1.   Issues Related to Muslim Personal Law.. 

2.   Tribes of Odisha’s Keonjhar: Rich Heritage and Culture of Indigenous Communities. 

3.   India’s Growing Obesity Challenge: A Lancet Study Unveils Alarming Trends and Influential Factors. 

4.   Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS): Empowering Agriculture, Enhancing Crop Nutrition for Sustainable Growth.

5.   India’s Focus on Critical Minerals for National Growth and Security. 

6.   India’s First Semiconductor Fabrication Plant: Powering Innovation & Global Supply Chains. 

7.   Melanochlamys droupadi: Sea Slug Named after President Murmu.

8.   India’s First Indigenously Developed Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry. 

1. Issues Related to Muslim Personal Law

GS Paper 2:

• Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation: 
• Issues Related to Muslim Personal Law: 

Why in News? 

The Assam Government recently approved the Assam Repealing Ordinance 2024, repealing the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act of 1935. Consequently, Muslim marriage or divorce registration can only occur through the Special Marriage Act, 1954.

What is the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1935? Enacted in line with Muslim Personal Law, the Act regulated the registration of Muslim marriages and divorces. A 2010 amendment made registration compulsory in Assam, with licenses granted to Muslim registrars by the state.

Reasons Behind the Repealing of Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act of 1935:

• Alignment with Contemporary Norms: The Act allowed marriages below legal age, contradicting modern standards.
• Crackdown on Child Marriage: Repeal aims to eradicate child marriage by prohibiting underage marriages from being registered.
• Informal and Misuse of Authority: Informal registration led to potential misuse by kazis, with allegations of underage marriages and divorces without proper grounds.
• Move towards Uniform Civil Code (UCC): Seen as a step towards implementing a UCC in Assam, streamlining marriage laws across communities.

Arguments Against the Repeal of the Act:

• Complexities of Special Marriage Act: The repealed Act provided a simple and decentralized process for marriage registration, contrasting with the complexities of the Special Marriage Act, possibly deterring registration, especially among the marginalized.
• Criticism and Legal Challenges: The Act faced criticism and legal challenges, raising concerns about potential implications of complete repeal.

Why has the Muslim Personal Law been in the Public Eye in Recent Years?

• Legal Reform and Judicial Intervention: Significant legal reforms and landmark cases like the Triple Talaq case prompted debates on reforming Muslim personal law to align with constitutional principles.
• Gender Justice and Women's Rights: Concerns about gender justice and discriminatory practices like triple talaq and nikah halala have gained prominence.
• Societal Change and Activism: Changing societal attitudes and increased activism advocate for reforms within Muslim personal law.
• Political Dynamics: Muslim personal law has become a political issue, intersecting with broader political agendas.
• Constitutional Principles: Calls for reform are framed within the context of constitutional rights and the need for equal treatment.

What is Muslim Personal Law? Muslim Personal Law governs personal matters of individuals adhering to the Islamic faith, covering marriage, divorce, inheritance, and family relationships, derived from the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence.

Issues with Muslim Personal Laws: Practices like polygamy, 'nikah halala', and 'triple talaq' have faced criticism for their discriminatory nature, prompting debates on reform.

Application in India: The Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act of 1937 mandates aspects of Muslim social life, emphasizing non-interference by the state in personal disputes.

Personal Laws in Other Religions: Various personal laws exist for different religious communities in India, such as the Hindu Succession Act, Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, and Hindu Marriage Act.

Way Forward: A gradual approach to reform, upholding constitutional values while respecting religious diversity, empowering women, promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and strengthening institutional capacity is crucial.

1. Tribes of Odisha’s Keonjhar: Rich Heritage and Culture of Indigenous Communities

GS Paper 1: Indian Heritage and Culture:

• Understanding the cultural diversity and heritage of indigenous communities in Keonjhar contributes to the broader understanding of Indian heritage and culture.

Context: 

Recently, the President of India inaugurated a National seminar on ‘Tribes of Keonjhar: People, culture and Heritage’.

Keonjhar: A Glimpse into Demographics and Rich Cultural Diversity:

• According to the 2011 Census Report, Keonjhar is home to 45 percent of the Scheduled Tribes (ST) population from the district.
• The district is also known as a mining hub due to massive high-quality deposits of minerals like iron ore and chromite.

