All India Conference of Director Generals of Police

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister of India attended the 58^th All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

• It was a three-day being held in hybrid mode with DGPs (Director general of police), IGPs (Inspector-General of Police) and Chiefs of Central Police Organisations.
• A wide range of policing and internal security issues including Cyber Crime, Technology in Policing, Counter Terrorism challenges, Left Wing Extremism, and Prison Reforms were discussed at the conference.
• Another key agenda of the conference is deliberations on the road map for implementation of the new Criminal Laws.

What are the Key Highlights of the PM's Address?

• Paradigm Shift in Criminal Justice:
  • The PM emphasized the significant shift brought about by the enactment of new criminal laws, advocating for a justice system focused on citizen dignity, rights, and justice first, moving away from punitive measures to data-driven approaches.
  • He highlighted the importance of sensitizing women and girls about their rights under the new laws, urging the police to ensure their safety and freedom to work fearlessly anytime, anywhere.
• Positive Image of Police:
  • He stressed the need to enhance the positive perception of the police among citizens, suggesting the use of social media at the grassroots level to disseminate positive information and messages.
  • Additionally, proposed leveraging social media for disaster alerts and relief efforts.
• Citizen-Police Connect:
  • He advocated for organizing sports events as a means to strengthen the bond between citizens and the police force.
  • He also encouraged government officials to stay in border villages to establish better connections with the local populace.
• Transformation of Police Force:
  • He encouraged the Indian police to evolve into a modern, world-class force in alignment with India's rising global profile, aiming to contribute to the vision of a developed India by 2047.

What are the Issues Associated with the Police Forces?

• Custodial Deaths:
  • Custodial deaths refer to fatalities that occur while a person is in the custody of the police or other law enforcement agencies.
    • According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), while the number of such custodial deaths had declined over three successive years from 146 in 2017-18 to 100 in 2020-21, they had recorded a sharp rise to 175 in 2021-22.
• Excessive Use of Force:
  • Instances of excessive force by the police have been reported, leading to injuries and fatalities.
  • Lack of proper training and oversight contributes to the misuse of force in some cases.
    • A police officer is a public servant and hence is expected to treat its citizens in a lawful manner.
• Corruption:
  • Corruption within the police force, including bribery, and other forms of misconduct, undermines public trust.
  • High-ranking police officials have occasionally been exposed as engaging in corrupt practices, and lower-ranking police officers have also been exposed as accepting bribes.
    • Ex: Prohibition law enforcement.
      • The laws create a fertile ground for police corruption by boosting demand for banned substances, such as alcohol.
      • The combination of increased profitability and law enforcement discretion tempts officers to engage in corrupt practices.
• Trust Issues:
  • There is a significant trust deficit between the police and the community, affecting cooperation and information sharing.
  • High-profile cases of police misconduct contribute to public skepticism and mistrust.
• Extrajudicial Killing By Police:
  • There have been many instances of Extrajudicial killings by the police in the name of self-defence, which is commonly known as 'encounter.'
  • There are no enigmatic provisions or statute in Indian law that legalizes encounter killing. In various judgments of the Supreme Court, it had limited the use of policy excesses.
    • During 2020-2021, 82 people were killed in the name of encounter which increased to 151 during 2021-2022.

What are the Recommendations for Police Reforms?

• Police Complaint Authority:
  • In the case Prakash Singh v/s Union of India, 2006, the Supreme Court directed to establish the Police Complaint Authority in all the states of India.
    • The Police Complaint Authority is authorized to investigate matters relating to any kind of misconduct by police of, above, below the rank of Superintendent of Police.
    • SC also directed separation of investigation and law and order functions to better improve policing, setting up of State Security Commissions (SSC) that would have members from civil society and forming a National Security Commission.
• National Police Commission Recommendations:
  • The National Police Commission (1977-1981) in India made recommendations for police reforms, emphasizing the need for functional autonomy and accountability.
• Shri Ribero Committee:
  • Shri Ribero committee was constituted in 1998, on the directions of the Supreme Court, to review action taken on police reforms, and to suggest ways ot implementing recommendations of the Commission.
  • The Rebeiro Committee endorsed major recommendations of National Police Commission (1978-82) with certain modifications.
• Malimath Committee on Reforms in the Criminal Justice System:
  • The Malimath Committee on Reforms in the Criminal Justice System set up in 2000, headed by V.S. Malimath made 158 recommendations including that of setting up a central law enforcement agency.
• Model Police Act:
  • In accordance with the Model Police Act, 2006, each state must establish an authority made up of retired High Court judges, civil society members, retired police officers, and public administrators from another state.
    • It focused on the functional autonomy of the police agency, encouraged professionalism and made accountability paramount for both performance and conduct.

