• 12 Feb 2025

Chhattisgarh High Court Take on Unnatural Sex

Why in News? 

The Chhattisgarh High Court has ruled that a man engaging in sexual intercourse or sexual acts with his wife does not constitute rape. Consequently, if a husband commits unnatural sex as defined under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code with his wife, it also cannot be treated as an offense. 

 Key Points 

• Case Background: 
  • The Chhattisgarh High Court heard an appeal filed by a resident of Bastar district challenging his conviction in his wife’s 2017 death case. 
  • A sessions court had earlier ruled that the woman became ill and later died due to a forced physical relationship. 
• Trial Court's Conviction: 
  • The sessions court convicted the appellant under: 
    • Section 377 (unnatural sex) 
    • Section 376 (rape) 
    • Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. 
  • The appellant was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment based on his wife's dying declaration. 
• High Court's Ruling: 
  • The court stated that sexual intercourse or acts by a husband with his wife cannot be termed as rape if the wife is above 15 years of age. 
  • It ruled that lack of consent for unnatural sex loses significance under these circumstances, making Sections 376 and 377 inapplicable. 
  • The High Court also expressed skepticism about the correctness of the dying declaration, raising concerns over its reliability. 

 

Aravali Safari Park

Why in News? 

Recently, several retired Indian Forest Service officers from across the country submitted a representation to the Prime Minister, opposing the proposed 10,000-acre Aravali Safari Park project in parts of Gurugram and Nuh.  

• They emphasized that any intervention in an eco-sensitive zone should prioritize "conservation and restoration" rather than destruction. 

 Key Points 

• Aravali Safari Park: 
  • This project will be the largest such project in the world. Currently the largest curated safari park outside Africa is in Sharjah, which opened in February 2022, with an area of about two thousand acres. 
  • It aims to boost tourism and employment opportunities for the local people. 
• Ecological Concerns: 
  • The project would increase vehicular traffic and construction in an eco-sensitive zone, harming the environment. 
  • They highlighted that the Aravali hills serve as critical water reserves for the water-scarce regions of Gurugram and Nuh. 
  • The proposed “underwater zone” in the park could alter water levels, exacerbating water scarcity in an area already classified as “overexploited” by the Central Ground Water Board. 
• Legal and Environmental Restrictions: 
  • It is emphasized that the Safari Park falls under a "forest" category, where environmental laws strictly prohibit deforestation, land clearing, and construction. 
  • They cited multiple Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, that restrict such activities. 
• Impact on Haryana’s Forest Cover and Sustainability: 
  • Haryana has the lowest forest cover in India, and the Aravali range serves as a crucial ecological buffer. 
  • The officers warned that mining and human settlement in the area would disrupt environmental balance, violate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and threaten long-term ecological sustainability. 

 Eco Sensitive Zones 

• The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) stipulated that state governments should declare land falling within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries as eco-fragile zones or Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986. 
• While the 10-km rule is implemented as a general principle, the extent of its application can vary. Areas beyond 10 km can also be notified by the Union government as ESZs, if they hold larger ecologically important “sensitive corridors”. 

 Aravali Mountain Range 

 

• The Aravallis of Northwestern India, one of the oldest fold mountains of the world, now form residual mountains with an elevation of 300m. to 900m.  
• This range starts from Himmatnagar in Gujarat and extends up to Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi (about 720 km). 
• The mountains are divided into two main ranges – the Sambhar Sirohi Range and the Sambhar Khetri Range in Rajasthan, where their extension is about 560 km. 
• The hidden limb of the Aravallis that extends from Delhi to Haridwar creates a divide between the drainage of rivers of the Ganga and the Indus 
• These are fold mountains of which rocks are formed primarily of folded crust, when two convergent plates move towards each other by the process called orogenic movement. 
• The Aravallis date back to millions of years when a pre-Indian sub-continent collided with the mainland Eurasian Plate. Carbon dating has shown that copper and other metals mined in the ranges date back to at least 5th century BC. 

Avian Flu Outbreak at Ranchi Farm

Why in News? 

Recently, authorities culled a total of 325 birds after detecting an avian flu case at a poultry farm of Birsa Agriculture University (BAU) in Ranchi. They also sanitized the entire affected zone. 

 Key Points 

• Containment Measures: 
  • Officials assured that there is no need for panic as it was a localized incident affecting guinea fowls that were kept for research purposes in the farm. 
  • Authorities will map and notify areas within a one-kilometer radius of the outbreak. 
  • Places within a 10-kilometer radius will remain under surveillance. 
• H5N1 Detection: 
  • Around 150 guinea fowls died over the past 20 days at the farm, located in a veterinary college. 
  • The ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, confirmed the presence of the H5N1 avian influenza A virus in the samples. 
• Union Government’s Directives: 
  • The Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying instructed the state to implement containment measures, including: 
    • Declaring infected and surveillance areas 
    • Restricting access to affected premises 
    • Culling birds to prevent further spread 
• State Government’s Response: 
  • The state animal husbandry department issued an advisory and standard operating procedure (SOP): 
    • Prohibiting the sale and purchase of birds in the affected area. 
    • Establishing a control room, which will be operational soon. 

