1. Decoding the National Anthem Controversy
Key Issue
- Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi left the Assembly on January 6, 2024, without delivering the customary address.
- Allegations arose about the National Anthem not being played before and after his scheduled address.
Key Points
- Raj Bhavan’s Allegation:
- Accused the Tamil Nadu Assembly of “brazen disrespect” towards the Constitution and the National Anthem.
- Cited Article 51A(a) of the Constitution: obligation to respect the National Flag and the National Anthem.
- Custom in Tamil Nadu Assembly:
- State Anthem “Tamil Thai Vazhthu” is played at the beginning of the session.
- National Anthem is traditionally played only at the end of the Governor’s address.
- Practice in Other States: Varies; for example, in Nagaland, the National Anthem is not played at every session.
- Constitutional Provisions:
- Article 51A(a): Citizens must respect the National Anthem and Flag.
- No explicit requirement in law mandating the National Anthem at the opening or closing of Assembly sessions.
- When is the National Anthem Mandatory?:
- During unfurling of the National Flag.
- At formal government functions or cultural ceremonies.
- On arrival/departure of the President, Governor, or other dignitaries.
- Legal Precedents: 2019: Madras High Court dismissed a plea seeking punishment for not playing the National Anthem at a government function.
The court ruled that playing the anthem at all events is not legally enforceable.
2. ISRO’s Recent Milestones: Key Updates
- Cowpea Seeds in Space
- Experiment:
- ISRO successfully sprouted cowpea seeds in space under its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS).
- Conducted aboard PSLV-C60 mission with POEM-4 payload.
- Significance:
- The sprouting of leaves in space marks a milestone for extraterrestrial agriculture.
- Focuses on developing technologies for growing and sustaining plants in space habitats.
- Developed By:
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), emphasizing the evolution of ISRO’s capabilities for extraterrestrial environments.
- Space Docking Experiment (SpaDEx)
- Mission:
- The docking of two SpaDEx satellites.
- Initially scheduled for January 7, postponed to January 9 for further validation based on ground simulations.
- Background:
- SpaDEx launched on December 30.
- Experiment window remains open until January 10.
- Significance:
Critical for orbital docking technology, essential for long-term space missions like the construction of space stations.
3. Other Important Issues
4. China's Tsangpo Dam: India's Challenges and Options
