• 20 Mar 2025

Backward Classes in West Bengal

Why in News? 

The West Bengal government informed the Supreme Court that the State’s Backward Classes Commission is initiating a new exercise to identify Socially and Educationally Backward Communities (SEBC) eligible for inclusion in the State’s Other Backward Classes (OBC) List. 

 Key Points 

• Appeal Against High Court Judgment: 
  • The West Bengal government challenged the Calcutta High Court's decision in the Supreme Court. 
  • The High Court had struck down the State's policy of including several castes, predominantly from Muslim communities, in the OBC List. 
  • High Court’s Observations: 
    • The Calcutta High Court ruled that religion was the sole criterion for designating these communities as OBC. 
    • It criticized the inclusion of 77 Muslim classes as backward, calling it an affront to the Muslim community as a whole. 
• Fresh Exercise to Identify Backward Communities: 
  • It was informed in the court that the West Bengal Backward Classes Commission is conducting a new survey to determine sections needing reservation. 
  • The Court asked the State to clarify the methodology and scope of its survey to assess the social and educational backwardness of these communities. 
  • The Court also questioned whether these communities faced inadequate representation in State public services, justifying their inclusion in the OBC List. 
• Impact of High Court Ruling on OBC Certificates: 
  • The High Court ruling affected five lakh OBC certificates issued in West Bengal since 2010. 
  • However, the Court clarified that individuals who had already secured jobs using these certificates would not be affected. 
• Striking Down of 2012 Act Provisions: 
  • The High Court nullified specific sections of the West Bengal Backward Classes (Other than SCs and STs) (Reservation of Vacancies in Services and Posts) Act, 2012. 
    • Struck-down provisions included Section 16, the second part of Section 2(h), and Section 5(a), which allocated 10% and 7% reservation to sub-classified categories. 
    • As a result, OBC-A and OBC-B categories were removed from Schedule I of the Act. 

 Similar Religion-based Reservation in Other States 

• Kerala: Provides an 8% Muslim quota within its 30% OBC quota. 
• Tamil Nadu and Bihar: Also Include Muslim caste groups in their OBC quota. 
• Karnataka: Had a 4% sub-quota for Muslims within the 32% OBC quota. 
  • State government in 2023 redistributed this sub-quota among Vokkaligas and Lingayats 

Meteorites in Maharashtra

Why in News? 

Scientists examined and identified two stones that crashed from the sky in Beed Village of Maharashtra as meteorites. 

 Key Points 

• Scientists Invited for Examination: 
  • The Beed district administration called upon experts from the MGM APJ Abdul Kalam Astro and Space Science Centre, based in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, to analyze the fallen stones. 
• Meteorite Origin: 
  • Scientists assessed the objects based on gravity, magnetic properties, and other parameters. 
  • Preliminary analysis suggests the stones are small fragments of an asteroid that entered Earth's atmosphere. 
    • Further studies are underway to confirm their composition and origin. 
• Probability of Meteorites Reaching Earth: 
  • It was emphasized that meteorites rarely reach Earth's surface. 
    • Meteors, commonly seen in the sky, originate from comets or asteroids and typically burn up upon entering the atmosphere. 
  • Only a meteoroid that survives atmospheric entry and lands on Earth's surface qualifies as a meteorite. 
• First Recorded Meteorite Incident in Marathwada in Years: 
  • Experts noted that this is the first known meteorite fall in Marathwada in many years, making it a rare astronomical event. 

 Meteorite 

• About: 
  • A meteorite is a solid piece of debris from space that survives its passage through the Earth's atmosphere and lands on the Earth's surface. 
• Difference between Meteor, Meteorite and Meteoroid: 
  • The difference between a meteor, meteorite and meteoroid depends on where the object is. 
  • Meteoroids are objects in space that range in size from dust grains to small asteroids. 
  • But when meteoroids enter the Earth’s atmosphere, they are called meteors. 
  • But if a meteoroid enters the Earth’s atmosphere and hits the ground, it is called a meteorite. 

