Daily Current Affairs : 17-January-2025

Tripura, a state in northeastern India, has recently unveiled its first official state emblem. The emblem has been approved by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The approval of this emblem is significant as it represents the state’s identity and heritage, aligning it with national regulations concerning state symbols.

The proposal for Tripura’s emblem was cleared under Rule 4(2) of the State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2007. This ensures that the emblem follows a set standard and is recognized by the Indian government.

Tripura’s First Official State Emblem: What You Should Know
Courtesy : India Today
Provisions Related to State Symbols

State Flag
Indian states are allowed to have their own flags, but they must not conflict with or overshadow the national flag. This is regulated under various laws, such as the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, the Flag Code of India, 2002, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The Supreme Court of India, in the 1994 S. R. Bommai case, confirmed that states can have individual flags as long as they are not displayed alongside the national flag or used for official purposes.

State Emblem
The state emblem is regulated under the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005. States can adopt their own emblem, but they must get approval from the Union Home Ministry. The emblem is used on official documents, vehicles, and government buildings. Unauthorized use of state emblems for commercial or personal reasons is prohibited.

State Song
Unlike flags and emblems, there is no uniform law regarding state songs in India. Each state may choose a song that reflects its heritage, typically approved by the state legislature or executive. For example, West Bengal has declared Banglar Mati Banglar Jal, composed by Rabindranath Tagore, as its state song.

Legal Framework

The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950
This Act is crucial for protecting national and state symbols from misuse. It prevents private entities from using these symbols for commercial purposes without prior authorization. Section 3 of the Act explicitly prohibits the use of state and national emblems for trade, business, or as trademarks without approval from the Central Government.

Important Points:
  • Tripura’s First State Emblem: Tripura has unveiled its first official state emblem after receiving approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
  • Regulations for State Symbols:
    • The emblem was approved under the State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2007.
    • The emblem can only be used for official purposes, such as on seals, vehicles, stationery, and public buildings.
  • State Flag:
    • States in India can have their own flag as long as it does not contradict or overshadow the national flag.
    • The state flag must always be flown below the national flag and cannot be used for official or statutory purposes.
  • State Emblem:
    • States can adopt their own emblem, but it requires approval from the Union Home Ministry.
    • Unauthorized use of state emblems for commercial or personal purposes is strictly prohibited.
  • State Song:
    • States in India may have their own state songs, typically approved by the state legislature or executive.
    • Example: West Bengal’s state song is Banglar Mati Banglar Jal, composed by Rabindranath Tagore.
  • The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950:
    • This Act prohibits the unauthorized use of national and state symbols for commercial purposes.
    • Section 3 of the Act requires approval from the Central Government for the use of state emblems for trade, business, or as trademarks.
  • Constitutional Duty to Respect Symbols:
    • Article 51A of the Indian Constitution emphasizes the moral duty of citizens to respect national and state symbols.
Why In News

Tripura recently unveiled its first official state emblem after receiving approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), marking a significant milestone in the state’s effort to establish a unique identity and align with national regulations on state symbols.

MCQs about Tripura’s First Official State Emblem
  1. Why did Tripura unveil its first official state emblem?
    A. To celebrate the state’s cultural heritage
    B. After receiving approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
    C. As part of a national initiative
    D. To replace the national emblem
    Correct Answer: B. After receiving approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
    Explanation: Tripura unveiled its first official state emblem following approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), marking an important step for the state in establishing its identity.
  2. What does the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 regulate?
    A. The design of state flags
    B. The unauthorized use of national and state emblems for commercial purposes
    C. The creation of state songs
    D. The approval of state constitutions
    Correct Answer: B. The unauthorized use of national and state emblems for commercial purposes
    Explanation: The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 prevents the unauthorized use of state and national emblems for trade, business, or as trademarks without proper approval from the Central Government.
  3. What is one of the authorized uses of a state emblem in India?
    A. Personal websites
    B. Commercial advertisements
    C. Official seals and stationery
    D. Sports team uniforms
    Correct Answer: C. Official seals and stationery
    Explanation: State emblems can be used on official seals, stationery, vehicles, and key public buildings. Unauthorized use, especially for commercial or personal purposes, is prohibited under Indian law.

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