BJP accounts for nearly 45% of total election spending in 2024 Lok Sabha polls: ADR
The Congress followed next with Rs 620 crore or 18.5 per cent of the total expenses among the 32 national and regional parties whose records were analysed, the ADR said.
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Time of India
8 minutes ago
- Time of India
Israel-Iran War: Can Trump bomb Iran without asking? Capitol Hill says no, invokes War Powers Act
President Donald Trump is keeping his cards close. When asked whether the United States would join Israel's escalating military confrontation with Iran, he simply said, 'I may do it. I may not.' That was on June 18, just days after Israel launched strikes on Iranian territory. Since then, speculation has grown over whether Trump might authorise a U.S. military operation—without getting the green light from Congress . According to Department of State spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, 'He is the singular guiding hand about what will be occurring from this point forward.' But many lawmakers disagree. And they're rushing to reassert control. Congress says, "Not without us" The U.S. Constitution is clear: only Congress has the power to declare war. Live Events 'This is not our war,' said Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky. 'Even if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.' Massie has introduced a resolution under the 1973 War Powers Act to stop any unauthorised U.S. strikes on Iran. He's joined by Democrat Ro Khanna of California, who posted on X, 'Are you with the neocons who led us into Iraq or do you stand with the American people?' Over in the Senate, Democrat Tim Kaine has introduced a similar resolution. 'This resolution will ensure that if we decide to place our nation's men and women in uniform into harm's way, we will have a debate and vote on it in Congress,' he said. The War Powers Act: What it actually does Passed in 1973 after the Vietnam War and President Nixon's secret bombing of Cambodia, the War Powers Act was designed to limit the president's ability to launch military action unilaterally. It says, The president must notify Congress within 48 hours of launching military action. Military deployment without congressional approval is limited to 60–90 days. Congress must be consulted 'in every possible instance' before troops are committed abroad. The law was passed over Nixon's veto—but almost every president since has found ways to work around it. Why it's back in the spotlight As Israeli airstrikes continue and Trump hints at joining in, lawmakers worry that the U.S. could be dragged into another prolonged Middle East war. That's exactly what the War Powers Act was supposed to prevent. Bernie Sanders, the independent senator from Vermont, has proposed the No War Against Iran Act , which would prohibit the use of federal funds for any attack on Iran without a formal declaration of war or congressional authorisation. 'The recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran could quickly pull the United States into another endless conflict,' Senator Kaine warned. Can the President Act without Congress? Technically, the president is commander-in-chief of the military. Under Article II of the Constitution, Trump can respond to 'sudden attacks' or threats. But the power to start a war—that belongs to Congress. Still, history tells a different story. Since World War II, U.S. presidents have authorised military operations in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf, Libya, Somalia, and more—without formal declarations of war. They've relied instead on broad laws like the 2001 and 2002 Authorisations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs), passed after the 9/11 attacks and before the 2003 Iraq invasion. Trump used the 2002 AUMF to justify the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020. So does the War Powers Act have any real power? It's complicated. Congress can vote to end military action, but the president can veto that decision. Overriding a veto requires a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate—a rare feat in a divided Washington. In 2019, Congress tried to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Trump vetoed it. Then again in 2020, after the Soleimani strike, Congress passed a bill to limit Trump's powers to launch war on Iran. Trump vetoed that too. The War Powers Act has been criticised for being more symbolic than effective. Even President Joe Biden once led a Senate subcommittee that concluded the law was falling short of its original purpose. Opinions split, even within parties Not all Democrats back Kaine's resolution. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has said he would vote against it. He believes Trump should retain the option to preemptively strike Iran's nuclear infrastructure. On the Republican side, some are more cautious. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky said: 'No president can bomb another country without the permission of Congress.' He added, 'It's always been my belief that you don't go to war without the approval of Congress and bombing other countries is obviously war.' But others support Trump's freedom to act. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas said, 'A single bombing run, historically, has not been understood to require congressional authorisation.' Sustained warfare, he agreed, would require Congress to act. Senator Lindsey Graham took it a step further. 'If diplomacy is not successful,' he said, 'I would urge President Trump to go all in… If that means flying with Israel, fly with Israel.' The House and Senate are currently on recess, but both will be forced to vote on the new resolutions once they return. The outcome will test the strength of Congress's war-making authority. Meanwhile, Trump has made it clear he's watching the conflict closely. After cutting short a G7 trip in Canada, he returned to Washington and declared, 'We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran.' He added, 'We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding... We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.' At its heart, this isn't just a legal or political issue. It's about whether the people, through their elected representatives, get to decide when America goes to war. For decades, war decisions have been drifting away from Congress and towards the Oval Office . This moment could shift that balance—or cement it. With Iran's nuclear programme in the crosshairs, and Israel already striking, the next move could redraw the map of the Middle East—and reshape America's role in it. And if history is any guide, the decision could be made by one man, not 535 lawmakers.
