Writs

Extra Judicial Killing

For Prelims: Extra Judicial Killing, Supreme Court, Fundamental Rights, IPC, NHRC, CID.

For Mains: Extra Judicial Killing.

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has expressed its views on Extra-Judicial Killings (EJK) in India, after an Encounter in Uttar Pradesh, stating that the right to life as a Fundamental Right enshrined in the Constitution and EJKs are a violation of this right.

• The SC also said that in recent years, there have been several cases of encounters and extra-judicial killings in India, which have raised concerns about the misuse of power by the police.

What is Extra Judicial Killing?

• About:
  • Extra judicial killing refers to the killing of a person by the state or its agents, without any judicial or legal proceedings.
    • This means that the person is killed without a trial, due process, or any legal justification.
  • Extra judicial killing can take various forms, such as extrajudicial executions, summary executions, and enforced disappearances. These acts are illegal and violate human rights and the rule of law.
  • They are often carried out by law enforcement agencies or security forces in the name of maintaining law and order or Combating Terrorism.
• Constitutional Provisions:
  • The Constitution intends that India should be governed by the rule of law, according to which the Constitution is the supreme power and the legislative and the executive derive their authority from it.
  • The Constitution guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21, which is non-negotiable and applicable to everyone. It is the responsibility of the police to follow the Constitution and protect the Right to Life of every individual, regardless of innocence or guilt.
• Rights of Police:
  • The police can use force, including lethal force, in self-defense or to maintain peace and order.
  • Every person has the right to self-defense under Section-96 of the Indian Penal Code.
    • Section-46 of the Criminal Procedure Code allows the police to use force, including lethal force, to arrest someone accused of a serious crime.
• Status of EJKs in India:
  • While India has seen a 15% decline in encounter killing cases registered in the six years between 2016-’17 and 2021-’22 – till March 2022 – the cases shot up by 69.5% in the last two years.
    • India has registered 813 cases of encounter killings in the last six years.
  • In the six years since April 2016, Chhattisgarh recorded the most extrajudicial killing cases at 259, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 110 and Assam with 79.

What are the Causes behind EJKs?

• Public Support:
  • Sometimes, people support such killings because they believe the court system won't provide timely justice. This public support makes the police bolder, leading to an increase in such killings.
• Political Support:
  • Many political leaders believe that more encounters will serve as their achievement in maintaining law and order in the state.
• Punitive Violence:
  • Some police officials believe that using violence and torture is the only way to control crime and create a sense of fear among potential criminals.
• Hero- Worshiping:
  • Such Killings are often glorified by the public and media, portraying the police officers involved as heroes who are cleaning up society.
  • Amidst all this worship, the public and the media celebrating this unlawful violence forget that the police have no authority to perform such an act, and it is violative of the human rights of the accused.
• Inefficiency of Police:
  • The police may not have enough resources to conduct thorough investigations, leading to low conviction rates. Encounters are seen as an easy way for the police to create a positive image of maintaining law and order in the area.

What are the Guidelines Related to Encounters in India?

• Supreme Court:
  • In September 2014, the SC issued guidelines for investigating police encounters in cases of death, in the case of "People's Union for Civil Liberties v State of Maharashtra". The guidelines included the following,
    • Registration of a First Information Report (FIR) as mandatory, along with provisions for a magisterial inquiry.
    • Involving the next of kin of the deceased in the inquiry.
    • Keeping written records of intelligence inputs.
    • Investigation to be carried out by an independent agency, such as the CID, to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.
    • Information about the incident must be sent to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) or the State Human Rights Commission, although involvement of the NHRC is not necessary unless there is serious doubt about independent and impartial investigation.
  • These requirements/norms must be strictly observed in all cases of death and grievous injury in police encounters and should be treated as law declared under Article 141 of the Constitution of India.
• NHRC:
  • In 1997, the NHRC provided guidelines for police to register information about encounter deaths, allow independent investigation by the State CID (Central Investigation Department), and grant compensation to the deceased's dependents in case of police officers being convicted.
  • In 2010, these guidelines were amended to include registering an FIR, conducting a magisterial inquiry, and reporting all death cases to the NHRC within 48 hours by the Senior Superintendent of Police or Superintendent of Police. After three months, a second report must be sent with the postmortem report, inquest report, and enquiry findings.

