National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
About
- The NHRC ensures protection of rights relating to life, liberty, equality, and dignity of individuals.
- These rights are guaranteed by the Indian Constitution and international covenants enforceable by Indian courts.
- Establishment
- Established on 12th October 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993.
- Amended by the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Acts of 2006 and 2019.
- Set up in conformity with the Paris Principles, aimed at promoting and protecting human rights.
Composition
- The Commission comprises a Chairperson, five full-time Members, and seven deemed Members.
- The Chairperson is a former Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge.
Appointment and Tenure
- The President appoints the Chairperson and Members on recommendations of a six-member committee.
- The committee includes the Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman, Opposition Leaders of both Houses, and the Union Home Minister.
- Members hold office for three years or until they attain the age of 70 years.
Role and Functions
- The NHRC possesses civil court powers in judicial proceedings.
- It can utilize services of central or state officials for investigations.
- The Commission can investigate cases within one year of occurrence.
- Its recommendations are advisory and not legally binding.
Shortcomings
- Recommendations are non-binding, limiting legal enforcement of its findings.
- No punitive power to punish offenders or award relief to victims.
- Restricted jurisdiction over cases involving armed forces personnel.
- Cannot consider human rights violations older than one year.
- Faces resource and staff shortages; several state commissions lack full leadership.
- Dependence on government appointments affects institutional independence.
- Reactive functioning reduces impact in preventing violations.
Measures to Strengthen NHRC
- Broaden mandate to address new issues like AI, Deepfakes, and Climate Change.
- Grant enforcement powers to ensure compliance and accountability.
- Diversify composition by including civil society experts and activists.
- Create an independent cadre with human rights expertise.
- Strengthen state commissions through collaboration and capacity building.
- Promote advocacy, awareness, and education for citizen empowerment.
- Enhance international cooperation to adopt best global practices.
Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh 2025
Context
- Nationwide celebrations under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh 2025 mark 150 years of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s birth and “Vande Mataram.”
- The initiative aims to honour tribal freedom fighters and promote awareness of tribal contributions to nation-building.
About the Initiative
- Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh 2025 is a year-long national celebration of tribal heritage and India’s cultural inclusivity.
- Dedicated to Bhagwan Birsa Munda (Dharti Aaba) and 150 years of Vande Mataram.
- Seeks to deepen national pride and foster unity through tribal empowerment and cultural awareness.
Organisations Involved
- The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) acts as the nodal agency.
- Supported by Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs), State Governments, Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), and cultural institutions.
Aims and Objectives
- Celebrate tribal resilience, culture, and patriotism in line with Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.
- Highlight tribal role in India’s freedom struggle and nation-building.
Key Features
- Cultural Commemoration: Mass events, exhibitions, and yatras showcasing tribal heroes and art forms.
- Educational Outreach: Workshops, school competitions, and museum visits promoting tribal history among youth.
- Community Empowerment: Digital and financial literacy programmes in EMRS schools for inclusion.
- National Integration: Mass singing of Vande Mataram, sports meets, and art exhibitions promoting unity.
- Inclusive Development: Celebrations across Jharkhand, Odisha, Gujarat, Nagaland, and Ladakh, blending tradition with modern aspirations.
- Major Highlight: Janjati Gaurav Yatra from Ambaji and Umargam to the Statue of Unity (Ektanagar), symbolising national unity through tribal pride.
Ricin
Context
- The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) recently busted a suspected terror syndicate preparing the lethal poison Ricin.
- The accused, a ‘doctor’ linked to Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), was allegedly developing the toxin.
About Ricin
- Ricin is a highly toxic chemical compound found naturally in castor beans.
- It can be extracted from waste material left after castor oil processing.
- Exists in powder, mist, or pellet form, and can dissolve in water or weak acid.
- Stable under normal conditions, but becomes ineffective above 80°C.
- It is toxic when inhaled, ingested, or injected, making it a potential bioweapon.
- As little as 5–10 micrograms per kilogram can be fatal.
- Mode of Action
- Ricin enters cells and prevents protein synthesis, leading to cell death.
- This widespread cell damage can cause multi-organ failure and death.
- Threat and Exposure
- Ricin is classified as a biological weapon due to its ease of production and lethality.
- Accidental exposure is rare and occurs mainly through castor seed ingestion.
- Treatment
- No antidote exists for ricin poisoning.
- Treatment is supportive, focusing on minimizing effects and maintaining organ function.
Volcanic Lightning
Context
- Scientists recently observed volcanic lightning, a rare and powerful natural phenomenon occurring during volcanic eruptions.
About Volcanic Lightning
- It occurs during volcanic eruptions, not thunderstorms.
- Appears as powerful lightning flashes in the early eruption stages.
- The phenomenon is caused by collision of ash particles within the volcanic plume.
- These collisions create static electricity, building up electric charges that discharge as lightning.
Types and Locations
- Found in dense ash clouds near the ground and higher regions of eruption plumes.
- In upper layers, ice particles from vaporized water collide and charge, producing visible lightning.
- Volcanic plumes contain more water vapor than thunderstorm clouds, intensifying the effect.
Historical Observations
- The earliest account was by Pliny the Younger during Mount Vesuvius’ eruption (79 AD, Italy).
- Later recorded by Luigi Palmieri between 1858 and 1872.
Significance
- Volcanic lightning provides insight into volcanic activity and ash plume dynamics.
- It aids in early-warning systems for aviation and disaster management.
National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
Context
- The Standing Committee of NBWL recently cleared 13 defence and paramilitary projects, mostly in Ladakh and one in Arunachal Pradesh.
About NBWL
- The National Board for Wildlife is a statutory body under Section 5A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Constituted by the Central Government in 2022, it is India’s highest advisory body on wildlife conservation.
Composition
- NBWL has 47 members, headed by the Prime Minister with the Environment Minister as Vice-Chairperson.
- Members include the Chief of Army Staff, Defence Secretary, Expenditure Secretary, and ten eminent environmentalists.
- The Additional Director General of Forests (Wildlife) acts as the Member-Secretary.
Functions
- Advises Central and State Governments on wildlife protection and conservation.
- Reviews and approves projects in or near Protected Areas (PAs).
- Works to control poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and manage sanctuaries and national parks.
- Conducts Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for development projects.
- Prepares status reports on wildlife every two years.
Standing Committee
- A smaller, project-clearance body under NBWL, with up to 10 members, chaired by the Environment Minister.
- It regulates land diversion in PAs and eco-sensitive zones, focusing on project-level approvals.
- The main NBWL handles policy-level wildlife decisions.
Angola
Context
- The President of India is on a State Visit to Angola, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian President.
- The visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in energy, trade, and technology under the India–Africa Forum Summit framework.
About Angola
- Angola is a resource-rich nation located in southwestern Africa.
- It is known for its vast oil reserves, diamond wealth, and diverse landscapes ranging from tropical coasts to rugged highlands.
- The country gained independence from Portugal in 1975 after a prolonged anti-colonial struggle.
- Capital: Luanda.
- Neighbouring Nations
- Angola shares borders with the Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and Namibia.
- The Atlantic Ocean lies to its west, giving Angola significant maritime access.
