Misuse of Indian Law

Source: IE 

Why in News?  

Recently, a Public interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court (SC) after a techie’s suicide in Bengaluru, seekings intervention to review and reform dowry and domestic violence laws. 

• The plea stated that Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 and Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (now Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) have been misused to settle unrelated disputes and suppress the husband's family. 

How Indian Laws are Misused? 

• Section 304B (Dowry Death) of IPC: Overtime people were made to believe that every unnatural or untimely death of a married Indian woman is dowry death. 
  • In such cases a husband or relative shall be punished with imprisonment for no less than seven years, which may extend to life imprisonment. 
• Section 498A (Cruelty Against Women) of IPC: Section 498A mandates imprisonment of up to three years and a fine for a husband or his relatives if found guilty of cruelty or harassment towards a married woman. 
  • Section 304B is a non-bailable, non-compoundable, and cognizable offence, meaning a trial will occur even if the allegation is false, and the husband is presumed guilty until proven innocent. 
  • According to National Crime Records Bureau data, in 2012 nearly 200,000 people were arrested on unproven dowry allegations, with only 15% of the accused convicted. 
• Section 375 (Rape) of IPC: Under Section 375 of the IPC, only men can be perpetrators and women victims of rape. The section does not recognize men and transgenders as rape victims.  
  • Section 377 of IPC is the only option for male victims, but it faces challenges and does not classify male-on-male sexual assault as rape. 
• Section 69 of the BNS: It criminalizes "sexual intercourse by deceitful means," including "promising to marry a woman without intent," with imprisonment up to 10 years and a fine. 
  • A consensual sexual relationship made on the promise of marriage will be a crime only if a man backtracks from it and not a woman. 
  • Criminalising a “Promise to Marry” can intrude into an individual’s right to privacy and autonomy ignores the fact the woman was in a relationship on her own will. 
• Section 354 of IPC: It deals with assault or criminal force with the intent to outrage a woman's modesty. However, there is no such law made to protect the modesty of a man and transgender. 
  • There are cases where women bully men, and go unprosecuted, because the law of the country does not protect men from such crimes. 
• Section 125 of CrPC Act, 1973: Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 sets out the concept of maintenance in India not only to the wife but also to her parents and children. 
  • The maintenance law was designed to make men solely responsible for supporting their dependents, without considering whether women actually need financial support. 
• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: It does not recognize men and transgender as potential victims of domestic abuse. 
  • Men facing harassment or abuse from partners have no legal protection under this act and are often met with skepticism when reporting such cases. 
• Custody and Divorce Proceedings: In custody disputes, the courts often favor mothers as primary caretakers. Fathers are often marginalized even when they have a close bond.  
• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012: A single woman can adopt kids of any sexual identity, but a single man cannot adopt a daughter.  
  • In the event of a married relationship, both spouses must agree to the adoption. 

What are Impacts of False Accusations and Legal Harassment?  

• Depression and Anxiety: False accusations or legal harassment can cause severe psychological distress, leading to feelings of betrayal, helplessness, and chronic anxiety. 
• Social Stigma: Men facing legal harassment or false accusations may be stigmatized as guilty or untrustworthy, leading to isolation from family, friends, and social networks. 
• Suppressed Emotions: Societal expectations that men be stoic and resilient discourage them from expressing vulnerability or seeking support, leading to internalized distress and worsened mental health issues. 
• Marital Suicide Rates: NCRB data shows that married men have a significantly higher suicide rate than women, partly due to legal and social challenges.  
• Financial Burdens: For many men, the burden of legal fees, potential loss of employment can be financially devastating. 

What is the Judicial Stand on Misuse of Indian Law? 

