India-Iran Relations: Significance and Key Aspects    
Significance of Chabahar Port for India    
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)    
International Monetary Fund (IMF)    
India-China Trade Ties    
Ibu Volcano    
Smart Cities Mission (SCM): Current Progress, Achievements, and Challenges    
Smart Cities Mission (SCM): Current Progress, Achievements, and Challenges    

1.    India-Iran Relations: Significance and Key Aspects
Location and Connectivity:
•    Iran's strategic location between the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea is crucial for India.
•    Provides an alternate route to Afghanistan and Central Asian republics through the Chabahar port, bypassing Pakistan.
•    Enhances India's connectivity and trade prospects in the region.
Cheaper Crude Oil:
•    Iran possesses significant deposits of crude oil and natural gas.
•    Resuming oil imports from Iran could potentially lower global oil prices, benefiting India and other importing countries.
•    India's support for Iranian oil imports could influence other countries to follow suit, increasing supply in the market.
Connectivity with Eurasia:
•    The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) aims to connect India, Iran, Afghanistan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe.
•    Offers a multi-modal transport route to reduce transit time for goods.
•    Potential benefits include increased trade and economic integration among participating countries.
•    India and Iran's cooperation could boost the INSTC's effectiveness and realize its full potential.
Conclusion: India-Iran relations hold significant strategic importance due to Iran's geographical location, energy resources, and connectivity initiatives. Enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, connectivity, and energy can further strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to regional stability and prosperity.
(GS Paper 2):
•    Relevant to International Relations and India's neighborhood diplomacy.
•    Highlights the significance of connectivity initiatives and energy security in India's foreign policy.

2.    Significance of Chabahar Port for India
Alternative Trade Route:
•    Provides India with an alternative trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.

OASHUB

•    Reduces India's dependence on transit routes through Pakistan, especially significant given the strained relations between the two countries.

Access to International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC):
•    Chabahar Port connects India to the INSTC, facilitating sea, rail, and road routes between India, Iran, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe.
•     Enhances India's access to resource-rich and economically vibrant markets in Central Asia and Europe.
Economic Benefits:
•    Offers India opportunities for increased trade and investment in Central Asia and beyond.
•    Potential for economic growth and job creation in India through enhanced trade relations and infrastructure development in the region.
Humanitarian Assistance:
•    Serves as a crucial entry point for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.
•    India can use Chabahar Port to provide aid and support for infrastructure development, contributing to regional stability.
Strategic Influence:
•    By developing and operating Chabahar Port, India enhances its strategic influence in the Indian Ocean region.
•    Strengthens India's geopolitical position and presence in the region, asserting its role as a key player in regional affairs.
Conclusion: Chabahar Port holds significant strategic and economic importance for India, offering alternative trade routes, access to international markets, opportunities for economic growth, and avenues for humanitarian assistance. By investing in and developing Chabahar Port, India can strengthen its regional influence and contribute to stability and prosperity in the wider region.
(GS Paper 2):
•    Pertinent to International Relations and India's neighborhood diplomacy.
•    Highlights the significance of connectivity initiatives and economic partnerships in India's foreign policy.
 

3.    National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
About
•    Established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
•    Acts as the watchdog of human rights in India.
•    Established in conformity with the Paris Principles (1991), adopted at the first international workshop on national institutions for the protection of human rights.
Objectives
•     Strengthen institutional arrangements to address human rights issues comprehensively.
•    Independently investigate allegations of excesses to underline the government's commitment to protect human rights.
Composition
•    Consists of a Chairperson and eight other members.
•    Chairperson is a retired Chief Justice of India.
•    Four full-time members and four deemed members.
•    Full-time members include a Supreme Court judge, a High Court Chief Justice, and two members selected based on their expertise in human rights.
•    Deemed members are the Chairpersons of the National Commission for Minorities, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, and the National Commission for Women.
Appointment Process
•    Appointed by the President based on recommendations from a six-member committee.
•    Committee includes the Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Leaders of the Opposition in both Houses of Parliament, and the Union Home Minister.
•    Term: 3 years or until the age of 70 years, with the possibility of reappointment.
Powers
•    Commission has the powers of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, while investigating complaints.
•    Can summon and examine witnesses under oath.
•    Empowered to grant compensation to victims of police brutality.
•    Can approach the Supreme Court or High Court for the enforcement of human rights.