Uttarakhand CAMPA Funds

Why in News? 

The Supreme Court of India reviewed Uttarakhand’s response and deemed the Uttarakhand Forest Department’s ‘diversion’ of Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds as insignificant.  

 Key Points 

• Allegations Based on CAG Report: 
  • The SC sought a response from the Uttarakhand Chief Secretary regarding allegations from a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report in the public domain. 
  • The report accused the Forest Department of misusing Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds for purchasing gadgets, including iPhones and laptops. 
  • The allegedly misused funds amounted to only 1.8% of the total CAMPA funds available. 
• Directive on Interest Deposit Compliance: 
  • The Court directed Uttarakhand to timely deposit interest with the State Compensatory Afforestation Funds (SCAF) as per the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016. 
  • The CAG report highlighted non-payment of Rs 275.34 crore in interest between 2019-20 and 2021-22, despite multiple requests from CAMPA authorities. 

 The Comptroller and Auditor General 

• The CAG of India, as per Article 148 of the Constitution, heads the Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IA-AD). He/she is responsible for safeguarding the public purse and overseeing the financial system at both the central and state levels.   
  • The CAG upholds the Constitution and parliamentary laws in financial administration and is considered one of the key pillars of India's democratic system, alongside the Supreme Court, Election Commission, and Union Public Service Commission.  
• CAG of India is governed by the Comptroller and Auditor-General's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, with significant amendments in 1976, 1984, and 1987. 

 Compensatory Afforestation Fund 

• The CAF Act was passed by the centre in 2016 and the related rules were notified in 2018. 
• The CAF Act was enacted to manage the funds collected for compensatory afforestation which till then was managed by ad hoc Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA). 
  • Compensatory afforestation means that every time forest land is diverted for non-forest purposes such as mining or industry, the user agency pays for planting forests over an equal area of non-forest land, or when such land is not available, twice the area of degraded forest land. 
• As per the rules, 90% of the CAF money is to be given to the states while 10% is to be retained by the Centre. 
• The funds can be used for treatment of catchment areas, assisted natural generation, forest management, wildlife protection and management, relocation of villages from protected areas, managing human-wildlife conflicts, training and awareness generation, supply of wood saving devices and allied activities. 

Terrorist Infiltration Probe in Jammu

Why in News? 

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched various locations across Jammu, targeting premises linked to terrorist sympathizers while investigating the infiltration of terrorists from across the border. 

 Key Points 

• Focus on Over Ground Workers (OGWs): 
  • The NIA conducted raids at the homes of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) linked to banned terrorist organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). 
  • The raids also targeted sympathizers and cadres associated with these terrorist outfits. 
  • The operation was based on intelligence inputs regarding the infiltration of LeT and JeM terrorists into India via the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC). 
  • Role of OGWs: 
    • Reports indicate that OGWs and terror associates in border areas provided logistical support for infiltrating terrorists. 
    • These support activities included: 
      • Providing food, shelter, and money 
      • Guiding terrorists through difficult terrain 
      • Ensuring their safe passage into India 
• Connection to Terrorist Infiltration Case: 
  • The investigation pertains to terrorist infiltration and a series of attacks on security forces and civilians in recent months. 
  • The NIA described these incidents as part of a larger criminal conspiracy by terror outfits to wage war against the Indian government. 
• Movement of Infiltrated Terrorists: 
  • The infiltrated terrorists are suspected to have spread across multiple districts in Jammu and Kashmir. 
  • Identified districts include Kathua, Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, Rajouri, Poonch, and the Valley. 

 National Investigation Agency (NIA) 

• About: 
  • The NIA is the Central Counter-Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency of India mandated to investigate all the offences affecting the sovereignty, security and integrity of India. It includes: 
    • Friendly relations with foreign states. 
    • Against atomic and nuclear facilities. 
    • Smuggling of arms, drugs and fake Indian currency and infiltration from across the borders. 
    • The offences under the statutory laws enacted to implement international treaties, agreements, conventions and resolutions of the United Nations, its agencies and other international organisations. 
  • It was constituted under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008. 
  • The agency is empowered to deal with the investigation of terror related crimes across states without special permission from the states under written proclamation from the Ministry of Home Affairs. 
  • Headquarters: New Delhi 

Indore’s First Green Waste Processing Plant

Why in News? 