Prevalence of Major Tribes including PVTGs:

• The tribes inhabiting Keonjhar include Munda, Kolh, Bhuiyan, Juang, Saanti, Bathudi, Gond, Santhal, Orang, and Kondh.
• Some of these tribes are designated as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), highlighting their unique cultural and socio-economic challenges.

Major Festivals of Keonjhar: Celebrating Festivals and Expressing Traditions through Dance:

• Sarhul and Sohrai of the Mundas: Sarhul is the festival of flowers, while Sohrai is dedicated to cattle prosperity. These festivals are integral to Munda culture and signify their close relationship with nature.
• Other Festivals: Keonjhar boasts a rich tapestry of festivals including Karmapuja, Bodam, Chaitra Parab (Uda Parab), Nukhai, Raja Parab, Baruni Jatra, and Rath Jatra, which reflect the diverse religious and cultural heritage of the region.

Major Dances of Keonjhar:

• Changu Dance: A traditional dance form performed by the Changu community, known for its vibrant costumes and rhythmic movements.
• Chhau Dance: This martial dance form, characterized by elaborate masks and acrobatic movements, is popular among the tribes of Keonjhar.
• Juang Dance: Reflecting the Juang tribe's cultural identity, this dance form is performed during festivals and ceremonies.
• Ho Dance: The Ho community showcases their cultural traditions through this dance form, which often narrates stories from their mythology and history.

Keonjhar's indigenous communities not only contribute to the cultural richness of Odisha but also serve as custodians of traditional knowledge and sustainable practices that are essential for preserving the region's biodiversity and heritage.

1. India’s Growing Obesity Challenge: A Lancet Study Unveils Alarming Trends and Influential Factors

General Studies (GS) Paper 2 on Governance, Health, and Social Justice. Understanding the challenges posed by obesity and underweight issues is essential for formulating effective health policies, promoting social justice, and strengthening public health infrastructure in India.

Context:
A recent Lancet study has highlighted India’s growing obesity problem, especially among the young population.

Rise of Obesity and Underweight Issues Across Generations in India

Alarming Rise in Overweight among Children and Teens:

• The study revealed a concerning trend of overweight among children and teenagers aged between five and 19 in India.
• In 2022, 12.5 million children (7.3 million boys and 5.2 million girls) were overweight, a significant increase from 0.4 million in 1990.
• The prevalence of obesity among children and teenagers has surged to over three per cent, indicating a notable rise compared to figures from 1990.

Obesity and Underweight Definitions and Status in 2022 vs. 1990:

• Obesity, defined by WHO as a body mass index (BMI) over 30, has become prevalent not only among children but also in adults.
• Among women above 20 years old, 44 million are obese, with a prevalence rate of 9.8 per cent, marking an increase of 8.6 percentage points since 1990.
• Similarly, 26 million men above 20 years old are obese, with a prevalence rate of 5.4 per cent, representing a 4.9 percentage point rise over the same period.
• While obesity rates have soared, India ranks poorly on the global scale, holding the 182nd position for women and the 180th position for men.

Underweight Issues Across Age Groups:

• Despite the rise in obesity, undernourishment remains significant across all age groups.
• India holds the highest global ranking for underweight girls and the second-highest for boys.
• However, there has been a decrease in underweight prevalence, with 35 million girls and 42 million boys underweight in 2022 compared to 39 million girls and 70 million boys in 1990.

Factors Influencing Obesity Across Age Groups:

• Dietary Habits: Unhealthy eating patterns and excessive consumption of processed foods contribute to childhood obesity.
• Physical Inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles and limited physical activity exacerbate the problem.
• Screen Time: Excessive screen time reduces physical activity and promotes weight gain.
• Genetics: Genetic predisposition can influence susceptibility to obesity.

Reasons for rising obesity faster in women:       

• Cultural, Socio-Economic, and Biological Factors: A combination of cultural, socioeconomic, and biological factors contributes to rising obesity rates among women.
• Barriers to Physical Activity and Limited Access to Healthy Food: Traditional settings may pose obstacles to physical activity and restrict access to nutritious food options.
• Prioritization of Family Nutritional Needs: Women often prioritize the nutritional requirements of their families over their own, leading to unhealthy eating habits.

