Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Kashmir's chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed concern over the closure of Jamia Siraj Ul Uloom, a school-cum-seminary in Shopian, under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), stating it ruins students' futures and creates apprehension about targeting religious identity.
Key points
- Closure of Jamia Siraj Ul Uloom under UAPA in Shopian, Kashmir.
- Mirwaiz Umar Farooq highlights ruined futures of hundreds of students.
- Concerns raised about targeting religious identity.
- Apprehension of resentment if the government doesn't reconsider its approach.
Background & context
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is a stringent anti-terror law in India that allows the central government to declare an act as 'unlawful' and ban organizations. Its application in Kashmir has often been a point of contention.
★ Prelims fact capsule
UAPA was amended in 2019 to allow the government to designate individuals as terrorists.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Security challenges. GS Paper I: Society and social issues.
Why in news?
Thanjavur district has appointed the highest number of panel lawyers (seven) to provide legal aid to bonded labour and human trafficking survivors, as part of the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority's initiative.
Key points
- Seven panel lawyers appointed in Thanjavur to aid bonded labour and human trafficking survivors.
- This initiative by the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority aims to combat trafficking.
- One-Stop Crisis Teams (OSCT) are established across the state.
- Appointments are crucial for expediting legal processes in pending cases.
Background & context
Bonded labour is a form of debt bondage and forced labour where people are forced to work to pay off a debt. It has been constitutionally abolished in India, but persists in various forms. Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Article 23 of the Indian Constitution prohibits 'traffic in human beings and beggar and other similar forms of forced labour'.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Social Justice. GS Paper II: Governance, Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections.
Why in news?
IIT Madras Global Research Foundation is establishing a deep tech hub in Menlo Park, California, with a USD 7.5 million investment, to support Indian deep tech startups in accessing global markets and fostering research collaborations.
Key points
- IIT Madras Global Research Foundation to establish a deep tech hub in Menlo Park, California.
- Total planned investment of USD 7.5 million.
- Aims to provide Indian deep tech startups with access to global markets, mentorship, and research collaborations.
- Focus on advancing deep tech research, commercialisation, and startup incubation.
Background & context
Deep tech refers to technologies that involve significant scientific or engineering challenges and aim to solve fundamental problems, often requiring substantial R&D investment. Silicon Valley is a global hub for technological innovation and venture capital.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The centre is located near Silicon Valley and was launched at the SelectUSA Investment Summit.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Science and Technology, Economy (Innovation, Startups).