Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Khap panchayats in Haryana have been issuing resolutions against young women's choices regarding clothing, mobile phone usage, and relationships, leading to a clash with Gen Z's modern sensibilities.
Key points
- Khap panchayats, unelected community bodies dominated by elderly men, are issuing diktats on social behaviour.
- Recent resolutions target women's clothing, mobile phone use, intra-community marriages, and live-in/same-sex relationships.
- Gen Z, exemplified by social media users, are satirizing and challenging these traditional norms.
- Khap leaders claim they are not issuing 'diktats' but making 'resolutions'.
Background & context
Khap panchayats are traditional community councils found in parts of North India, particularly Haryana. Historically, they have held significant social influence, often intervening in matters of marriage, family disputes, and community customs. Their authority is based on tradition and social standing rather than legal frameworks.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Khap panchayats are primarily found in Haryana.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Society - Salient features of Indian society, diversity of India. GS Paper 2: Polity - Local self-government, constitutional rights.
Why in news?
A helper at an ashram school in Thane district was arrested for allegedly molesting 22 minor female students, highlighting systemic issues in child protection within such institutions.
Key points
- A repeat offender was arrested for allegedly molesting 22 minor girls at an ashram school.
- The accused was on bail for a previous similar offense when he committed the new crime.
- Police are investigating the hiring process and background checks for staff in ashram schools.
- The case has been filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Background & context
Ashram schools are residential schools primarily for tribal children, aimed at providing education and shelter. These institutions are often run by government bodies or NGOs. Ensuring the safety and well-being of children in residential settings is a significant concern, especially given the vulnerability of the students.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The accused was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Society - Vulnerable sections of the population, social issues. GS Paper 2: Governance - Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections, laws and institutions for protection of these sections.
Why in news?
A faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is demanding the immediate resumption of student union elections in West Bengal colleges and universities, which have been stalled for five years.
Key points
- Student union elections in West Bengal have been pending for the last five years.
- A TMC faction accuses the current BJP government of inaction and demands immediate polls.
- The demand highlights the importance of student representation and participation in university governance.
- A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has also been filed regarding the issue.
Background & context
Student union elections are a traditional part of college and university life in India, providing a platform for student representation and participation in institutional decision-making. Their suspension can impact student activism and governance structures.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Student union elections in West Bengal have been in limbo for the last five years.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Governance - Role of students in university governance, impact of policy decisions on education sector. GS Paper 1: Society - Youth and student movements.