Top of Form

1. Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS): Empowering Agriculture, Enhancing Crop Nutrition for Sustainable Growth

General Studies (GS) Paper 3 on Indian Economy, Agriculture, and Technology. Understanding the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme, its evolution, and implications for agricultural sustainability is essential for aspirants preparing for questions on government policies, agricultural economics, and subsidy reforms.

Context:
The Union Cabinet recently approved Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for the KHARIF Season, 2024, on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers, along with the inclusion of three new fertiliser grades under the NBS scheme.

What is Nutrient Based Subsidy?
Under the NBS programme, farmers receive subsidised rates for fertilisers based on nutrients such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potash (K), and Sulphur (S). Additionally, fertilisers enhanced with micronutrients like zinc and molybdenum (Mo) are eligible for further subsidies. The subsidy is calculated on a kilogramme basis, factoring in the country’s inventory level, exchange rate, and domestic and international P&K fertiliser prices.

Evolution of Fertiliser Subsidy in India:
The fertiliser subsidy system in India has evolved from fixed subsidies in 1976 to the Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme (NBS) introduced in 2018. NBS aims to promote the balanced usage of P&K fertilisers to achieve the optimal NPK fertilisation ratio.

Understanding Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and India’s Role as a Global Consumer:
Macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are required in larger quantities for crop growth, while micronutrients like iron and zinc are needed in smaller amounts. India, as the world's second-largest fertiliser consumer, heavily relies on fertilisers to enhance crop yield and quality.

Fertilizer Subsidies: Mechanisms and Shift to Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT):
Fertiliser subsidies primarily benefit fertiliser firms, ultimately reducing the cost for farmers. The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme ensures subsidies are directly transferred to farmers following actual purchases. Merchants play a crucial role, recording sales on the e-Urvarak platform, where subsidies are claimed based on transactions linked to Kisan Credit Cards or Aadhaar cards.

1. India’s Focus on Critical Minerals for National Growth and Security

General Studies (GS) Paper 3 on Indian Economy, Science and Technology, and Security Issues.

Context:
The Cabinet recently specified royalty rates for 12 critical minerals, including beryllium, cadmium, cobalt, gallium, indium, rhenium, selenium, tantalum, tellurium, titanium, tungsten, and vanadium, highlighting India's strategic emphasis on these resources.

What are Critical Minerals? – A Spotlight on Critical Minerals
Critical minerals are essential for national security, economic growth, and renewable energy. They are crucial for various industries such as high-tech electronics, telecommunications, transportation, and defence.

Identified Critical Minerals:
An Expert Committee under the Ministry of Mines has identified 30 critical minerals for India, including antimony, beryllium, cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, and vanadium, among others.

What are Royalty Rates?
Royalty rates are fees paid to the government for the extraction of resources or minerals from designated areas. The royalty rates for critical minerals have been specified under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

Exploring Critical Mineral Uses and Estimated Reserves in India

• Lithium Reserve: Jammu & Kashmir and Chhattisgarh have significant lithium reserves, with the J&K block estimated to contain 5.9 million metric tonnes of bauxite column, including substantial amounts of titanium and lithium metal.
• Odisha Block: This block has significant reserves of nickel, with an inferred value of 3,908 tonnes of nickel metal content or 2.05 million tonnes of nickel ore. It also contains copper reserves.

Top of Form

1. India’s First Semiconductor Fabrication Plant: Powering Innovation & Global Supply Chains

General Studies (GS) Paper 3, particularly topics related to Indian Economy, Science and Technology, Government Policies, and Security Issues.

Context:
The Union Cabinet recently approved three chip-related projects, including India’s first semiconductor fabrication plant. These initiatives mark a significant step towards enhancing India's position in the global semiconductor industry.

Semiconductor Plant in Dholera, Gujarat:

• Collaboration between Tata Group and Taiwanese foundry Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (PSMC).
• Capacity of 50,000 wafers per month.
• Provides access to leading-edge and mature nodes including 28 nanometer, 40 nm, 55 nm, 90 nm, and 110 nm.

Chip Assembly plant in Morigaon, Assam:

• Capacity to manufacture 48 million chips per day, primarily catering to export needs.

Chip Packaging Facility in Sanand, Gujarat:

• Approved by the Cabinet.