Way Forward

• Encounter killings should be thoroughly investigated to maintain the credibility of the rule of law. The state government has a responsibility to uphold the rule of law and ensure it is followed in every case across the country.
• Police officials should be trained to handle unforeseen situations and protect those in police custody.
• The increasing number of encounter killings is resulting in human rights violations, so it is important to educate police officers on the importance of human rights and prevent these unlawful killings.

Source: IE

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Chinese Dual-Use Facilities Raise Security Concerns in India

For Prelims: Location of Coco Islands, Satellite ground station, Satellite tracking facilities

For Mains: China’s military development in neighboring countries and causes of concerns for India

Why in News?

Recent satellite images showing the construction of a military facility on Coco Islands in Myanmar and a proposed remote satellite receiving ground station system in Sri Lanka, both coming up with Chinese help, have raised concerns in India of possible surveillance across the region.

What are the Causes of Concern?

• Coco Islands of Myanmar located very close to India’s Andaman and Nicobar Island chain are strategically important for India.
  • China, which has been eyeing to encircle India in the Indian Ocean Region with its aggressive ‘String of Pearls’ policy is developing a military facility on the islands.
  • The island is being connected to the southern landmass using a new bridge which can anytime be used by the Chinese military.
• Because of its critical location, the proposed remote satellite receiving ground station in Sri Lanka can be used to spy on Indian assets and intercept sensitive information across the region.
  • Satellite tracking facilities are inherently dual-use in nature which means they can be used for both civil and military activities.
  • It’s also apprehended that India’s satellite launch facilities in Sriharikota and the missile test range in Odisha could come under the scanner of the ground station and launches from there could be tracked to obtain sensitive data.
    • Ground stations are surface-based facilities which are designed to provide real-time communication with satellites.
• Recently, a Chinese ship was seen docking at Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, the forementioned stations are likely to work in coordination with such vessels to gather vital information in the region.

What are the Other Instances that Raise Doubts on China’s Intentions?

• In August 2022, the docking of Chinese spy ship ‘Yuan Wang-5’ at Hambantota created a major diplomatic showdown between India and Sri Lanka.
• Later in November, another vessel ‘Yuan Wang-6’ had entered the Indian Ocean Region, coinciding with a planned Indian long-range missile launch.
  • At that time, the launch was deferred, and the vessel had re-entered the IOR in December when the missile test was rescheduled.

Where are the Coco Islands located?

• The Coco Islands are in the north-eastern Bay of Bengal. They are part of Yangon region of Myanmar. These islands are situated very close to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

What is China’s “String of Pearls” Strategy?

• The "String of Pearls" is a geopolitical theory that refers to China's increasing efforts to develop and expand its ports and naval bases throughout the Indian Ocean region, from the Strait of Malacca to the Horn of Africa.
• The theory suggests that China is seeking to establish a series of strategic naval bases and commercial ports along key sea-lanes in the Indian Ocean, to protect its vital energy imports and enhance its maritime influence.
• These "pearls" include ports such as Gwadar in Pakistan, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, and Djibouti in Africa, which provide China with greater access and influence in the region.
• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), sometimes referred to as the New Silk Road is another infrastructure project by China. It is also seen as part of China’s debt trap diplomacy.

What is India doing to Counter China?

• “Necklace of Diamonds” Strategy: This strategy aims at garlanding China or in simple words, the counter encirclement strategy. India is expanding its naval bases and is also improving relations with strategically placed countries to counter China's strategies. India’s strategic bases are:
  • Chabahar port – Iran
  • Sabang port – Indonesia
  • Sittwe port – Myanmar
  • Mongla port – Bangladesh
  • Changi naval base – Singapore
• Forming groups with Like-minded Nations: India has made agreements for military cooperation in the region with Japan, Australia and the USA. The four countries carry out joint military exercises in the IOR region and are known as the ‘Quad’.
• Building Coastal Radar Networks: India is installing coastal systems in the countries in Indian Ocean region such as Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles and Bangladesh. These radars will relay live images, videos, and location information of Ships moving in the Indian Ocean Region.
  • The project is implemented by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
• Act East Policy: This was launched as an effort to integrate India’s economy with South-East Asian nations. It has been used to make important military and strategic agreements with Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand helping India to counter China.
• Military and Naval Relationships: To upgrade and train its navy, India has developed a strategic naval relationship with Myanmar which gives India an increased footprint in the area.
• Strategic Investments: India has invested a lot diplomatically in countries like Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia - all surrounding China. It also has recently extended over USD 1.75 billion in grants and credit to Myanmar.