• Sakshi v Union of India case, 1999: The SC directed the Law Commission to deal with the issue of gender neutral rape laws.     
  • Consequentially, the 172nd Report of the Law Commission 2000 recommended replacing the offence of rape with a gender-neutral offence of "sexual assault." 
• Priya Patel v State of MP Case, 2006: In this case, the perpetrator's wife witnessed the rape, slapped the victim, closed the door, and left, showing intent to assist in the crime.  
  • However, the Court ruled she couldn't be convicted of rape because she was a woman. 
• Sushil Kumar Sharma Case, 2005: The petitioner challenged Section 498A of the IPC for violating equality.   
  • The Supreme Court acknowledged that misuse of the provision could lead to legal terrorism but upheld its constitutionality, stating its main purpose was to prevent dowry deaths. 
• Chandrabhan Case, 1954: In Chandrabhan case, 1954, the Delhi HC concluded that most complaints against husbands are filed in the heat of the moment over trivial fights, and amidst the rift and hostility, the children suffer the most. 
• Arnesh Kumar v State of Bihar, 2014: The SC, laid stress on the need for exercising caution while dealing with the arrest of an accused under Section 498A as it is a non-bailable and cognizable offence. 

How to Achieve Gender-Neutrality in Indian Laws? 

• Acknowledging Gender Bias: The outdated view that men are always perpetrators and women victims ignores the fact that men can also be victims of domestic violence, harassment, and false accusations. 
  • Legal reforms should acknowledge these realities and ensure laws protect both men and women and other gender equally. 
• Sensitizing Criminal Justice System: Efforts should be made to sensitize judges, legal professionals and police to recognize and challenge their own unconscious biases through training programs and workshops on gender stereotypes. 
• Revise Existing Laws: It is essential to adopt gender-neutral language that ensures both men and women, and even non-binary individuals, are equally protected.  
  • E.g., using terms like “spouse” instead of “husband” or “wife” ensures that the laws do not favor one gender over the other. 
• Institutions for Men’s Welfare: Institutions need to be gender neutral. The ministry of  women needs to be renamed as the ministry for welfare of human development so that every person needs to be protected. 
• Sensitizing Society: Achieving gender neutrality requires challenging stereotypes that see men as strong and emotionless and women as weak and nurturing.  
  • Both men and women can be victims or perpetrators and should be treated with equal respect. 

Drishti Mains Question:  Q. In the context of gender equality, examine the biases in Indian laws. What reforms are necessary to create gender-neutral laws in India?

 

Agricultural Expansion Threatens Biodiversity

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Recently, a study found that agricultural expansion is putting frog populations at risk in the Western Ghats. 

• It is part of the broader issue of agricultural expansion threatening biodiversity and causing habitat loss. 

What are the Key Findings of the Study? 

• Impact of Agricultural Expansion: Paddy fields and orchard expansion threaten frog population with paddy fields showing the lowest frog diversity and mango and cashew orchards housing the fewest frogs overall. 
• Decline of Rare Frog Species: Rare species, such as the CEPF Burrowing Frog (Minervarya cepfi) and the Goan Fejervarya (Minervarya gomantaki), were scarce in altered agricultural habitats. 
• Global and Local Amphibian Decline: About 40.7% (8,011 species) of amphibians worldwide are classified as threatened due to habitat destruction, pollution, climate change and diseases like chytridiomycosis. 
  • The Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot with 252 amphibian species (226 frogs), is facing habitat loss and declining frog populations. 
• Reasons for Decline: 
  • Loss of Microhabitats: Important microhabitats like rock pools, which protect frog eggs and tadpoles during dry spells, are being threatened by agricultural practices. 
  • Wetland Destruction: Agricultural and urban expansion is destroying wetlands crucial for frog reproduction. 
  • Agricultural Runoff: Agricultural runoff with pesticides and fertilizers harms water quality, endangering sensitive frog populations. 
  • Climate Change: Frogs' sensitivity to even minor environmental changes makes them vulnerable to climate change and human disturbances.

How Agricultural Expansion Threatens Biodiversity? 