 Avian Influenza 

• About: 
  • Avian influenza, often referred to as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects birds, particularly wild birds and domestic poultry. 
  • In 1996, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus was first identified in domestic waterfowl in Southern China. The virus is named A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996. 
• Transmission to Humans and Related Symptoms: 
  • Human cases of H5N1 avian influenza occur occasionally, but it is difficult to transmit the infection from person to person. As per World Health Organisation(WHO), when people do become infected, the mortality rate is about 60%. 
    • It can range from mild flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, and muscle aches, to severe respiratory issues like pneumonia, difficulty breathing, and even cognitive problems such as altered mental status and seizures. 

 Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)  

• It was established on 16 July 1929 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. 
• It is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. 
• It is headquartered at New Delhi. 

IED Blast in Jammu

Why in News? 

Militants planted an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu’s Akhnoor Sector, killing two soldiers. 

 Key Points 

• IED Blast in Akhnoor Sector: 
  • A suspected IED blast occurred in Laleali, Akhnoor Sector, during a fence patrol, resulting in two fatalities. 
  • The Army has launched search operations and is dominating the area to secure the region. 
  • The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir paid tribute to the soldiers. 
• Security Concerns: 
  • Despite heightened surveillance along the LoC in J&K, the blast poses a major challenge to security forces. 

 Improvised Explosive Device 

• An improvised explosive device (IED) is a homemade bomb designed to destroy or incapacitate targets, commonly used by criminals, terrorists, and insurgents in various forms. 
• IEDs can be delivered through multiple means, including vehicles, placement by individuals, or roadside concealment, and gained prominence during the Iraq War that began in 2003. 

  

Line of Control 

• The Line of Control (LoC) emerged from the 1948 ceasefire line negotiated by the United Nations (UN) after the Kashmir War. 
• It was designated as the LoC in 1972, following the Shimla Agreement between the two countries. 
• LoC is demarcated up to the Siachen Glacier (Point NJ9842)- the world's highest battlefield. 
• LoC is delineated on a map signed by the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of both armies and has the international sanctity of a legal agreement. 

Adarsh Sanskrit Village

Why in News? 

The Uttarakhand government has designated one village in each of its 13 districts as an ‘Adarsh Sanskrit village’ to preserve and promote Sanskrit, the State’s second language. 

 Key Points 

• Government’s Commitment to Promote Sanskrit: 
  • The State Education Minister, referring to Sanskrit as ‘Devvani’ (language of the gods), emphasized that preserving and promoting Sanskrit is a top priority for the government. 
  • He stated that Adarsh Sanskrit Villages will help connect the new generation to Indian philosophy and knowledge traditions through Sanskrit. 
• Integration of Sanskrit into Daily Life: 
  • The government has appointed special instructors to train villagers in communicating in Sanskrit in their daily lives. 
  • Villagers will be encouraged to recite verses from the Vedas, Puranas, and Upanishads during religious rites. 
  • Women and children will be motivated to sing religious songs in Sanskrit during festivals and celebrations. 
  • Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) children will receive encouragement to study Sanskrit, aiming to foster harmony among different sections of society. 
• List of Adarsh Sanskrit Villages: 
  • The government has designated 13 villages as Adarsh Sanskrit Villages across Uttarakhand’s districts: 
    • Garhwal region: Noorpur Panjhanhedi (Haridwar), Bhogpur (Dehradun), Kotgaon (Uttarkashi), Dimmar (Chamoli), Goda (Pauri), Baiji (Rudraprayag), Mukhem (Tehri). 
    • Kumaon region: Pandey (Nainital), Jainti (Almora), Kharkkarki (Champawat), Urg (Pithoragarh), Sheri (Bageshwar), Nagla Tarai (Udham Singh Nagar). 
• Sanskrit Education in Uttarakhand: 
  • The State has more than 100 Sanskrit medium schools, further strengthening its efforts to promote the language. 

 Sanskrit 

• It is an old Indo-Aryan language in which the most ancient documents, Vedas are composed in what is called Vedic Sanskrit. 
• Classical Sanskrit, a language close to late Vedic as then used in the northwest of the subcontinent, was elegantly described in one of the finest grammars ever produced, the Astadhyayi (“Eight Chapters”) composed by Panini (c. 6th–5th century BCE). 
• Sanskrit has been written both in Devanagari script and in various regional scripts, such as Sarada from the north (Kashmir), Bangla (Bengali) in the east, Gujarati in the west, and various southern scripts, including the Grantha alphabet, which was especially devised for Sanskrit texts. 