Way Forward

• Increase Naval Capabilities: India must enhance its naval capabilities by incorporating more and more vessels and submarines. India's naval capabilities are limited, particularly in terms of the number of warships and submarines it possesses. This limits India's ability to patrol and secure its maritime borders and project its naval power in the Indian Ocean region.
• Enhance the Investment in other countries: India has tried countering China through diplomatic investments, but it needs to enhance these investments as China as China is way ahead of India in making such investments. India’s investments look miniscule before China.
• Economic Competition: Along with all other steps, India must focus on economic growth to project itself as an alternative to China in global economy. Aatmanirbhar Bharat abhiyan has been a good initiative towards this.
• Technological Advancements: China is investing heavily in developing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and 5G networks. India needs to match these investments to stay ahead of China in the technological race and ensure its own security and economic development.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Questions (PYQ)

Mains

Q. What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this. (2013)

Source: TH

Guidelines for Assessment of Child Suspects

For Prelims: NCPCR, POSCO, JJB, Article 21, DPSP.

For Mains: Guidelines for Assessment of Child Suspects.

Why in News?

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has issued guidelines for the assessment of child suspects in heinous offenses to determine whether a child should be treated as a minor or not in criminal cases which come under the “heinous” offences category of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

What are the Guidelines?

• Child suspects should be assessed by a team of experts, including a child psychologist or psychiatrist, a medical doctor, and a social worker.
  • The assessment should take into account the child's age, developmental stage, and maturity level, as well as any history of trauma or abuse.
• The team should also consider the child's cognitive abilities and capacity to understand the charges against them.
• The child suspects will be provided with legal aid and support from child welfare agencies.
• The Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) will be responsible for conducting a preliminary assessment of the child suspect.
  • The JJB must complete this assessment within three months from the date the child is first brought before it.
  • If the JJB determines that there is a need for a trial of the child as an adult, it will then transfer the case to the Children's Court. Essentially, the JJB plays a key role in the assessment process and in determining whether the case should be tried in juvenile court or adult court.

What are the Categories of Offences under the JJ Act, 2015 and their Differentiation?

• The JJ Act, 2015 categorizes offences committed by children into three categories: Petty offences, Serious offences and Heinous offences.
  • Petty Offences include those for which the maximum punishment under any law is imprisonment up to three years
  • Serious offences include crimes for which the punishment is a minimum imprisonment for a term of more than three years and not exceeding seven years.
  • Heinous offences include those for which the minimum punishment under the Indian Penal Code or any other law is imprisonment for seven years or more,
• There is a specific provision under which initiation of an inquiry into a heinous crime is differentiated based on the age of the child, and two essential conditions need to be met for this preliminary assessment to take place:
  • The offence must be in the category of "heinous" as defined in the Act, and
  • The child who allegedly committed the crime must be in the age group of 16-18 years.

What is the Need for such Guidelines?

• Ensure their Well-Being:
  • Children who are accused of committing heinous offenses are vulnerable and may require special care and attention to ensure their physical and emotional well-being.
  • An assessment can help identify any underlying mental health issues, trauma, or abuse that may require intervention.
• To determine their Cognitive Capacity:
  • Children have varying levels of cognitive development, which can affect their ability to understand the charges against them and participate in legal proceedings.
  • An assessment can help determine their level of understanding and ensure that they are not unfairly held responsible for actions they may not fully comprehend.
• Legal Decisions:
  • Assessments of child suspects can provide valuable information to judges and legal professionals, who may need to make decisions about how to proceed with a case.
    • For example, an assessment may help determine if a child is fit to stand trial or if alternative measures, such as rehabilitation or counseling, would be more appropriate.

What is the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights?

• NCPCR is a statutory body set up in March 2007 under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005.
• It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women & Child Development.
• The Commission's mandate is to ensure that all laws, policies, programmes, and administrative mechanisms are in consonance with the child rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• It inquiries into complaints relating to a child's right to free and compulsory education under the Right to Education Act, 2009.
• It monitors the implementation of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

What are the Constitutional Provisions Related to Children?

