Current Affairs Question - 30 January 2020

Explanation :

• The Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) is smaller and paler than the African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus). It has more fur everywhere on the body, espeically on the back of the neck and the belly, a smaller head and longer neck, the Asian species usually have red eyes and they have a more cat-like appearance, while on the other hand the African cheetah looks like a panther.
• The Asiatic cheetah is constantly said to be a different animal and sub-species than the African cheetah in genetic composition.
• The Asiatic cheetah is listed as critically endangered species while the African Cheetah is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.
• In the 2015 update of the IUCN Red List, the Asiatic cheetah is considered regionally extinct in Iraq, Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. At present however, the Asiatic cheetah is believed only to survive in isolated parts of Iran.

Explanation :

• Under the Article 72 of the Constitution, the President of India can grant a pardon or reduce the sentence of a convicted person, particularly in cases involving capital punishment.
• It says that the President shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence.
• A similar and parallel power vests in the Governors of each state under Article 161.
• However, the pardoning power of the president is not absolute. He is advised by the council of ministers under article 74 even though he is not bound to act on their suggestions.
• The power of the President to grant pardon extends in cases where the punishment or sentence is by a Court Martial but Article 161 does not provide any such power to the Governor.
• The President can grant pardon in all cases where the sentence given is sentence of death but pardoning power of Governor does not extend to death sentence cases.