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Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 2 April 2024 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT PDF Download

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The Rajya Sabha on Monday passed the Post Office Bill, 2023. Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnav introduced the Bill in the Rajya Sabha. He said the entire focus of the new law is to facilitate the transition from mail delivery to service delivery and the post office to providing banking services.
Introducing the Bill, Vaishnav said the amendment to the 125-year-old Indian Post Office Act reflects how post offices and postal institutions have been revived in the last nine years under the NDA regime.
He said that in the last nine and a half years, postal services, post offices, and postmen have not been limited to mere correspondence but have transformed into service-providing institutions. Over the years, post offices have become banks in a way. India Post Payment Bank, a major medium to convert the postal system into a banking system, has opened 3.5 crore accounts for women.
He said that from 2004 to 2014, 660 post offices were closed, but from 2014 to 2023, about 5,000 post offices were opened, and about 5,746 new post offices are in the process of being opened.
During this, the MPs expressed concern over the powers being given to the Central Government to stop, open, or seize any item posted for reasons like state security, public order, emergencies, public safety, etc. In response to this, the Union Minister said that this is very important for national security.
According to the Bill, the new enactment has been brought about with a view to providing a simple legislative framework to regulate the functioning of post offices in the country and to facilitate the development of post offices into a network for the delivery of citizen-centric services.
The Bill will empower the Director General of Postal Services to make rules regarding essential activities and fix fees for services.
The Post Office Bill 2023 replaces the Indian Post Office Act, 1898. As per the provisions of the bill, the government may intercept an article transmitted through India Post on specified grounds, including the security of the state and public order. India Post will not incur any liability with regard to its services, except any liability prescribed through Rules. The government will not have exclusive privilege over conveying letters.
Earlier Congress MP Shakti Singh Gohil initiated the discussion on the bill and alleged that the government wants to encourage the private sector only. Aam Aadmi Party Raghav Chaddha opposed the bill and said that this bill will give the government the right to read anyone’s letter in the name of security.
After passing the Bill, the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha were adjourned until tomorrow.
[Excerpt from The Indian EXPRESS “Who is a J&K resident?” Dated 10/12/23]
Q1: What does the Post Office Bill, 2023 propose to repeal?
(a) Indian Post Office Act
(b) National Security Act
(c) Privacy Protection Act
(d) Postal Services Act

Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 2 April 2024 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT  View Answer

Ans: (a) Indian Post Office Act
Sol: The Post Office Bill, 2023 aims to repeal the Indian Post Office Act, which has been in existence for 125 years.


Q2: How have post offices evolved over the years?
(a) Only for mail delivery
(b) Only for government communications
(c) As multifaceted service-delivery institutions
(d) As private courier services

Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 2 April 2024 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT  View Answer

Ans: (c) As multifaceted service-delivery institutions
Sol: Postal services have evolved to become essential for delivering various citizen-centric services, transforming post offices into multifaceted service-delivery institutions.


Q3: What does the new bill empower the government to do in the interest of national security?
(a) Increase postal charges
(b) Intercepts, open, or detain items
(c) Close post offices
(d) Privatize postal services

Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 2 April 2024 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT  View Answer

Ans: (b) Intercept, open, or detain items
Sol: The bill empowers the central government to authorize officers to intercept, open, or detain items for reasons like national security, public order, or emergency.


Q4: How many new post offices were opened between 2014 and 2023?
(a) Around 1,000
(b) Around 3,000
(c) Around 5,000
(d) Around 7,000

Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 2 April 2024 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT  View Answer

Ans: (c) Around 5,000
Sol: Between 2014 and 2023, there has been a significant increase in the number of post offices, with around 5,000 new offices opened.


Q5: What is the controversial aspect of Section 9 in the bill?
(a) Closure of post offices
(b) Interception of items by officials
(c) Increase in postal charges
(d) Privatization of services

Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 2 April 2024 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT  View Answer

Ans: (b) Interception of items by officials
Sol: Section 9 of the bill, particularly controversial, grants post office officials the authority to intercept, open, or detain items.


Q6: What is the goal of the simplified legislative framework in the bill?
(a) Reduce postal charges
(b) Increase government control
(c) Facilitate transformation of post offices
(d) Privatize postal services

Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 2 April 2024 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT  View Answer

Ans: (c) Facilitate transformation of post offices
Sol: The bill aims for a simplified legislative framework to facilitate the transformation of post offices into a network efficiently delivering citizen-centric services.


Q7: Who is granted the authority to frame regulations and fix charges for services in the new bill?
(a) The Prime Minister
(b) The President
(c) The Director General of Postal Services
(d) The Minister of Communications

Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 2 April 2024 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT  View Answer

Ans: (c) The Director General of Postal Services
Sol: The bill grants the director general of postal services the authority to frame regulations and fix charges for services.


Q8: What are the new post offices opened between 2014 and 2023 intended to highlight?
(a) Decrease in postal demand
(b) Renewed importance of postal services
(c) Increase in government revenue
(d) Shift towards digital communication

Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 2 April 2024 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT  View Answer

Ans: (b) Renewed importance of postal services
Sol: The opening of new post offices between 2014 and 2023 highlights the renewed importance placed on postal services.

The document Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 2 April 2024 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT is a part of the CLAT Course Current Affairs & General Knowledge.
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FAQs on Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 2 April 2024 - Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT

1. What are the key events that occurred on April 2, 2024, in current affairs?
Ans.On April 2, 2024, several significant events took place, including political developments, international relations updates, and major announcements from various countries. Specifics may vary but often include legislative changes, economic updates, and global health news.
2. How do current affairs impact daily life and decision-making?
Ans.Current affairs shape public opinion, influence government policies, and impact economic conditions. They can affect job markets, social services, and even individual choices regarding health and safety based on emerging news.
3. Why is it important to stay updated with current affairs?
Ans.Staying updated with current affairs is crucial for informed citizenship, understanding global and local issues, and making educated decisions. It enhances awareness of socio-political dynamics and encourages active participation in democratic processes.
4. What sources are reliable for following current affairs?
Ans.Reliable sources for current affairs include established news organizations, government websites, and reputable international agencies. It's important to cross-reference information from multiple outlets to ensure accuracy and avoid misinformation.
5. How can students effectively study current affairs for exams?
Ans.Students can study current affairs by regularly reading newspapers, following trusted online news platforms, and utilizing current affairs apps. Creating summaries of key events and engaging in discussions can also enhance retention and understanding.
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