• The Constitution guarantees to every child the right to live with dignity (Article 21), the right to personal liberty (Article 21), the right to privacy (Article 21), the right to equality (Article 14) and/or the right against discrimination (Article 15), the right against exploitation (Article 23 & 24).
  • Right to free and compulsory elementary education for all children in the 6–14-year age group (Article 21 A)
• The Directive Principles of State Policy, and in particular Article 39(f), cast an obligation on the State to ensure that children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity and that childhood and youth are protected against exploitation and against moral and material abandonment.

Source: IE

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The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems: FAO

For Prelims: FAO, Gender Equality, Agrifood Systems, Food Security, SDG, Covid-19, CAC, WFP.

For Mains: The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems.

Why in News?

Recently, the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) has released a report titled- “The Status Of Women In Agrifood Systems” highlighting the importance of Gender Equality in the Agricultural Sector.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

• Gender-Based Barriers:
  • Women make up a significant proportion of the agricultural workforce, accounting for around 40% of the global agricultural labor force. However, women often face significant gender-based barriers that limit their access to resources, technology, and markets, which can impact their productivity and income.
• Gaps are Unchanged:
  • Even though women have gained more access to some resources, such as digital technology and financial services, over the last several years, the gaps are either unchanged or growing in far too many areas, especially for rural women.
    • Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the gap between women’s and men’s Food Security has grown to 4.3% — with significantly higher food insecurity among rural women.
• Additional Challenges:
  • Women and girls face barriers and constraints that men and boys do not as a consequence of rigid gender norms and roles, unequal power dynamics and discriminatory social structures.
  • These impediments to women’s progress are compounded by the additional challenges posed by Climate, economic and price shocks, conflicts and the increasing risks of Gender-Based Violence.
• Marginalizing Roles of Women:
  • Despite the importance of agri-food systems for women’s livelihoods and the welfare of their families, women’s roles tend to be marginalised and their working conditions are likely to be worse than men’s — irregular, informal, part-time, low-skilled, labour-intensive and thus vulnerable.

What are the Recommendations?

• Closing the gender gap in agri-food systems could increase agricultural productivity by up to 4% in developing countries, which could, in turn, boost global GDP (Gross Domestic Product) by up to 2%. This increase in productivity and income could help to reduce poverty and hunger and improve Food Security and nutrition.
  • Closing the gender gap and empowering women would: Increase global GDP by 1%/ nearly USD 1 trillion.
• Gender equality in agri-food systems is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
• It is also crucial for achieving SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
• There is a need for policies and programs that promote gender equality and empower women in agriculture.
• Women need more access to and control over the livestock, water, seeds, land, technology, and finance needed to grow their livelihoods.

What is the Food and Agriculture Organization?

• About:
  • FAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
  • World Food Day is celebrated every year around the world on 16th October. The day is celebrated to mark the anniversary of the founding of the FAO in 1945.
  • It is one of the UN food aid organisations based in Rome (Italy). Its sister bodies are the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
• Initiatives Taken:
  • Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).
  • Monitors the Desert Locust situation throughout the world.
  • The Codex Alimentarius Commission or CAC is the body responsible for all matters regarding the implementation of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme.
  • The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture was adopted by the Thirty-First Session of the Conference of the FAO in 2001.
• Flagship Publications:
  • The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA).
  • The State of the World's Forests (SOFO).
  • The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI).
  • The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA).
  • The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO).

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q. The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative? (2016)

1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity.
2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities.
3. To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (b)

Shared: DTE

Central Government Health Scheme

For Prelims: Central Government Health Scheme.

For Mains: India's Health Infrastructure.

Why in News?

Recently, the Health Ministry announced that it has revised the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) package rates for all CGHS beneficiaries and simplified the referral process under CGHS for the benefit of its employees by offering a video call facility.

• The Central government has increased the CGHS rates of consultation fee for out-patient department (OPD)/in-patient department (IPD) to ₹350 from ₹150. Similarly, ICU charges have been revised to ₹5,400.

What will be the Implications of the Recent Changes Made in CGHS?

