• 20 Jan 2025

Haryana Govt Seeks to Remove 'Objectionable' Caste Names

Why in News? 

The Haryana government has urged the Union Government to exclude specific caste names, such as Chura, Bhangi, and Mochi, from the state's Scheduled Castes list. 

• These names are considered objectionable, derogatory, and are often used as insulting remarks. 

Key Points 

• The state argues that these names are "not only objectionable but have lost relevance as well." 
• The move aims to eliminate caste-based prejudices perpetuated through these appellations. 
  • The names sought to be deleted are Chura and Bhangi, which are mentioned at serial no. 2 of the Scheduled Castes (SC) list, and Mochi, which is listed at serial no. 9 of the SC list. 
• When used negatively or as insults, these caste names perpetuate caste prejudice and may result in complaints under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, which prescribes strict penalties. 
• However, to remove these names from the SC list, the Centre must amend the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 which is the process for adding or removing castes from the SC/ST lists. 

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989:  

• The SCs and the STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, also known as the SC/ST Act 1989, was enacted to safeguard the members of SCs and STs from caste-based discrimination and violence. 
  • Rooted in Articles 15 and 17 of the Indian Constitution, the Act aims to ensure the protection of these marginalised communities and to address the inadequacies of previous laws. 
• The Act builds on the Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955, and the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, which were established to abolish untouchability and discrimination based on caste. 
• The Central Government is authorised to frame rules for the Act’s implementation, while State Governments and Union Territories administer it with central assistance. 

Fire Broke Out at Maha Kumbh Mela

Why in News? 

A fire broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, UP, on 19^th January, 2025, due to a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder blast leading to the destruction of 18 tents.  

• The 45-day Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on Paush Purnim on 13^th January, 2025, is one of the world's largest religious gatherings.  

Key Points 

• The fire was promptly extinguished, and no casualties or injuries were reported.   
  • The incident occurred near the Shastri Bridge in Zone 19 of the Mela.      
• Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG): 
  • LPG is a flammable mixture of hydrocarbon gases, primarily propane and butane, used as fuel for heating, cooking, and even in vehicles. 
  • It is stored in liquid form under pressure in tanks or cylinders.  
  • When the pressure is released, LPG vaporizes and can be used as a gas.  
  • It is widely used in households and industries due to its clean-burning properties and high energy content. 

Western Disturbance in Rajasthan

Why in News? 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that a Western Disturbance will become active over Rajasthan on 21^st January, 2025.  

Key Points 

• This weather system is expected to bring light rainfall to the north-western and north-eastern regions of the state.  
  • Consequently, the IMD has issued a warning for these areas. 
• Western Disturbances: 
  • Western disturbances are storms that originate in the Caspian or Mediterranean Sea, and bring non-monsoonal rainfall to northwest India, according to the IMD. 
  • They are labelled as an extra-tropical storm originating in the Mediterranean, is an area of low pressure that brings sudden showers, snow and fog in northwest India.  
  • The meaning of WD lies in its name.  
    • The disturbance travels from the “western” to the eastern direction.  
      • These travel eastwards on high-altitude westerly jet streams - massive ribbons of fast winds traversing the earth from west to east.  
    • Disturbance means an area of “disturbed” or reduced air pressure.  
      • Equilibrium exists in nature due to which the air in a region tries to normalise its pressure. 

Madhya Pradesh Launches TWARIT Platform

Why in News? 

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has introduced a digital platform named TWARIT (Transmission of Warrants, Summons, and Reports by Information Technology) to streamline the transmission of warrants and summons. This platform also allows judges to monitor case statuses online efficiently. 

Key Points  

• The platform aims to replace the traditional paper-based system, making legal proceedings faster and more efficient.  
  • By implementing this intitiave the judicial process becomes more transparent, reduces delays, and saves time for law enforcement agencies, courts, and the public. 
• This system is expected to improve the overall efficiency of the justice delivery mechanism, especially in handling large volumes of legal cases.  
  • The system allows for the electronic delivery of legal documents, including court summons and arrest warrants, to the concerned individuals or parties.  
• A review meeting was also held at the office of the Union Minister of Home and Cooperation, in New Delhi, regarding the implementation of three new criminal laws (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Sakshya Act, 2023, Bharatiya Sakshya Act, 2023) in the state. 
  • The meeting reviewed the implementation and current status of provisions related to police, jail, court, prosecution, and forensic services. 

New Criminal Laws 

• Objective:  
  • The new laws aim to replace colonial-era punishments with a justice-focused approach, integrating technological advancements in police investigations and court procedures. 
• New Offences:  
  • New offences include terrorism, mob lynching, organized crime, and enhanced punishments for crimes against women and children.