Under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, India's first public-private partnership (PPP) green waste processing plant has been set up in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

Key Points 

• About the Processing Plant: 
  • Astronomical Industries Pvt. Ltd. has partnered with Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) to set up, operate and maintain the plant. 
  • The plant will process green waste such as wood, branches, leaves and flowers into sawdust, which will be dried, reducing the moisture content to 90% in 3-4 months. 
  • The sawdust will be used for alternative fuel, packaging material and biodegradable plates. 
• Environmental Impact: 
  • This initiative will help in controlling air pollution, improving the Air Quality Index (AQI) and reducing dependence on coal. 
  • It will also contribute to enhancing soil fertility by producing fertilizers from processed sawdust. 

 

Swachh Bharat Mission 

• About: 
  • The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) as a national campaign on 2nd October 2014 with the aim of promoting sanitation, cleanliness and proper waste management in urban areas. 
  • Its objective is to make the cities and towns across India clean and free from open defecation. 
• Achievements of Swachh Bharat Mission:  
  • In the last 9 years, 12 crore toilets have been constructed, thereby freeing the country from the scourge of open defecation and also 75% of the total villages have achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus status. 
    • Urban India has become Open Defecation Free (ODF) , with all 4,715 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) becoming fully ODF. 
    • 3,547 ULBs are ODF+ with functional and clean community and public toilets, while 1,191 ULBs are ODF++ with complete faecal sludge management. 
    • 14 cities are Water+ certified, which includes treatment of wastewater along with its optimal reuse. 

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis

Why in News? 

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) remains a serious health concern due to low coverage of measles vaccination in Uttar Pradesh . 

Key Points 

• About SSPE: 
  • It is a progressive and fatal brain disorder associated with  measles (rubella) infection. 
  • It can develop many years after infection , even if a person has fully recovered from measles. 
  • This disease is mainly found in children and adolescents and is more commonly seen in men than women . 
  • Although cases of SSPE have been reported worldwide, it is considered a rare disease in Western countries . 
• Reason: 
  • Usually, the measles virus does not affect the brain . 
  • But SSPE can develop because of an abnormal immune response or certain forms of the virus . 
  • In this condition, inflammation occurs in the brain , which can persist for many years . 
  • The abnormal immune response to the measles virus can cause serious complications and death . 
• Symptoms: 
  • Early symptoms of SSPE may include declined school performance , forgetfulness, anger issues, distractibility , insomnia , and hallucinations . 
    • Sudden jerks in the hands, head or body muscles may also be experienced. 
    • As the disease progresses, seizures and abnormal, uncontrolled muscle movements  may occur. 
  • In the next stage of the disease , the muscles start to become stiff .  
    • Swallowing food may become difficult . Additionally, in some cases the patient's vision may also be affected . 
  • In the final stage , the body temperature may rise and blood pressure and pulse may become abnormal . 
• Treatment: 
  • There is no specific treatment available for SSPE. The disease has  a high mortality rate . 
  • Antiviral medications and immune system-strengthening medications may be given to control symptoms . 

 Measles 

• About: 
  • The measles virus is a ribonucleic acid virus belonging to the Morbillivirus genus. 
  • Measles is a highly contagious disease, and an infected person often transmits the virus to more than 90% of their unprotected close contacts.  
  • The virus first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body. Measles is a human disease and does not occur in animals. 
  • Measles is completely preventable through a two-dose vaccine and has been officially eliminated in many countries with advanced health care systems . 
• Treatment: 
  • There is no specific antiviral treatment for the measles virus . 
  • Serious complications from food poisoning can be avoided through medical care that ensures good nutrition, adequate fluid intake, and treatment of dehydration. 

