January 2024

Current Affairs

SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) Mission by JAXA (Moon Sniper)

Context: The SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) mission has established Japan as the fifth country to successfully land a spacecraft on the moon. This milestone was achieved through the deployment of the robotic "Moon Sniper," which is designed for lunar exploration and surface testing. The SLIM Mission is labelled as Moon Sniper.

About SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon)

SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) is a small-scale exploration of JAXA (Japan’s Space Agency) lander.
"SLIM" is a technology demonstrator, and the expertise gained in precision landing and other technologies will be inherited by future missions such as the Martian Moon eXploration (MMX) and lunar polar missions. It is designed for:
Pinpoint landings on the Moon's surface with a landing accuracy of less than 100 metres. SLIM Mission employs ‘Vision based navigation’ technology for its higher landing accuracy.
Reduction in the size and weight of equipment used in Moon landings which will result in more frequent lunar and planetary landings. SLIM Mission employs small, lightweight and high performance chemical propulsion systems and light-weight materials in designing systems such as computers to save on the weight.
Investigation into the Moon's origins through composition analysis of rocks estimated to be derived from the lunar mantle. There is a theory that the moon was formed by a giant impact. In this case, the composition of the moon's mantle, which makes up 90% of the moon, would be similar to that of Earth. SLIM Mission has selected the landing site close to the SHIOLI crater near the "Sea of Nectar" as the landing target site. Olivine mineral is expected to be present at the Shioli crater, expected to be ejected from Moon’s mantle.

Importance of Pinpoint Landing

SLIM Mission employs Vision Based Navigation System for ensuring enhanced landing accuracy.
Most conventional lunar landers land at a distance of several kilometres to tens of kilometres away from the planned landing site. Low landing accuracy.
Over the years, Moon rovers and landers have adequately mapped the surface of the moon. To take the researcher frontier forward, researchers now aim to study specific sites and rocks on the surface of the Moon. This will require pin-point landing.
For high-resolution lunar in-situ observation of individual rocks, it is necessary to land the spacecraft precisely.
Traversing steep slopes and rough terrain on the moon can be made less challenging with precision landing.
Locations with sustainable water resources are limited to a very narrow area on the Moon. To explore such areas precision landing is required.

Landing on sloped surfaces

Since the SLIM Mission plans to land at a site near a crater which has slope of 15 degrees. The SLIM mission will employ and demonstrate capabilities to land at sloped surfaces by employing a unique two-step landing technology.

The landing sequence of SLIM will be conducted as follows:

Benefits of SLIM Mission

Future solar science exploration will demand the level of navigation accuracy that JAXA is seeking through the SLIM mission.
As scientific knowledge builds on the study object, more specific research will be needed. Placing spacecraft with precision facilitates expertise.
Planetary science exploration will additionally call for highly capable equipment for observation.
Downsizing the exploration system can reinforce the instruments to be placed into a locale especially well-suited for its landing mission.

Sattras in Assam

Context: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sought blessings at the Sri Sri Auniati Satra, a more than 350-year-old Vaishnavite monastery in Assam’s Majuli district. Sri Sri Auniati Satra was established in 1663 in Majuli. Lord Krishna is worshipped as Govinda with the original idol being brought from the Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri.

Satra (Ekasarana Dharma) - Wikipedia

About Sattras

Sattras are monastic institutions created as part of the 16th-century Neo-Vaishnavite reformist movement initiated by Vaishnavite saint-reformer Srimanta Sankaradeva.
Sankardeva preached a monotheistic form of Hinduism (Ekasarana tradition) called Vaishnavism and established monasteries and hermitages known as Sattra on the islet.
The first Sattra was founded in Majuli.
Sattras are spread across the state, propagating Sankardeva’s unique “worship through art” approach with music (borgeet), dance (sattriya), and theater (bhauna).
There are different types of Satras, such as Auniati, Kamalabari, Dakhinpat, Garamur, Samaguri, Bengenaati, and Natun Kamalabari.
They consist of a large prayer hall (Naamghar) headed by an influential “Sattradhikar” facing a simple shrine, surrounded by dormitories and bathing tanks for monks.
They also offer guest accommodation where devotees and visitors take part in the worship of Vishnu and Krishna and also watch traditional bhaona performances.
Young bhakats are wonderful artisans and make masks, musical instruments, as well as hand-fans and door frames.
Young bhakats may or may not be celibate, depending on the kind of Sattra they are inducted into.

Global Alliance for Global Good- Gender Equity and Equality

Context: In a major breakthrough, India has successfully set up a “Global Alliance for Global Good- Gender Equity and Equality” to push women’s empowerment and gender equality during the 54th Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos.

More information:

The aim of the alliance is to bring together global good practices, knowledge sharing, investments in the field of women’s health, education, and enterprise.
The project is a follow up of the activities of the Engagement Group and initiatives drafted under the G20 framework, inter alia, the Business 20, Women 20 and G20 EMPOWER, among others.
This alliance also aims at taking forward the commitments of G20 leaders for the benefit of the larger global community.
This initiative marks a significant stride toward achieving multiple SDGs, including SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being, 4- Quality Education, 5 – Gender Equality and Empowerment, 17- Global Partnership for Development and more, underscoring India’s commitment to gender equality and equity as a critical component of global development.
This alliance is Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the alliance will be housed and anchored by the CII Centre for Women Leadership. The World Economic Forum has come on board as a ‘Network Partner’ and Invest India as an ‘Institutional Partner’.
Given India’s abiding commitment to ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – One Earth, One Family, One Future– and its continued efforts towards ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Prayaas’, the ‘Alliance for Global Good- Gender Equity and Equality’ is on the verge of being a force to reckon with on all gender-related issues of G20 nations.

