Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Progressive Muslim activists and women's rights advocates have opposed the All India Muslim Personal Law Board's (AIMPLB) 'Save India, Save Shariat' campaign, citing concerns about its defense of patriarchal laws and potential for political polarization.
Key points
- Campaign criticized for defending patriarchal personal laws.
- Concerns raised about sidelining gender equality and deepening political polarization.
- Signatories fear the campaign could provide ammunition to the BJP/Sangh Parivar.
- Arguments presented that existing Muslim personal laws reflect male-dominated interpretations, not immutable religious codes.
Background & context
The debate around Muslim Personal Law in India has been ongoing, with various groups advocating for reforms to ensure gender justice and alignment with constitutional principles. The AIMPLB has historically defended traditional interpretations of Shariat.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The opposition statement was issued by 92 signatories including actors, activists, and scholars.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I (Social Issues - Role of women, communal harmony), GS Paper II (Polity - Personal laws, constitutional rights, secularism)
Why in news?
World Rhino Day highlighted the success of reintroducing one-horned rhinos in Assam's Manas National Park and the emerging need for a joint conservation strategy with Bhutan, as rhinos are crossing the border.
Key points
- Manas National Park has seen a comeback of one-horned rhinos since reintroduction in 2006.
- Three consecutive years of zero poaching reported.
- Rhinos are frequently crossing into Bhutan, necessitating a joint conservation mechanism.
- Manas National Park has the capacity to host more rhinos.
- Local stakeholders believe rhinos attract more tourists.
Background & context
The one-horned rhinoceros is a protected species native to the Indian subcontinent. Conservation efforts in India, particularly in Assam's national parks, have focused on habitat protection and anti-poaching measures. Transboundary conservation is crucial for species that inhabit areas across international borders.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Manas National Park shares a border with Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III (Environment & Ecology - Conservation, Biodiversity, Wildlife Protection)
Why in news?
The Maharashtra Congress has raised concerns that 30% of the electorate might be disenfranchised due to alleged discrepancies and unjustified deletions during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Key points
- Congress fears 30% voter disenfranchisement during the SIR campaign.
- Allegations of widespread discrepancies, 'unmapped' and 'anomalous' entries.
- Over 2 crore voters allegedly removed from rolls.
- Demand for a two-month extension for claims and objections.
- Concerns about lack of transparency and adherence to due process.
Background & context
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a periodic exercise undertaken by the Election Commission of India to ensure accuracy and update voter lists. The process involves deletion of deceased voters, those who have moved, and adding new voters, while also verifying existing records.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Congress cited that 2,06,88,487 voters (21.14%) were dropped from the rolls before the SIR exercise.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II (Polity - Electoral process, Election Commission, Governance)