• Healthcare Costs:
  • The revision of CGHS package rates, including the increase in consultation fees, ICU charges, and room rent, is likely to result in increased healthcare costs for beneficiaries. While the revised rates are aimed at covering the rising costs of healthcare services, the move may affect the affordability of healthcare for some.
• Access to Healthcare Services:
  • The introduction of the video call referral process is expected to improve access to healthcare services under the CGHS, particularly for those who find it difficult to visit the Wellness Centre in person. It is also anticipated that this simplified process will enhance the efficiency of the CGHS by reducing delays and inconvenience for beneficiaries.

What is CGHS?

• About:
  • CGHS is a comprehensive healthcare scheme provided by the Central Government to its employees, pensioners, and their dependents.
  • It was established in 1954 with the aim of providing quality healthcare services to government employees and their families.
• Facilities Provided:
  • Outpatient department (OPD) treatment at its wellness centres, which includes the issuance of medicines
  • Specialist consultation at polyclinics, government hospitals, and CGHS enrolled hospitals with a referral from CGHS
  • OPD and inpatient treatment at government and enrolled hospitals with cashless treatment facilities for pensioners and identified beneficiaries in impanelled hospitals and diagnostic centres
  • Reimbursement for treatment expenses incurred in government or private hospitals in case of an emergency
  • Reimbursement for expenses incurred for the purchase of hearing aids, artificial limbs, and appliances after obtaining permission
  • Maternity and child health services, family welfare, and medical consultation
  • Dispensing of medicines in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, and Siddha system of medicines (AYUSH)
• Achievements:
  • Presently approximately 42 lakh beneficiaries are covered by CGHS in 79 cities all over India and the endeavor is to include more cities to improve the accessibility of the services.

What are the Government Initiatives Related to Healthcare?

• National Health Mission
• Ayushman Bharat
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
• PM National Dialysis Programme
• Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
• Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q. Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? (2017)

1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.
3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.
4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 3 and 4 only

Ans: (a)

Exp:

• National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan) is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, GoI, which ensures convergence with various programmes like Anganwadi services, National Health Mission, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Swachh-Bharat Mission, etc.
• The goals of National Nutrition Mission (NNM) are to achieve improvement in nutritional status of children from 0-6 years, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers in a time bound manner during the next three years beginning 2017- 18. Hence, 1 is correct.
• NNM targets to reduce stunting, under-nutrition, anaemia (among young children, women and adolescent girls) and reduce low birth weight of babies. Hence, 2 is correct.
• There is no such provision relating to consumption of millets, unpolished rice, coarse cereals and eggs under NNM. Hence, 3 and 4 are not correct.
• Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

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Mains

Q. “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (2021)

Source: TH

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The Life and Legacy of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar

For Prelims: Round Table Conferences, Poona pact, Drafting Committee, Buddhism, Bharat Ratna.

For Mains: Contribution of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Relevance of Ambedkar in Present Times.

Why in News?

India Celebrates Birth Anniversary of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar on April 14, 2023.

Who was Dr. BR Ambedkar?

• About:
  • Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was a prominent Indian jurist, economist, social reformer, and politician.
  • He was born on April 14, 1891 in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.
    • His father, Subedar Ramji Maloji Sakpal, was a well-read person and follower of Sant Kabir.
• Education:
  • Ambedkar earned his Bachelor's degree from Bombay University and went on for further studies to Columbia University in New York and London School of Economics.
• Contributions:
  • In 1924, he started an Association for the welfare of the depressed classes and in 1927, he started the Bahishkrit Bharat newspaper to address the cause of the depressed classes.
    • He also led the Mahad Satyagraha in March 1927.
  • He participated in all three Round Table Conferences.
  • In 1932, Dr. Ambedkar signed the Poona pact with Mahatma Gandhi, which abandoned the idea of separate electorates for the depressed classes (Communal Award).
  • In 1936, he formed the Independent Labour Party to safeguard the interests of the depressed classes.
  • In 1942, Dr. Ambedkar was appointed to the Executive Council of the Governor General of India as a Labour member and elected to the Constituent Assembly from Bengal in 1946.
    • He was the Chairman of Drafting Committee and remembered as the Father of the Indian Constitution.
  • In 1947, Dr. Ambedkar became Minister of Law in the first Cabinet of independent India.
    • He resigned from the cabinet in 1951, over differences on the Hindu Code Bill.
• Additional Details:
  • Later in life, He converted to Buddhism. He passed away on December 6, 1956, which is commemorated as Mahaparinirvan Diwas
    • Chaitya Bhoomi is a memorial to B R Ambedkar, located in Mumbai.
  • He was also awarded India’s highest civilian honour the Bharat Ratna in 1990.
• Important Works:
  • Journals:
    • Mooknayak (1920)
    • Bahishkrit Bharat (1927)
    • Samatha (1929)
    • Janata (1930)
  • Books:
    • Annihilation of Caste
    • Buddha or Karl Marx
    • The Untouchable: Who are They and Why They Have Become Untouchables
    • Buddha and His Dhamma
    • The Rise and Fall of Hindu Women
  • Organisations:
    • Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (1923)
    • Independent Labor Party (1936)
    • Scheduled Castes Federation (1942)
• Relevance of Ambedkar in Present Times:
  • His ideas and contributions continue to shape India's social and political landscape, particularly in the fight against caste-based discrimination and the struggle for social justice.
  • His vision for an inclusive and egalitarian society, as enshrined in the Indian Constitution, remains a guiding principle for the country's future development.
    • Additionally, his emphasis on education as a means of empowerment is particularly relevant today as India seeks to achieve its full potential as a global leader.
  • Dr. Ambedkar's legacy is an integral part of India's national identity and his ideas continue to inspire generations.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Questions (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. Which of the following parties were established by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar? (2012)

