Compulsory Inclusion of NOTA in Elections

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court (SC) by Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, seeking to make the NOTA (None of the Above) option compulsory in all elections, including those with a single candidate. 

What is NOTA in Indian Elections? 

• About: The "None of the Above" (NOTA) option on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) allows voters to reject all candidates while maintaining the secrecy of their choice.  
• Significance: Technically, it does not affect the outcome of the election, i.e., the candidate with the highest votes still wins, even if NOTA gets more votes than any candidate, but it empowers citizens to express dissatisfaction with contesting candidates without abstaining from the electoral process. 
• Background: In its 170th Report in 1999, the Law Commission explored the concept of negative voting alongside a 50%+1 voting system, but practical challenges led to no final recommendations on the matter. 
  • In 2004, the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) petitioned the Supreme Court, citing that the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 violated voter secrecy by recording identities of non-voters. 
    • In September 2013, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to introduce the NOTA option following its directive given in the PUCL vs Union of India Case Case, 2013, as a measure to safeguard the secrecy of voters' choices. 
• Usage of NOTA: NOTA is available in Lok Sabha, State Assembly, and Panchayat elections, though not uniformly across all local bodies. 
  • It was first used in the 2013 Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh. 
  • In Lok Sabha elections, NOTA vote share has remained low but consistent, 1.1% in 2014, 1.04% in 2019, and similar in 2024.  
    • In State elections, Bihar recorded the highest at 2.48% (2015), followed by Gujarat at 1.8% (2017).  

What are the Judicial Pronouncements Related to NOTA? 

• In Lily Thomas v. Speaker, Lok Sabha, 1993, the Supreme Court (SC) held that the right to vote includes the right to express one’s will either in support or in opposition.  
  • This also implies a voter's right to remain neutral in an election. 
• In People's Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India, 2013, SC directed the Election Commission to include a NOTA button in EVMs.  
  • The Court emphasized that voter secrecy must be maintained whether the person votes for a candidate or opts for NOTA, thus empowering voters and deepening democratic participation. 
• In Shailesh Manubhai Parmar v. Election Commission of India, 2018, SC ruled that the NOTA option was unsuitable for Rajya Sabha (Upper House) elections, as it could distort the electoral process, promote corruption, and encourage political defections. 
  • Consequently, the Court removed NOTA from indirect elections. 

What are the Arguments Related to Compulsory Inclusion of NOTA in All Elections? 

Arguments in Favour of Compulsory NOTA Option 

• Expands Voter Choice: NOTA empowers voters to reject all contesting candidates, allowing them to express disapproval without abstaining from voting, enhancing voter autonomy. 
• Upholds Voter Choice in Uncontested Polls: NOTA ensures voters can express dissent even in single-candidate elections, preserving democratic choice. 
• Promotes Political Accountability: The presence of NOTA encourages political parties to nominate better, more competent, and ethical candidates to avoid losing votes. 
• Signals Voter Dissatisfaction: NOTA vote counts serve as an important indicator for the EC and parties about public discontent, prompting corrective measures.  
  • It can pave the way for future reforms, like mandatory re-election if NOTA crosses a threshold and minimum winning thresholds based on voter turnout and votes polled. 

Arguments Against Compulsory Inclusion of NOTA 

• Rare Use, No Electoral Impact:  NOTA has no effect on election outcomes, as the candidate with the highest votes wins regardless of NOTA count.  
  • Since 1952, only 9 Lok Sabha candidates have been elected unopposed, just 6 since 1971, making rules for such rare scenarios largely redundant. 
• Caste-Based Bias: In reserved constituencies, high NOTA votes sometimes reflect caste prejudice against certain candidates, which can distort its intended purpose. 
• Promotes Voter Apathy & Disillusionment: Mandatory NOTA may lead to casual rejection of all candidates without meaningful evaluation, reducing critical voter engagement. 
  • Additionally, if NOTA secures significant votes but has no electoral consequence, it can erode public trust in the democratic process and legitimacy of the elected government. 
• Weakens Representative Democracy: Since NOTA does not affect the mandate, it may undermine the principle of representative democracy by not ensuring clear voter endorsement. 

