Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Mumbai police imposed prohibitory orders under the Maharashtra Police Act, restricting assembly of five or more persons and other activities, citing apprehension of public order disturbance.
Key points
- Orders in effect from July 23 to August 6.
- Prohibits assembly of five or more persons, processions, use of loudspeakers, musical bands, and bursting of crackers.
- Exemptions include marriage ceremonies, funeral gatherings, statutory meetings, and assemblies at educational institutions and factories.
- Issued due to likelihood of breach of peace and disturbance to public tranquillity.
Background & context
Prohibitory orders are often imposed by police authorities to maintain law and order during specific periods or events that may lead to public disturbances. These powers are typically derived from acts like the Maharashtra Police Act or the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
★ Prelims fact capsule
The order was issued under the Maharashtra Police Act.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Administration and Challenges - Security challenges and their management.
Why in news?
Highlights the participation of ordinary people and vulnerable sections in Tamil Nadu in the making of the Indian Constitution, particularly regarding safeguards for minorities and Scheduled Castes.
Key points
- Contributions came from prominent personalities and commoners.
- Focus on safeguards for Scheduled Castes (SC) and religious minorities.
- V.I. Munuswami Pillai and fellow SCs demanded reservation in education and employment.
- The Minorities Sub-Committee of the Constituent Assembly issued a questionnaire to elicit opinions.
Background & context
The Constituent Assembly was responsible for drafting the Constitution of India. Various committees and sub-committees were formed to address specific issues. The inclusion of provisions for minorities and SC/ST communities was a crucial aspect of constitutional making.
★ Prelims fact capsule
V.I. Munuswami Pillai, then Agriculture Minister in Madras Presidency, advocated for the continuation of reservation for Scheduled Castes.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Constitution, Polity, Governance - Salient features and comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with those of other countries. Constitutional bodies and their powers.
Why in news?
Discussions are underway to revive the NWEA, an old conservation association that played a pioneering role in preserving the biodiversity of the Nilgiris region.
Key points
- NWEA worked to conserve biodiversity in the Nilgiris region.
- Arose in colonial India due to concerns over rapid wildlife decimation by European hunters.
- The Nilgiris Game and Fish Preservation Act, 1879, was a landmark legislation prompted by conservation efforts.
- The Act proposed a closed season for hunting.
Background & context
The Nilgiris hills, known for their rich biodiversity, attracted European hunters in the colonial era, leading to a decline in wildlife populations. Conservation efforts gained momentum, resulting in legislative measures like the 1879 Act.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Nilgiris Game and Fish Preservation Act was enacted in 1879.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Environment and Ecology - Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. Biodiversity and its conservation.