Current Affairs 2nd February 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

President addresses Joint Session of the Parliament

Context: President Droupadi Murmu addressed the Joint Session of the Parliament.

Historical Evolution

• Establishment of the Practice: The tradition of the President addressing Parliament in India commenced following the 1919 Government of India Act.
• Early Years (1947-1950): Between 1947 and 1950, no addresses were made to the Constituent Assembly (Legislative).
• Inaugural Address: President Rajendra Prasad delivered the first address to both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members on January 31, 1950, after the Constitution was adopted.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 87: It deals with the President’s address to Parliament.
• Occasions: At the start of the first session following each general election
  • At the beginning of the first session annually.
• Format and Content: No fixed format for the speeches.
  • The main requirement being to explain the reasons for the summons.
  • Generally sets forth the government’s policy goals and plans for the coming year.
• Post-Address Procedures: Both Houses pass motions to thank the President for the address.

Importance of the President’s Address

• The President’s address is a pivotal event in the Parliamentary calendar, symbolising the unity of Parliament and serving as a platform for the government to announce its policy and legislative agenda.

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Israel-Lebanon Close to a War

Context: The conflict between Israel and Lebanon erupted after Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers and killed several others in cross-border raids.

About Hezbollah

• About: Hezbollah is a Shiite Islamic militant organisation based in Lebanon.
• Origins:
  • Emerged during Lebanon’s civil war (1975-1990)
  • Reaction to Palestinian presence and marginalisation of Shiites
  • Inspired by Iran’s 1979 revolution and Shiite ideology
• Founding and Support:
  • Funded and trained by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
  • Gained reputation for militancy and attacks on foreign targets (e.g., 1983 Beirut bombing)
• 1985 manifesto:
  • Expel Western powers from Lebanon
  • Destroy Israel
  • Pledge allegiance to Iran’s supreme leader
  • Advocate for Iran-inspired Islamist regime (with Lebanese self-determination)
• Role:
  • Became a vital asset for Iran in the Middle East
  • Bridged Shiite Arab-Persian divides
  • Established itself as a major political force in Lebanon

MQ – 9B Drones Deal

Context: The US State Department has approved the sale of 31 MQ-9B Skyguardian drones, missiles and supporting equipment to India.

About MQ-9B Drones

• The MQ-9B is a version of the MQ-9 “Reaper”, designed for both remote and autonomous flight capabilities.
• These drones are equipped for high-altitude, long-duration missions, armed with precision strike missiles.
• Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for the U.S. Air Force.
• Variants:
  • Includes two main models: SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian.
  • The Indian Navy has been utilising the MQ-9B SeaGuardian since 2020.
• Developed by: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), primarily for the United States Air Force (USAF).

MQ-9B SkyGuardian Features

• Advanced RPAS Technology: Represents the latest in remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) advancements.
  • Delivers continuous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities globally.
• Extended Flight Capabilities: Designed for long-duration missions, capable of 40+ hours of flight time termed as High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones.
  • Operates in all weather conditions and can fly beyond the horizon via satellite link.
• Civil Airspace Compatibility: Engineered to safely integrate into civil airspace, providing joint forces and civil authorities with real-time situational awareness worldwide, both day and night.
• Advanced Sensor Suite: Equipped with the Lynx Multi-mode Radar and a high-performance electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor for enhanced surveillance.
• Operational Enhancements: Features automatic takeoff and landing for operational convenience.

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