• Deforestation: Conversion of forests into farmland is the leading cause of habitat decline.   
  • The area of primary forest worldwide has decreased by over 80 million hectares since 1990 resulting in habitat destruction, fragmentation, and eventual extinction. 
• Habitat Destruction: Between 1962 and 2017, approximately 340 million hectares of new cropland and 470 million hectares of natural ecosystems were converted into pastures globally leading to the destruction of critical ecosystems. 
• Monoculture: Large-scale agricultural practices like cattle ranching, soy, and palm oil cultivation replaces previously diverse ecosystems with monocultures and domesticated animals like cows, goats, sheep, and pigs. 
• Overuse of Chemicals: Industrial agricultural practices, especially the overuse of pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals pollute groundwater and water systems, affecting both aquatic and terrestrial species.  
• Reduced Carbon Storage: Cropland stores significantly less carbon compared to the original forests or vegetation.  
  • Land-use changes could release 17 gigatons of CO2 in the long-term, worsening the climate crisis and threatening biodiversity by disrupting ecosystems. 
• Extinction Risks: Around 13,382 species of the 25,000 identified as threatened by the IUCN are endangered primarily due to agricultural land clearing and degradation.  
  • In addition, some 3,019 species are affected by hunting and fishing, and 3,020 by pollution from the food system. 
• Isolation of species: Agricultural expansion fragments habitats, isolating ecosystems and increasing species' extinction risk due to inbreeding, resource scarcity, and limited mobility. 

 

How Agricultural Expansion and Biodiversity Protection Can Be Balanced? 

• Closing yield Gaps: In many low-income countries, yields have stagnated despite growing food demand, leading to increased land clearing. 
  • Closing the yield gap in tropical countries with high biodiversity is crucial to meet food demands without encroaching further on natural ecosystems. 
  • Yield gap is the difference between current and potential yields. 
• Sustainable Intensification: Precision agriculture reduces pollution, emissions, and land use by optimizing fertilizer use, helping farmers maintain high yields with fewer environmental costs. 
• Diversified Farming Systems: Practices like intercropping (growing multiple crops together) or using cover crops can increase productivity without additional chemical inputs, enhancing soil fertility and pest control.  
• Land-Use Planning: Strong land-use planning and zoning policies that protect areas of high ecological value can direct agricultural growth while protecting sensitive ecosystems. 
• Healthier Diets: Diets that are more plant-based and less reliant on resource-intensive meat production require less cropland and have a lower environmental impact. E.g., seafood is a healthier alternative to red meats. 
• Reducing Food Waste: Reducing food loss and waste by half could reduce global food demand by 15%, and thus the need for 230 million hectares of additional cropland.

Conclusion 

• Agricultural expansion poses significant threats to biodiversity, exemplified by the decline in frog populations in the Western Ghats. However, sustainable practices like closing yield gaps, precision agriculture, diversified farming, and proper land-use planning can help balance food production with biodiversity protection, ensuring both environmental and food security. 

Drishti Mains Question:  Q. How does agricultural expansion contribute to biodiversity loss, and what steps can be taken to mitigate this impact?

53rd Anniversary of Vijay Diwas

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

Recently, India commemorated Vijay Diwas on 16^th December marking the 53rd anniversary of its victory in the Bangladesh Liberation War, 1971 and the creation of Bangladesh.  

• National leaders, including the President and Prime Minister (PM), paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial in Delhi. 

What was the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War? 

