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.
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.
Context:The Prime Minister of India is to inaugurate the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on 22nd 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.
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 5th 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.
11th -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 9th and 15th 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.
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.
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).
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
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.
Context: Chief Minister of Odisha has launched the Shree Mandir Parikrama Prakalpa, which is a massive peripheral development project around Puri’s 12th century 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)
Context:The Governor of Tamil Nadu paid tributes to a portrait of Tamil poet saint ‘Thiruvalluvar’ in saffron robes and described him as a saint of the ‘Bharatiya Sanatan’ tradition. This has revived a controversy, opposing the attempt to ‘saffronise’ Thiruvalluvar.
About Thiruvalluvar:
Valluvar was an ancient saint, poet, and prominent philosopher in the Tamil region, and his significant contributions are particularly evident in his work, 'Thirukurral.'
Comprising 1330 couplets, this collection holds a special place in every Tamil household. According to traditional accounts, it was the last work of the third Sangam.
First Sangam, was held in Madurai, and was attended by legendary sages. No book or literary work of this Sangam is available. Sage Agastya is believed to have chaired the first Sangam.
Second Sangam, was convened in Kapadapuram. The only surviving literary work is Tolkappiyam by Tolkappiyar.
Various communities in the Tamil region regard Valluvar as the 64th Nayanmar of the Saivite tradition.
The renowned Mylapore temple, constructed in the early 16th century, stands as a testament to the deep reverence for Valluvar.
The temple is situated within the Ekambareeswara-Kamakshi (Shiva-Parvati) temple complex in Mylapore, Chennai.
Valluvar influenced and shaped the perspectives of numerous scholars and he presented views on ethical, social, political, philosophical, spiritual and economic domains.
Authentic information about Valluvar's life remains scarce as neither his true name nor the original title can be found in Tirukkural.
It is a subject of debate, with conjectures placing him within either Jainism or Hinduism.
Some scholars argue that Valluvar's writings align more closely with Hinduism, as evidenced by the integration of his teachings in Tirukkural with Hindu texts.
Also, Valluvar's treatment of the concept of ahimsa (non-violence), which is an important tenet in both Jainism and Hinduism, further supports the claim.
About Tirukkural:
It is divided into three parts: aram (virtue), porul (wealth), and inbam (love).
Valluvar text predominantly addresses the three aspects directly but it does not explicitly cover vitu (moksha or release).
The concept of turavaram (renunciation) is explored, serving as a means to achieve spiritual liberation. Hence, vitu is indirectly discussed within the Kural text.
The couplets are organized into 133 sections, each containing 10 couplets.
Book I (Aram): Deals with the moral values of an individual and essentials of yoga philosophy.
Book II (Porul): Explores socio-economic values, polity and statecraft, and administration.
Book III (Inbam): Addresses psychological values and the theme of love.
Valluvar presents his theory of the state through six key elements: Army (Patai), Subjects (Kuti), Treasure (Kul), Ministers (Amaiccu), Allies (Natpu), and Forts (Aran).
Valluvar recommends the establishment of forts and other infrastructure, along with adequate supplies and food storage, in preparation for potential sieges.
While sharing similarities with the teachings found in Arthasastra, Valluvar's perspectives differ in some crucial aspects.
Example: Valluvar's theory of the state, the army (patai) emerges as the most vital element, in contrast to Kautilya's emphasis on King.
Philosophy:
Contrary to being a mystic or purely philosophical document, Tirukkural is centred on the comprehensive understanding of human relationships and is renowned for its concept of 'Pragmatic idealism.'
Valluvar's philosophy places the 'common man' at its core, emphasizing the need for individuals to lead virtuous lives, uphold human values, promote social harmony and actively engage in political life.
On Religion and Spirituality:
He glorifies significant divine attributes without specifying a particular deity by name.
This approach leads people to perceive the teachings in the Kural text as not being attributed to any specific God or religion.
He envisioned a harmonious society where diverse communities from various sects coexist peacefully, thus advocating for a monotheistic divinity.
He intentionally avoided discussing moksha or liberation and emphasized on the importance of living a virtuous and honest life on Earth.
He believes that individuals who exhibit virtue in their domestic, social, political, and moral spheres will experience abundant joy in all aspects of life.
On Administration and Governance:
Democracy: He did not endorse democracy but accepted Royalty with ministers bound by a code of ethics and a system of justice.
At the same time, the Kural text, cautions against tyranny, appeasement, and oppression, suggesting that such behaviour leads to disasters, depletion of state wealth, and the loss of power and prosperity.
Governance:
He asserts that “just as living beings thrive with good rainfall, citizens flourish when a king governs justly”.
He advised rulers to avoid cruelty, as a lack of daily examination of wrongdoings and the absence of justice will lead to the downfall of the kingdom.
