Current Affairs

1. GYANESH KUMAR AND SUKHBIR SANDHU –

• The high-powered selection committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed two retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, as the new Election Commissioners of India. The appointments were made on March 14, 2024, following the recommendations of the panel.
• The other members of the selection committee included Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. The appointments have been made to fill the vacancies created by the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey on February 15 and the surprise resignation of Arun Goel on March 9.
• Gyanesh Kumar, a 1985-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, retired as the Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation in 2021. He holds a postgraduate degree in Economics from Harvard University and a B.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. During his tenure in the Union Home Ministry, Kumar played a key role in the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. He also served as the Secretary of Parliamentary Affairs and was instrumental in setting up the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust.
• Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, on the other hand, is a 1988-batch IAS officer of the Uttarakhand cadre. He retired as the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand in January 2023, after serving in the post for nearly two years. Sandhu holds an MBBS degree from the Government Medical College, Amritsar, and a postgraduate degree in History from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. He has also served as the Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and as Additional Secretary in the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development.

 

2. VLADIMIR PUTIN  SECURES    ANOTHER    SIX-YEAR    TERM  IN   RUSSIAN ELECTION –

• Russian President Vladimir Putin clinched victory in the recent election with a commanding lead of 76.1% of the vote, as per preliminar y results. This win marks Putin’s continued dominance in Russian politics, now extending his tenure to a total of 24 years in power.
• Preliminary results indicate Putin’s landslide victory with 76.1% of the vote, the highest ever in post-Soviet Russia.
• Putin’s win strengthens his position amidst escalating tensions with Western nations, who criticize his actions in Ukraine, Syria, and alleged interference in foreign elections.
• Putin, a former KGB officer, emphasizes the election result as a message to the West, indicating Russia’s resolve in global affairs.
• With this victory, Putin is set to become Russia’s longest-serving leader in over two centuries, surpassing Josef Stalin if he completes his term.

 

3. MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT (MCC) GUIDELINES FOR LOK SABHA ELECTIONS 2024 –

• With the announcement of the election schedule by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has been enforced to ensure a fair electoral process in the world’s largest democracy.

Here are the specific guidelines to be followed during this period-

1. Conduct at Places of Worship- Campaigning at places of worship (e.g., mosques, churches, temples) is strictly prohibited. No appeals to caste or communal sentiments for securing votes.
2. Criticism and Personal Attacks- Criticism of other parties should be limited to policies, programs, and past records.Avoid personal attacks or criticism unrelated to public activities.
3. Prohibition of Corrupt Practices- Parties and candidates must avoid all forms of corrupt practices such as bribing voters, intimidation, impersonation, and canvassing near polling stations. Distribution of liquor on polling day or 48 hours before is strictly prohibited.
4. Respect for Private Property- Parties cannot use private property for campaign materials without permission.
5. Peaceful Political Activities- Ensuring peaceful political meetings and processions without obstructing those organized by other parties. No removal of posters issued by other parties.
6. Regulation of Rallies- Procession routes and timings must be adhered to without deviation. Authorities must be informed to ensure proper regulation.
7. Traffic Management- Organizers must ensure minimal disruption to road traffic during processions. Long processions should be organized in manageable segments.
8. Prohibition of Effigy Burning- Carrying and burning effigies representing members of other political parties or leaders is not allowed.
9. Regulation of Candidate Camps- Avoiding large gatherings and serving food at candidate camps near booths.Ruling parties cannot monopolize government facilities or accommodations for campaign purposes.
10. Election Manifesto and Freebies- While election manifestos are not considered corrupt practices, the distribution of freebies can influence voters and should be carefully considered.

• These guidelines aim to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and ensure a level playing field for all participants.