Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court has stayed a Madras High Court order that imposed a statewide prohibition on cow and calf slaughter in Tamil Nadu, hearing a plea that argued the ban contradicted existing state legislation.
Key points
- Supreme Court issued a stay on the Madras High Court's order banning cow slaughter.
- The challenge was based on the Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act, 1958, which permits slaughter of cows over 10 years old if declared unfit.
- Existing laws regulate, not prohibit, slaughter, according to the state government.
- The High Court's order was deemed to require prima facie correction.
Background & context
The Animal Preservation Act, 1958 (Tamil Nadu) and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 govern animal slaughter and welfare in India. Different states have varying laws regarding cow slaughter, often reflecting cultural and religious sentiments.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act, 1958, permits slaughter of cows over 10 years of age if declared unfit.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Polity - Judiciary, Law and Justice; Centre-State Relations) & GS Paper III (Agriculture, Food Processing)
Why in news?
The Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation (TNHDC), known as Poompuhar, is launching initiatives to empower artisans, train young talent, and boost exports through collaborations with Reliance Retail and franchise models in the UK and Australia.
Key points
- Focus on artisanal empowerment and entrepreneurship, enabling artisans to market and sell their crafts.
- Training program to equip 100 young artisans (25-30 years) to become independent entrepreneurs.
- Collaboration with Reliance Retail for showcasing and selling handicrafts across its network.
- Plans to sell products in the UK and Australia through a franchise model.
Background & context
The TNHDC aims to promote and develop the handicrafts sector in Tamil Nadu, supporting traditional arts and crafts and the livelihoods of artisans. This initiative aims to modernize marketing and sales strategies.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Poompuhar is the popular name for the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation (TNHDC) Limited.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I (Society - Role of women and other disadvantaged sections, Social Empowerment) & GS Paper III (Economy - Rural Employment, MSMEs)
Why in news?
The Supreme Court has dismissed the claims of over 360 teachers and non-teaching staff of West Bengal madrasas seeking regularized appointments and state-funded salaries, ruling that their cases lacked merit.
Key points
- Supreme Court rejected claims for state-funded salaries for over 350 madrasa staff.
- The petitioners sought regularized appointments based on the West Bengal Madrasa Service Commission Act, 2008.
- The court questioned the validity of recognition and management committees of the concerned madrasas.
- None of the petitioners could establish the merits of their cases.
Background & context
The West Bengal Madrasa Service Commission Act, 2008, aims to regulate the recruitment of teachers in madrasas. Legal challenges can arise regarding the interpretation and application of such acts, especially concerning institutional recognition and funding.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The West Bengal Madrasa Service Commission Act was declared unconstitutional by the Calcutta High Court prior to this Supreme Court hearing.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Polity - Judiciary, Law and Justice; Centre-State Relations) & GS Paper I (Society - Education, Minority Welfare)