He highlighted the ruler's duty to protect the realm from terrorism, warning that a failure to control such threats will result in the loss of peace.
Role of ministers is crucial, as they are expected to assist in the smooth administration of the kingdom, understanding the nature of undertakings and offering advice when necessaryto the King.
He underscored the necessity of maintaining good relationships with neighbouring countries through envoys for peaceful coexistence.
On Business:
He advocated for eternal values and moral principles which will govern the conduct of business leaders.
Context:Judges at the International Court of Justice have opened two days of legal arguments in a case filed by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide in its Gaza war.
Why did South Africa move to ICJ against Israel?
ICJ Jurisdiction:
The ICJ, the principal judicial body of the United Nations for settling legal disputes between states, does not function as a criminal court and does not prosecute individuals; that role is reserved for the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Both of these courts are located in the Hague, Netherlands.
The ICJ is not empowered to automatically adjudicate all cases involving breaches of international law.
Its jurisdiction is limited to cases brought before it by states that willingly consent to its authority.
In the present situation, the consent arises from an article in the Genocide Convention, specifying that disputes related to the interpretation, application, or fulfilment of the Convention must be submitted to the ICJ upon the request of any party involved.
About Genocide Convention Case:
Both South Africa and Israel are parties to this Convention.
Provisional measures, sought by South Africa, aim to prevent irreparable harm.
South Africa's case is rooted in Article II, defining genocide as acts causing harm to a group. The Genocide Convention defines genocide through five acts:
killing members of a group,
causing serious bodily or mental harm,
deliberately inflicting conditions of life to bring about physical destruction,
imposing measures to prevent births, and
forcibly transferring children to another group with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a specific national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.
Notably, victims are targeted based on their real or perceived group membership,emphasizing the intentional nature of the acts.
South Africa's argument:
South Africa asserts that Israel has committed several of these acts, presenting evidence of specific intent by Israeli state officials since October 2023.
Israel is accused of causing hunger, dehydration, and starvation in Gaza.
South Africa contends that urgent relief is necessary to prevent further harm to the rights of the Palestinian people.
South Africa seeks measures like the immediate suspension of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Note:
In 2019, the Gambia filed a case against Myanmar concerning the Rohingya people. The Gambia's case marked the first instance of a state invoking the ICJ's jurisdiction to seek redress for genocidal acts committed against the citizens of another state.
Similar to the Gambia, South Africa bases its jurisdiction on obligations ‘erga omnes partes’, asserting its standing as a party to the Convention to bring the case due to its community interest in preventing genocide.
Israel's defence:
Israel, countering the genocide allegation, claims its actions are based on self-defence and international law norms.
It argues its operations target Hamas, not civilians, and questions the use of the term genocide in a conflict it did not initiate.
Provisional ruling:
A ruling on provisional measures, expected within weeks, won't determine the genocide claim.
The ICJ lacks enforcement power; the UN Security Council, with potential U.S. involvement, may play a role if an adverse ruling occurs.
Genocide Convention
The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (CPPCG), commonly known as the Genocide Convention, emerged as an international treaty in the aftermath of World War II.
The atrocities witnessed during World War II, notably the Holocaust, highlighted the absence of a comprehensive description or legal definition for acts of genocide.
Raphael Lemkin coined the term genocide in 1944 and fervently campaigned for its recognition as a crime under international law.
The General Assembly's landmark resolution in 1946, acknowledging genocide as an international crime, set the stage for the creation of a binding treaty to prevent and punish such acts.
Adopted unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly on December 9, 1948, it marked the first-ever legal instrument to define and criminalize genocide as an international crime.
The Convention came into force on January 12, 1951, and currently has 152 state parties as of 2022.
Its definition of genocide has been adopted by various international and hybrid tribunals, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), and has been incorporated into the domestic laws of several countries.
Over 50 years ago, India willingly ratified the Genocide Convention in 1959.
Context - The International Year of Millets (2023) is over.
General growing conditions for Millets:
Temperature: Generally, the Millets are grown in tropical as well as sub-tropical up to an altitude of 2,100m. It is a heat loving plant and for its germination the minimum temperature required is 8- 10°c. A mean temperature range of 26-29°c during the growth is best for proper development and good crop yield.
Rainfall: Sorghum grows in 450 – 650 mm rainfall. Kodo Millet has a heavy water requirement which grows well in moderate rainfall of 50-60cm. Finger millet grows in 40-45cm rainfall.
Soil : Millet has wide adaptability to different soil from very poor to very fertile and can tolerate a certain degree of alkalinity. The best soils are alluvial, loamy and sandy soil with good drainage.
Topography: Kodo millet can be grown in gravelly and stony soil such as in the hilly region.
PROPERTIES AND ASSOCIATED BENEFITS
Can withstand high Temperature and long period of drought.
