Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 03 Aug 2023

Relief for Displaced School Children Amid Manipur Ethnic Violence

The ethnic violence in Manipur has led to the displacement of over 14,000 school children, prompting swift measures by the Ministry of Education to ensure their continued education.

The ethnic clashes in Manipur were ignited by a 'Tribal Solidarity March' on May 3, 2023, organized as a response to the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by the Meitei community.
- The Meitei people are also known as Manipuri people.
- Their primary language is the Meitei language, which is also called Manipuri and is the only official language of Manipur.
- They are predominantly settled in the Imphal Valley, although a significant number reside in other Indian states, such as Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
- The Meitei people are divided into clans, and members of the same clan do not intermarry.

PM-YASASVI SCHEME

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing an umbrella scheme namely PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM –YASASVI) for students in the Other Backward Class (OBC), SC, Denotified, Nomadic and semi-Nomadic Tribe (DNT) and Economically Backward Caste (EBC) categories.

The key components of the scheme include
- Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students.
- Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students.
- Top Class School Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students.
- Top Class College Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students.
- Construction of Hostel for OBC Boys and Girls.

Read more: Scholarship Schemes in India

Rising Psychiatric Cases in CAPFs

The Ministry of Home Affairs recently reported a concerning increase in psychiatric patients within the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The number of cases surged from 3,584 in 2020 to 4,940 in 2022, marking a nearly 38% rise in reported psychiatric conditions.

Psychiatric cases refer to individuals who are experiencing mental health disorders or conditions that require diagnosis, treatment, and care from mental health professionals.
- These cases encompass a wide range of mental health issues, including but not limited to:
  - Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
  - Bipolar Disorder: Cycles of extreme mood swings, including manic and depressive episodes.
  - Schizophrenia: A severe mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
Also, the rising number of personnel opting for voluntary retirement in the post-pandemic period remains a concern. In 2022, a record 11,211 personnel took voluntary retirement, signaling possible dissatisfaction and burnout among the workforce.

Aadi Perukku 2023

Aadi Perukku, also known as Pathinettam Perukku, is a significant festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu to express gratitude for the monsoon season and the life-sustaining properties of water.

Falling on the 18^th day of the Aadi month in the Tamil Calendar, this festival marks the onset of the monsoon season, which brings increased water levels to the rivers and benefits sowing and vegetation.
During Aadi Perukku, people gather near the banks of rivers, especially the Kaveri River, to perform rituals and offer prayers