• About: 
  • The Bangladesh Liberation War, 1971 was an armed conflict between erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and West Pakistan (now Pakistan) resulting in the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan. 
• Origin: 
  • The roots of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War trace back to the 1947 Partition of India, which divided the subcontinent along religious lines. 
  • Pakistan was created as a Muslim-majority state in response to meet the demand of Jinnah. 
  • Despite uniting under religion, stark geographical, cultural, and linguistic differences between East and West Pakistan sowed discord. 
• Causes of 1971 War: 
  • Social Exploitation: Post-independence, West Pakistan perceived East Pakistan as culturally inferior due to its historical ties with the Hindu-dominated elite before Partition. This perception fueled systematic discrimination against the Bengali population. 
  • Linguistic Marginalisation: The imposition of Urdu as Pakistan's national language disregarded Bengali, the predominant language of East Pakistan, leading to widespread unrest and protests. 
  • Political Discrimination: West Pakistan dominated the central government, with power concentrated among the Punjabi elite. East Pakistan, despite its larger population, had minimal representation in decision-making. 
    • The 1970 elections, won decisively by the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of Awami League, symbolized East Pakistan's demand for autonomy but were met with resistance from West Pakistani leaders, triggering unrest. 
  • Economic Exploitation: East Pakistan faced severe economic neglect and exploitation.  
    • East Pakistan, despite generating 62% of Pakistan's revenue, received only 25% of the national budget for its development. 
  • Employment Disparities: West Pakistanis occupied the majority of administrative and higher-ranking positions, while Bengalis were underrepresented in both civil and military services, further deepening inequalities. 
• Key Events of the War: 
  • Operation Searchlight (25th March 1971): 
    • The Pakistani military launched a brutal crackdown on Dhaka and other regions of East Pakistan to suppress Bengali nationalist movements. 
    • The operation targeted students, intellectuals, and political leaders, leading to widespread killings and destruction. 
  • Independence and Provisional Government: 
    • Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s proclamation of Bangladesh’s independence marked the formal beginning of the Liberation War. 
    • The Mukti Bahini (Freedom Fighters) was formed to organize guerrilla warfare against Pakistani forces. 
    • Later, the Provisional Government of Bangladesh was established in Mujibnagar and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was declared President. 
  • Military Campaigns by Mukti Bahini (April–December 1971): 
    • The Mukti Bahini conducted guerrilla operations across East Pakistan, targeting Pakistani forces and disrupting supply chains. 
  • Refugee Crisis in India (Mid-1971): 
    • Over 10 million refugees fled to India due to the Pakistani military’s atrocities. 
    • India, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, provided humanitarian aid and later extended military and diplomatic support to the Mukti Bahini.

What was India's Response to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War? 

• Initial Caution and Humanitarian Crisis: 
  • India initially adopted a cautious stance, but the military crackdown by Pakistan in East Pakistan led to a mass exodus of refugees- approximately 8-10 million, predominantly Hindus, fleeing to India. 
  • India set up refugee camps in eastern states, primarily in West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Tripura, and Meghalaya. 
• Diplomatic Efforts: 
  • India sought global support to expose Pakistan's atrocities and garner international pressure. 
• Military Intervention and Outcome: 
  • The war began on 3rd December 1971 when Pakistan launched air strikes on Indian military bases on western fronts, prompting India to retaliate with air strikes and launch coordinated operations on both the Eastern and Western fronts.  
  • India provided critical support to the Mukti Bahini, a 20,000-strong guerrilla force of Bangladeshi fighters, by training them and leveraging their knowledge of East Pakistan's geography.  
  • The conflict lasted 13 days, with India’s military forces, including the Navy and Air Force, making significant advances.  
  • On 16^th December 1971, Pakistan’s Lt. Gen. A.A.K. Niazi signed the Instrument of Surrender in Dhaka, resulting in the surrender of over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers, marking one of the largest military capitulations since World War II and leading to the creation of Bangladesh. 
• Consequences of the War: 
  • The war led to the repudiation of Jinnah’s two-nation theory, undermining Pakistan’s claim over Kashmir and significantly weakening its position in South Asia. 
    • Jinnah's two-nation theory asserted that Hindus and Muslims were distinct nations with irreconcilable religious, cultural, and social differences, necessitating separate nations to safeguard their respective interests. 
  • India strengthened its international image by offering humanitarian aid and  thextending support toe victims of Pakistan's repression, showcasing its commitment to human rights and compassion. 

Drishti Mains Question: Discuss the major challenges in India-Bangladesh relations. Suggest measures to address these issues to enhance bilateral cooperation and regional stability.

Strengthening Wetland Protection

Source: HT 

 Why in News? 