Concerns Related to Anganwadi Workers

Source: TH

Why in News?

Anganwadi workers in Andhra Pradesh are on strike demanding better wages and benefits. The State government has invoked the Essential Services and Maintenance Act (ESMA), 1971, against protesting Anganwadi workers and helpers.

• The order prohibits strikes by them for six months in the State, citing the impact of their ongoing indefinite strike on the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) at Anganwadi Centres.

What are the Anganwadi Services and Role of Anganwadi Workers?

• ICDS Scheme and Anganwadi:
  • The ICDS scheme was launched in India on 2th October 1975. It was renamed as Anganwadi Services and the services are now offered as part of the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.
    • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the States/UTs providing early childhood care and development of the beneficiaries i.e children in the age group of 0-6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers through a large network of Anganwadi workers (AWW) and Helpers (AWH).

• Services Provided by Anganwadi:
  • 
  • It has been provided to all eligible beneficiaries, namely, children in the age group of 0-6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers through the platform of Anganwadi Centres across the country.
    • Three of the services viz. Immunization, Health Check-up and Referral Services are related to health and are provided through National Rural Health Mission & Public Health Infrastructure.
• Tracking of Anganwadi Services: ICT platform Poshan tracker has been designed to capture real-time data on implementation and monitoring of Anganwadi Services across the country.
  • It provides a 360 - degree view of the activities of the Anganwadi Centre (AWC), service deliveries of Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and complete beneficiary management.
• Major Roles and Responsibilities of AWWs:
  • Community Outreach and Mobilization:
    • Registering Beneficiaries: Identifying and registering pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under six years old who are eligible for ICDS services.
    • Mobilizing Communities: Encouraging community participation in Anganwadi activities, raising awareness about ICDS programs, and promoting healthy behaviors.
  • Childcare and Early Childhood Education:
    • Managing Anganwadi Centers: Ensuring the cleanliness and hygiene of the center, maintaining records, and preparing teaching materials.
    • Providing Pre-school Education: Conducting age-appropriate play activities, storytelling sessions, and basic learning activities to prepare children for formal schooling.
    • Monitoring Growth and Development: Regularly measuring children's height and weight, identifying any developmental delays, and referring them for further interventions if needed.
    • Counseling Parents: Providing guidance on childcare practices, child nutrition, and healthy habits.
  • Health and Nutrition:
    • Distributing Supplementary Nutrition: Providing hot cooked meals, take-home rations, and nutritional supplements to address malnutrition, especially among pregnant and lactating mothers and children under six years old.
    • Conducting Health Check-ups: Monitoring children's health for common illnesses, conducting basic health checkups, and referring them to health facilities if needed.
      • Also, to guide Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) engaged under National Rural Health Mission in the delivery of health care services.
  • Immunization: Assisting healthcare personnel in organizing and facilitating immunization drives for children, ensuring timely vaccinations.
  • Raising Awareness: Educating mothers and communities about health, hygiene, sanitation, and healthy child development practices.

What are the Major Challenges Encountered by AWWs?

• Meagre Remuneration: They are not recognised government employees and the monthly honorarium for Anganwadi workers is significantly lower than the minimum wage in many states, often falling between Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 10,000.
  • This makes it difficult for them to meet their basic needs and discourages them from dedicating their full attention to their work.
  • Delays in receiving their honorarium are also common, adding to their financial insecurity and hardship.
• Overburdened with work and responsibilities: Anganwadi workers are entrusted with a multitude of tasks. Also, State governments often assign them additional work like Covid-19 related duties, Census duties or implementation of govt schemes like Ayushman Bharat without any additional monetary benefits.
  • This extensive workload often leads to burnout and hinders the quality of services they can provide.
• Lack of Proper Training and Resources: While Anganwadi workers undergo initial training, it often falls short of adequately equipping them to handle the complex tasks they face daily.
  • Additionally, Anganwadi centres frequently lack essential resources like proper infrastructure, teaching materials, and medicines, further hindering their ability to function effectively.
• Lack of Social Recognition and Respect: Anganwadi workers often face societal stigma and a lack of recognition for their valuable contribution to the community. This lack of respect can negatively impact their morale and motivation.