•    Authorized to take "suo motu" cognizance of human rights violations even without a formal complaint.
GS Paper 2: Constitutional Bodies: NHRC is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act.

4.    International Monetary Fund (IMF)
About
•     Established along with the World Bank after the Second World War to aid in the reconstruction of war-torn nations.
•    Originated from the Bretton Woods conference in the US, making it one of the Bretton Woods twins.
•    Governed by and accountable to its 190 member countries, representing near-global membership.
•    India became a member on 27th December 1945.
Purpose
•    Primary objective: Ensure stability of the international monetary system, including exchange rates and international payments, facilitating transactions among countries.
•    Aims to promote global economic stability and growth through cooperation and policy advice.
Reports by IMF
•    Global Financial Stability Report: Provides analysis and assessment of global financial markets, focusing on current trends and potential risks.
•    World Economic Outlook: Offers forecasts and analysis of global economic developments, including growth projections, inflation, trade, and financial markets.
GS Paper 3: International Organizations: The IMF falls under the category of international organizations, which is part of the GS Paper 3 syllabus on Economics.

5.    India-China Trade Ties
Import from China:
•    Despite slowdown and supply disruptions, China's share in India's total imports remains high, reaching record levels in recent years.
•    Primary imports from China include electrical and electronic goods, organic chemicals (including pharmaceuticals), and plastic items.
India's Exports to China:

•    India's exports to China have been steadily increasing, reaching $21.2 billion in 2020-21.
•    Major exports to China include organic chemicals, cotton yarn, copper, and ores.
Bilateral Trade Deficit:
•    India's trade deficit with China continues to grow, reaching around $73.3 billion in 2021-22.
•    India's heavy import reliance on China poses political, security, and economic challenges.
Factors Responsible for Trade Imbalance:
•    China's manufacturing dominance, India's dependence on Chinese goods, non-tariff barriers, infrastructure inadequacies, and currency exchange rates contribute to the trade imbalance.
Way Forward:
•    India should diversify imports by reducing dependence on Chinese imports and exploring alternatives from countries like Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan.
•    Focus on boosting exports to China, particularly high-value products like engineering goods and pharmaceuticals.
•    Develop domestic industries to reduce reliance on imports and create employment opportunities.
•    Review free trade agreements to ensure they benefit domestic industries, and consider signing an FTA with China to address the trade deficit.
GS Paper 3: Indian Economy and Foreign Trade: Understanding India-China trade relations, factors influencing trade.

6.    Ibu Volcano
About the Ibu Volcano:
•    Located in the province of Maluku, East Indonesia.
•    One of Indonesia's most isolated and least accessible volcanoes.
•    Stands at an elevation of 1,377 meters above sea level.
What is a Stratovolcano?
•    A tall, steep, and cone-shaped type of volcano.
•    Characterized by higher peaks compared to flat-shield volcanoes.
•    Typically feature a small crater at their peak, possibly filled with water, ice, or volcanic dome during periods of inactivity.
•    Comprise around 60% of Earth's volcanoes.
•    Eruptions are often of andesite and dacite lavas, cooler and more viscous than basalt.

•    Viscous lavas allow gas pressures to build up, leading to explosive eruptions.
•    Usually composed of a combination of lava and pyroclastic material, giving them the name composite volcanoes.
Geography: Stratovolcanoes are a significant topic in the GS Paper 1 section, particularly under physical geography and geological phenomena. Understanding their characteristics.