 Recently, the Supreme Court of India in a PIL filed by activists, ordered the protection of approximately 30,000 additional wetlands, building upon the earlier protection of 201,503 wetlands as per a 2017 ruling in M. K. Balakrishnan Vs Union of India Case.  

• The court mandated that states and Union Territories complete the demarcation and ground truthing of these wetlands within three months. 

What are Wetlands? 

• Wetlands are defined as areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water (natural or artificial) with water that is static or flowing, including marine areas with a depth not exceeding six meters. 
  • Wetlands are ecotone, having land transitional between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. 
• Types of Wetlands: 
  • Coastal Wetlands: Found between land and open sea, not influenced by rivers.  
    • Examples include shorelines, beaches, mangroves, and coral reefs, such as mangrove swamps in sheltered tropical coastal areas. 
  • Shallow Lakes and Ponds: Areas of permanent or semi-permanent water with little flow, including vernal ponds, spring pools, salt lakes, and volcanic crater lakes. 
  • Marshes: Periodically saturated, flooded, or ponded with water, characterised by herbaceous (non-woody) vegetation adapted to wet soil conditions.  
    • They can be tidal or non-tidal. 
  • Swamps: Dominated by trees and shrubs, swamps are primarily fed by surface water inputs and occur in freshwater or saltwater floodplains. 
  • Bogs: Waterlogged peatlands found in old lake basins or landscape depressions, with most water coming from rainfall. 
  • Estuaries: Areas where rivers meet the sea, transitioning from fresh to saltwater, rich in biodiversity.  
    • Examples include deltas, tidal mudflats, and salt marshes. 
• Significance of Wetlands: 
  • Natural Water Filters: Wetlands act as natural water filters by trapping sediments, breaking down pollutants, and absorbing excess nutrients.  
    • This process improves water quality, ensuring it is cleaner and safer for human consumption and supporting overall ecosystem health.  
  • Flood Prevention: They absorb and store excess water, reducing flood risks and protecting homes and infrastructure. 
    • The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) emphasizes that wetlands can significantly reduce flood risks in surrounding areas by up to 60%. 
  • Habitat for Wildlife: Wetlands provide crucial habitats for many species of birds, fish, and other wildlife, including threatened species like the Sarus Crane. 
    •  According to the National Wetland Inventory & Assessment by the Space Applications Centre (SAC), wetlands support over 40% of the world's species, despite covering only about 6% of the Earth's surface. 
  • Carbon Sequestration: Wetlands store large amounts of carbon in their soil and vegetation, helping to mitigate climate change. 
    • The Indian Network for Climate Change Assessment (INCCA) emphasizes that restoring wetlands can significantly contribute to India's climate goals by enhancing carbon sequestration, improving water quality, and reducing flood risks. 
  • Livelihoods: Many communities depend on wetlands for their livelihoods through fishing, agriculture, and tourism.  
    • Around one billion households in Asia, Africa, and the Americas rely on rice cultivation for their livelihoods. Wetland paddy rice is a staple for 3.5 billion people, providing 20% of global calorie intake. 

What is the Status of Wetlands in India? 

• As per satellite based observation by Space Applications Centre (SAC), there are approximately 231,195 wetlands in India. However, only 92 wetlands have been officially notified for protection under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017. 
• Initiatives Taken for Conservation of Wetlands:  
  • Ramsar Convention: India joined the Ramsar Convention on 1st February 1982, and has since designated 85 wetlands, covering 1,367,749 hectares, as Wetlands of International Importance. 
    • Recent ones are Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary, Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu), and Madhya Pradesh’s Tawa Reservoir. 
    • Montreux Record: Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites under Ramsar Convention on the List of Wetlands of International Importance. 
  • Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. 
  • Action Plan of MoEFCC 
  • National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) 
  • Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme 

 

What are the Challenges in Wetland Conservation? 