Way Forward

• Elevated Compensation and Benefits:
  • Fair and timely alary revisions aligned with cost of living.
  • Robust social security packages including health insurance, provident fund, and maternity leave.
• Professional Growth and Recognition:
  • Dedicated career progression pathways with promotion opportunities.
  • Regular, intensive training programs in child development, health, nutrition, and early childhood education.
  • Formalized qualifications and certifications acknowledging their expertise.
• Enhanced Working Conditions and Resources:
  • Optimal staffing levels with additional Anganwadi helpers to reduce workload.
  • Modernised Anganwadi centers with improved infrastructure, equipment, and learning materials.
  • Tech-enabled solutions for efficient record-keeping, monitoring, and communication.

Dispute Over Minority Status of AMU

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has observed on the Aligarh Muslim University’s (AMU) minority status that an educational institution does not lose its minority status merely on the ground that its administration is regulated by a statute.

• The Centre before the SC had said minority educational institutions are not required to implement the reservation policy under Section 3 of the Central Educational Institute (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006 (as amended in 2012).

When did the University’s Minority Character Come Under Dispute?

• History of AMU:
  • The roots of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) can indeed be traced back to the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MOA) College, established by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in 1875.
  • The primary aim was to address the educational backwardness among Muslims in India during that period.
  • In 1920, the institution gained University status through an Act of the Indian Legislative Council. This transition elevated the MOA College to become Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
  • The university inherited all the assets and functions of the MOA College. The official title of the AMU Act was "An Act to incorporate a teaching and residential Muslim University at Aligarh.”
• Origin of Dispute:
  • Legal Challenges to the AMU Act 1920: The dispute over the minority character of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) emerged prominently in 1967, stemming from legal challenges to amendments made in 1951 and 1965 to the AMU Act of 1920.
    • Key changes included replacing the position of the 'Lord Rector' with a 'Visitor,' who would be the President of India.
  • Allowed Non-Muslims to be Part of University Court: Provisions restricting membership in the University Court solely to Muslims were removed, allowing non-Muslims to participate.
    • Furthermore, these amendments reduced the authority of the University Court while enhancing the powers of the Executive Council, essentially making the Court a body appointed by the 'Visitor.'
    • The legal challenge in the Supreme Court was primarily based on the assertion that Muslims had established AMU and thus had the right to manage it.
  • Supreme Court’s Ruling: In 1967 the SC held that while Muslims might have initiated the establishment of a university in 1920, this wouldn't have guaranteed official recognition of its degrees by the Indian government.
    • A five-judge constitution bench of the top court in the S Azeez Basha versus Union of India case, 1967 held that since AMU was a central university, it could not be considered a minority institution.
    • The crucial point in the court's ruling was that AMU was established through a central Act to ensure government recognition of its degrees, indicating that the Act itself wasn't solely the product of the Muslim minority's efforts.
    • The court emphasised that while the Act might have been a result of the Muslim minority's endeavours, it didn't imply that the university, under the 1920 Act, was established by the Muslim minority.
  • Minority Character: This legal challenge and subsequent SC’s ruling in 1967 brought into question the perception of AMU's minority character, arguing that its establishment and administration weren't solely rooted in the efforts of the Muslim minority as initially argued.
    • The AMU had been accorded the status of "institution of national importance" by the Union government of India through the AMU Act of 1981.

Why Does the Dispute Persist?

• The SC’s ruling led to nationwide protests from Muslims, prompting a 1981 amendment affirming AMU’s minority status.
  • In response, the Union government introduced an amendment to the AMU Act in 1981 and explicitly affirmed its minority status by adding Section 2(l) and Subsection 5(2)(c) of the AMU Act.
• In 2005, AMU reserved 50% of postgraduate medical course seats for Muslim candidates. However, the Allahabad High Court overturned this reservation, nullifying the 1981 Act.
  • The court reasoned that as per the SC’s S. Azeez Basha vs Union of India, case AMU didn't qualify as a minority institution.
• In 2006, eight petitions, including one from the Union government, contested the decision of Allahabad High Court before the Supreme Court.
  • In 2016, the Union government withdrew its appeal, stating that establishing a minority institution contradicted a secular state's principles.
• In 2019, a three-judge Bench presided by the then CJI Ranjan Gogoi referred the matter to a seven-judge Bench.

What are the Observations of the Supreme Court in the Ongoing AMU Case?

