Current Affairs Question - 03 January 2020

Explanation :

• The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Bill was approved by the President on September 11, 1958. It became known as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.
• AFSPA gives armed forces the power to maintain public order in “disturbed areas”. They have the authority to prohibit a gathering of five or more persons in an area, can use force or even open fire after giving due warning if they feel a person is in contravention of the law.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs would usually enforce this Act where necessary, but there have been exceptions where the Centre decided to forego its power and leave the decision to the State governments.
• Justice Jeevan Reddy Commission (2005) in its report recommended to repeal AFSPA, citing the Act a symbol of hate, oppression and instrument of high handedness .
• Presently, AFSPA is operational in entire States of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur (except Imphal Municipal area), three districts namely Tirap, Changlang and Longding of Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of the 8 police stations in the districts of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering the State of Assam.

Explanation :

• Senna spectabilis is a deciduos plant species of the legume family (Fabaceae) in the subfamily Caesalpinioideae native to South and Central America.
• It is a common garden ornamental plant that also invades; forest margins, savanna, riverbanks, roadsides, waste ground and plantations.
• It can invade disturbed forests, forest edges and gaps where it can establish and suppress the regeneration of native species.
• However, it has a few medicinal properties. The plant can be used as a treatment for ringworm and skin diseases.