 

Way Forward 

• Legislative Action: Introduce a minimum vote threshold for candidates, ie. if NOTA secures a significant share (e.g., over 10%), mandate re-election.  
  • Maharashtra and Haryana State Election Commissions have set precedents treating NOTA as a ‘fictional candidate’, conducting fresh polls and disqualifying candidates who poll fewer votes than NOTA. 
• Candidate & Financial Accountability: Candidates receiving fewer votes than NOTA should be barred from re-contesting, and political parties with losing candidates must bear re-election costs.  
  • To prevent repeated polls, NOTA could be disabled in such re-polls. 
• Voter Education and Awareness: Conduct widespread campaigns to inform voters about NOTA’s purpose, ensuring its responsible use beyond mere protest votes. 
• Transparency & Integration with Electoral Reforms: The EC should publish detailed NOTA voting data regularly.  
  • NOTA reforms should align with broader electoral reforms like decriminalizing politics and promoting party transparency to enhance democratic accountability. 

Drishti Mains Question: Evaluate the impact and challenges of NOTA in Indian elections and suggest ways to improve its effectiveness.

Hooch Tragedies in India

Source:IE 

Why in News? 

A major hooch tragedy in Punjab’s Amritsar district has claimed 21 lives and left several hospitalised after the consumption of spurious liquor suspected to contain methanol, a highly toxic chemical. 

What is Methanol? 

• About: Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, or wood spirit, is the simplest alcohol, with the chemical formula CH₃OH.  
  • Methanol is a colorless, volatile liquid with a faintly sweet pungent odor and is completely miscible with water.  
• Applications: It serves as a solvent in paints, varnishes, and plastics. It is a key raw material in the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid, and various aromatic hydrocarbons.  
  • Methanol also functions as an antifreeze agent and fuel additive, helping remove water from automotive and aviation fuels.  
  • Additionally, it is gaining prominence as a biodegradable energy resource in sustainable energy applications. 
• Impact on Human Body: Methanol is highly toxic to humans, especially if ingested. It breaks down into formic acid in the liver, causing metabolic acidosis and lowering blood pH.  
  • This disrupts oxygen use in cells, leading to organ damage. Methanol can also harm the optic nerve, causing blindness, and may result in brain swelling or bleeding, which can lead to coma or death. 
• Regulatory Framework: The Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations 2018 set maximum methanol limits in liquors to ensure safety and quality. 
  • Methanol is listed under Schedule I of the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989. 
  • The Indian Standard IS 517 provides specifications for determining methanol quality. 

                 

What are the Causes of Hooch Tragedies in India? 

• Economic Vulnerability and Poverty: People from economically weaker sections often resort to cheap, locally brewed alcohol (hooch) as they cannot afford licensed, quality liquor. 
  • The cost of hooch is significantly lower than legal alcohol due to evasion of excise duty and taxes. 
• Widespread Misuse of Methanol: Methanol, an inexpensive industrial chemical, is often stolen and illegally added to illicit liquor to increase potency, despite its extreme toxicity. Bootleggers frequently use methanol to produce deadly hooch, as seen in several mass poisoning cases. 
• Lack of Regulation and Enforcement: Despite the Excise Act, 1944 and local regulations, enforcement is often weak, allowing illegal brewing and distribution to flourish. 
  • In states with alcohol prohibition (e.g., Bihar, Gujarat), hooch networks expand underground, exploiting weak enforcement. 
  • Methyl alcohol is not categorised as a "poison" under the definition provided in the Poison Act, 1919, thereby limiting the scope of legal culpability.  
    • This legal gap complicates the prosecution of such cases and highlights the need for legislative reform. 
• Political and Bureaucratic Nexus: There are frequent allegations of political protection and bureaucratic involvement in illegal liquor trade. 
  • Political connections sometimes provide immunity to hooch manufacturers, preventing law enforcement action. Bribery and corruption further allow bootleggers to operate without fear of police intervention. 
• Lack of Awareness and Social Stigma: In rural and semi-urban areas, there is a lack of awareness about the dangers of consuming unregulated alcohol. 
  • Social stigma around alcoholism also prevents people from seeking medical help when symptoms of poisoning appear. 
• Absence of Community Reporting Mechanisms: Fear of local liquor mafias prevents communities from reporting illegal hooch production. 
  • There is often no structured system to anonymously report bootlegging activities to authorities. 
• Flaws in Supply Chain Monitoring: Lack of digital tracking and surveillance of raw materials like methanol allows for unchecked distribution. 
  • Absence of real-time tracking mechanisms makes it difficult to identify illegal distilleries. 
• Case Studies of Major Hooch Tragedies in India: 
  • Mumbai (2015): A hooch tragedy killed around 100 people in Malwani due to methanol poisoning. 
  • Punjab (2020): More than 100  people died after consuming adulterated liquor in multiple districts. 
  • Bihar (2022): Despite prohibition, 40 people lost their lives in Saran due to spurious liquor consumption. 
  • Tamil Nadu (2024): A severe illicit liquor tragedy in Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, caused over 50  deaths. 