Indian Express
18 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on human-wildlife conflict, International Big Cat Alliance and more (Week 115)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Environment and Geography to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the International Big Cat Alliance, consider the following statements: 1. There are 95 range countries which fall within the natural distribution of the big cats. 2. All UN member countries can become members after the framework agreement is signed. 3. The first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was held in Moscow. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was held in New Delhi, presided over by the Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — In March 2024, the Indian government established the IBCA through the National Tiger Conservation Authority, which reports to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change. Its mandate is to protect seven big cats: the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma. — It was created 'to facilitate collaboration and synergy among stakeholders, consolidating successful conservation practices and expertise and replicating them in range countries.' The Union government has set aside Rs 150 crore for the purpose from 2023-24 to 2027-28. — The big cats have 95 range countries (those within a species' natural distribution), which include Canada, China, Congo, Ghana, Brazil, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — All UN member countries can become members after the framework agreement is signed and conveyed through a Note Verbale, a method of formal diplomatic communication. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Which of the following is/are the reason which led to the increase in human-wildlife conflict? 1. Fluctuations in wildlife population 2. Animals forced to move out of their habitats 3. Grazing of domestic cattle in forest areas 4. Changes in cropping pattern Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Explanation — Kerala has sought the Union government's nod to kill wild animals that pose a threat to human life and properties. The state wants the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 amended so it can be allowed to kill wild animals that foray into human habitats. — The primary problem animals include tigers, leopards, elephants, bison, wild boar, bonnet macaques, and peafowl. Although bonnet macaques (a monkey species) and peafowl pose little threat to humans, their regular raids have driven farmers to abandon enormous swaths of agricultural land. — Major reasons include regional fluctuations in wildlife populations, animals forced to relocate when the quality of their habitats deteriorates, domestic cattle grazing in forest regions, changes in cropping patterns, and so on. But, more crucially, the population growth of wild pigs and various monkey species is causing havoc on human habitats. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. With reference to the National Mission for a Green India, consider the following statements: 1. It was launched in 2014. 2. Its main objective is to protect, restore, and enhance India's forest and tree cover, using a blend of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. 3. The Western Ghats mountain ranges are not included in the Green India Mission. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — According to the new Green India Mission (GIM) whitepaper, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change would prioritise the restoration of sensitive landscapes such as the Aravallis and Western Ghats mountain ranges, mangroves, and the Indian Himalayan area. — The amended document claimed that a'micro-ecosystem' approach will be used to make interventions in sensitive landscapes such as the Aravallis, Western Ghats, arid parts of North West India, mangroves, and the Indian Himalayan region. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — The National Mission for a Green India was established in February 2014 as one of the eight main missions of India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Hence, statement 1 is correct. — GIM's primary goal is to maintain, restore, and improve India's forest and tree cover using a combination of climate adaptation and mitigation techniques. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — One of the mission's primary goals was to expand forest and tree cover on 5 million hectares of forest and non-forest land, as well as improve the quality of forest cover on an additional 5 million hectares. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. With reference to the Indian Flapshell Turtle, consider the following statements: 1. It is a small softshell turtle with a carapace length of up to 350 mm. 2. These species live only in the oceans. 3. They are found only in the Indian Subcontinent. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The Indian Flapshell Turtle is a small softshell turtle with a carapace length of up to 350 mm. Nesting often begins in late summer and continues through the monsoon season, which lasts from July to November. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — These species live in a wide range of aquatic habitats, including rivers and streams, reservoirs, marshes, ponds, lakes, and even salt marshes, rice fields, gutters, and canals in urban areas. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — It is ubiquitous in brackish water lagoons on India's east coast and is frequently seen in irrigation canals and tanks, as well as stagnant paddy fields. — Distribution: India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. The Indian Flapshell Turtle is native to the Indian Subcontinent, and it's also found in some parts of Myanmar (not considered part of the Indian subcontinent). Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Which of the following species exhibit bioluminescence? 1. Jellyfish 2. Worms 3. Sea stars 4. Sharks Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (d) 3 and 4 only Explanation — Bioluminescence is the ability of a living creature to generate and radiate light. This phenomenon is unusual in terrestrial ecosystems but prevalent in marine environments. — Many marine animals, including bacteria, algae, jellyfish, worms, crabs, sea stars, fish, and sharks, can create their own light. Deep-living and planktonic creatures exhibit higher luminescence than shallow species. Furthermore, the appearance of bioluminescent light varies depending on the environment and the creature in which it is present. — According to NOAA, bioluminescence is the product of an enzyme reaction. An enzyme accelerates a chemical reaction by assisting a substrate in reacting. The enzyme is reused in the process rather than being converted into another molecule Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 114) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Deccan Herald
20 minutes ago
- Deccan Herald
Gold declines Rs 600 to Rs 99,960/10 g; silver plunges Rs 2,000/kg
The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity had settled at Rs 1,00,560 per 10 grams in the previous market session.