About World Economic Forum (WEF):·

Professor Klaus Schwab founded WEF in 1971, originally called the European Management Forum, as a non-profit foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland.
It is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation.
In 2015, the Forum was formally recognised as an international organization.
Reports released by WEF:
- Global Risks Report
- Global Gender Gap Index
- Fostering Effective Energy Transition Report
- Travel and Tourism Development Index
- Global Cyber Security Outlook
- Global Competitiveness Report

Anganwadi Services

Context: Maharashtra’s Anganwadi workers and helpers have been on strike for 46 days now. They have been demanding basic nutrition for children, whose per-day food cost for two meals has been ₹8 a child since 2014 and increase the rent for centres.

About Anganwadi Services:

Anganwadi means ‘courtyard shelter’, a type of rural child care centre in India.
It was started in 1975 as part of the Integrated Child Development Services program to combat child hunger and malnutrition.
The Anganwadi system, launched under the Anganwadi Services Scheme, renamed as Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of women and child development.
It is one of the flagship programmes of the Government of India providing early childhood care and development of the beneficiaries i.e., children in the age group of 0-6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers through a large network of Anganwadi workers (AWW) and Helpers (AWH).
Anganwadi workers (AWW) and Helpers (AWH) are the basic functionaries of the ICDS who run the Anganwadi Centres (AWCs), and implement the ICDS scheme.
Anganwadi Centres (AWCs): Provide a platform for rendering all services under the scheme.
A single Anganwadi worker (AWW), chosen from the community, manages one village or area. These workers undergo training in various areas such as health, nutrition, and childcare.
There are a total 14 lakh AWCs sanctioned across the country out of which 13.63 lakh AWCs are operational till 2018(PIB).

Criteria for Recruitment of Anganwadi Workers

As per guidelines, Anganwadi Workers under the Anganwadi Services Scheme are selected from the local village by a Committee constituted by the State Government/ UT Administration.
The minimum prescribed qualification is Matriculation and age limit is 18-35 years for engagement of Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs).

Anganwadi System: How Does It Operate?

Primarily established for rural development, the Anganwadi system is managed by Anganwadi workers who cater to individual villages within a specified area.
These workers, who hail from the community itself, undergo approximately four months of training in various domains including health, nutrition, and child care.
Each Anganwadi worker is responsible for approximately 1000 individuals and reports to a supervisor known as the Mukhya Sevika.

Services provided by Anganwadi workers:

It is a part of the Indian public health care system.
Basic health care activities include contraceptive counselling and supply, supplementary nutrition, non-formal pre-school education, nutrition, and health education, immunization, and health check-up
The centres may be also used as depots for oral rehydration salts and basic medicines.

Benefits granted to Anganwadi Workers and Helpers

Honorarium: AWWs and AWHs, being honorary workers, are paid monthly honoraria as decided by the Government from time to time, which is uniform in all States/UTs.
- AWWs at main Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) are paid an honorarium of ₹ 4,500/- per month and AWHs are paid ₹2,250/- per month.
- In addition to the honorarium paid by the Government of India, most of the States/UTs are also giving monetary incentives to these workers out of their own resources.
Leave: They are allowed paid absence of 180 days of maternity leave and 20 days annual leave.
Award: In order to motivate AWWs/and give recognition to good voluntary work, a Scheme of Award for AWWs has been introduced, both at the National and State level.
- The Award comprises Rs.50,000/- cash and a Citation to AWW and Rs.40,000/- to AWHs.
Uniform: Government has made a provision for a set of two Uniform (saree/suit per annum @ Rs.500/- each).
Insurance coverage: AWWs and AWHs been covered under, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima yojana (PMSY) and Anganwadi Karyakartri Bima yojana (AKBY).

Importance of Anganwadi programme in India:

Accessibility and affordability of healthcare: Providing the right healthcare facilities to the rural population of India especially mother and child remains a significant challenge. Many individuals are unaware of the programs available to them.
Establishment of social connections within the community: These centers offer women a sense of involvement in their communities, providing opportunities for participation in activities they might not otherwise have access to.
Nutritional support: Every child requires proper nutrition for healthy development, both physically and mentally. Adequate nutrition in early childhood increases the likelihood of developing into a healthy adult.
Access to Government programs: Anganwadi workers play a crucial role as the primary source of access to government schemes for rural communities. Through their assistance, mothers and parents become informed about essential health services and benefits.
Providing early childhood care and education: Children are heavily impacted by their surroundings and the people around them during their early life and early childhood care and education (ECCE) is more than just school readiness.
- It attempts to develop a child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs holistically in order to lay a firm and comprehensive basis for lifetime learning and wellbeing.
Awareness and counselling: They provide valuable information to mothers and communities about proper health care practices, nutrition, and hygiene. Additionally, they offer counselling on family planning, immunizations, and the importance of education.
Poverty alleviation: By addressing health and nutritional needs, the Anganwadi programme indirectly contributes to poverty alleviation. Healthy and well-nourished individuals are better positioned to participate in education and employment opportunities, breaking the cycle of poverty.
Women empowerment: The programme involves a significant number of female workers, contributing to women's empowerment by providing them with employment opportunities. It also promotes the active involvement of women in decision-making processes related to healthcare and nutrition.

Government initiative:

Collaboration with MGNREGA: The government, in collaboration with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), is undertaking the construction of 400,000 Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) nationwide as part of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme.
Digitalization of Anganwadi Services: AWCs are digitally strengthened with smartphones for POSHAN tracking systems, and monitoring devices.
Enhanced training approach: The Ministry has developed a thorough training strategy for Anganwadi Services personnel, ensuring regular training sessions. Anganwadi Workers undergo a 26-day job training program, focusing on improving their knowledge, comprehension, and skills pertaining to various Acts, Policies, Programs related to women and children. The training also covers the establishment of dynamic Anganwadi Centers and the effective execution of Early Childhood Care and Education activities.

