Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
An Islamic scholar's directive urging Muslim organizations to restrict women's mingling with men at public religious events has drawn sharp criticism from the Kerala government and women's groups.
Key points
- Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, general secretary of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, issued a circular asking to ensure religious programs adhere to Islamic norms, including preventing women from sharing stages or appearing in public spaces with men.
- Minister Bindu Krishna criticized the directive, stating it could push women 'centuries back' and contradicts constitutional guarantees of equal rights.
- The scholar defended the directive, claiming Islam mandates purdah for women to prevent 'great destruction' and that women should remain confined to their homes.
- A Sunni youth leader defended the directive, arguing it's part of Islamic code of conduct and not a restriction on society at large, framing it as a matter of internal religious discipline.
Background & context
The Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama is a prominent council of Sunni-Shafi Islamic scholars in Kerala. Debates around the role of women in public life and within religious contexts are recurring societal discussions.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The controversy involves the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, a major Sunni scholarly body in Kerala.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Society (Role of women, religious practices, gender equality). GS Paper II: Polity (Constitutional rights, freedom of speech and expression, secularism).
Why in news?
Flash floods in Nepal have resulted in a significant loss of life and a large number of missing persons, with the disaster impacting infrastructure and trapping workers.
Key points
- The death toll has surpassed 900, with over 4,200 people still missing.
- Numerous bodies were recovered across several districts, including Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Gorkha, Nuwakot, Dhading, Tanahu, and Rasuwa.
- Around 933 workers are believed to be trapped in hydropower projects following the floods.
- The disaster, caused by a massive wave of ice, rocks, and debris, also affected areas in Tibet, China.
Background & context
Nepal, being a landlocked mountainous country, is highly vulnerable to natural disasters like floods and landslides, exacerbated by its geography and seismic activity.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Over 900 people have died and more than 4,200 are missing in the recent flash floods in Nepal.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Geography (Natural Disasters, Himalayan Ecosystems). GS Paper III: Disaster Management (Flood preparedness, response, and mitigation).
Why in news?
Local authorities in Shivamogga conducted inspections of hotels and hostels to ensure compliance with food safety, cleanliness, and hygiene standards.
Key points
- Officials checked establishments preparing, storing, and selling food for human consumption.
- Instructions were given to segregate and dispose of expired and unfit food items properly.
- Emphasis was placed on proper storage of food at appropriate temperatures and maintaining clean kitchen and storage areas.
- Food handling staff are to undergo periodic health check-ups and training in safe food-handling practices.
- Legal action is threatened for non-compliance within 10 days.
Background & context
Food safety regulations are crucial for public health. In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) sets standards and guidelines for food businesses.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Inspections covered food safety, cleanliness, and hygiene at food establishments in Shivamogga.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance (Public Health, Food Safety Standards). GS Paper III: Economy (Consumer protection, quality control).