Poor soils and difficult terrain also support millet.
Can grow in sub topical and tropical areas with low or seasonal rainfall thus can be easily grown in semi-arid areas lacking in irrigation.
Millets are anti acidic; gluten free; Helps to prevent type 2 diabetes; Effective in reducing blood pressure; Reduces risk of gastrointestinal conditions like gastric ulcers or colon cancer; Eliminate problems like constipation, excess gas, bloating and cramping; Millet act as a probiotic feeding micro flora in our inner ecosystem.
It will also be critical for climate change measures in drylands and important for smallholder and marginal farmers.
Bioethanol can be created using sorghum (jowar) and pearl millet (bajra), and that this fuel could bring down carbon emissions by about half.
Distribution
India (41%), Niger (11.5%) and China (7.5%) are the largest millet producers in the world, accounting for about 60% of global production in 2023.
However, in recent years, millet production has increased dramatically in Africa.
Major producers in India include Rajasthan, Maharashtra, U.P, Karnataka.
India’s export of Millets is 64 million USD in the year 2021-22. There is an increase in export of Millets by 12.5 % during the period April-December 2023 as compared to the same period last year.
Export of millets has witnessed a change in paradigm in the last decade. The major importing countries were USA, Australia, Japan, Belgium etc in 2011-12 which had been shifted to Nepal (USD 6.09 million), UAE (USD 4.84 million) and Saudi Arabia (USD 3.84 million) in 2021-22.
Why is India slow in adopting millet-based products?
General perception is that the millets are increasingly seen as “poor person’s food”.
Lower or near absence of production support when compared to the support enjoyed by other crops.
Competition from other market friendly remunerative crops like rice and wheat.
Changes in preference patterns in consumption moving away from them, mainly due to inclusion of only rice and wheat into the Public Distribution System (PDS)
Lack of appropriate post-harvest processing technologies for small millets.
Absence of public or private funded promotion of millets as a nutritious food category.
STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE NUTRI-CEREALS
Additional areas should be brought under millets which will significantly increase the cropping intensity in dryland agriculture and contribute to higher output and farm revenues. Use post-kharif fallow lands with residual soil moisture in high rainfall regions like central and eastern Indian states.
Special Agribusiness Zones (SABZ) for millets: Focus on development of particular millets which is popularly cultivated in the local areas. Examples: sorghum in Telangana, finger millet in Karnataka, pearl millet in Gujarat, and small millets in Madhya Pradesh. These SABZs can develop around FPOs, farm gate level primary processing facilities, ware housing units and value-added food products.
Promoting Organic Millets to cater to increased demand of the consumers.
MGNREGA funds can be used to develop common wastelands into cultivable lands, and an integrated and target oriented strategy may be drawn up for this purpose.
Explore Trade opportunities: The export of Indian millets has not been up to the mark as compared to other cereal grains due to poor quality; farmers need to be educated about quality concerns at all stages of production and harvesting.
Expanding the coverage of small millets under MSP as well as PDS.
Context: Vice President of India inaugurated the 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP) at New Delhi. The theme of 12th General Assembly is “The Buddhist Voice of Global South”. The 11th ABCP General Assembly was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
About Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP):
Brief Background: The roots of founding of ABCP lay in the Cold War Politics of peace movements and consolidation of allies and building popular outreach among masses through various organizations.
Founded in: 1970, as a voluntary movement of followers of Buddhism with both monastic (monks) and lay members that carries out its activities based on the noble teachings of Lord Buddha.
Established by: Religious Buddhist leaders from India, Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Members: North and South Korea, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Japan, Mongolia and Russia.
Headquarter: Gandanthegchenling Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Regional centers: ABCP Japan Center, ABCP Lao National Center and ABCP Vietnam Center.
Activities: It published a journal "Dharmaduta' and maintained close working relations with several organization such as Christian Peace Conference, Afro-Asian People's Solidarity Organization, the Russian Orthodox Church etc.
Aims of ABCP: Striving to disseminate and implement the teaching of the Lord Buddha - the Enlightened One, on peace and harmony, compassion and loving kindness for all sentient beings.
Bring together efforts of Buddhists in support of consolidating universal peace, harmony and cooperation among peoples of Asia,
Furthering their economic and social advancement and promoting respect for justice and human dignity, and,
Disseminating the Buddhist culture, tradition and heritage.
Achievements: The United Nations granted the ABCP the status of an accredited Non-Governmental Organisation with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight test of the new generationAkash surface-to-air missile (SAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.
The flight test was conducted against a high-speed unmanned aerial target at very low altitude. The target was successfully intercepted by the weapon system and destroyed. The successful flight test has paved the way for user trials.