Challenges in functioning of Anganwadi services:

According to Niti Aayog:

Cramped and poorly ventilated: Many AWCs across all sampled states, especially in urban areas, are cramped and poorly ventilated. They do not have enough space for the children to play and learn properly. Many AWCs do not have equipment like swings, sand/water areas etc. due to lack of space and/or funding.
Insufficient AWCs: Discrepancies exist between the approved and functioning AWCs in different states, with disparities ranging from 2% to 8.37% (PIB).
Lack of basic facilities: More than 80% Anganwadi centres in the rural areas of the state lack basic toilet facilities and do not have access to safe drinking water.E.g.: In Odisha more than 80% Anganwadi centres in the rural areas lack basic toilet facilities.
Lack of awareness: The community lacks awareness about the role of an AWC and the services offered by AWC. Moreover, the AWC has a perception of poor service delivery in terms of Pre-School Education (PSE), especially in rural Gujarat and in Rajasthan.
Operational ineffectiveness: Despite the essential requirement of smartphones for ICDS, numerous AWWs have not been provided with these devices, thereby impacting their operational effectiveness.
Issues with honorarium: AWWs are not officially recognized as government employee status and receive monthly honorariums well below the minimum wage, ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000. The inadequacy of compensation presents challenges in fulfilling basic needs, affecting their commitment to their duties. There is also the issue of delays in receiving honorariums contributing to financial insecurity and hardships for AWWs.
Issues with budgetary allocation: The scheme experiences inconsistency in the percentage or delays in budget allocations over the years. For example: In Delhi the budget assigned to rent a place for AWCs is insufficient. The rental norms of Rs.6000/- per month do not allow renting a reasonably hygienic room for the functioning of the ICDS, leading to improper planning and implementation, along with non-adherence to financial and physical targets.
Unpaid duties: AWWs are frequently assigned various tasks, including Covid-19 duties, Census duties, or implementing government schemes, without receiving additional financial compensation. The resulting heavy workloads contribute to burnout, impacting the quality of services they are able to provide.
Inadequate human capital: Several States/UTs, such as Telangana, Bihar, and Karnataka, face a significant number of vacant positions for Supervisors, AWWs, and AWHs.
Lack of proper training: The initial training for AWWs lacks sufficient preparation to address the multifaceted challenges they face on a daily basis.
Non- availability of instruments for child development: Height and weight measuring instruments in AWCs.

Measures for empowerment of Anganwadi workers:

Need for Community Hub models for AWCs: Anganwadi Hubs can be developed by combining three to four AWCs in areas with high population density.
Addressing equipment shortages: Immediate attention required for the availability of height and weight measuring instruments in AWCs.
Infrastructure assessment and funding allocation: The Government should set up a committee to identify the AWCs with bad infrastructure that is classroom, kitchen, building and playground and such centres should be allocated more funds to improve their infrastructure.
Priority focus on basic amenities: Prioritizing the establishment of drinking water and toilet facilities in AWCs for improved service delivery.
Corporate partnership for infrastructure enhancement: The Identified AWCs can be referred to big corporations, so that it can be adopted by them to improve their infrastructure.
Promoting awareness and attendance: As the AWs suffer from Low attendance of beneficiaries it becomes a task of the AWCs to promote the services of AW among the needy by rural communities. Pamphlets can be issued to the rural houses about the services rendered by the AWCs.

Wheat farmers are advised to be vigilant against yellow rust pest

Context - Based on the input from wheat researchers and the weather bureau, the Karnal-based Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR) has appealed to the farmers to remain vigilant against yellow rust, a pest used to appear a few years ago in some districts of Haryana during this period.

Key facts about yellow rust:

Yellow Rust disease appears as yellow stripes of powder or dust on leaves and leaf sheaths of the wheat crop. This yellow powder comes out on clothing or fingers when touched.

Rust colonies in the leaves drain the carbohydrates from the plant and reduce the green leaf area.
The main economic loss from yellow rust is in wheat.
The disease does occur in barley but it is rare due to effective varietal resistance.
Areas that have cool, damp summers and mild winters are prone to yellow rust infections, for example, coastal regions or regions around rivers or estuaries.
Epidemics of yellow rust often start as individual plants, usually in the autumn.
Symptoms develop slowly over winter and are often missed until the early spring when small patches or foci of infected plants can be seen in fields.
These patches usually spread in the direction of prevailing wind.
In India, yellow rust is a major disease in the Northern Hill Zone and the North-Western Plain Zone and spreads easily during the onset of cool weather.

A new variety of wheat called HD-3226 or Pusa Yashasvi was released by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, which had higher levels of resistance against major rust fungi such as the yellow/stripe, brown/leaf and black/stem. According to the IIWBR advisory, if farmers observe yellow rust in patches in their wheat fields, they should spray fungicides.

Generative AI and Copyright issue

Context: Recently, the Federation of Indian Publishers as well as the Asian News International initiated copyright infringement claims against Open AI before the Delhi High Court for training the AI platform with the works of the publishers without their prior consent.

Relevance of the topic:

Mains: Concerns associated with expanding scope of Artificial Intelligence.

AI platforms employ a technology called Internet scraping by which Large Language Models (LLM) train the platform on all available knowledge. For training purposes, the platform accesses both copyrighted and non-copyrighted content. The copyright infringement cases are fought on subject matters such as literature, music, and photographs.

This has raised two important questions:

Should AI models be allowed to use copyrighted material for training?
Can a copyright be given to a content generated by AI?