About Semiconductors:

• Essential components of modern electronics, used in various electronic devices due to their compactness, reliability, and low cost.
• Industry focuses on creating smaller, faster, and cheaper products, driving fierce competition and significant investment in research and development.

India’s Semiconductor State of Play and Market Opportunities:

• India's semiconductor consumption expected to reach $64 billion by 2026.
• Strongest in R&D and design, but efforts to expand into fabrication and post-production assembly are underway.
• High-tech clusters with essential infrastructure identified as potential locations for fabs.

Government Initiatives and Policy Frameworks:

• National Policy on Electronics (NPE) aims to create a globally competitive electronics manufacturing industry.
• Semicon India Program approved with an outlay of INR 76,000 crore for semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem development.
• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) launched in 2021 under MeitY for sustainable semiconductor ecosystem development.

Challenges and Opportunities:

• Lack of fabrication units and resource-intensive chip production.
• Complex entry barriers, closed ecosystem dominance by certain countries, and insufficient incentives.
• Need for talent development, original research, and streamlining clearance processes to attract investment.

Significance of Semiconductor Fabrication Plant:

• Reduces import dependence, balances trade deficits, and strengthens supply chain resilience.
• Creates job opportunities, enhances technological self-sufficiency, and fosters innovation.

Top of Form

1. Melanochlamys droupadi: Sea Slug Named after President Murmu

General Studies (GS) Paper 3, specifically topics related to biodiversity conservation, government initiatives in wildlife research, and the role of scientific organizations in fauna exploration and conservation.

Why in the News? 

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has announced the discovery of a new marine species of head-shield sea slug named Melanochlamys droupadi, after the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.

About Melanochlamys droupadi:

1. Place of Discovery:
Discovered from Digha of West Bengal coast and Udaipur of Odisha coast.

2. Distinct Feature:
Characterized by a short, blunt, and cylindrical body with a smooth dorsal surface and two dorsal shields.

3. Physical Attributes:

• Tiny brownish-black invertebrate measuring up to 7 mm long.
• Features a ruby red spot at its rear.
• Possesses a shell inside its body and is a hermaphrodite.

4. Reproduction:
Occurs between November and January.

5. Habitat:
Typically found along the intertidal zone, leaving crawl marks on sandy beaches.

6. Distribution:
Primarily found in temperate regions of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, with some tropical species including Melanochlamys bengalensis from West Bengal and Odisha coasts, and Melanochlamys droupadi.

What is Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)?

1. About:

• Subordinate organization of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India.
• National center for surveying and exploring fauna to advance knowledge about the country’s diverse wildlife.

2. Established:
Founded in 1916 as a national center for faunistic survey and exploration of resources.

3. Headquarters:
Located in Kolkata.

Top of Form

1. India’s First Indigenously Developed Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry

General Studies (GS) Paper 3, particularly in discussions related to renewable energy, environmental conservation, indigenous technology development, and government initiatives promoting sustainable transportation.

Why in the News? 

Prime Minister recently launched India’s first indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell ferry, manufactured by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) under the Harit Nauka initiative.

Key Features:

1. Design:
A 24-meter catamaran with accommodation for 50 people in its air-conditioned passenger area. The design resembles metro train coaches and is made of high-quality fiberglass reinforced plastic.

2. Propulsion:
Utilizes a 50-kilowatt Proton-Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell along with Lithium-Ion Phosphate batteries. PEM fuel cells adjust their output quickly to match power demands efficiently.

3. Energy Source:
Equipped with five hydrogen cylinders holding 40kg of hydrogen, supporting eight hours of operations. Additionally, features a 3-kilowatt solar panel. Hydrogen fuel cells emit only pure water, making them environmentally friendly.

4. Indigenous Components:
The vessel automation system and power management system were developed by CSL. The hydrogen fuel cell system was developed by KPIT Technologies, Pune, in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Labs.

5. Significance:

• Environmentally Friendly: Produces zero emissions or noise, contributing to urban mobility while being energy-efficient.
• Low Maintenance Cost: Requires less maintenance compared to combustion vessels due to its lack of moving parts.

Harit Nauka Initiative:

1. Unveiled by the shipping ministry in January 2024, the initiative aims to promote green fuels for inland vessels.
2. Guidelines state that states must aim to use green fuels for 50% of inland waterways passenger fleets within the next decade and achieve 100% usage by 2045.
3. Aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.