State PCS - Madhya Pradesh (MP PCS)

• 22 Aug 2025

Human Rights Violations in MP

Why in News? 

Madhya Pradesh reported 10,373 human rights violation cases in the financial year 2024-25, translating to 29 cases per day.  

• This marks a continuous rise in such incidents over the last five years, with the number of pending complaints also increasing. 

Key Points 

• Pending Complaints: The Chief Minister informed the assembly that 4,669 human rights complaints are currently pending in the Madhya Pradesh State Human Rights Commission (MP-SHRC).  
  • This is up from 2,798 complaints pending in 2020-21. 
• Decline Over the Years: Despite the rise in complaints over the past few years, long-term data from the MPHRC shows a decline in the overall number of cases when compared to earlier decades.  
  • In 2002-03, more than 15,000 complaints were reported, but by 2021-22, this number had decreased to under 9,000, primarily due to faster disposal of cases. 

Human Rights 

• Human Rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. 
  • These include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. 
• The National Human Right Commission (NHRC) of India defines Human Rights as rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants and enforceable by courts in India. 

India's Performance at IOAA 2025

Why in News? 

India’s national team emerged victorious at the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) 2025, held in Mumbai from 15th to 21st August, winning four gold medals and one silver medal.  

• The event, which saw participation from 288 students across 63 countries, marked another milestone for India’s reputation in global science education. 

Key Points 

• Gold Medalists from India are: 
  • Aarush Mishra from Bengaluru 
  • Banibrata Majee from Delhi 
  • Panini from Patna 
  • Akshat Srivastava from Kolkata 
• Silver Medalists from India are: 
  • Sumant Gupta from Gurugram secured the silver medal, completing India’s impressive medal haul. 
• Competition Highlights: This year’s IOAA gathered 288 students from around the globe, who participated in a series of practical and theoretical evaluations.  
  • Iran stood out as the top performer, with all five of its team members securing gold medals. 
• Closing Ceremony and Awards: The IOAA concluded on 21st August 2025, with a grand closing ceremony.  
  • 145 medals were awarded, including 50 golds, 44 silvers, and 51 bronzes. Anil Kakodkar, Chancellor of Homi Bhabha National Institute, congratulated the winners, praising their pursuit of scientific excellence and India’s increasing investments in astronomy and space research. 
• Global Participation: Countries like Australia and Hong Kong celebrated their first-time successes, with Australia securing a silver medal and Hong Kong also achieving a silver.  
  • Italy won three bronze medals, reflecting the growing global interest in space science education. 
• About IOAA: The IOAA, established in 2007, is a premier global event for high-school students passionate about astronomy and astrophysics. This year, the event was organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).