7.     Smart Cities Mission (SCM): Current Progress, Achievements, and Challenges
About Smart Cities Mission:
•    Launched in June 2015 to promote cities with core infrastructure, clean environments, and a decent quality of life through smart solutions.
•    Selection of 100 cities through a competitive process between January 2016 and June 2018.
•    Five-year timeframe given to cities for project completion.
•    Union government allocated ₹48,000 crore over five years, matched by state governments and ULBs.
•    Exceptions for 13 Himalayan and northeastern states receiving 90% funding from the Union government.
Achievements of Smart Cities Mission:
•    Digital transformation through smart technologies like Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs).
•    Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with over 70% of projects contributing to SDGs related to cities, clean water, clean energy, and economic growth.
•    Infrastructure development including roads, water supply, sewage, and solid waste management systems.
•    Improvement of urban mobility through metro lines, bus rapid transit systems (BRTS), and pedestrian-friendly pathways.
Challenges Associated With Smart Cities Mission:
•    Mission deadline extended to June 2024 due to pending projects.
•    Funding challenges, with some regions receiving less than pledged central funds.
•    Failure in fundraising mechanisms like PPPs and loans.
•    Execution challenges including lack of coordination and frequent CEO transfers.

•    Ineffective state-level advisory forum meetings and absence of master plans in 65% of urban entities.
Way Forward to Smart Cities Mission:
•    Initiate Phase 2 focusing on tier-2 cities within 100 km of state capitals.
•    Expand role of ICCCs to provide various services beyond governance.
•    Utilize government programs for sustainable urban development like NMSH, AMRUT, SBM-U, and PMAY-U.
Governance: Smart Cities Mission falls under the governance and urbanization topics of GS Paper 2, highlighting the government's initiatives for urban development and challenges faced in their implementation.

8.    Smart Cities Mission (SCM): Current Progress, Achievements, and Challenges
About Smart Cities Mission:
•    Launch: Initiated in June 2015 to promote cities with core infrastructure, clean environments, and quality of life through smart solutions.
•    City Selection: 100 cities chosen through a competitive process from January 2016 to June 2018.
•    Time Frame: Cities given a five-year period from selection to complete proposed projects.
•    Financial Support Allocation: ₹48,000 crore allocated by the union government over five years, matched by state governments and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
•    Convergence Funds: Additional resources raised through ULBs’ own funds, grants under the Finance Commission, Municipal Bonds, and other government programs.
Achievements of Smart Cities Mission:
•    Digital Transformation: Implementation of smart technologies for governance and service delivery, including Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) in all 100 Smart Cities.
•    Alignment with SDGs: Over 70% of projects align with UN’s SDGs related to cities, clean water, clean energy, and economic growth.
•    Infrastructure Development: Includes roads, water supply, sewage, and solid waste management systems, along with improving urban mobility through metro lines, BRTS, and pedestrian-friendly pathways.
Challenges Associated With Smart Cities Mission:
•    Mission Deadline Extension: Extended till June 2024 due to pending projects.

•    Funding Challenges: Some regions received less than pledged central funds, and many cities faced funding release delays.
•    Failure in Fundraising Mechanisms: Only 6% of projects funded through PPPs instead of recommended 21%, and loans fell short of proposed funding in most cities.
•    Execution Challenges: Lack of robust mechanism for coordination and monitoring, including frequent CEO transfers and inadequate guidelines.
•    Ineffective Advisory Forum Meetings: Irregular state-level advisory forum meetings hindered progress.
Absence of Master Plans:
•     Master plans lacking in 65% of recognized urban entities, according to NITI Ayog report.
Way Forward to Smart Cities Mission:
•    Need for Phase 2: Next phase should focus on tier-2 cities near state capitals, leveraging expertise gained by Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in urban development.
•    Expand Role of ICCCs: ICCCs should offer varied services in health, security, waste management, etc.
•    Government Programs: Utilize programs like National Mission for Sustainable Habitat, AMRUT, SBM-U, National Urban Livelihoods Mission, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for sustainable urban development.
GS Paper 2: Issues Related to Children, Social Empowerment, Welfare Schemes, Government Policies & Interventions.