Should AI models be allowed to use copyrighted material for training?

Arguments for:

Fair use: Limited copyrighted material use for training permission falls under the fair use doctrine, which allows the use of copyrighted material without permission.
Innovation: Large-scale training on various data, including copyrighted content, can lead to more advanced and beneficial AI models with wider applications.
Limited alternatives: Training datasets without copyrighted material might be limited and impractical, hindering AI development.

Arguments against:

Copyright infringement: Using copyrighted material without permission can be considered copyright infringement, even if for training purposes.
Lack of control: Copyright holders might lose control over their works if they are freely used for training AI models.
Unequal benefits: Large tech companies with access to vast datasets benefit more from this practice, potentially creating unfair competition.

In the Indian scenario, we still don't have any specific litigation in the context of text and data mining by AI. The Indian Copyright Act, 1957, grants exclusive rights to creators (authors, artists, etc.) over their original works for a specific duration. Using a copyrighted work (literary, artistic, musical, etc.) without the owner's permission, in a way that infringes their exclusive rights over it, constitutes copyright infringement.

Can a copyright be given to a content generated by AI?

In the Copyright Act of 1957 in India, there is no way a non-human can be granted copyright protection.

The Act currently recognizes only human authors for copyright protection.
AI, even advanced models, is not considered a legal author yet.

Way Forward:

The use of copyrighted materials for training purposes should generally be considered fair use.
At the same time, it should be ensured that if Open AI or anyone else is using copyrighted material for training, they do not seek copyright protection for the content generated by the AI concerned.

Economic Activity Index (EAI)

Context: RBI’s economic activity index (EAI) has nowcast GDP growth for Q3 (October-December) FY24 at 7 per cent, according to an article in the central bank’s latest monthly bulletin

What is the Economic Activity Index (EAI)?

The economic activity index is an efficient predictor of advanced quarterly GDP estimates of the NSO.
This index uses twenty-seven monthly indicators representing industry, services, global and miscellaneous activities to gauge the underlying state of the economy.
These indicators, directly or indirectly, cover a wide spectrum of domestic activities.
Many central banks have developed “nowcasting” models, which are used to predict the present, the very near future and the very recent past almost on a real time basis using regular high-frequency data releases on activity indicators.

Why the Need?

Official GDP estimates are available with a lag of almost two months and these delays pose constraints on optimal policy decisions.
In this regard, high frequency indicators of economic activity, which are available with shorter lags, offer an alternative for real-time tracking of the economy to aid forward-looking policy.

First Information Report: What is an FIR?

The First Information Report (FIR) is the initial step in the criminal justice process, acting as the cornerstone for police investigations in India. Under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the FIR plays a pivotal role.

What is an FIR?

An FIR is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about the commission of a cognizable offense.

Cognizable offenses are those where the police can arrest without a warrant and start an investigation without the order of a court.

Legal Framework

Section 154 of CrPC: It mandates the registration of an FIR upon receiving information about a cognizable offense.
Pertinent IPC Sections: The FIR relates to various offenses under the IPC, ranging from theft (Section 379) to murder (Section 302).

Importance of FIR

The First Information Report (FIR) is not just a procedural formality but a powerful tool in the Indian legal system. Its importance can be further elaborated as follows:

Catalyst for Legal Action: An FIR is essentially the first formal recognition of a potential crime by the state machinery. It triggers the legal process, compelling the police to start an investigation. Without an FIR, serious crimes might go uninvestigated and unpunished.
Evidence and Credibility: In the court of law, an FIR carries significant weight. Filed closest to the time of the incident, it is often regarded as the most immediate and untainted account of what transpired. The Supreme Court of India has often highlighted the importance of the FIR as crucial evidence.
Preventive Action: The timely filing of an FIR can also lead to prompt action by the police, potentially preventing the escalation of crime or even averting further crimes.
Psychological and Social Impact: For victims, filing an FIR can be a critical step in seeking justice and closure. It validates their experience and serves as an official acknowledgment of their suffering.
Transparency in the Criminal Justice System: The FIR serves as a public record, bringing transparency to the criminal justice process. It ensures that the police cannot refuse to acknowledge the commission of a crime.
Basis for Investigation: An FIR provides the basic information required for the police to begin an investigation. It outlines the preliminary facts and allegations, guiding the investigative process.
Legal Safeguard Against Arbitrary Actions: The FIR acts as a safeguard against arbitrary arrests and detentions. As seen in various judicial pronouncements, the FIR helps in understanding the prima facie nature of the offense, ensuring that police actions are justified and within legal bounds.
Deterrence to Crime: The very existence of a mechanism to promptly and effectively record complaints has a deterrent effect on potential criminals. Knowing that an FIR can lead to immediate police action may discourage the commission of crimes.
Empowerment of the Common Citizen: The FIR empowers citizens, giving them a direct means to involve law enforcement in cases of criminal activity, ensuring that their grievances are officially recorded and actioned.
Statistical and Analytical Tool: FIRs provide valuable data for crime analysis, helping in understanding crime patterns, trends, and hotspots. This data is crucial for effective policing strategies and public safety planning.

FIR is a critical component of the criminal justice system in India, integral to the rule of law and the protection of citizens' rights. Its proper implementation and the adherence to its principles are fundamental to maintaining public trust in the legal system.

Procedure for Filing an FIR

Reporting: The victim or a witness reports the crime at the nearest police station.
Documentation: The police officer in charge must write down the report.
Read Back: The report is read back to the informant to ensure accuracy.
Signature: The informant signs the document.
Free of Cost: Registering an FIR is free.
Copy of the FIR: A copy must be provided to the informant free of charge.

