Winners' Dashboard
Demo Classes
+91 99714 44054
info@manulawclasses.com
Today in History ( January 23rd,1897)
Subhash Chandra Bose was born in Cuttack, Odisha in 1897. Bose was a brilliant student and promising civil servant who chose to abandon a secure career in the Indian civil service to join the fight for India. His radical approach and unwavering commitment to armed resistance against British rule distinguished him from other leaders of his time.
Parakram Diwas honors Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s legacy of courage, determination, and patriotism. Celebrated annually on January 23, it highlights his role in India’s freedom struggle, focusing on his leadership of the Indian National Army and his inspiring call to action. The day inspires future generations to uphold his values.
Let’s Revise
Q.1) Which country is the second largest producer of coffee in the world?
a) India
b) China
c) Brazile
d) Vietnam
Answer: d)
Rationale: Brazil remains the world’s leading coffee producer, contributing approximately 40% of global output, followed by Vietnam.
Q.2) Which is the largest coffee producer state of India?
a) Kerala
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Karnataka
d) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: c)
Rationale: Karnatak is the largest coffee producer state of India. South Indian states are the leading producers of coffee in India. Traditionally, coffee is cultivated in the Western Ghats, across Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Q.3) Where is the headquarters of Coffee Board of India?
a) Thiruvananthapuram
b) Chennai
c) Bengaluru
d) Hyderabad
Answer: c)
Rationale: The headquarters of the Coffee Board of India is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Q.4) MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT for the guidance of political parties and candidates. About MCC find correct statement from the following.
a) Its violations are punished with 5 years ban on contesting elections
b) Its violations are punished by only monetary penalties
c) Its violations lead to imprisonment of one year
d) None of the above
Answer: d)
Rationale: Since MCC has no statutory backing, violations cannot be prosecuted under Code. o However, certain provisions are enforceable through corresponding provisions in statutes like BNS, RPA, 1951 etc. For instance, publishing false statements about a candidate’s character, conduct, etc. is a corrupt practice under Section 123(4) of RPA 1951. Impersonation of voters is an electoral offence under Section 172 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Q.5) Which country recently introduced the CR450 prototype, the world’s fastest high-speed train?
a) France
b) China
c) Russia
d) India
Answer: b)
Rationale:China launched the CR450, the fastest high-speed train globally, reaching test speeds of 450 km/h and a commercial speed of 400 km/h. It outpaces the CR400 Fuxing, which runs at 350 km/h, showcasing advancements in speed, energy efficiency, safety, and comfort. The CR450 was developed through extensive testing, including 200,000 km of trials, 3,000 simulations, and 2,000 platform tests. Notable features include water-cooled traction, stable bogies, and a 20% reduction in energy consumption. The train also enhances passenger comfort with quieter cabins, more space, and storage options for bicycles and wheelchairs. This development is part of China’s plan to expand its rail network to 70,000 km by 2035.
Q.6) Which state recently clinched the Santosh Trophy national football championship title?
a) West Bengal
b) Kerala
c) Odisha
d) Punjab
Answer: a)
Rationale:
West Bengal emerged as the champion of the 78th edition of the Santosh Trophy, defeating Kerala in the final. The Santosh Trophy is India’s premier state-level football competition for men, organized by the All India Football Federation. The final round of the 78th edition was held in Hyderabad.
Q.7) What is the main goal of the Gobardhan Portal?
a) Promote solar energy systems
b) Simplify the establishment of Biogas/Compressed Biogas plants in India
c) Support rural electrification projects
d) Develop irrigation systems
Answer: b)
Rationale: India is advancing compressed biogas (CBG) as an alternative fuel to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and move toward renewable energy. CBG is produced from agricultural waste, animal waste, municipal solid waste, press mud, and sewage sludge. Despite its potential, the adoption of CBG plants has been slow, with only 115 plants operational by December 2024, falling short of the 5,000-plant target for 2030. The GOBARdhan scheme, introduced in 2018 as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen-Phase II, aims to convert cattle dung, agricultural waste, and other organic materials into Biogas, CBG, and bio-fertilizers. The scheme fosters a circular economy by turning waste into valuable resources and is managed by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Summary of Today’s News
UCC rules approval in Uttarakhand
Context:
The Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved the regulations for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Background:
• In 2024, the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand Act, 2024, making it the first state in India post-independence to adopt the UCC.
• The law prohibits practices such as polygamy, nikah halala, child marriage, and extrajudicial divorces, while establishing a uniform legal age for marriage (21 for men, 18 for women).
• It also grants women equal property rights, although personal laws related to guardianship and Hindu Undivided Families remain unchanged.
• Additionally, live-in relationships are recognized as quasi-marriages, ensuring the legitimacy of children born from such unions.
What is a Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?
