Daily Current Affairs : 22-April-2024
Forests play an important role in maintaining the health of our planet. They are not just lovely landscapes; they’re critical for biodiversity, climate regulation, and financial balance. The recent Supreme Court of India ruling highlighted forests as a crucial national asset that extensively contributes to the country’s financial wealth.
Supreme Court Ruling
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court emphasized that forests ought to be protected. This ruling came at a time when the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act of 2023 faced criticism. Many believe this Act encourages encroachments on protected forests and allows for commercial exploitation. The court’s ruling serves as a reminder of the need to prioritize forest conservation over commercial interests.
Criticism of the Amendment Act
The Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act of 2023 has faced backlash for several reasons:
- Encroachments: Critics argue that it facilitates unlawful encroachment on protected forest land.
- Commercial Exploitation: The Act is seen as promoting the exploitation of forest resources for profit, which could harm the environment.
Court’s Actions
The Supreme Court took strong actions against the misuse of forest land. It condemned the practice of granting forest land to private individuals and called for an investigation into forest officials. These officials were found to have provided contradictory information regarding forest land.
Fines Imposed
To enforce accountability, the court imposed fines on both the state government and private parties involved in these questionable activities. This action underscores the importance of upholding forest conservation laws and protecting our natural resources.
Important Points:
Forests’ Importance: Essential for biodiversity, climate regulation, and economic balance.Supreme Court Ruling: Emphasized the need to protect forests as a national asset.Criticism of the Amendment Act:
- Encroachments: Allegations of facilitating illegal encroachment on protected lands.
- Commercial Exploitation: Concerns about promoting profit-driven exploitation of forest resources.
Court’s Actions:
- Condemned the granting of forest land to private individuals.
- Called for an investigation into forest officials providing contradictory information.
Fines Imposed: Accountability measures placed on the state government and private parties involved in illegal activities.
Why In News
The Supreme Court of India emphasized in a recent judgment that forests are a crucial national asset and a significant contributor to the country’s financial wealth, highlighting their essential role in sustaining biodiversity and supporting local communities.
MCQs about Protecting India’s Forests
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What did the Supreme Court of India recently emphasize about forests?
A. They should be used for commercial purposes.
B. They are a crucial national asset.
C. They are primarily for recreational use.
D. They can be easily replaced by urban development.
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What criticism has been directed at the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act of 2023?
A. It encourages forest restoration.
B. It allows for illegal encroachments on protected forests.
C. It promotes the planting of more trees.
D. It improves forest management practices.
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What actions did the Supreme Court take against forest officials?
A. They awarded them bonuses.
B. They praised their management of forests.
C. They called for an investigation due to contradictory information.
D. They appointed new officials.
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What measures were taken by the court to ensure accountability regarding forest land misuse?
A. No action was taken.
B. The court imposed fines on the state government and private parties.
C. The court decided to ignore the issue.
D. The court mandated a public awareness campaign.
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