Recent Technological Advances and Schemes

Online FIR Registration: Many states now allow FIRs to be filed online for certain types of crimes.
CCTNS Project: The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) is a project initiated by the Indian government for creating a comprehensive and integrated system for effective policing.
E-Beat Book System: A digital solution for managing beat policing more efficiently.
SMS Alerts: Informants receive updates on the status of their FIR via SMS.

Challenges and Criticisms

Underreporting: Many incidents go unreported due to various societal and bureaucratic hurdles.
False FIRs: Instances of FIRs being used as tools for harassment.
Delay in Registration: Sometimes, police delay the registration of FIRs, especially in politically sensitive cases.

Landmark Judgments

Lalita Kumari vs. Government of Uttar Pradesh (2014): The Supreme Court mandated the compulsory registration of FIRs in cases of cognizable offenses.
Joginder Kumar vs. State of UP (1994): Emphasized the importance of human rights in the context of arrests and detentions related to FIRs.

Way Forwards

The FIR is a fundamental aspect of the Indian legal system, serving as the first step in the journey of justice. With the integration of technology, the process of filing FIRs has become more accessible and efficient.

However, challenges like underreporting and misuse still persist. Continuous reforms and public awareness are key to enhancing the effectiveness of the FIR system in India.

Here are the way forwards that can make the system of FIRs better:

Streamlining the FIR Process

Simplifying Filing: The FIR process should be simplified to encourage more people to come forward without fear or confusion. Simplified forms and clearer instructions can make a difference.
Multiple Language Support: Since India is a country with diverse languages, FIRs should be able to be filed and accessed in multiple regional languages.

Technological Integration

Online FIR Systems: Strengthening online FIR systems to ensure they are user-friendly, secure, and accessible to all sections of society.
Mobile Applications: Developing dedicated mobile apps for FIR filing, tracking, and receiving updates.
Integration with Other Systems: Linking FIR data with other judicial and governmental databases for seamless information flow.

Training and Sensitization

Police Training: Regular training for police officers in handling FIRs, focusing on sensitivity, legal aspects, and technological proficiency.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public about their rights regarding FIRs and how to file them.

Legal Reforms

Strict Adherence to Legal Mandates: Ensuring strict compliance with the Supreme Court's directives, like mandatory FIR registration in cases of cognizable offenses.
Legal Aid: Provision of legal aid to help individuals, especially in marginalized communities, in understanding and navigating the FIR process.

Accountability and Transparency

Monitoring Mechanisms: Establishing robust mechanisms to monitor FIR registration and police response. This could include audit trails and periodic reviews.
Redressal of Grievances: Setting up effective grievance redressal systems for complaints related to FIR filings.

Addressing False FIRs

Penalizing Malicious Complaints: Implementing strict penalties for filing false or malicious FIRs to deter misuse of the system.
Investigative Checks: Ensuring a preliminary inquiry in cases where there is ambiguity or potential for misuse before registering an FIR.

Community Engagement

Community Policing Initiatives: Encouraging community policing initiatives to build trust and improve police-public relationships.
Feedback Systems: Implementing systems for public feedback on FIR processes and police handling.

Research and Development

Data Analysis: Using data analytics to assess FIR patterns, identify areas for improvement, and develop informed policies.
Pilot Projects: Running pilot projects for new initiatives in selected areas before a wider implementation.

Conclusion

The FIR system is a cornerstone of the Indian criminal justice system. Its enhancement through technological integration, legal reforms, training, and public awareness can significantly improve its efficiency and accessibility. By making FIRs more user-friendly and police procedures more transparent and accountable, the legal system becomes more robust, fair, and effective in delivering justice.

History of Somnath temple

Context: The Prime Minister of India is to inaugurate the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on 22^nd January. This brought back the memory of inauguration of Somnath temple, that was 73 years ago by the then President of India, Rajendra Prasad.

More from the news article:

British Governor General Lord Ellenborough (1842-1844) presented the temple as a symbol of Islam’s excesses on Hindus.
After the British army was defeated in Afghanistan (1842) and faced heavy losses, a retaliatory strike was carried out.
‘The gates of Somnath’, during this time became a major issue. A pair of sandalwood gates from Ghazni, were brought back by the British, claiming they were the original gates of Somnath taken by the invaders.
Lord Ellenborough proclaimed this as the avenging of an insult that Mahmud of Ghazni inflicted upon Hindus 800 years ago (1026).
The Nawab of Junagadh, where Somnath was located, decided to accede to Pakistan in August 1947. However, he fled when the rebellion started.
Sardar Patel, the then Home Minister, visited Junagadh (Saurashtra region, Gujarat) and announced the reconstruction of the Somnath temple.
As per the suggestion given by Gandhiji, a trust was set up under K. M. Munshi for funding the project. (The idea was, people of the country should collectively fund the project, instead of the Government, a secular entity).
In 1951, the then President of India, Rajendra Prasad was approached by K. M. Munshi for inauguration (Pran-Pratistha) of the temple.

About Somnath Temple:

Location: Along the coastline in Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Saurashtra region of Gujarat.
Veraval was an ancient trading port.
During the Indus Valley Civilisation, the site of Prabhas Patan was occupied. After abandonment in 1200 BCE, it was reoccupied in 400 BCE.
As per the temple’s website, it is the holy place of the first Aadi Jyotirlinga Shree Somnath Mahadev and the sacred soil where Lord Krishna took his last journey.
Since ancient times, the site has been a pilgrimage site on account of being a Triveni Sangam, i.e., the confluence of three rivers, Kapila, Hiran and Saraswati.

