World Intellectual Property Day
- World Intellectual Property Day is observed every year on April 26 to raise awareness about the importance of intellectual property rights in promoting creativity, innovation, and economic growth.
- It is spearheaded by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to protecting intellectual property rights globally.
- The theme for World Intellectual Property Day 2026 is: “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.”
- The 2026 theme focuses on the role of intellectual property in driving innovation, technology, and creativity in the sports industry.
Current Facts- Anti-Defection Law
- Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution (Anti-Defection Law): Explains the disqualification of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) due to changing political parties.
- A member may be disqualified in the following circumstances
- When they voluntarily give up their membership in their political party.
- When they vote or abstain from voting contrary to the party’s direction (whip) without prior permission.
- When an independent member joins any political party after the election.
- When a nominated member joins any political party after six months from the date of taking office.
- Exemptions
- If at least two-thirds of the members agree to merge with another party, they will not be disqualified.
- To maintain neutrality, the Speaker or Chairperson may resign from their party membership, and they will not be disqualified if they rejoin after their term ends.
- Key Features
- The authority to decide on disqualification lies with the Speaker or Chairman of the House.
- According to the Kihoto Hollohan vs. Zachillhu (1992) case, the Speaker’s decision is subject to judicial review.
- 91st Constitutional Amendment Act (2003)
- Removed the provision regarding political split (which previously allowed one-third of members to split).
- Limited the number of ministers to 15% of the total strength of the House.
- Disqualified members cannot hold any ministerial position or any remunerative political office until they are re-elected.
- Wind Power Generation
- The country’s wind power generation capacity has increased to 56 Gigawatts (GW). In the last year alone, a generation capacity of 6 GW has been added.
- India ranks 4th in the world in terms of wind power generation capacity.
- States like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan are pioneers in this sector. Massive renewable energy parks are currently being developed in areas like Kutch, Patan, and Banaskantha in Gujarat.
- Anti-Defection Law