• Inadequate Legal Framework: 
  • Regulatory Challenges: While there are laws in place, such as the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, enforcement is often weak. Many wetlands remain unprotected or improperly managed. 
    • The 2022-23 water body census shows India has 24,24,540 water bodies, with 55% privately owned, complicating conservation efforts. 
  • Decentralization Issues: The delegation of powers to state governments for wetland management has led to inconsistencies in implementation and protection across different regions. 
• Urbanisation and Land Use Changes: 
  • Encroachment: Rapid urbanization has encroached on wetlands, diminishing their size and ecological function. Cities like Chennai and Mumbai have seen significant declines. 
    • Over the past 30 years, India has lost 30% of its wetlands due to urbanization, pollution, and agriculture.  
• Pollution and Water Quality Degradation: 
  • Industrial Discharge: Many wetlands like East Kolkata Wetlands are subjected to pollution from industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage, which severely impacts their health and biodiversity. 
  • Invasive Species: The introduction of invasive plant species can alter the natural ecosystem balance, further threatening native flora and fauna. 
    • For example, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an invasive plant species that has spread across many water bodies in India 
• Climate Change Impacts: 
  • Altered Hydrology: Climate change affects rainfall patterns, leading to changes in water levels that can disrupt wetland ecosystems as seen in Sundarbans. 
    • Wetlands are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, which can degrade their ecological integrity. 
• Lack of Awareness: 
  • Educational Gaps: Many communities do not understand the benefits that wetlands provide, such as flood control, water purification, and habitat for biodiversity. 
    • There is a general lack of awareness among the public and policymakers about the ecological importance of wetlands, leading to inadequate conservation efforts. 

Way Forward 

• Integration of Wetlands in Policies: 
  • Emission Goals: Incorporating wetlands' blue carbon can support the conservation goals (India's net-zero emissions by 2070) but is currently overlooked due to the lack of systematic inventories. 
    • Incorporate carbon storage and GHG emissions from wetlands into national carbon stock and flux assessments.  
    • Additionally, create a detailed inventory of peatlands to better understand and manage their carbon dynamics. 
• Effective Management of Wetlands: 
  • Integrated Approach: Address unplanned urbanization in nearby wetlands with integrated planning, execution, and monitoring. 
    • Foster collaborations among ecologists, watershed management specialists, planners, and decision-makers. 
• Developing Synergy with Mega Urban Schemes: 
  • Highlight Ecosystem Services: Emphasize the role of wetlands in development policies, urban planning, and climate change mitigation. 
    • Integrate sustainable wetland management into initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation. 
• Enabling People’s Participation: 
  • Public Involvement: The Delhi Development Authority's Master Plan Delhi 2041 invites public comments to protect and develop an integrated network of 'green and blue assets'. 
    • The Swamini self-help group's mangrove safari in Mandavi creek, Maharashtra, is a model for community-led conservation through ecotourism. 

 

Drishti Mains Question  Q. Discuss the significance of the recent Supreme Court directive to protect additional wetlands in India.

Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

Recently, Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro, passed away due to complications from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). 

What are Key Points about Zakir Hussain? 

• Early Life: Zakir Hussain, born on 9th March 1951, was the son of the legendary tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha. 
  • He began his tabla training at the age of seven. 
• Contributions: His collaboration with Western musicians, especially the 1973 project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist T.H. 'Vikku' Vinayakram, brought Indian classical music to the global stage. 
• Awards: He won four Grammy Awards, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards in 2024. He also received Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Vibhushan (2023). 

What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)? 

• About: IPF is a chronic lung disease which causes the air sacs in the lungs to become scarred and fibrous, disrupting their ability to exchange oxygen efficiently. 
  • The tissues around alveoli in the lungs become thick and stiff. 
    • Alveoli are small air sacs at the end of bronchioles that exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with the bloodstream. 
• Cause: The exact cause of IPF is unknown, hence the term "idiopathic" which means unexplained.  
• Risk Factors: IPF is more common in males and in current or former smokers. It most commonly affects adults over the age of 50. 
  • Other risk factors include genetic factors, exposures such as cigarette smoking, and viral infections. 