• Doesn't Lose Minority Status if Regulated by Statute:
  • The court highlighted that the regulation by statute doesn't diminish an institution's minority status, emphasising that Article 30 of the Constitution doesn't mandate exclusive administration by the minority community.
• Can have Secular Administration:
  • A minority institution need not exclusively offer religious courses and can have a secular administration, admitting students from diverse communities.
    • One of the questions before the Constitution Bench is whether an institution could be regarded as a minority educational institution for the reason that it was “established by a person(s) belonging to a religious or linguistic minority.
• Majority community in Administration does not affect the Minority Status:
  • The presence of office-bearers from a majority community in some administrative wings of educational institutions does not necessarily dilute their minority character.

What are Constitutional and Statutory Provisions Regarding Minority Communities?

• Article 29:
  • It provides that any section of the citizens residing in any part of India having a distinct language, script or culture of its own, shall have the right to conserve the same.
  • It grants protection to both religious minorities as well as linguistic minorities.
    • However, the SC held that the scope of this article is not necessarily restricted to minorities only, as the use of the word ‘section of citizens’ in the Article includes minorities as well as the majority.
• Article 30 (1) of the Constitution empowers all religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.
  • The SC stated that Article 30 of the Constitution is not to “ghettoise the minority”.
  • This provision reinforces the Union government’s commitment to foster growth and development of minority communities by guaranteeing that it will not discriminate in giving aid on the basis of their status of Minority Institutions.
• Article 25:
  • Article 25 of the Indian Constitution protects freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion.
• Article 26:
  • The Article 26 of the Indian Constitution provides every religious denomination (or any section of it) the right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes.
• Article 27:
  • It sets freedom as to payment of taxes for the promotion of any particular religion.
• Article 28:
  • It gives freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institutions.
• National Commission for Minorities (NcM):
  • The NCM is an autonomous body established by the Indian government in 1992 under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.
    • The setting up of the Commission was envisaged in the Ministry of Home Affairs Resolution of 1978 for the enforcement and implementation of all the safeguards provided for the Minorities in the Constitution.
  • It is responsible for advising the central and state governments on matters related to the welfare and development of minority communities in India.
  • Initially five religious communities, viz., Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Zoroastrians (Parsis) were notified as minority communities by the Union Government. In 2014, Jains were also notified as another minority community.

Shifts in Foreign Portfolio Investments In India

Source: BL

Why in News?

Foreign portfolio investments (FPIs) into India have witnessed a significant reshuffling in the pecking order among regions.

• This transformation is attributed to various factors, including regulatory changes, geopolitical events, and strategic alliances.

What are the Significant Changes in India’s FPI Landscape?

• Luxembourg's Ascendancy:
  • Luxembourg has become the third-largest region for FPIs in India, surpassing Mauritius, with its Assets Under Custody (AUC) growing by 30% to ₹4.85 lakh crore.
    • Globally, its equity assets are now second only to the United States.
  • The surge is linked to strengthened India-Europe ties, resulting in three financial agreements.
    • Luxembourg hosts over 1,400 FPI accounts out of 3,000 in Europe (excluding the UK).
    • Collaborations, notably with GIFT City, have further strengthened financial ties between India and Luxembourg.
• France's Notable Gains:
  • France has entered the top ten FPIs with a remarkable 74% growth in AUC, reaching ₹1.88 lakh crore.
  • This ascent is fueled by the favourable tax provisions under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and France.
• Other Players in the Reshuffled Landscape:
  • Ireland and Norway have climbed one position each, now ranking 5^th and 7^th among FPI jurisdictions.
    • Ireland's attractiveness stems from its tax efficiencies and global reach, offering regulated funds exemption from Irish tax on income and gains.
  • Also, despite a 19% year-on-year growth in AUC, Canada dropped one place in the rankings. The impact of the diplomatic tensions between India and Canada on investments remains uncertain.

What is Foreign Portfolio Investment?

• About:
  • FPI refers to investments made by foreign individuals, corporations, and institutions in the financial assets of India, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
    • These investments are mainly for the purpose of short-term gains and portfolio diversification, unlike Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) which involves long-term ownership of assets.
• Benefits:
  • Capital Inflow: FPI results in the inflow of foreign capital into the Indian financial markets, which contributes to increased liquidity and capital availability.
  • Boost to Stock Market: Increased FPI can positively impact the stock market, leading to higher valuations and increased investor confidence.
  • Technology Transfer: FPI often involves investments in technology-oriented sectors, leading to induced technology transfer and advancements in various industries.
  • Global Integration: FPI promotes global integration of financial markets, allowing Indian markets to align with global trends and attract foreign investors.
• Risk:
  • Market Volatility and Capital Flight: FPI flows can be volatile, driven by global economic and geopolitical factors.
    • Sudden inflows or outflows can lead to market instability and currency fluctuations, harming both domestic investors and the economy.
  • Transparency and Identification of Beneficial Owners: Identifying the ultimate beneficiaries of complex FPI structures can be challenging for regulators, raising concerns about potential misuse of funds and tax evasion.