First Successful Heart Transplant in MP

Why in News? 

Recently, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, has conducted its first successful heart transplant. 

• The State Chief Minister congratulated the doctors on this achievement and made important announcements to promote organ donation in the state. 

Key Points  

• Organ donor:    
  • The transplant was possible as a result of organ donation by a family in Sagar district.  
  • The heart was brought to AIIMS Bhopal through PM Shri Air Ambulance Service and transplanted there. 
• State level institute:  
  • The Chief Minister announced plans to expand transplant facilities in all medical colleges across the state and establish a state-level institute. 
  • This initiative will offer learning opportunities for medical students and raise awareness about organ transplantation and body donation.  
• Promoting Organ donation:  
  • The state government is making many efforts to promote organ donation:  
    • Ayushman cards will be made for the family members of those who donate their bodies. 
    • The organ donor will be cremated with state honours and will be honoured on national festivals.  

PM Shri Air Ambulance Service 

• The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh launched the state's first emergency air ambulance service in February 2024.  
• Madhya Pradesh became the first state in the country to provide this service. These services are being provided in collaboration with Pawan Hans. 
• This service provides air transport facility for immediate treatment to seriously injured persons in road and industrial accidents, and natural disasters. 
• This service is applicable in all the districts and any person can avail its benefit. 

Beneshwar Fair 2025

Why in News? 

Beneshwar Fair was organised from 8 to 12 February 2025 at Beneshwar Dham in Dungarpur district of Rajasthan. 

Key Points  

• About the fair: 
  • Beneshwar Fair is an annual festival held in the months of January or February, dedicated to Baneshwar Mahadev (Lord Shiva).  
  • On this holy occasion Bhils travel from Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to take a dip at the confluence of the Mahi and Som rivers.  
    •  This fair showcases the rich tribal culture of the Bhils and is called the “Kumbh Mela of Tribals”.  
• Cultural programs and sports:  
  • During the Beneshwar fair, many cultural and sports programs were organized by the district administration, tourism department and tribal development department.  
  • Archery, volleyball, tug of war, women's matka race, bhajan group, turban tying competitions were organised.  

Bhil Community 

• 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 labourers. They are also skilled sculptors. 
• Bhil women wear traditional saris while men are dressed in long frocks and pyjamas. The woman put on heavy ornaments made of silver, brass along with rosaries of beads and silver coins and earrings. 

New Schemes Inaugurated in Aurangabad

Why in News? 

Recently, the Chief Minister of Bihar inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 195 schemes in Aurangabad district . 

Key Points  

• The Chief Minister inaugurated 79 schemes costing Rs 127.43 crore and laid the foundation stone of 116 schemes costing Rs 426.76 crore. 
• Key Announcements and Infrastructure Developments:  
  • Medical College in Aurangabad to be established. 
  • Construction of a sports complex and stadium. 
  • Greenfield link road from Surya Mandir to SH-101 to be developed. 
  • Check dam on the Keshar river in Chand Bigha village. 
  • Riverfront development on the Adri river in Aurangabad town. 
  • Trauma centre along the national highway to be built. 
  • Bishunpur canal construction planned. 
  • Ring road in Deo Nagar Panchayat to be constructed. 
• Site Visits and Scheme Reviews: 
  • Visited Bedhani panchayat (Deo block) to inaugurate: 
    • Panchayat Bhavan. 
    • New model hospital building in Aurangabad Sadar Hospital complex. 
    • Bhimrao Ambedkar Residential School (Kushi). 
  • Reviewed progress of ‘Saat Nischay' schemes. 
• Distribution of Benefits by the Chief Minister: 
  • Provided symbolic cheque and key under the Chief Minister Block Transport Scheme. 
  • Distributed Ayushman Cards to beneficiaries. 
  • Handed over a symbolic cheque of Rs 2.94 crore as the first installment to 147 selected beneficiaries under the Chief Minister Udyam Yojana (2024-2025). 
  • Presented symbolic cheques to beneficiaries of the Chief Minister Disabled People Marriage Incentive Grant Scheme. 

 Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY 

• About: 
  • PM-JAY is the world’s largest health insurance scheme fully financed by the government. 
  • Launched in 2018, it offers a sum insured of Rs.5 lakh per family for secondary care and tertiary care. 
    • Health Benefit Packages covers surgery, medical and day care treatments, cost of medicines and diagnostics. 
• Beneficiaries: 
  • It is an entitlement-based scheme that targets the beneficiaries as identified by latest Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data. 
    • The National Health Authority (NHA) has provided flexibility to States/UTs to use non- Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) beneficiary family databases with similar socio-economic profiles for tagging against the leftover (unauthenticated) SECC families.