What Measures are Needed to Prevent Hooch Tragedies? 

• Effective Enforcement and Monitoring: Initiatives like Operation Moonshine (conducted in Kochi, Kerala)  show the success of coordinated raids and monitoring by excise, police, and forest departments.  
  • Launch a Centralized Methanol Tracking Portal under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers to monitor methanol production, sale, and transportation. 
    • Use blockchain technology to create an immutable ledger of methanol supply chains, preventing diversion to illicit alcohol production. 
  • Employing digital tools such as GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping for identifying illegal brewing hotspots, and CCTV surveillance can improve enforcement efficacy. 
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Under the National Health Mission (NHM), launch focused IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) campaigns in vulnerable regions educating on dangers of spurious liquor and methanol poisoning.: 
  • Panchayats, religious leaders, and SHGs (Self-Help Groups) can be mobilized to discourage consumption and report illegal brewing. 
• Access to Affordable, Quality-Controlled Alcohol: Rationalizing taxation and ensuring availability of safe, regulated alcohol can reduce demand for spurious liquor. 
• Socio-Economic Support and Alternative Livelihoods: Integrate affected communities into skill development programs under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) to reduce economic dependence on illicit liquor consumption or production. 
  • Provide educational scholarships and health insurance to children of hooch victims. 
• Accountability of Police and Excise Officials: Institutionalize a Performance Audit system for police and excise departments with clear benchmarks related to curbing illicit liquor trade. 
  • Enforce strict disciplinary actions, including suspension and prosecution, for officials found negligent or complicit. 
• International Guidelines and Best Practices: The WHO Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol (2010) advocates for controlling availability, reducing demand through pricing policies, and preventing illicit alcohol production. 
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3.5 emphasize strengthening prevention and treatment of substance abuse. 

Conclusion 

Recurring hooch tragedies in India reflect deeper socio-economic and governance failures. The Amritsar incident highlights the urgent need for a coordinated approach involving strict regulation, public awareness, enforcement accountability, and community engagement to break the cycle of poverty, profiteering, and neglect fueling the illicit liquor trade. 

Drishti Mains Question: Methanol poisoning in hooch tragedies has emerged as a major public health crisis. What preventive mechanisms can be institutionalized to address this?

Accessibility and Empowerment of PwDs

Source:PIB 

Why in News?  

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organized the Inclusive India Summit, to mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). 

• The summit resulted in the signing of three Memorandums of Understanding to enhance disability inclusion. Key initiatives include an ‘Accessibility Index’ to audit public buildings, promotion of inclusive infrastructure, and awareness through hackathons and national competitions. 

Why is Accessibility Crucial for an Inclusive Society? 

• Ensures Equal Rights and Participation: Accessibility enables PwDs to exercise their fundamental human rights, such as freedom of expression, access to education, employment, healthcare, and social participation, on an equal footing with others. 
• Removes Barriers for Full Inclusion: PwDs often face physical, informational, and attitudinal barriers.  
  • Accessibility focuses on removing these obstacles by providing reasonable accommodations tailored to diverse needs, ensuring they can engage fully in social, economic, and political life. 
• International Normative Frameworks: Key UN documents like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)), the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons, and the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities emphasize accessibility as both a right and a means to empower PwDs.  
  • These frameworks call for accessible physical environments, information, communication, transportation, education, and healthcare. 
• Fosters Social and Economic Growth: Inclusive societies that prioritize accessibility unlock the potential of all citizens, contributing to poverty reduction, equitable economic opportunities, and overall sustainable development. 

What is the Current Status of PwDs in India?  