1. The Peasants and Workers Party of India
2. All India Scheduled Castes Federation
3. The Independent Labour Party

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (b)

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Mains

Q. Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. (2015)

Source: PIB

World Chagas Disease Day

Why in News?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) observes World Chagas Disease Day every April 14^th to raise awareness about the little-known disease that affects millions of people, especially in Latin America.

• The 72^nd World Health Assembly dedicated this day to the disease in 2019.
• This year’s theme is “time to integrate Chagas disease into primary health care”.

What is Chagas Disease?

• About:
  • Chagas disease, also known as "silent or silenced disease", is a communicable parasitic disease that infects 6-7 million people and claims around 12,000 lives every year worldwide, according to WHO.
    • The disease is named after physician Carlos Chagas who first detected it in a Brazilian child in 1909.
• Causes:
  • It is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by a family of bugs called ‘triatomines’ or ‘kissing bugs’ that infect healthy individuals through bites or defecation.
  • It can also be contracted through congenital transmission, blood transfusions, organ transplantation, consumption of uncooked food contaminated with fecal matter of infected bugs, or accidental laboratory exposure.
    • It cannot propagate by casual contact with infected humans or animals.
• Symptoms:
  • The disease manifests as fever, headaches, rashes, inflammatory nodules, nausea or diarrhea, and muscle or abdominal pain. 4
    • 70-80% of patients show no symptoms throughout their lives, making early detection challenging.
  • 20-30% of infections evolve into the chronic stage, causing damage to the heart, digestive system, or nervous system.
• Prevalence:
  • Chagas is currently endemic in 21 countries in the Americas, with an annual average incidence of 30,000 new cases, according to the Pan-American Health Organization.
    • Rare cases have been reported in the southern United States as well as many European, Eastern Mediterranean, and Western Pacific countries.
• Treatment and Prevention:
  • There are currently no vaccines available for Chagas disease, but antiparasitic medicines Benznidazole and Nifurtimox can treat the disease. They have a 100% efficacy rate if administered at the onset of the acute stage.
  • Preventive measures have been put in place by countries to eliminate the bugs or reduce infections.
    • Universal screening of blood donors and blood products is done by all Latin American countries and other countries reporting new cases.

Source: DTE

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Regulating Online Money Gaming

Why in News?

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has released an amendment to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to regulate online real money games.

What are Online Real Money Games?

• Real money in the hopes of winning more money. These games can include casino-style games such as poker, blackjack, and slot machines, as well as sports betting, fantasy sports, and other types of online gaming that involve the exchange of money.
• In India, these types of games have become increasingly popular, leading to concerns about their regulation and potential negative effects on users, such as addiction and financial losses.

What are the New Rules?