Model Village Campaign

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government has launched an ambitious Model Village Campaign to make 1147 villages of Ayodhya district model villages. 

Key Points 

• About the campaign: 
  • This campaign was started from Mahanamau village located in Tarun block of Ayodhya district.  
  • The initiative will cover 1,147 villages spread across 772 gram panchayats. 
• Objective: 
  • To facilitate transportation by connecting villages to main roads. 
  • To ensure freedom from open defecation. 
  • To make effective arrangements for waste disposal and recycling. 
• Benefits of the campaign:  
  • The standard of living will increase. 
  • Economic and social mobility will be promoted. 
  • Cleanliness and environmental protection will be promoted. 
• About Model Village: 
  • A model village is one where cleanliness, safe environment and active participation of citizens are ensured.  
  • Such villages have facilities like  complete freedom from open defecation , toilets in all houses, availability of safe and clean drinking water, compost pits for cow dung, pits for separate collection of wet and dry garbage and availability of connecting roads. 
  • These features are considered necessary to bring a village into the category of a model village . 

 Ayodhya District 

• About: 
  • It is a religious and historical city situated on the banks of river Saryu . 
  • Ayodhya holds special significance as it is the birthplace of Lord Rama . 
  • It was the capital of the Kosala Kingdom  in ancient times . 
  • The city of Faizabad, near the city of Ayodhya , was founded in 1730 by Saadat Ali Khan, the first Nawab of Awadh . 
  • Its total area is: 2522.0 sq. km .  
• Importance of Ayodhya in Jainism: 
  • According to Jainism, five out of the twenty-four Tirthankaras were born in Ayodhya: 
    • The first tirthankara was Rishabhanatha 
    • Ajitnath Ji, the second tirthankara 
    • Abhinandan Nath Ji, the fourth Tirthankara 
    • The fifth Tirthankara was Sumatinath 
    • Anantnath Ji, the Fourteenth Tirthankara 
• Major places of visit: 
  • Ramjanmabhoomi 
  • Kanak Bhawan 
  • Hanumangarhi 
  • Dashrath Mahal 

Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in News? 

A wildfire that broke out in Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan is posing a serious threat to the existence of wildlife. 

Key Points 

• About the Sanctuary: 
  • This sanctuary is located in the Aravalli mountain range in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan , which is famous for  its rich biodiversity and the historical Sajjangarh Palace . 
  • The sanctuary is spread over an area of 5.19 square kilometres and a rocky wall called Kishan Pol was built to protect it. 
• Wildlife and flora: 
  • The sanctuary is the natural habitat of many wildlife including  chital, panther, nilgai, jackal, wild boar, hyena and sambar . 
  • Apart from this, a wide range of birds and reptiles are also found here . 
• Jiyan Lake:  
  • The Jiyan Lake ( also known as Tiger Lake or Bari Lake ) located here serves as a water resource for the sanctuary.  
  • Built by Maharana Raj Singh in 1664, this lake is spread over 1.25 square miles and has a water storage capacity of 400 million cubic feet . 
• Historical Importance: 
  • It is a part of the Sajjangarh Palace (also known as the Monsoon Palace) built in the year 1884. The palace is named after Maharana Sajjan Singh, one of the rulers of the Mewar dynasty . 
  • In the year 1987, this area was converted into a wildlife sanctuary .  

 Aravalli Range 

• The Aravalli mountain range extends from Gujarat through Rajasthan to Delhi, its length is 692 km. and the width is between 10 to 120 km. 
  • This mountain range acts as a natural green wall, 80% of which lies in Rajasthan and 20% in Haryana, Delhi and Gujarat . 
• The Aravalli range is divided into two main ranges - the Sambhar Sirohi range and the Sambhar Khetri range in Rajasthan , where it extends for about 560 km. 
• It acts as an ecotone between the Thar Desert and the Gangetic Plain . 
  • Ecotones are areas where two or more ecosystems, biological communities or biological regions meet. 
• The highest peak of this mountain range is Gurushikhar (Rajasthan), with a height of 1,722 metres