• PwDs in India: As per Census 2011, the number of PwDs in the country is 2.68 crore (2.21% of the total population).   
  • The prevalence of disability was higher among males than females, with a rate of 2.4% in males and 1.9% in females. It was also higher in rural areas than in urban areas. 
  • As per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, there are 21 types of Disabilities which includes Locomotor Disability, Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment, Speech & Language Disability, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Cerebral Palsy, Dwarfism etc. 
• Constitutional Provisions: 
  • Preamble of the Constitution: Secures to all citizens Justice (social, economic, political), Liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship), and Equality (of status and opportunity). 
  • Fundamental Rights (Part III): The Constitution guarantees six Fundamental Rights (Equality, Freedom, Protection against Exploitation, Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and Constitutional Remedies) which apply to all citizens, including persons with disabilities, even if not explicitly mentioned. 
  • Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV): Article 41 calls for public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement.  
    • It mandates the State to make effective provisions, within its economic capacity, for securing the right to work, education, and public assistance for those in need. 
  • Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies: 
    • Twelfth Schedule (Entry 9 of Article 243-W): “Safeguarding the interests of weaker sections of society, including the handicapped and mentally retarded.” 
    • Eleventh Schedule (Entry 26 of Article 243-G): “Social welfare, including welfare of the handicapped and mentally retarded.” 
• Policy Frameworks: The National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006 aims to ensure equal opportunities, rights protection, and full participation of PwDs in society. 
  • India ratified the UNCRPD in 2008. To fulfill its obligations under the Convention, Parliament enacted the RPwD Act 2016 (to  ensure dignity, non-discrimination, and equal opportunities for PwDs). 
  • The National Trust Act, 1999, established a national body to support the welfare of persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities. 
  • The Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992, made RCI a statutory body to regulate and monitor disability services, standardize training, and maintain a register of qualified rehabilitation professionals. 
  • The Scheme for Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (SIPDA), launched in 2015, focuses on skill training for PwDs aged 15-59 under the National Action Plan for Skill Development. 
• Judicial Pronouncements:  
  • In Rajive Raturi v. Union of India (2024), the Supreme Court reaffirmed that accessibility for PwDs is a constitutional imperative under Article 21, linking it to the right to life, dignity, and freedom of movement.  
    • It stressed that digital inclusion is vital for ensuring substantive equality and preventing their marginalisation. 
  • In Reserve Bank of India vs. A. K. Nair & Others (2023), the Supreme Court held that the RPwD Act 2016, expressly provides for reservation in promotions for persons with disabilities, in accordance with the instructions issued by the Government from time to time. 

What are the Challenges Faced by PwDs in India? 

• Inaccessible Physical Infrastructure: Most public buildings, transportation systems, and urban infrastructure remain non-compliant with universal design norms. According to a 2018 government report, only 3% of buildings were fully accessible. 
  • The absence of basic accessibility features like ramps, elevators, or tactile paths effectively segregates PwDs, restricting their mobility and independence. 
• Educational Exclusion: According to the 76th National Sample Survey (NSS), only 52.2% of persons with disabilities aged 7 and above are literate, much lower than the national average of 80%, due to poor access to inclusive education and lack of accessible school facilities. 
• Employment Barriers and Economic Marginalization: Societal biases and employer reluctance to provide reasonable accommodations prevent PwDs from securing meaningful employment.  
  • Out of 1.3 crore employable PwDs in India, only 34 lakh are employed, reflecting significant underutilization of talent.  
  • Additionally, the lack of accessible infrastructure and assistive devices at workplaces continues to limit their participation. 
• Healthcare Inaccessibility: During Covid-19, PwDs faced heightened risks and reduced access to essential services due to inadequate preparedness and outreach. 
• Expanding Digital Divide: Around 98% of websites are not compliant with accessibility standards, excluding PwDs from digital services like education, banking, and governance. 
  • Despite programs like Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA), PwDs are significantly underrepresented in digital skill development initiatives. 
  • Many assistive technologies (e.g., for facial recognition, voice commands) are either unavailable or unaffordable, particularly affecting acid attack survivors and visually impaired individuals. 
• Weak Implementation of Legal and Policy Frameworks: Harmonized accessibility guidelines (2016 and 2021) have not been integrated into building by-laws, due to poor awareness and accountability within public works departments. 
• Flexibility to Meet Diverse Needs: Accessibility is not one-size-fits-all; it means designing environments, services, and technologies that are flexible and usable by people with varying disabilities, whether physical, sensory, cognitive, or otherwise. 