Indigenously designed and developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The system features a launcher, a set of missiles, a control centre, a built-in mission guidance system, multi-functional radar, C4I (command, control communication and intelligence) centres and supporting ground equipment. It is highly immune to active and passive jamming.
Akash missiles can simultaneously engage Multiple Targets in Group Mode or Autonomous Mode and destroy manoeuvring targets such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cruise missiles, and missiles launched from choppers.
The entire Akash weapon system has been configured on mobile platforms. This makes it agile as it can be transported fast anywhere.
Range: It can hit aerial targets between 4.5 km to 25 km, with an effective altitude of 100 metres to 20 km.
Propellant: Solid fuel. Solid propellants are composed of a mixture of fuel and oxidizers bound together in a solid form. They provide high thrust, simplicity of operation, and relatively long storage life, making them suitable for ballistic missile applications.
Used by both Indian Air force and Indian Army.
Akash-NG:
This missile is a successor to the Akash and Akash-1S series of missiles with improvements such as:
Dual-pulse solid rocket motor which is lighter compared to the engine present in the earlier Akash and Akash-1S missiles. (reduces the weight of the platform).
AESA Multifunction targeting radar to improve its probability of kill with smaller ground operations.
Improved reaction time and higher level of protection against aerial attacks.
Context: Indore and Surat were named the joint winners of the cleanest city in the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023.
About Swachh Survekshan Awards (SSAs) : Urban
Launched in: 2016
Launched as: Part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, to assess urban areas for their levels of cleanliness and active implementation of Swachhata mission initiatives in a timely and innovative manner.
Launched by: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs with Quality Council of India as its implementation partner.
Methodology for measuring cleanliness: Citizen feedback and field assessment.
Objective: To encourage large scale citizen participation and create awareness amongst all sections of society about the importance of working together towards making towns and cities a better place to live in.
Theme of the cleanliness survey 2023:“Waste to Wealth”, while for 2024 it is “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle”.
Key findings of Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 :
Cleanest city (over 10 lakh population):Indore has been named the cleanest city in the Swachh Survekshan Awards for the seventh consecutive year.
Surat, which has been in second place, won the top award for the first time.
Both cities had 100% door-to-door collection of waste, 98% segregation at source and 100%Navi Mumbai was named the third cleanest city.
Cleanest state: Maharashtra was awarded the cleanest state, followed by Madhya Pradesh.
Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Nagaland and Tripura were ranked the bottom five states.
About Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission):
Background: It is a restructured version of the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan launched in 2009.
Launched in: 2nd October 2014
Type of scheme: Centrally sponsored scheme
Objective: To eliminate open defecation and improve solid waste management and to create Open Defecation Free (ODF) villages. Also aims to increase awareness of menstrual health management.
Phases of SBA:
Phase 1 of SBM: Lasted till 2 October 2019. To eradicate manual scavenging, generating awareness and bringing about a behaviour change regarding sanitation practices, and augmentation of capacity at the local level.
Phase 2of SBM: Being implemented between 2020–21 and 2024–25 to help cement the work of Phase 1. Aims to sustain the open defecation free status and improve the management of solid and liquid waste, while also working to improve the lives of sanitation workers.
The mission was split into two: Rural and Urban.
SBA - Rural: Financed and monitored through the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (since converted to the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti).
SBA- Urban: Overseen by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Salient Features of Swachh Bharat Mission - Urban 2.0
Launched in: 2021
Tenure: Till 2026.
Objective: For creating a “Garbage Free” Urban India.
Focus areas of mission: All households and premises segregate their waste into “wet waste” and “dry waste”.
100% door to door collection of segregated waste from each household/ premise;
100% scientific management of all fractions of waste, including safe disposal in scientific landfills;
all legacy dumpsites remediated and converted into green zones;
all used water including fecal sludge, especially in smaller cities are safely contained, transported, processed and disposed so that no untreated fecal sludge and used water pollutes the ground or water bodies.
Intervention of the mission:
Garbage Free Cities: All statutory towns are certified at least 3-star garbage Free, or higher. Follows a SMART framework – Single metric, Measurable, Achievable, Rigorous verification mechanism and Targeted towards outcomes.
ODF Norms: No faeces should be seen around, and everyone at home and public places should use safe methods to get rid of it.
ODF+ Norms: Nobody should defecating and/or urinating in open areas. All public and community toilets should be kept clean and well-maintained.
ODF++ Norms: Emphasis on mechanized cleaning of septic tanks and sewers. Safe collection & treatment of used water as well as safe management of faecal sludge.
Water+ Norms : The focus is on collection, transportation, treatment, and reuse of both used water and faecal sludge to prevent environmental pollution.
For towns having population more than 20,000, a minimum of 25% households to be connected to sewerage network.
Striving to achieve sustainability.
No untreated used water is let out in the environment.