• A Uniform Civil Code is a proposed legal framework that aims to establish one law for all citizens across different religions, covering personal matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
• Its goal is to replace the varied personal laws that currently exist based on religious communities.
Constitutional Provisions:
• Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, states that the state “shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.”
• Though these principles are non-enforceable in a court of law, they are foundational to the country’s governance.
UCC in India:
• UCC in Goa: Goa follows the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867, applying the same laws for marriage, divorce, and inheritance to all its residents, regardless of religion.
• The Goa Daman and Diu Administration Act of 1962, after Goa became part of India in 1961, allowed the territory to adopt this Civil Code.
Arguments in Favor of UCC:
• Uniformity in Governance: A common legal framework would streamline administrative processes, making it easier for the state to ensure justice and protect citizens’ rights.
• Women’s Rights: Uniformity in laws could address discriminatory practices against women found in some religious personal laws, offering a more equitable legal system.
• Secularism: UCC is seen as reinforcing the secular nature of India by ensuring equal treatment for all citizens, regardless of their religion.
• The Supreme Court has repeatedly advocated for its implementation, including in the 1985 Shah Bano case.
• Promote National Unity: A single civil code would help integrate India by creating a shared legal framework for its diverse communities.
Arguments Against UCC:
• Plurality of Existing Laws: Critics argue that India’s diverse legal systems already offer a plurality of civil and criminal laws, making it difficult to enforce a single set of personal laws across all communities.
• Implementation Challenges: India’s religious diversity makes it difficult to apply a uniform code, especially as tribal communities may follow practices distinct from mainstream Hindu customs, raising concerns about the potential prohibition of their cultural rites.
• Potential for Social Unrest: Critics warn that implementing a UCC could provoke unrest, particularly among minority groups who view it as an infringement on their religious freedoms.
• Constitutional Concerns: Some see the UCC as a violation of constitutional rights to freely practice religion, as outlined in Articles 25 and 26, and the Sixth Schedule.
• The Law Commission has stated that a UCC “is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage” and suggested focusing on reforming discriminatory practices within existing personal laws.
Way Ahead:
Before implementing the UCC, it is essential for authorities to engage with diverse sections of society to ensure inclusivity, transparency, and respect for different viewpoints. The Law Commission advocates for achieving equality within communities rather than between them.
Antivenoms in India and deaths due to snakebites
Context:
India, despite being the largest producer and consumer of antivenoms, accounts for nearly 50% of global snakebite fatalities.
Snakebite Envenoming:
Snakebite envenoming, or poisoning from snake bites, has been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a high-priority neglected tropical disease. Each year, an estimated 1.8 to 2.7 million people globally are affected by snake venom.
Snake Bites in India:
In India, around 90% of snake bites are attributed to the ‘big four’ venomous snakes: the common krait, Indian cobra, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper. The country experiences around 58,000 deaths from an estimated 3-4 million snake bites annually.
Strategy for Developing Antivenom:
Antivenoms are purified antibodies designed to neutralize venom or its components. These are produced using antibodies generated by animals, usually horses, which are injected with controlled doses of venom. Antivenoms are listed on the WHO Essential Medicines List due to their critical importance.
Antivenom Production Process:
To create life-saving antivenoms, scientists rely on horses raised on specialized farms. These animals receive small, harmless doses of venom, triggering their immune system to produce antibodies that fight the venom toxins. The collected antibodies are then used in antivenoms to treat bite victims.
Challenges in Accessing Antivenoms:
• Geographical Barriers: Remote regions often lack healthcare facilities with antivenom supplies, making access difficult.
• Limited Venom Coverage: Current Indian antivenoms mainly cover the “big four” venomous snakes, leaving bites from other species like the king cobra and pit vipers untreated, leading to ineffective treatment and poor outcomes.
• Cultural and Social Factors: Superstitions and local cultural practices in rural areas can delay medical intervention, worsening outcomes.
• Economic Constraints: The high cost of antivenom production restricts access, especially for low-income populations.
• Infrastructure and Logistical Issues: Rural areas often lack the necessary cold storage facilities for antivenoms, which requires proper refrigeration. Without these, antivenoms lose their potency.
Way Forward:
The National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE) aims to reduce deaths and disabilities from snakebites by 50% by 2030.
Innovative Antivenom Development: Researchers are exploring the use of recombinant DNA technology to develop synthetic antivenoms, which do not rely on animal-derived proteins, potentially enhancing safety and effectiveness.
Diagnostic Advancements: The development of portable venom-detection kits and rapid diagnostic tools is improving the speed and accuracy of snakebite treatments, ensuring timely and appropriate antivenom administration.
Role of the Irular Community: The Irular people are highly skilled snake-catchers, proficient in safely extracting venom from snakes in controlled environments. Their expertise ensures a consistent supply of high-quality venom, which is essential for the production of antivenoms in India.