• No Promotion of Betting Platforms:
  • The rules have advised media entities, media platforms and online advertisement intermediaries to refrain from carrying advertisements/promotional content of betting platforms.
    • Betting and gambling are illegal activities and hence advertisements/ promotion of such activities directly or indirectly on any of the media platforms fall foul of the regulations.
  • Promotion by a specific betting platform that encouraged the audience to watch a sports league on its website in prima facie violation of the Copyright Act 1957.
• Self-Regulatory Body:
  • As per the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023, real money gaming platforms will have to register with a Self-Regulatory Body (SRB) that will determine whether or not the game is "permissible."
  • Three SRBs will be recognized soon.
  • If these games are not deemed "permissible," they will not get the protection of the amendment, and states may be able to take action against them for being betting or gambling platforms.
  • As such, games that are deemed permissible will be allowed to operate legally, even if they involve deposits against an expectation of winnings. Video games where money is not involved need not approach an SRB.

Source: TH

Rapid Fire Current Affairs

New Species Cascade Frog -Amolops Siju

Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of frog, which they named Amolops Siju, from the Siju cave in the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. The Amolops Siju belongs to the largest group of ranid frogs, with over 70 known species distributed across northeast and north India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and the Malaya Peninsula.

The discovery of a new species of frog from a cave is very rare, and it is the fourth new species of a cascade frog (Amolops). Cascade Frogs are named so because of their preference for small waterfalls or cascades in flowing hill streams.

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NCLT Grants 90 days Extension for Future Retail Ltd. (FRL)

Future Retail Ltd. (FRL) has been granted an extension of 90 days by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to conclude its Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP). The CIRP was initiated against FRL by NCLT in July 2022 after the company defaulted on its loans. As per Section 12(1) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), the resolution process should be completed within 330 days, which includes time taken for litigation. Within 180 days of initiation, the CIRP must be completed, but NCLT may grant a one-time extension of 90 days. The maximum time for completing the CIRP, including extensions and litigation, is 330 days

NCLT was constituted under the Companies Act, 2013 w.e.f. 01st June 2016 based on the recommendation of the Justice Eradi committee on the law relating to insolvency and winding up of companies. NCLT is a quasi-judicial body that adjudicates issues relating to Indian companies. The IBC proposed two tribunals to adjudicate insolvency resolution cases- the NCLT adjudicates cases for companies and limited liability partnerships and the Debt Recovery Tribunal which will adjudicate cases for individuals and partnership firms.

Read more: Pre-Pack Insolvency Resolution Process, National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)

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James Webb telescope Spots Compact Galaxy

The James Webb Space Telescope's latest discovery of a highly compact galaxy formed shortly after the Big Bang is revolutionizing our understanding of the early universe. The galaxy, which existed around 13.3 billion years ago, is about 1,000 times smaller than the Milky Way but forms new stars at a rate comparable to our present-day galaxy. This finding challenges the conventional understanding of galaxy formation in the early universe, indicating that the first galaxies may be very different from those that exist today, and our usual assumptions about galaxy properties may not apply in the early universe.

The galaxy's chemical composition also differs from present-day galaxies due to a scarcity of heavier elements at the time of its formation. Observing this galaxy was aided by "Gravitational lensing" phenomena. Gravitational lensing is a phenomenon where a large group of galaxies creates a strong gravitational field that bends and magnifies the light coming from distant galaxies behind it.

Read more: James Webb Space Telescope, Big Bang

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Uttaramerur Inscription

Indian Prime Minister recently referred to the Uttaramerur inscription in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, while discussing India's democratic history. The inscription, dating back to the reign of Parantaka I (907-953 AD), provides a detailed description of how the village's self-governance functioned. Historians and political leaders often cite the inscription as evidence of India's long history of democratic functioning. Uttaramerur, located in the present-day Kanchipuram district, is a small town known for its historic temples built during Pallava and Chola rule. The famous inscription from Parantaka I's reign can be found on the walls of the Vaikunda Perumal Temple.

The inscription describes how the local sabha, or village assembly, functioned. It outlines how members were selected, the qualifications required, and their roles and responsibilities, including specialized committees tasked with different functions. The sabha was exclusively composed of brahmans, and the inscription detailed the circumstances in which members could be removed. The inscription also described the various committees within the sabha, their responsibilities, and their limitations. These committee assignments lasted for 360 days, after which members had to retire.

Sabha membership was restricted to a tiny subsection of land-owning brahmans, and there were no true elections. Rather, members were chosen from an eligible pool of candidates through a draw of lots. However, the inscription should be cited as a precedent for democratic functioning. The inscription is like a constitution. If the rule of law is an essential component of a democracy, the Uttaramerur inscription describes a system of government that follows just that.

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