What Measures India can take to ensure an Inclusive and Accessible Society for PwDs? 

• Ensure Barrier-Free Physical Infrastructure: Revive and expand the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), to ensure barrier-free infrastructure in schools, hospitals, and workplaces.  
  • Improve accessibility across transport modes for independent mobility of PwDs. Enhance availability of sign language interpreters and promote captioning in public broadcasts for the deaf and hard of hearing. 
• Inclusive Education with Adequate Support: Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan must ensure appointment of special educators in all schools. 
  • National Education Policy, 2020 recognizes the need for inclusive education but lacks actionable disability-specific strategies. Its implementation should prioritize curriculum adaptation and early identification. 
  • Kothari Commission (1966) recommendations have long emphasized integration of PwDs in mainstream schools, which needs financial and academic backing. 
• Equitable Employment Opportunities: To ensure greater inclusivity, the PM-DAKSH Yojana can be strengthened by expanding the reach of Divyangjan Kaushal Vikas to rural and underserved regions through mobile training units and partnerships with local NGOs.  
  • The Divyangjan Rozgar Setu platform should be integrated with national employment portals like PM Vishwakarma to ensure seamless job matching. 
  • Additionally, real-time job analytics, employer incentives for hiring PwDs, and periodic third-party audits can improve transparency, reach, and outcomes of the program. 
• Digital and Financial Accessibility: Comply with Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW 3.0). 
  • Mandate accessible banking services (talking ATMs, Braille statements) and ensure outreach for PwDs under Jan Dhan Yojana, PMJJBY, and PMFBY. 
• Accessible Healthcare and Social Protection: Health ID and Ayushman Bharat digital platforms must include disability-specific data and ensure telehealth platforms are screen-reader friendly. 
  • Train Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) to identify and assist PwDs in rural areas under Comprehensive Primary Health Care. 
• Promote Awareness and Behavioural Change: Include disability sensitisation in the training programs of government officials, judiciary, police, and healthcare professionals to ensure respectful and informed treatment of persons with disabilities. 

Conclusion 

Creating an inclusive and accessible society for persons with disabilities requires sustained commitment across infrastructure, education, employment, and digital access. Strengthening existing schemes and enforcing legal frameworks will empower PwDs to live with dignity and equal opportunities. Collective efforts from government, private sector, and society are essential to achieve true inclusion and social justice. 

Drishti Mains Question: Accessibility is a fundamental right and a precondition for the dignity and empowerment of persons with disabilities." Discuss in the context of Indian society and governance.

PSLV-C61/EOS-09 Mission

Source: TH 

ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61) mission failed to place the Earth Observation Satellite-09 (EOS-09)  into its intended sun-synchronous polar orbit due to a glitch in the rocket’s third stage.  

• This was ISRO’s 101st mission and the 63rd using the PSLV. The EOS-09 satellite carried a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload designed to capture all-weather Earth images. 

What is PSLV? 

• About: The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is a highly reliable and cost-effective launch vehicle developed by ISRO.  
  • It is used to transport satellites into various orbits, including sun-synchronous, geostationary, and navigation orbits. 
• Function: It carries satellites (payloads) into space, overcoming Earth's gravity through powerful propulsion systems. Once the desired orbit is reached, satellites are deployed from the vehicle. 
• Structure: PSLV has 4 stages: 
  • PS1: Solid rocket motor with 6 strap-on boosters. 
  • PS2: Liquid engine (Vikas engine). 
  • PS3: Solid rocket motor for high thrust post-atmospheric phase. 
  • PS4: Two liquid-fuel engines for final orbital insertion. 
• Variants: PSLV-XL (with extended strap-ons), PSLV-DL, PSLV-QL, etc., are selected based on payload weight and target orbit. 
• Significance: Known as ISRO’s “workhorse” due to its versatility and high success rate. 
  • Used in major missions like Chandrayaan-1 (2008) and Mars Orbiter Mission (2013). 
  • Achieved global recognition by launching 104 satellites in a single mission (PSLV-C37, 2017). 
• Earlier Failure: The PSLV has failed twice in its history. The first failure was in 1993 (PSLV-D1) due to software issues, causing the IRS-1E satellite to crash into the ocean.  
  • The second was in 2017 (PSLV-C39), when a heat shield separation failure trapped the IRNSS-1H satellite, preventing its deployment into orbit. 

