology
21Shri Jyotiraditya M. ScindiaMinister of Communications; Minister of Development of North Eastern Region
22Shri Bhupender YadavMinister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
23Shri Gajendra Singh ShekhawatMinister of Culture; Minister of Tourism
24Smt. Annpurna DeviMinister of Women and Child Development
25Shri Kiren RijijuMinister of Parliamentary Affairs; Minister of Minority Affairs
26Shri Hardeep Singh PuriMinister of Petroleum and Natural Gas
27Dr. Mansukh MandaviyaMinister of Labour and Employment; Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports
28Shri G. Kishan ReddyMinister of Coal; Minister of Mines
29Shri Chirag PaswanMinister of Food Processing Industries
30Shri C R PatilMinister of Jal Shakti

Ministers of State (Independent Charge)

No.NamePortfolio
1Rao Inderjit SinghMinister of State (Independent Charge) of Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation; Ministry of Planning; and Minister of State in Ministry of Culture
2Dr. Jitendra SinghMinister of State (Independent Charge) of Ministry of Science and Technology; Ministry of Earth Sciences; Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office; Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy; and Department of Space
3Shri Arjun Ram MeghwalMinister of State (Independent Charge) of Ministry of Law and Justice; and Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
4Shri Jadhav Prataprao GanpatraoMinister of State (Independent Charge) of Ministry of Ayush; and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
5Shri Jayant ChaudharyMinister of State (Independent Charge) of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; and Ministry of Education

Ministers of State

No.NamePortfolio
1Shri Jitin PrasadaMinister of State in Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
2Shri Shripad Yesso NaikMinister of State in Ministry of Power; Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
3Shri Pankaj ChaudharyMinister of State in Ministry of Finance
4Shri Krishan PalMinister of State in Ministry of Cooperation
5Shri Ramdas AthawaleMinister of State in Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
6Shri Ram Nath ThakurMinister of State in Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
7Shri Nityanand RaiMinister of State in Ministry of Home Affairs
8Smt. Anupriya PatelMinister of State in Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
9Shri V. SomannaMinister of State in Ministry of Jal Shakti; Ministry of Railways
10Dr. Chandra Sekhar PemmasaniMinister of State in Ministry of Rural Development; Ministry of Communications
11Prof. S. P. Singh BaghelMinister of State in Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; Ministry of Panchayati Raj
12Sushri Shobha KarandlajeMinister of State in Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; Ministry of Labour and Employment
13Shri Kirtivardhan SinghMinister of State in Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Ministry of External Affairs
14Shri B. L. VermaMinister of State in Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
15Shri Shantanu ThakurMinister of State in Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
16Shri Suresh GopiMinister of State in Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas; Ministry of Tourism
17Dr. L. MuruganMinister of State in Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
18Shri Ajay TamtaMinister of State in Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
19Shri Bandi Sanjay KumarMinister of State in Ministry of Home Affairs
20Shri Kamlesh PaswanMinister of State in Ministry of Rural Development
21Shri Bhagirath ChoudharyMinister of State in Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
22Shri Satish Chandra DubeyMinister of State in Ministry of Coal; Ministry of Mines
23Shri Sanjay SethMinister of State in Ministry of Defence
24Shri Ravneet SinghMinister of State in Ministry of Food Processing Industries; Ministry of Railways
25Shri Durgadas UikeyMinister of State in Ministry of Tribal Affairs
26Smt. Raksha Nikhil KhadseMinister of State in Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
27Shri Sukanta MajumdarMinister of State in Ministry of Education; Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
28Smt. Savitri ThakurMinister of State in Ministry of Women and Child Development
29Shri Tokhan SahuMinister of State in Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
30Shri Raj Bhushan ChoudharyMinister of State in Ministry of Jal Shakti
31Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa VarmaMinister of State in Ministry of Heavy Industries; Ministry of Steel
32Shri Harsh MalhotraMinister of State in Ministry of Corporate Affairs; Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
33Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai BambhaniyaMinister of State in Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
34Shri Murlidhar MoholMinister of State in Ministry of Cooperation; Ministry of Civil Aviation
35Shri George KurianMinister of State in Ministry of Minority Affairs; Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
36Shri Pabitra MargheritaMinister of State in Ministry of External Affairs; Ministry of Textiles

Official List : Portfolios allocated to the members of the Council of Ministers : Download PDF

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