Status of Adivasi Livelihoods (SAL) Report, 2022

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Recently, a report Status of Adivasi Livelihoods (SAL) Report, 2022, released by the non-profit organization PRADAN highlights that Food subsidy through Public Distribution System (PDS) has reduced the stress that Adivasi households would have faced due to lower income.

• The aim of this report is to understand the status of livelihoods of Scheduled Tribes from India’s central belt.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

• The SAL Report, 2022 is based on a household survey covering a sample of 6,019 households.
  • The report revealed that the average annual income for Adivasi households in Madhya Pradesh and in Chhattisgarh is much less than the national average annual income per agricultural household during the agricultural year 2018-19.
• In Chhattisgarh, the food and other items consumed by an Adivasi household in a year have a market price of almost Rs 18,000.
  • Only around 13% of this amount is spent by households to procure those goods. The remaining 87% of the amount, is the subsidy given by the government.
• An Adivasi household in Madhya Pradesh procures goods from PDS worth Rs 10,000 market price annually, spending only 22% of the amount to procure them.
• In Madhya Pradesh, 32% of Adivasi households, 27 % of non-Adivasi households, and 61% of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) households reported being severely food insecure.
• In Chhattisgarh, 27% of Adivasi households, 42% of non-Adivasi households, and 29% of PVTG households reported being severely food insecure.
• The areas of Madhya Pradesh’s west, dominated by the Bhil community (which overlaps into neighboring Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra), had the highest average household income among both Adivasi and non-Adivasi households.
  • It was 1.5 times higher than other regions of the state.
• Adivasi women enjoy more autonomy than their non-Adivasi counterparts. But the workload of doing household chores and livelihood activities is mostly borne by Adivasi women.
• Gender discrimination remains alive in decision-making practices and also customary practices.

Who are the Bhil Tribes?

• The Bhil are one of the largest tribal groups, living in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.
• The name is derived from the word ‘billu’, which means bow.
• The Bhil are known to be excellent archers coupled with deep knowledge about their local geography.
• Traditionally, experts in guerrilla warfare, most of them today are farmers and agricultural laborers. They are also skilled sculptors.

Who are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

• PVTGs are more vulnerable among the tribal groups. Due to this factor, more developed and assertive tribal groups take a major chunk of the tribal development funds because of which PVTGs need more funds directed for their development.
• In 1973, the Dhebar Commission created Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) as a separate category, which are less developed among the tribal groups. In 2006, the Government of India renamed the PTGs as PVTGs.
• In this context, in 1975, the Government of India initiated to identify the most vulnerable tribal groups as a separate category called PVTGs and declared 52 such groups, while in 1993 an additional 23 groups were added to the category, making it a total of 75 PVTGs out of 705 Scheduled Tribes.
  • Among the 75 listed PVTG’s the highest number are found in Odisha.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Cerebellum

Source: DTE

Why in News?

A recent study found that individuals with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may experience significant decreases in both gray and white matter volume in their cerebellum.

• This could affect their cognitive functions and emotional responses, among other aspects.

What are the Findings of the Study?

• The study showed that PTSD is linked with considerable reductions in both gray and white matter volumes in the cerebellum.
• This reduction was particularly notable in specific subregions, including the posterior lobe, vermis, flocculonodular lobe and corpus medullare.
• The study also showed that cerebellar volume changes correlate with the intensity of the PTSD experience, offering a potential biomarker for assessing the condition’s severity.
• It challenges the traditional understanding of PTSD as solely a disorder of the brain’s emotion-processing centers.
  • The cerebellum’s involvement suggests a more complex brain network disruption in PTSD, one that includes regions responsible for integrating cognitive and emotional responses.
• Study helps in understanding the pathophysiology of PTSD by pinpointing specific cerebellar regions affected by the disorder.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is a mental health condition that occurs after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as war, violence, abuse, or natural disaster.
  • People with PTSD may have intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance and negative mood etc.
  • These symptoms can interfere with their daily functioning and quality of life.
  • PTSD can be treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both.
• PTSD is incredibly burdensome at both the individual and societal level, causing profound distress, functional impairment, and staggering treatment costs.