 

Tabla 

• About: The Tabla is a pair of vertical drums used in Hindustani classical music, consisting of two vertical drums: the Tabla (right) and the Bayan or Dagga (left). 
  • Tabla is a percussion instrument called awanad/avanaddha vadya. 
  • Amir Khusrau is believed to have invented Tabla. 
• Making of Tabla: The Tabla has a wooden body covered with animal skin.  
  • The center of the Tabla's skin is covered with syahi paste, which helps in tuning the drum.  
  • The Bayan has a clay or metal body and is also covered with animal skin with syahi paste. 
• Musical Role: The Tabla is primarily used as an accompaniment to vocal and instrumental Hindustani music as well as various dance forms in northern India. 
• Prominent Musicians: Famous tabla players include Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, his son Zakir Hussain, Shafat Ahmed, and Samta Prasad. 

Anniversary of Mirza Ghalib

Source: PTI 

Recently, a 3-day event titled ‘Remembering Ghalib’ was organized by the Sahitya Kala Parishad in Delhi, to mark the birth anniversary of renowned poet Mirza Ghalib.  

• Sahitya Kala Parishad is a cultural wing of the Government of Delhi, set up in 1968 for the promotion and propagation of Art and Culture in Delhi.  
• Mirza Ghalib: 
• Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan, known as Ghalib, was born on 27th December 1797.  
• A legendary Urdu and Persian poet, he traced his ancestry to the Aibak Turks. 
  • He married at 13 and settled in Delhi. 
• In 1850, Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar II awarded him the titles Dabir-ul-Mulk and Najm-ud-Daula. 
  • He was appointed royal tutor for poetry and historian. 
• After Ghalib’s death in 1869, he was buried near the tomb of Nizamuddin Auliya, a famous sufi saint of the Chishti Order, in Hazrat Nizamuddin. 
  • He made Urdu letter writing more conversational. 

 

Read more: Medieval and Modern Indian Literature  

Tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Source: PIB 

Recently, the Indian Prime Minister honored Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel  on the anniversary of his death, which occurred on 15th December 1950. 

• He is widely recognized as the "Iron Man of India" due to his unwavering determination and steadfast approach, and is celebrated as an emblem of national unity and resilience. 
• Political Achievements:  
  • He was instrumental in the Kheda Satyagraha (1918), advocating for tax relief for farmers who suffered crop failures due to drought. 
  • He spearheaded the opposition during the Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) against an unfair tax hike, which earned him the title "Sardar" in recognition of his leadership. 
  • He adopted Mahatma Gandhi's vision, leading initiatives such as the Salt Satyagraha in 1930 and enduring several imprisonments for his participation. 
  • He presided over the 1931 Congress session at Karachi, steering the discussions surrounding the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, resolution on Fundamental Rights and National Economic Programme. 
  • He led the integration of approximately 562 princely states into the Indian Union, ensuring stability and democracy for millions. 
• National Civil Services Day, observed on 21st April, commemorates Sardar Patel's 1947 speech in which he referred to civil servants as "the steel frame of India," emphasising their commitment to public service. 
• He chaired the Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities, and Tribal and Excluded Areas in the Constituent Assembly. 
• On  31st October 2018, the Statue of Unity, standing at 182 meters and recognized as the world's tallest statue, was unveiled in Kevadia, Gujarat, in tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. 

Read More: Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Sri Potti Sriramulu

Source: TOI 

Recently, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister announced the establishment of a Telugu University in honor of martyr Sri Potti Sriramulu to commemorate his sacrifices for the Telugu people. 

• Sri Potti Sriramulu is honored for his crucial role in advocating for a Telugu-speaking state from Madras. His sacrifice on 15^th December led to the creation of linguistic states in India. 
• His death after a 56-day fast led to widespread violence, prompting the government to form a State Reorganisation Commission (Dec 1953), creating Andhra Pradesh in Oct 1953. 
• Sriramulu participated in the Indian Independence Movement and was jailed for his involvement in the 1930 Salt Satyagraha and also participated in the Quit India Movement. 
• He was a dedicated follower and ardent supporter of Mahatma Gandhi. He also joined the Gandhi Ashram in Komaravolu, established by Yerneni Subrahmanyam. 
• He undertook a fast to support Dalit entry rights to the Venu Gopala Swamy Temple in Moolapeta, Nellore, which were eventually granted. 

