Under UAPA, Centre bans PFI and  8 front bodies for five years

• Union Home Ministry on Wednesday declared the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its front organisations, including its student wing, the Campus Front of India (CFI), an “unlawful association” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
• The Islamist organisation has been banned for five years along with eight associates or front organisations.

About Popular Front of India (PFI)

• Popular Front of India (PFI) is a Indian Muslim political organisation, that engages in a radical and exclusivist style of Muslim minority politics.
• Formed to counter Hindutva groups,.
• PFI was founded in 2006 with the merger of the Karnataka Forum for Dignity (KFD) and the National Development Front (NDF).
• The organisation described itself as a “neo-social movement committed to empower people to ensure justice, freedom and security”.
• It advocates for Muslim reservations.
• In 2012, the organisation conducted protests against alleged use of the UAPA law to detain innocent citizens

ASI finds Buddhist caves, and temples in M.P.

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has reported 20 Buddhist caves, ranging from the 2nd Century BC to 5th Century BC, at Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

 About Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:

• Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh.
• Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968 and then became Tiger Reserve in 1993.
• Historical Significance: Its mention can be found in the ancient books of the ‘Narad Pancharatra’ and the ‘Shiv Purana’ that this place is being associated with Ramayana.
• The park derives its name from the most prominent hillock of the area, which was said to be given by Hindu Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana to keep a watch on Lanka. Hence the name Bandhavgarh (Sanskrit: Brother’s Fort).
• The Bandhavgarh Fort is a great masterpiece of “Treta Yuga” (one of the ages of mankind in Hinduism).
• It was ruled by major dynasties including Sengars, the Kalchuris, and the Baghels (believed to rule the regions for the longer period).

 About Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
• Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI.
• Besides it regulate all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
• It also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.

Lt. General Anil Chauhan (retd.) appointed next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

• Gen. Anil Chauhan (retd.), former General Office Commandingin Chief, Eastern Army Commander appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
• The post has been vacant since the death of the country’s first CDS, Gen. Bipin Rawat, in a helicopter crash in December 2021.
• The Government has decided to appoint Lt. General Anil Chauhan (retired) as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) who shall also function as the Secretary to Government of India, Department of Military Affairs with effect from the date of his assumption of charge and until further orders

About Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

• The CDS is a four-star General/Officer who acts as the Principal Military Advisor to the Defence Minister on all tri-services (Army, Navy and Indian Air Force) matters

Role of the Chief of Defence Staff

• CDS acts as the permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee which will also have three service chiefs as members.
  • His core function will be to foster greater operational synergy between the three service branches of the Indian military and keep inter-service frictions to a minimum.
• He also head the newly created Department of Military Affairs (DMA)in the Ministry of Defence.
  • The CDS will be thesingle-point military adviser to the Defence Minister on matters involving all three services and the service chiefs will be obliged to confine their counsel to issues pertaining to their respective services.
  • As the head of DMA, CDS is vested with the authority in prioritising inter-service procurement decisions as Permanent Chairman-Chiefs of Staff Committee.
• The CDS is also vested with the authority to provide directives to the three chiefs.
  • However, he does not enjoy any command authority over any of the forces.
• CDS is first among equals, he enjoys the rank of Secretary within the DoD(Department of Defence)and his powers will be confined to only the revenue budget.
  • He will also perform an advisory role in the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA).

 What is the Significance of CDS

• Synergy between Armed forces and Government: CDS’ role is not simply about tri-service cooperation, it is equally about fostering better cooperation between the Ministry of Defense bureaucracy and the Armed services.
  • Since 1947, there are three Service Headquarters (SHQ) designated as “Attached Offices” of the Department of Defense (DoD).
  • Due to this, communication between SHQ and DoD takes place largely through the medium of files.
  • With the creation of CDS as Principal Military Adviser (PMA) to Defense Minister, the process of decision-making will be accelerated.
• Jointnes in operations: The Chiefs of Staff Committee-COSC (predecessor of CDS), has been dysfunctional because its chairmanship is held by one of the three chiefs on a part-time rotational basis.
  • Historically, the chairman COSC lacked the authority as well as capacity and inclination to tackle tri-service issues of substance.
  • With the CDS now being designated as “permanent chairman of COSC”, he will be able to devote undivided attention to the administration of tri-service organisation.
• Operationalisation of Theatre Command: Creation of DMA will facilitate the operationalisation of joint/theatre command.
  • Although a successful template for joint operations was created in the Andaman & Nicobar Command, the lack of political direction and indifference of the COSC has led to inactivity of this joint command.
  • Theatre commands would need staff with the knowledge and experience to deploy land, maritime and air forces. Given the disruptive impact of each of these measures, they would best be implemented by the CDS.
• CDS as a key functionary in the nuclear command chain will also administer the Strategic Forces Command.
  • This measure will go a long way in enhancing the credibility of India’s nuclear deterrent.
  • The CDS would also initiate an early review of India’s Nuclear Doctrine.
• In the approaching era of dwindling defence budgets, a crucial function of CDS will be “prioritising” the capital acquisition proposals of individual services.
  • CDS will have to ensure that the “defence rupee” is spent judiciously; on warfare-capabilities considered vital for national military power, and not on pandering to service demands.

Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman named prime minister

• Saudi Arabia’s powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was appointed Prime Minister on Tuesday by royal decree.
• The Crown Prince, who is heir to the throne held by King Salman, already wields wide powers and is seen as the kingdom’s daytoday leader.
• King Salman will continue to chair the Cabinet meetings that he attends

About Saudi Arabia

• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula.
• capital of country is Riyadh.
• Saudi Arabia arid, sparsely populated kingdom of the Middle East.
• The country occupies about four-fifths of the Arabian Peninsula.
• It is bordered by Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait to the north; by the Persia Gulf, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman to the east; by a portion of Oman to the southeast; by Yemen to the south and southwest; and by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba to the west

 Sunil Chhetri has been honoured by FIFA

• Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri has been honoured by FIFA, world football’s governing body, with a new video series chronicling his life and career in the sport.
• Sunil Chhetri Gets FIFA Honour Alongside Ronaldo, Messi & It’s A Proud Moment For India Fans
• The 38 year old Chhetri Is third in the list for active footballers with most international goals with 84, behind Cristiano Ronaldo (117) and Lionel Messi (90).

About FIFA

• • FIFA or the Federation International de Football Association is the highest governing body of football in the world.
  • It is the international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer.
  • FIFA is a non-profit organisation.
  • Founded in 1904, FIFA was launched to oversee international competition among the national associations of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. FIFA now comprises 211 member nations.
  • It is headquartered in Zurich.
• Objectives:
  • The primary objective of FIFA is to spread football internationally and promoting integrity and fair play.
  • It is responsible for the organization and promotion of international tournaments, including the men’s World Cup, which started in 1930, and the women’s World Cup, which began in 1991.
  • It is affiliated with the International Olympic Committee and is also a member of the International Football Association Board, which is responsible for setting the rules of football.
  • Six Regional confederations affiliated with FIFA:
    • The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is the governing body for Asia and Australia.
    • Confederation of African Football (CAF) has 56 members,
    • Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCAF) has 41 members,
    • Confederation Sudamericana de Fútbol (CONMEBOL) is the South American federation with 10 members,
    • Oceania Football Federation (OFC) has 14 members including New Zealand,
    • Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) with 55 members is the governing body for Europe.

Gujarat all set to host the National Games from today

• 36th National Games: To be held in Gujarat from Sep 27 to Oct 10
• There will be more than 34 sports represented at the national games, which will take place in six cities.
• In both indoor and outdoor competitions, athletes from all over the nation are anticipated to display their prowess in sports including athletics, hockey, football, volleyball, lawn tennis, table tennis, judo, wrestling, kabaddi, kho-kho, mallakhambha, and yoga.
• Goa was another strong candidate for the location this year, in addition to Gujarat.
• When Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat in 2010, he unveiled the “Khel Mahakhumbh” initiative.
• Gujarat has created a flourishing sports ecosystem as a result of the enormous success of Khel Mahakhumbh

Lata Mangeshkar chowk inaugurated at Ayodhya

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary Lata Mangeshkar on her 93rd birth anniversary on Wednesday by virtually inaugurating an intersection in Ayodhya that has been named after the late playback singer, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

R. Venkatramani has been appointed as the new Attorney General

• Senior advocate R. Venkataramani has been appointed as the new Attorney General of India.
• As the Attorney General of India, his tenure will be for three years.
• The Ministry of Law and Justice announced the news on Wednesday (28.09.2022)

About Attorney General of India

• Article 76 of the constitution mentions that he/she is the highest law officer of India. As a chief legal advisor to the government of India, he advises the union government on all legal matters.
• He also is the primary lawyer representing Union Government in the Supreme Court of India. The Attorney General, like an Advocate General of a State, is not supposed to be a political appointee, in spirit, but this is not the case in practice.

Appointment of Attorney General of India

President of India appoints a person who is qualified for the post of Supreme Court Judge. Attorney General is appointed by the President on the advice of the government. There are the following qualifications:

1. He should be an Indian Citizen
2. He must have either completed 5 years in High Court of any Indian state as a judge or 10 years in High Court as an advocate
3. He may be an eminent jurist too, in the eye of the President

Term of office

There is no fixed term for the Attorney General of India. The Constitution mentions no specified tenure of Attorney General. Similarly, the Constitution also does not mention the procedure and ground of his removal.

You may know the following facts about his office:

1. He can be removed by the President at any time
2. He can quit by submitting his resignation only to the President
3. Since he is appointed by the President on the advice of the Council of Ministers conventionally he is removed when the council is dissolved or replaced

Role ole of Attorney General of India

Being the Chief Law Officer of the country, the Attorney General of India has to perform the following duties:

1. Whichever legal matters are referred to him by the President, he advises the Union government upon the same.
2. President keeps on referring him legal matters that suits his interest and Attorney General has to advise on those too
3. Apart from what President refers, he also performs the duties mentioned in the Constitution
4. The three duties that are assigned to him by the President are:

• In any legal case where the government of India is related to, the Attorney General has to appear in the Supreme Court on its behalf
• He has to represent the Union Government in any reference made by the president to the Supreme Court under Article 143 of the Constitution
• He also appears in the High Court if any case is related to the Government of India

 1st tiger reserve of Uttar Pradesh be developed for tiger conservation in Ranipur Tiger Reserve in Bundelkhand

 29th September observed as

• world heart day
• world maritime day
• International Day of Awareness of food loss and waste 2022