What is Earth Observation Satellite-09 (EOS-09)? 

• About: EOS-09, also called RISAT-1B, is an advanced Indian remote sensing satellite equipped with a C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for all-weather, day-and-night Earth imaging.  
  • It is designed for diverse applications including land-use mapping, hydrology, disaster management, agriculture, forestry, and coastal security. 
• Key Features: 
  • All-weather capability: SAR penetrates clouds, rain, fog, and darkness, ensuring continuous surveillance. 
  • High resolution: Offers up to 1-meter resolution and wide swath coverage (10 to 225 km). 
  • Multiple Imaging modes: Supports five modes like High-Resolution Spotlight and Medium Resolution ScanSAR for varied uses. 
  • Dual-use: Supports both civilian applications and defence surveillance, including monitoring military activity and maritime security. 
  • Orbit: Intended for a sun-synchronous polar orbit for consistent daily coverage. 

Dispute over Parasnath Hill

Source: IE 

The Jharkhand High Court directed the state government to enforce a pre-existing ban on the sale and consumption of meat, alcohol, and intoxicants on Parasnath Hill, a site sacred to both Jains and the Santal Adivasi community. 

• Significance of Parasnath Hill: It is known as Parasnath to Jains and Marang Buru (literally “the Great Mountain”) to Santals. 
  • For Jains: It is the site where 20 of 24 tirthankaras, including Parshvanatha, attained nirvana, many Jain temples and dhams are situated on the hill. 
  • For Santals: Marang Buru is the supreme animist deity and seat of justice. The Jug Jaher Than (sacred grove) on the hill is the most sacred dhorom garh (religious site) of the Santals. 
    • Lo Bir Baisi, the traditional Santal tribal council, convenes at the base of the hill to resolve inter-village disputes. 
    • The Santal Hul of 1855, led by Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, was a major tribal uprising launched from Marang Buru. 
• Parasnath Hill Dispute: A major flashpoint is the Sendra festival, a traditional ritual hunt held by the Santals on the hill.  
  • This practice, a rite of passage for Santal men, starkly contrasts with Jain values of non-violence and vegetarianism, leading to a legal battle between the Santals and the Jains. 
• Santals: The Santal tribe, one of India’s largest indigenous communities, primarily resides in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Assam.  
  • They speak Santali, a constitutionally recognized language (Eighth Schedule) with its own script Olchiki, created by Pandit Raghunath Murmu.  
  • Dance (enej) and music (sereng) remain core to their cultural expression during festivals and social gatherings. 

Read more: Santhal Hul of 1855

58th Jnanpith Award

Source: PIB  

The President conferred the 58th Jnanpith Award for the year 2023 upon Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and renowned poet-lyricist Gulzar. 

• Jagadguru Rambhadracharya: He is a revered Sanskrit scholar and Hindu spiritual leader, has held the title of Jagadguru Ramanandacharya since 1982. He is the founder and head of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot (MP), a prominent religious and literary institution.  
  • A prolific author of over 240 works, he has penned four Sanskrit epics (Bhargava Raghavam, Sri Ramayaṇam, Dasavatara Tīrtham, and Ramanandacharya Tīrtham). He was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan in 2015. 
• Gulzar: Sampooran Singh Kalra (Gulzar) is a celebrated Urdu poet, lyricist, author, and filmmaker.  
  • He pioneered the Triveni poetic form and made lasting contributions to Hindi cinema with films like Maachis, Aandhi, and Koshish.  
  • He is recipient of the Padma Bhushan (2004), Sahitya Akademi Award (2002), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2013), an Oscar (2009), a Grammy (2010), and five National Film Awards. 
• Jnanpith Award: The Jnanpith Award, established in 1961 and first presented in 1965, is India’s oldest and highest literary honour.  
  • Conferred annually by Bharatiya Jnanpith, the award recognises outstanding contributions to Indian literature across both English and various Indian languages, exclusively to Indian citizens and not posthumously. 
  • Recipients of the Jnanpith Award receive a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh, a statue of Vagdevi/Saraswati, and a citation, celebrating their literary excellence. 

 

Read More: Jnanpith Award

Nicaragua Withdrawal from UNESCO

Source: TOI 

Nicaragua has announced its withdrawal from  the UNESCO in protest over the awarding of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize to Nicaraguan newspaper La Prensa despite its opposition from the Nicaraguan government. 

• UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize: It was established in 1997 and is the UN’s only journalism award, presented every year on 3rd May, World Press Freedom Day.  
  • Named after Colombian journalist Guillermo Cano, it honors individuals or organizations for their contributions to press freedom.  
  • Past recipients include Myanmar journalists Kyaw Soe Oo and Wa Lone (2019) and Belarus' top independent journalists’ group (2022). 
• UNESCO: UNESCO is a United Nations (UN) agency,  founded in 1945 and headquartered in Paris. 
  • It aims to foster peace and equality by promoting education, science, culture, and communication through global cooperation and standard-setting. 
• Nicaragua:  
  • Location: Largest country in Central America, bordered by Honduras (north), Costa Rica (south), Pacific Ocean (west), Caribbean Sea (east). 
  • History: Colonized by both Spain and Britain,  gained independence in 1821,  became fully independent in 1838 after briefly joining the Central American Federation. 
  • Population: Predominantly mestizo ethnic group (mixed Indigenous and European ancestry). 

Read More: UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), Hurricane Eta

Shingles Diseases

Source: IE 

Recent studies show the shingles vaccine, primarily designed to prevent viral reactivation, may reduce risks of cardiovascular diseases by 23% and lower dementia risk. 

• About Shingles Diseases: It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.  
  • After childhood chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate as shingles when immunity weakens. 
• Symptoms: Shingles causes painful rashes and blisters, usually on one side of the torso. If close to the eye, it can cause vision loss, facial paralysis, or brain inflammation. 
• Transmission: People without prior chickenpox can contract the virus by touching fluid from shingles blisters or inhaling airborne virus particles. 
• Vaccine: It is recommended for individuals aged 50 years and above, and for adults with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV patients). 
  • There are treatments for shingles symptoms, but there is no cure. 
• Dementia: It is a condition that slowly worsens thinking abilities beyond normal aging. It affects memory, thinking, understanding, learning, language, and judgment, but does not affect consciousness. 

Read More: Dementia

Mhadei River Water Dispute

Source: TH 

A recent study recommending the diversion of water from Mhadei's tributaries to the Malaprabha River in Karnataka, without major impacts on Goa has sparked protests in Goa, reigniting the decades-long inter-state water dispute with Karnataka over water sharing. 

• The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal’s (MWDT) allotted Karnataka 13.42 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) to Karnataka. 
• About Mhadei River: It originates in the Western Ghats (Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka), flows through Goa (basin cover 78%), Karnataka (18%), and Maharashtra (4%) emptying into the Arabian Sea. 
  • Tributaries:  Kalasa, Banduri, Mapusa, Ragada, Nanuz, Valvoti, Nerul, St. Inez Creek, Dudhsagar, Kotrachi Nadi, and Rio de Ourém.  
    • It is connected to the Zuari River through the Cumbarjua Canal. 
  • Features: It is known for Dudhsagar Falls (Mollem National Park and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary) and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on Chorao Island. 
• About Malaprabha River: It is a tributary of the Krishna River and originates in Kanakumbi village in Western Ghats in Belgaum, Karnataka.  
  • Aihole, Pattadakal, and Badami, all UNESCO sites, are located along its banks. 

Read More: Mhadei River

Nipah Virus

Source: TH 

Health experts and physicians have raised concerns about the deadly Nipah virus’ transmission from animals to humans in Kerala. 

• About Nipah Virus: The Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus that can spread from animals to humans, as well as through contaminated food or direct human-to-human transmission. 
• Causative Agent: Nipah virus encephalitis is caused by an RNA (ribonucleic acid) virus belonging to the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Henipavirus, and is closely related to the Hendra virus. 
• Host: NiV was first identified in domestic animals such as pigs, dogs, cats, goats, horses, and sheep.  
  • The virus is transmitted by fruit bats of the genus Pteropus and is present in their urine, feces, saliva, and birthing fluids. 
• Symptoms: NiV causes encephalitic syndrome in humans, with symptoms like fever, headache, drowsiness, confusion, and coma, often leading to death. The fatality rate is 40% to 75%. 
• Diagnosis: Diagnosis is done via real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from body fluids. No vaccines exist for humans or animals. 
• WHO Stand: The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated Nipah as a priority disease. 

Read More: Nipah Virus