Read More: Statehood Demand 

Cyclone Chido in Mayotte

Source: DTE 

Recently, Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte, a French Indian Ocean territory, located in the Mozambique Channel (Indian Ocean). 

• About Mayotte:  
  • It consists of two islands of the Comoros archipelago, with the main island called Mayotte (or Grande Terre) and the smaller island Pamandzi (Petite Terre).  
  • It is the poorest territory in both France and the European Union.  
  • France colonised Mayotte in 1843 and annexed the whole archipelago, including Comoros, in 1904. 
    • In a 1974 referendum, 95% backed separation but 63% of Mayotte voted to stay French.  
    • Grande Comore, Anjouan and Moheli declared independence in 1975. Mayotte is still ruled from Paris. 

 

Read More: Cyclone, Chagos Archipelago and Diego Garcia Island

National Energy Conservation Day 2024

Source: PIB 

•  Recently, on 14^th December (Energy Conservation 2024 Day), the Vice President of India honored winners of the National Painting Competition. 
• The event highlighted the scope of energy conservation through the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act of 2022. 
  • NECA: The National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) 2024 recognized achievements across various sectors, receiving 752 applications and presenting 71 awards. 
  • NECA was first presented on 14^th December 1991, which was declared as 'National Energy Conservation Day'. 
• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), guided by the Ministry of Power, awards industrial units, institutions, and establishments for reducing energy consumption on National Energy Conservation Day. 
  • BEE: BEE was set up on 1st March 2002 under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. 
• BEE promotes energy efficiency in India through initiatives like the Standards and Labeling (S&L)  Program, Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, Demand Side Management (DSM) programs, and public awareness campaigns, as per the Energy Conservation Act of 2001. 

 Read more: Celebrating Energy Efficiency: National Energy Conservation Day 2023 

Malibu Wildfire

Source: TOI 

Recently, a significant wildfire, known as the Franklin Fire, erupted in Malibu, California, prompting the evacuation of residents. 

• Experts attribute the Franklin Fire's destructiveness to the "Santa Ana" winds and climate change. 
  • Santa Ana winds occur when high pressure over the Great Basin (the area between the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada) and low pressure over California's coast drive strong winds from inland deserts over mountains to the Pacific Ocean. 
  • The winds usually occur from October to January. 
• Wildfire: A wildfire is an uncontrolled, unplanned fire in natural areas like forests or grasslands, spreading due to environmental factors like wind and terrain. 
• Types of Wildfire: 

 

• Indian Scenario: 
  • According to the ISFR 2021 by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), 35.47% of forest cover is classified as fire-prone. 
    • The highest number of forest fires reported are in Mizoram (3,738), Manipur (1,702), Assam (1,652), Meghalaya (1,252), and Maharashtra (1,215). 
  • Government Initiatives: 
    • National Action Plan for Forest Fires (NAPFF) 
    • The Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FPM)

Read More: Forest Fires 

Indian Light Tank (ILT) Zorawar

Source: HT 

The Indian Light Tank (ILT), also known as Zorawar, has successfully completed firing trials at an altitude of over 4,200m.  

• It was jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) with contributions from various Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises for high-altitude warfare and rapid deployment.  
• Key Features: 
  • High-Altitude Performance: It successfully fired multiple rounds with precision at varying ranges and demonstrated exceptional mobility and reliability in the challenging terrain of Ladakh. 
  • Airlift Capability: It was successfully airlifted by the Indian Air Force, enabling rapid deployment to remote and inaccessible areas. 
• Significance: It strengthens India's mountain warfare capabilities with indigenous innovation, offering air transportability, high-angle firing, and limited artillery roles for enhanced mobility. 

 

Read more: Defence Technology