Nankai Trough    
Hooch Tragedy    
Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project    
Exercise Tarang Shakti    
UAPA    

 

1.◻ Nankai Trough
◻ About
•    Subduction Zone:
o    The Nankai Trough is a subduction zone between two tectonic plates in the Pacific Ocean, known for triggering massive earthquakes.
o    This zone represents the collision between the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate, where the latter is forced under the former, sinking into the Earth's mantle.
◻ Location
•    Geographical Stretch:
o    The Nankai Trough stretches nearly 900 km from Shizuoka, west of Tokyo, to the southern tip of Kyushu Island.
o    This region has experienced destructive earthquakes of magnitude 8 or 9 approximately every century or two.
o    These megathrust quakes, which often occur in pairs, have a history of unleashing dangerous tsunamis along Japan's southern coast.
◻ Understanding Subduction Zones
•    Subduction Zone:
o    A subduction zone is a region where two of the Earth's tectonic plates collide, and one plate is forced beneath the other into the mantle.
 

o    Tectonic plates are pieces of the Earth's rigid outer layer that slowly move across the planet's surface over millions of years, driving the process of plate tectonics.
•     Global Distribution:
o    Subduction zones are predominantly found in a horseshoe-shaped region around the edge of the Pacific Ocean, known as the "Ring of Fire". This includes areas offshore of the USA, Canada, Russia, Japan, Indonesia, and extends down to New Zealand and the southern edge of South America.
o    These zones are the most seismically and volcanically active regions in the world, responsible for over 80% of the world's largest earthquakes and most of the planet's active volcanoes.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the Nankai Trough, consider the following statements:
1.    It is a subduction zone located between the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate.
2.    The Nankai Trough is known for frequent small-scale earthquakes but has not been associated with tsunamis.
3.    The Nankai Trough is part of the "Ring of Fire," a region known for its seismic and volcanic activity.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    1 and 3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 1 and 3 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the geological significance of subduction zones with reference to the Nankai Trough. How do such zones contribute to seismic and volcanic activities, and what are the implications for regions situated along these zones, particularly in the context of Japan?

2.◻ Hooch Tragedy
◻ History of Hooch Tragedies
•    Increasing Trend:
o    The number of hooch-related deaths has been on the rise in the country.
o    On average, 3 people die every single day due to spurious liquor poisoning in India.
•    Top States:
o    A detailed report released by the Lok Sabha listed the top 5 states that reported the highest number of deaths due to the consumption of illegal and spurious liquor between 2016 and 2020, with Bihar and Chhattisgarh topping the list.
•    Data:
o    Over 6,000 deaths were reported between 2016 and 2020 due to spurious liquor consumption, with the lowest number of deaths in 2020 at 947.
◻ What is Spurious Liquor?
•    Definition:
o    Spurious liquor refers to alcohol that has been adulterated with harmful substances to induce intoxication, making it dangerous for consumers.

•    Characteristics:
o    It is cheap and mostly consumed by the lower strata of society.
o    Contains a higher percentage of methyl alcohol, which is poisonous.
o    Consumption can lead to blindness, severe health problems, or even death.
o    Often mixed with other harmful chemicals to enhance intoxication, further increasing the risk of fatal consequences.
◻ Why Do People Fall Prey to Such Liquor?
•    Demand-Supply Relation:
o    The availability and cost of legal liquor versus spurious liquor create a demand-supply imbalance, with cost being a significant factor.
•    Liquor Ban:
o    Many hooch tragedies occur in states where liquor is banned, pushing people to seek illegal alternatives.
•    Cheap Alternative:
o    Desperation for cheaper options drives people to consume low- quality liquor sold by bootleggers aiming for quick profits.
◻ Arguments in Favour of Liquor Ban
•    Not a Loss of Revenue:
o    A robust economy can be maintained without liquor revenue if tax evasion is curbed, black money is recovered, and government corruption is controlled.
•    Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP):
o    The state has a responsibility to safeguard public health, as per the DPSP, which mandates raising the level of nutrition, standard of living, and public health.
•    Injurious to Health:

o    Liquor is universally recognized as harmful, with no health benefits, causing liver damage and affecting overall body functions.
•    Impact on Poor People:
o    In poor households, alcohol addiction diverts a significant portion of income from improving living standards to buying liquor.
•    Social Issues:
o     Liquor is linked to domestic violence, weakening family bonds, increasing divorces, and neglecting children.
•    Addiction and Crime:
o    Easy availability of liquor leads to youth addiction, and many crimes are committed under its influence.
•    Crime Rate:
o    Prohibiting liquor is expected to lead to a decline in the crime rate.
◻ Arguments Against Liquor Ban
•    Revenue for the Government:
o    The sale of liquor provides significant revenue through excise duty, essential for economic development.
•    The Legal Angle:
o    A liquor ban could lead to withdrawal symptoms, potentially increasing violent crime as people seek illegal means to obtain alcohol.
•    Right to Liquor:
o    Arguments suggest that the Fundamental Rights under the Indian Constitution, specifically Articles 21 and 19(1)(g), include the right to consume and trade liquor.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the issue of hooch tragedies in India, consider the following statements:

1.    Spurious liquor often contains a high percentage of methyl alcohol, which is poisonous.
2.    Most hooch-related deaths in India occur in states where liquor is legally available.
3.    The rise in hooch-related deaths is linked to the imposition of liquor bans in several states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    1 and 3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 1 and 3 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the socio-economic and legal implications of liquor bans in India, particularly in the context of the rise in hooch-related tragedies. What measures can be taken to curb the production and consumption of spurious liquor?

3.◻ Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project
Madhya Pradesh has commissioned the largest floating solar project in central and north India, generating 90 MW at Omkareshwar.
◻ About Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project:
•    Location:
o    It is located at Omkareshwar in District Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh.
o    The floating power plant was developed on the backwaters of Omkareshwar dam, a gravity dam on the Narmada River.
•    Significance:
o    It is the biggest solar park in India and the largest floating solar project in central and north India, generating 90 MW of energy.
o    This project was developed under the Union Ministry of Renewable Energy.
•    Execution:

 OASHUB

o    The project is executed by SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SJVN, a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
•    Project Cost:
o    ₹646 crores.
o    It is projected to generate 196.5 million units of electricity in its initial year of operation and a cumulative 4,629.3 million units over 25 years.
o     On commissioning, it will reduce
2.3 lakh tons of carbon emissions, significantly contributing to the
Government of India’s mission of net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
o    The project will also help in water conservation by reducing water evaporation.
o    The project has been developed through competitive tariff bidding on a Build Own and Operate basis for 25 years at a rate of ₹3.26 per unit.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project, consider the following statements:
1.    It is the largest floating solar project in India, located on the backwaters of the Omkareshwar dam on the Narmada River.
2.    The project is executed by a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Madhya Pradesh.
3.    The project is projected to significantly reduce carbon emissions and contribute to India’s net-zero carbon emissions target by 2070.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only

C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: C) 1 and 3 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the significance of floating solar projects like the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project in India’s renewable energy
strategy. How do such projects contribute to the goals of carbon reduction and water conservation?

