The need for a distinction between blasphemy and hate speech

• The legality of Section 295(A) was affirmed by a five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court. The court said that the punishment under Section 295(A) deals with aggravated form of blasphemy which is committed with the malicious aim of offending any religious sensibilities.
• Insulting a religion may be disputed but should not be legally outlawed. The reason for this is because hate speech laws are predicated on the critical distinction between criticising religion and encouraging prejudice towards individuals because of their faith.
• Blasphemy laws which prohibit religious criticism in general are incompatible with the principles of a democratic society.

Hybrids vs Electric vehicles battle to hot up in India''s car market

• A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) uses an ICE (a petrol/diesel engine) and one or more electric motors to run. It is powered by the electric motor alone, which uses energy stored in batteries, by the ICE, or both
• The efficiency of HEVs will be determined by their ability to recover as much energy as possible while braking, with a higher degree of energy recovery lowering fuel consumption. A regenerative braking system (RBS) while enhancing fuel economy also helps in energy optimisation resulting in minimum energy wastage.
• The HEVs can be categorised into micro, mild and full hybrid vehicles, based on the degree of hybridisation. The hybrid variants of the Maruti Suzuki’s Grand Vitara and the Toyota’s Urban Cruiser Hyryder can be classified as full and mild hybrids.

India and Oman to carry out 13-day military exercise in Rajasthan

• The fourth edition of India-Oman joint military exercise ‘AL NAJAH-IV’ between contingents of Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman is scheduled to take place at the Foreign Training Node of Mahajan Field Firing Ranges from August 1 to 13.
• A 60-member team from the Royal Army of Oman has arrived at the site. The Indian Army will be represented by troops from the 18 Mechanised Infantry Battalion.
• The previous edition of the exercise was organised in Muscat in March 2019.

Orunodoi scheme to aid Assam''s Tricolour plans

• The Assam government has been transferring ₹1,000 as monetary benefit to the bank accounts of economically weak women on the 10th of every month under the Orunodoi scheme.
• The extra amount would enable each beneficiary to either buy a larger National Flag priced at ₹18 or two smaller ones of ₹9 each.

India, Vietnam to hold 3rd edition of bilateral army exercise

• The exercise is a sequel to a previously conducted bilateral exercise in Vietnam in 2019 and a major milestone in strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Vietnam.
• India and Vietnam share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and defence cooperation is a key pillar of this partnership. Vietnam is an important partner in India’s Act East policy and the Indo-Pacific vision.
• The theme of Ex VINBAX - 2022 is the employment and deployment of an Engineer Company and a Medical Team as part of the United Nations Contingent for Peace Keeping Operations.

Chahabar Day conference begins in Mumbai

• Dignitaries from Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan were present on the occasion.
• In May 2016, India and Iran signed a bilateral agreement in which India would refurbish one of the berths at Shahid Beheshti port, and reconstruct a 600 meter long container handling facility at the port.
• In October 2017, India''s first shipment of wheat to Afghanistan was sent through the Chabahar Port.
• Chabahar Port is a seaport in Chabahar located in southeastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman.
• It serves as Iran''s only oceanic port, and consists of two separate ports named Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti, each of which has five berths.
• The Chabahar port is a key pillar of India''s Indo-Pacific vision to connect with Eurasia with Indian Ocean Region. The port will also be part of the International North South Transport Corridor network connecting India.
• Iran has given special incentives to increase trade cooperation activities between India and Iran through Chabahar port.

''President''s Colours'' presented to Tamil Nadu police

• Vice President Venkaiah Naidu presented the President''s colour to the Tamil Nadu Police.
• The President’s Colour is the highest honour given to the military, paramilitary and police forces of States and Union Territories.
• The State of Tamil Nadu ranks second in the list of more women in the police force and the State was the first to create a women commando force.
• Tamil Nadu is the only State to have a police unit to investigate smuggling of idols and statues.