Descriptions of the Temple:

No mentions of ‘Somnath nomenclature’ have been found in ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism.
However, mentions of ‘Prabhas-Pattan’ as tirtha (Pilgrimage site), where the temple is located is found.
Raghuvamsa of Kalidasa (a 5^th century poem) mentions some of the sacred Shiva Pilgrimage sites: Banaras (Varanasi), Mahakal-Ujjain, Tryambaka, Prayaga, Pushkara, Gokarna and Somnath-Prabhasa. This clearly indicates tirthas of his time.
11^th -century Persian historian Al-Biruni has also stated that, “Somnath has become so famous because it was the harbour for seafaring people and a station for those who went to and fro between Sufala in the country of Zanj (east Africa) and China.”
The 14th century description was given by Amir Khusrow, where he noted, Gujarati Muslim pilgrims paid their respects before departing for the Hajj Pilgrimage (Mecca, Saudi Arabia).

Origin, Construction and Reconstruction:

First temple is said to have existed 2000 years ago.
649 AD: King Maitre of Vallabhini built a second temple.
Ruler of Sindh in 725, attacked and destroyed the temple.
815: Pratishtha King Nag Bhatt II constructed the temple for the third time, using Red Sandstone.
1026: Turkish ruler, Mahmud of Ghazni raided and plundered Somnath temple and destroyed it, during the reign of Solanki King Bhimdev I. This raid was confirmed by Al-Biruni, who worked in the court of Mahmud of Ghazni.
King Bhimdev in between 1026-1042, rebuilt the temple for the fourth time.
Kumarapala of the Chalukya-Solanki dynasty of Gujarat (his capital was Anahilapataka) rebuilt the temple and studded it with jewels, as per the inscription of 1169.
In 1299, during the Gujarat invasion, Allaudin Khilji’s army, led by Ulugh khan, sacked the temple after defeating Vaghela king Karna.
1308: It was rebuilt by Mahipala I (Chudasama king of Saurashtra) and the lingam in the temple was re-installed by his son Khengara. Chudasama dynasty ruled the part of present-day Saurashtra region of Gujarat, sometime between the 9^th and 15^th centuries. Capital: Junagadh and Vamanasthali.
1395: Attacked by Zafar khan. Zafar Khan was the last governor of Gujarat under the Delhi Sultanate and the founder of Gujarat Sultanate.
1451: Sacked by Mahmud Begada, the Sultan of Gujarat.
As per the book: ‘Somanatha: the many voices of the 16th century’ by Romila Thapar, Mughal ruler Akbar permitted the worship of Linga in the temple and also appointed Desai/officers to administer it.
1706: Mughal ruler, Aurangzeb again demolished the temple and gradually the temple fell into disuse.
1782: Somnath temple was in dilapidated state when Maratha queen from Indore, Ahilya bai Holkar built a small temple and placed an idol. The Ahilyabai-built temple is now known as ‘Old Somnath’.
After India's independence: The present Somnath temple was reconstructed in the Maru-Gurjara style.

Maru-Gurjara Architecture or Solanki style:

The style originated from that of the dynasties preceding the Solanki dynasty, mainly the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty.
Reached zenith from the 11^th to 13^th centuries, under the Chalukya dynasty of Gujarat (Solanki dynasty).
Although originated as a regional style in Hindu temple architecture, it became popular in Jain temples.

Features:

Curvilinear Shikhara
Free standing Kirti Torana
Kunda or a temple tank
Heavy carvings on ceilings of Mandapa
High plinths
Balconies looking out on multiple side

Architecture of the temple:

Pre-11th century temple: Remains of the foundation, the lower structure suggests an exquisitely carved temple. The garbhagriha (sanctum) was connected to a mukha-mandapa (entrance hall). It opened to the east.

19th-century ruined Somnath temple: British official and scholar, Alexander Burnes surveyed the site in 1830 and stated that the temple was converted into a Muslim structure (mosque) with an arch.
Present temple: Temple has a ‘Kailash Maha Meru Prasad’ form. The new temple is intricately carved, with pillared mandapa and 212 relief panels.

Office of Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS)

Context: New building for the office of Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

About Office of Central Registrar of Co-operative Societies (CRCS)

The Office of the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India.
The Central Registrar appointed under Article 243ZH(f) of the Constitution is the head of the Office of Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies.
Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies is appointed as per article 243ZH(f) of the Constitution along with the provisions of Multi-State Cooperatives Societies Act, 2002 (MSCS Act, 2002).
It is the statutory body responsible for registration and other processes of the Multi State Cooperative Societies (MSCS).

Objectives of Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS)

Registration of MSCS
Amendment to Bye-Laws of MSCS
Registration of Cooperative Societies as MSCS by conversion
Dealing with arbitration cases and winding up of cooperative societies
Formulation of policies regarding management and working of national level cooperative organizations, their implementation and follow-up.
Examination of proposals regarding Central and State Cooperative legislations.
Permission for opening of branches of MSCS.
Dealing with court cases, dispute, appeal cases u/s 99 of the MSCS Act, 2002.
Conduct of inquiry, inspection u/s 78, 79 and 108
Liquidation of multi-state cooperative societies
Issues relate to elections matters, analysis of submitted annual returns & audit reports
Dealing with work relating to complaints/grievances received from multi-state cooperative societies and from their members.

Features and its role

Regulatory Oversight: It ensures compliance with the MSCS Act and rules, thus upholding the legal framework governing cooperatives.
- Registration and Regulation: Managing the registration and regulatory oversight of multi-state cooperatives.
- Dispute Resolution: Handling disputes within cooperatives through various judicial processes.
Policy Implementation: The CRCS is instrumental in implementing policies and schemes related to the cooperative sector.
- Training and Development: Providing training and capacity building for cooperatives.
Digitalization: The CRCS is moving towards digital solutions to streamline processes, including a digital portal for various services like registration, amendment of bye-laws, and filing of annual returns.