4.◻ Exercise Tarang Shakti
It is the first multinational air exercise to be hosted by the Indian Air Force.
◻ Objective:
•    The exercise aims to invite friendly foreign countries with whom the IAF interacts regularly and has a certain degree of interoperability.
•    It is scheduled to be held in two phases:
o    The first phase will be held in southern India in the first two weeks of August.
o    The second phase will be in the western sector from the end of August to mid-September.
Participating Countries:
•    Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
•    Germany will deploy fighter jets and an A- 400M transport aircraft.
•    The exercise aims to foster professional interactions, enrich the employment philosophy of the participating forces, and facilitate the exchange of valuable insights.
•    It represents a unique opportunity for these nations to collaborate and enhance their tactical and operational capabilities.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to Exercise Tarang Shakti, consider the following statements:

 

1.    Exercise Tarang Shakti is the first multinational naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy.
2.    The exercise involves participation from countries like Germany, France, Japan, and the United States.
3.    The exercise will be conducted in two phases, with the first phase in southern India and the second in the western sector.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)     2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the significance of multinational military exercises like Exercise Tarang Shakti in enhancing India’s defense diplomacy and interoperability with friendly foreign countries. How do such exercises contribute to the tactical and operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force?

◻ UAPA
◻ About:
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is aimed at preventing unlawful activities associations in India. Its main objective is to deal with activities directed against the integrity and sovereignty of India. It is also known as the Anti- terror law.
Unlawful activities refer to any action taken by an individual or association intended to disrupt the territorial integrity and sovereignty of India.
The act assigns absolute power to the central government and provides for the death penalty and life imprisonment as the highest punishments.
◻ Major Provisions of the UAPA:
UAPA provides special procedures to deal with terrorist activities. The central government may

designate an individual/organization as a terrorist/terrorist organization if it:
•    Commits/participates in acts of terrorism,
•    Prepares for terrorism,
•    Promotes terrorism, or
•    Is otherwise involved in terrorism.
Under the Act, an investigating officer is required to obtain the prior approval of the Director General of Police to seize properties that may be connected with terrorism.
If the investigation is conducted by an officer of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the approval of the Director General of NIA is required for the seizure of such property.
The Act empowers officers of the NIA, of the rank of Inspector or above, to investigate cases, in addition to those conducted by officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Commissioner of Police or above.
◻ Procedure Followed:
When the Centre declares an organization as unlawful, a tribunal is established by the Centre to further investigate and confirm whether the decision is justified.
The notification by the Centre does not take effect until the tribunal confirms the declaration and the order is published in the official gazette.
The government must send the notification to the tribunal within 30 days of issuing the gazette notification to have the ban ratified.
Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) must refer to the Tribunal along with the cases that the NIA, Enforcement Directorate, and state police forces have registered against the association and its members across the country.
What is the UAPA Tribunal?
The UAPA provides for a tribunal to be constituted by the government for its bans to have long-term legal sanctity.
It is headed by a retired or sitting judge of a
High Court.
On receiving notification from the Centre, the Tribunal calls upon the concerned association to show cause, within 30 days from the date of the service of such Centre’s notice, why it should not be declared unlawful.
 

After hearing arguments from both sides, the Tribunal can hold an inquiry to decide within 6 months whether there is sufficient evidence to declare an association an unlawful association.
Under the UAPA, the Centre's notification cannot have an effect until the tribunal confirms the declaration in its order.
◻ Criticisms of the UAPA:
Lack Of Substantive and Procedural Process: Section 35 of UAPA allows the government to list any individual as a terrorist based on mere suspicion and without any due process.
The vague powers of the State to detain and arrest individuals believed to be involved in terrorist activities give the State more power over individual liberty, which is guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Time Consuming: In almost 43% of the cases, the charge sheet has taken more than a year or two to be filed, leading to a significant delay in getting justice.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), consider the following statements:
1.    UAPA allows the central government to designate individuals as terrorists based on suspicion.
2.    The UAPA tribunal must confirm the government's declaration of an organization as unlawful for it to take effect.
3.    The UAPA does not provide for the death penalty as a punishment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
Mains Question
Question: Critically analyze the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in the context of balancing national security and individual liberties. Discuss the challenges and