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- A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), consisting of up to 31 Members of Parliament (MPs), will be established to review the Constitution (129th) Amendment Bill.
- The JPC is a temporary body that functions like a mini-Parliament, responsible for conducting a thorough examination of a specific issue within a set time frame. It is formed by Parliament for special tasks, such as the in-depth review of a subject or Bill.
- The committee includes members from both Houses of Parliament, representing both the ruling parties and the opposition.
- Formation Process: The JPC is established once one House of Parliament passes a motion and the other House agrees. The Parliament decides on the members of the JPC.
- The scope and objectives of the JPC are defined by the motion that creates it. While the JPC can make recommendations, these are not legally binding on the government. The committee is dissolved once its work is completed or its term expires.
- Previous JPCs have been formed with investigative powers to look into various matters, including:
- Allocation and Pricing of Telecom Licenses and Spectrum
- Pesticide Residues and Safety Standards for Soft Drinks, Fruit Juices, and Beverages
- The Stock Market Scam and related issues
- Irregularities in Securities and Banking Transactions
The Bofors Contract Investigation
- A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), consisting of up to 31 Members of Parliament (MPs), will be established to review the Constitution (129th) Amendment Bill.
- The JPC is a temporary body that functions like a mini-Parliament, responsible for conducting a thorough examination of a specific issue within a set time frame. It is formed by Parliament for special tasks, such as the in-depth review of a subject or Bill.
- The committee includes members from both Houses of Parliament, representing both the ruling parties and the opposition.
- Formation Process: The JPC is established once one House of Parliament passes a motion and the other House agrees. The Parliament decides on the members of the JPC.
- The scope and objectives of the JPC are defined by the motion that creates it. While the JPC can make recommendations, these are not legally binding on the government. The committee is dissolved once its work is completed or its term expires.
- Previous JPCs have been formed with investigative powers to look into various matters, including:
- Allocation and Pricing of Telecom Licenses and Spectrum
- Pesticide Residues and Safety Standards for Soft Drinks, Fruit Juices, and Beverages
- The Stock Market Scam and related issues
- Irregularities in Securities and Banking Transactions
The Bofors Contract Investigation
- NASA scientists are actively investigating a newly discovered category of celestial objects referred to as "dark comets."
- These objects are similar to asteroids, as they do not display the characteristic glowing tails typically associated with comets. The first sign of dark comets appeared in 2016, when asteroid 2003 RM showed unusual orbital variations. Since then, astronomers have confirmed the presence of dark comets, with a recent study identifying 14 such objects.
- Dark comets are categorized into two main types: "outer dark comets," which are larger and have eccentric orbits, and "inner dark comets," which are smaller, closer to the Sun, and have nearly circular orbits.
- These comets are usually small, ranging from a few meters to a few hundred meters in diameter. Due to their small size, they have less surface area for materials to escape and form the spectacular tails seen in typical comets.
- They tend to rotate quickly, dispersing gas and dust in all directions, which makes them harder to detect. Their orbits are elongated and elliptical, bringing them close to the Sun before they travel back to the outer reaches of the Solar System.
- Recently, the National Institute of Siddha (NIS) set a Guinness World Record by administering Varmam therapy to 567 individuals simultaneously.
- Varmam therapy is a distinctive and ancient healing practice within the Siddha system of medicine, known for its effectiveness in treating a variety of health issues. It is a drug-free, non-invasive, and straightforward therapy primarily used for pain management.
- Varmam refers to vital energy points in the human body, with 108 such points identified by the Siddhars. The therapy is especially renowned for its ability to provide quick relief for musculoskeletal pain, injuries, and neurological disorders.
- This scientifically-based therapeutic approach is effective in treating both acute and chronic conditions, such as stroke, arthritis, and trauma-related injuries.
- Significance of the Achievement: This world record highlights the growing global recognition of Siddha medicine and its potential for healing.
- Key Aspects of Siddha Medicine:
- Siddha is one of India’s oldest and most traditional systems of healing, originating in South India. Historical records from the Sangam Era suggest that the system dates back to around 10,000 BC. The system is based on the teachings of the Siddhars, many of whom were from Tamil Nadu, giving the practice its name.