Constitutional Provisions

Article 19(1)(c): Guarantees the right to form cooperatives.
Directive Principles of State Policy: Article 43B focuses on promoting cooperatives.
Part IXB of the Constitution: Dedicated to the cooperative societies, especially focusing on multi-state cooperatives.

Statutory Provisions

Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002: The primary legislative framework that governs the operation of multi-state cooperatives.

Key Provisions of the MSCS Act, 2002

Definition of MSCS: Defined under section 3(p) of the MSCS Act, 2002, a Multi-State Cooperative Society refers to a society registered under this Act, which includes national cooperative societies and federal cooperatives. These societies are designed to serve the interests of members in more than one state.
Body Corporate Status: Upon registration, an MSCS becomes a body corporate with perpetual succession, a common seal, and the ability to enter contracts, acquire and dispose of properties, sue or be sued, and undertake all activities necessary for achieving its objectives.
Bye-Laws of MSCS: The bye-laws of an MSCS, as per Section 10 of the Act, cover various aspects including the society's name, address, area of operation, objectives, services for members, membership eligibility, procedures for withdrawal and transfer of membership, rights and duties of members, capital, funding sources, profit allocation, and creation of reserves.

The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Act., 2023

Establishes the statutory office of Cooperative Election Authority for conducting free and fair elections of Multi-State cooperative societies, supervising the preparation of electoral rolls, enforcing rules of members to elected and returning officers for conducting elections of multi-state cooperative societies.
Improving democratic character of multi-state cooperatives by mandating that only active members can be elected as the member of the board or office bearer of multi-state cooperative societies.
Restriction on Redemption of Government Shareholding: The amendment restricts the redemption of shares held by the government in a multi-state cooperative society without prior approval. This includes shares held by central and state governments, the National Co-operative Development Corporation, any government-owned corporation, or any government company.
Appointment of Co-operative Ombudsman: The amendment introduces the appointment of a Co-operative Ombudsman to inquire into complaints made by members of multi-state cooperative societies. This includes issues related to deposits, equitable benefits, and individual rights of the members.
Revival of Sick Co-operative Societies: The Act proposes the establishment of a Co-operative Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Development Fund for reviving sick multi-state co-operative societies. Profitable societies are expected to contribute to this fund, which may raise concerns about imposing financial burdens on well-functioning cooperatives.
Cooperative Information Officer in all MSCS for providing information relating to affairs and management of the society to members.

Recent steps to strengthen the cooperative sector

Establishment of dedicated Union Ministry of Cooperation focusing on empowerment of cooperatives sector.
Digital Portal for Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies: Introduction of a digital portal to streamline processes like registration and amendment of bye-laws, promoting ease of doing business.
Establishment of Cooperative Election Authority: This authority ensures fair and transparent elections within Multi-State Cooperative Societies.
Formation of two panels of auditors for Multi-State Cooperative Societies.
Template of bye-laws for Multi-State Cooperative Societies.
Appointment of Cooperative Information Officer in Multi-State Cooperative Societies.
Creation of CRCS Portal for better collection and utilisation of Cooperative Education Fund.
Creation of the post of ‘Ombudsman’ for better redressal of complaints..
Provision of guidance and assistance to encourage the registration of Multi-State Cooperative Societies

Gut: The Second Brain

Context: There have been numerous studies on how the environment, diseases, and our diets affect the composition of our gut microbiome. New studies based on genomic studies have suggested that differences in our genetic make-ups could also affect the diversity of gut microbes.

About the Human Gut (Digestive System)

The gut comprises digestive organs, including the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon. It is established at birth and continues to develop throughout our lifetime.

Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome refers to a collection of microorganisms—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes—living in the digestive system of animals, including humans.

These microbes play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and brain health.
Increased microbial exposure fosters greater diversity and a healthier immune system.
No two people share the exact same microbiota due to unique life experiences.
The microbiome is significantly influenced by childhood illnesses, antibiotic use, diet, age, genetics, and environmental factors, resulting in diversity among individuals.
Examples of common microorganisms found in the human gut: Bifidobacteria, Escherichia coli, Lactobacili.

Role of Gut Microbiome in Maintaining Health:

Communication and Cleansing: A healthy gut microbiome maintains gut health by communicating with intestinal cells, aiding in the digestion of certain foods, and preventing disease-causing bacteria from adhering to the intestinal walls.
Physiological function: contribute in digesting food and and absorbing essential nutrients which include the production of vitamins, the metabolism of bile acids, and the breakdown of complex carbohydrates.
Develop immunity: Some studies have shown that gut bacteria can direct the development of T-cells, a family of cells critical to immune function.
May Benefit Heart Health: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in promoting "good" HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, contributing to heart health.
May Affect Weight: Having an imbalance between unhealthy and healthy gut microbiomes, referred to as gut dysbiosis, can contribute to weight gain.
May Affect Gut Health: An unhealthy microbiome in the gut may lead to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), contributing to intestinal discomfort.
May Reduce Risk of Diabetes: The gut microbiome is involved in controlling blood sugar levels, reducing the occurrence of type 1 diabetes in children, which is associated with an unhealthy gut microbiome.
May Improve Brain Health: By producing brain chemicals and communicating with nerves connected to the brain, the gut microbiome, for example, produces serotonin, a neurotransmitter primarily synthesised in the gut.