What is Cerebellum and Other Parts of the Brain?

• The brain comprises three primary components: the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem.
• Cerebellum: The brain region traditionally associated with motor control, but now increasingly recognised for its role in higher cognitive and emotional functions.
  • It is located at the back of the head, just below the cerebrum and behind the brain stem. Also called a “little brain” due to its similar but smaller structure than the cerebrum.
• Cerebrum: The largest part, consists of right and left hemispheres, playing a key role in higher functions like interpreting sensory information, speech, reasoning, emotions, learning, and precise movement control.
• Brainstem: Functioning as a relay centre connecting the cerebrum, cerebellum, and spinal cord. It oversees automatic processes such as breathing, heart rate, sleep-wake cycles, digestion, and various reflex actions like sneezing, coughing, vomiting, and swallowing.
• Hypothalamus: Situated below the thalamus and regulates functions including body temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue, sleep, and circadian rhythms. It is also involved in the release of hormones by the pituitary gland.

Assam's Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan

Source: HT

Why in News?

Recently, the Assam government introduced the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA), a financial support scheme aimed at empowering rural women entrepreneurs.

• This initiative carries unique conditions, particularly focusing on the number of children women can have to qualify for the benefits.

What are the Major Points Related to the MMUA Scheme?

• Objectives of MMUA Scheme: The MMUA scheme is designed to foster the development of rural women who are part of self-help groups, transforming them into "rural micro-entrepreneurs" with a target annual income of Rs 1 lakh per member.
• Child Limitations:
  • General and OBC women: Limited to three children to qualify for the scheme.
  • STs and SCs: Allowed up to four children to avail benefits.
  • Moran, Motok, and 'Tea Tribes': Subject to a four-child cap.
• Additional Conditions for Beneficiaries: In addition to child limitations, beneficiaries must fulfil two other conditions:
  • Education of Girl Children: If beneficiaries have girl children, they must be enrolled in school.
    • For non-school-going age girls, a signed undertaking for future enrollment is required.
  • Tree Plantation Drive: Beneficiaries must ensure that trees planted under the government's tree plantation drive, Amrit Brikshya Andolan, are surviving.

Tubeless Conundrum

• Tubeless tyres are tyres that do not have an inner tube and hold the air inside the tyre itself. A tubeless tyre resembles a tubed tyre.
• Tubeless tyres have advantages over conventional tubed tyres, such as cooler running, reduced downtime, and safer handling.
• These are not popular in India because of two main reasons: rusting of rims and the need for special tools for repairs.
  • Rusting of rims causes air leaks and reduces the sealing of tubeless tyres. Special tools and presses are required to fit and remove tubeless tyres, which are not available in roadside shops

Invasive Species and Food Crisis in Karnataka’s Western Ghats

• Invasive plants such as Lantana, Prosopis and Chromolaena have reduced the availability of food and shelter for herbivores, which in turn affects the carnivores that depend on them in Karnataka’s Western Ghats.
  • An invasive species refers to a non-native species that, when introduced to a new environment, exhibits aggressive growth and spreads rapidly, often causing harm to the native ecosystem.
• Invasive plants can outcompete and displace native vegetation, disrupt ecological balance and the movement and migration of animals.
• Several rainforest complexes, including Nagarahole, Anshi National Park, Kudremukh National Park and Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, are suffering from invasive species.

Read More...

Thiruvalluvar Day

Thiruvalluvar Day was celebrated on 16^th January as part of Pongal to commemorate the Tamil sage for his contributions to literature.

• Saint Thiruvalluvar, also known as Valluvar is believed to have lived in Mylapore (now part of Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• He is best known as the author of the Tirukkural, a collection of couplets on ethics. He is said to have been a weaver by profession and a Jain by religion.

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Rhododendron

Rhododendron is a large genus of woody plants comprising approximately 1,000 species. These plants are characterised by their showy flowers that come in various colours such as white, pink, red, orange, and purple.

• A total of 87 species, 12 subspecies and 8 varieties of Rhododendrons recorded in the Indian Himalayan Region.
• Rhododendron arboreum is the state flower of Nagaland. The traditional belief in the state is that consuming rhododendron petals can help remove fish bones stuck in one's throat.
  • However, rampant deforestation, habitat destruction, and threats from pests have rendered many species vulnerable.

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