Actions to Improve Gut Health

Diversify your food basket, as this will lead to a diverse microbiome—an indicator of good gut health. Legumes, beans, and other fibre-rich foods promote the growth of healthy bacteria.
Include fermented foods like yoghurt and Dahi (curd) in your diet, as they can reduce the presence of disease-causing species in the gut.
Limit the consumption of artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, in your diet. Doing so may decrease blood sugar levels and, in turn, reduce the population of unhealthy bacteria like Enterobacteriaceae.
Take antibiotics only when recommended by a doctor, as antibiotics kill both good and bad gut microbiota, leading to antibiotic resistance

New Research in the field of Gut Microbiome

Faecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT)

A faecal, or intestinal, microbiota transplant (FMT) is a medical procedure that involves transferring a small amount of stool from a healthy donor into the colon of a person with recurrent infections of a bacterium called Clostridium difficile.

The goal of FMT is to restore the balance of the gut microbiome and help the recipient fight off the infection.
FMT has been shown to be highly effective in treating Clostridium difficile infections that do not respond to antibiotics, with success rates of over 80%.
FMT is also considered to be safe, with few reported side effects or complications.

Metabolism of Urobilinogen and Genome Sequencing

Urobilinogen is produced in the body when the body metabolises bilirubin. Bilirubin is produced when the body metabolises haemoglobin in the blood. The yellow colour of urine comes from a pigment called urobilinogen. This is why a high level of bilirubin seen in the yellowing of the eyes is associated with jaundice.

Researchers have suggested that the human microbiome could be involved in the metabolism of urobilinogen.
Using biochemical analyses and comparative genomics, they identified a bacterial enzyme, called bilirubin reductase (BilR), to be responsible for reducing bilirubin to urobilinogen.
Through genome sequencing, the researchers observed that microorganisms belonging to the species Firmicutes predominantly encode the gene that teaches cells to make BilR.

Brain and Microbiome

Some evidence in research has shown that the human microbiome can be associated with how neurons 'talk' to each other.

Gut microbes produce vitamin B12; researchers suggested the vitamin could influence neuronal signaling by influencing the availability of free choline, a molecule neuron used to make a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine.

Human Microbiome Project (HMP)

It was a research initiative by the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) to improve understanding of the microbiota involved in human health and disease.

It aimed to characterise the microbial communities that live in and on our bodies and the roles they play in human development, physiology, immunity, and nutrition.
It generated a large amount of data and resources that are available for the scientific community to use and analyse.
It also explored the ethical, legal, and social implications of human microbiome research.

Phases of Human Microbiome Project (HMP)

The HMP consisted of two phases:

The first phase (HMP1): It focused on identifying and characterising human microbiota from healthy adults and people with specific microbiome-associated diseases.
The second phase (iHMP): It focused on creating integrated datasets of multiple biological properties from both the microbiome and host over time in people with specific microbiome-associated diseases.

Jagannath Temple Corridor

Context: Chief Minister of Odisha has launched the Shree Mandir Parikrama Prakalpa, which is a massive peripheral development project around Puri’s 12^thcentury Shree Jagannath Temple.

More about the news:

Heritage Corridor: 75-metre-wide space encircling the temple, known as the heritage corridor is divided into nine different zones.
It has a 7-metre green buffer zone, adjacent to the Meghanada Pacheri, or the boundary of the temple.
A 10-metre Antar Pradakshina will allow space for ceremonial processions of the deities throughout the year.
There is also a public convenience zone having restrooms, drinking water facilities, information-cum-donation kiosks, mini cloakrooms, and a dedicated emergency lane.
The State government organised a massive outreach programme, with Arpan Raths taken out in every village to promote, preserve and protect Jagannath culture through people’s participation.

About Jagannath temple:

An important Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Vishnu.
Location: Puri, Odisha (eastern coast of India).
Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra are deities worshipped at the temple.
The temple is sacred to all Hindus, and especially in those of the Vaishnava traditions and is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of the Vaishnavite tradition.
- Many great Vaishnava saints, such as Ramanujacharya, Nimbarkacharya, Vallabhacharya and Ramananda were closely associated with the temple.
- Ramanuja established the Emar Matha in the south-eastern corner of the temple.
- Adi Shankaracharya established the Govardhan Math, which is the seat of one of the four Shankaracharyas.
- It is also of particular significance to the followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, whose founder, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was attracted to the deity, Jagannath.
The worship is performed by the Bhil Sabar tribal priests, as well as priests of other communities in the temple.
Unlike the stone and metal icons found in most Hindu temples, the image of Jagannath is made of wood (neem wood, known as Daru) and is ceremoniously replaced every 12 or 19 years by an exact replica.
The temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, the other being Rameshwaram, Badrinath and Dwarka.

Construction:

The present temple was rebuilt by the King of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, Anantavarman Chodaganga, in the 10th century CE, as described by the Kendupatna copper-plate inscription of his descendant, Narasimhadeva II.
Anantavarman was originally a Shaivite, and became a Vaishnavite sometime after he conquered the Utkala region, in which the temple is located, in 1112 CE.
A 1134–1135 CE inscription records his donation to the temple.
The temple complex was further developed during the reigns of the subsequent kings, including those of the Ganga dynasty and the Gajapati dynasty (1434-1541).
The temple is built in the Kalinga Architecture. The temple has distinct sectional structures: Deula, Vimana or Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum).

Rath Yatra:

The Ratha Yatra, also known as the Ratha Jatra or chariot festival, is a magnificent Hindu celebration held annually in the city of Puri, Odisha, India.
It is considered the oldest and largest chariot festival in the Hindu tradition, taking place during the bright half of the lunar month of Ashadh (June or July).
The festival revolves around the worship of Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu or Krishna, and his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra.
During the Ratha Yatra, the three deities are ceremoniously pulled in massive wooden chariots from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
The deities reside in the Gundicha Temple for a week and then return to their abode in the Jagannath temple (Bahuda Yatra)