Current Affairs 05 March 2024

CONTENTS

1. Double Burden in India: Obesity and Undernutrition
2. Assam Government Repeals 1935 Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act
3. Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill, 2024
4. Status of Leopards in India 2022: Ministry Report
5. Drugs and Magic Remedies(Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954
6. Lahore Resolution

Double Burden in India: Obesity and Undernutrition

Context:

According to a new study published by the Lancet, India has become one of the countries with a high “double burden,” of Obesity and Undernutrition.

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Meaning of Obesity & Undernutrition
2. Key Highlights of the Study Published by the Lancet
3. Impact of Socio-economic Conditions on Obesity and Undernutrition
4. Impact of Obesity & Undernutrition on Health

Meaning of Obesity & Undernutrition

Obesity:

• Defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat posing health risks.
• In adults (20 years and above), obesity is identified if the Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 kg/m² or more.
  • BMI is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.
• School-aged children and adolescents (5 to 19 years) are considered obese if their BMI is two standard deviations above the mean.

Underweight:

• One of the four broad sub-forms of undernutrition.
• An adult is considered underweight if their BMI is less than 18 kg/m².
• School-aged children and adolescents are considered underweight if their BMI is two standard deviations below the mean.

Key Highlights of the Study Published by the Lancet:

Obesity in India:

• Obesity in women increased from 1.2% in 1990 to 9.8% in 2022, with 44 million women living with obesity.
• Obesity in men increased by 4.9 percentage points during the same period, with 26 million men living with obesity in 2022.
• Significant increase in childhood obesity, with a 3 percentage point spike in girls and 3.7 percentage points in boys.
• In 2022, 3.1% of girls and 3.9% of boys were obese.

Underweight in India:

• Despite a decline, underweight prevalence remains high, with 13.7% of women and 12.5% of men.
• Thinness in Indian girls is the highest globally, with a prevalence of 20.3%.
• Thinness in Indian boys is the second-highest globally, with a prevalence of 21.7%.

Why Women are more Obese than Men:

• Women’s vulnerability to weight gain is attributed to limited access or time for physical activities.
• Prioritizing family nutrition over personal health contributes to weight gain in women.
• Considering central obesity, rates could be as high as 40% to 50% in various parts of the country.
• Central obesity, an excess accumulation of fat in the abdominal area, is a better predictor of future disease risks like diabetes and hypertension.

Impact of Socio-economic Conditions on Obesity and Undernutrition:

• Obesity in India is no longer limited to the affluent; affordability and convenience of junk food contribute to its widespread prevalence.
  • Example: Cheaper and tastier options like samosas and pakoras are more accessible than nutritious fruits and vegetables.
• Despite affecting a larger population, a rural-urban divide persists in obesity rates.
  • National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) data reveals obesity prevalence of 31.7% in urban women and 19% in rural women.
  • For men, it is 28.6% in urban areas and 18.8% in rural areas.
• Undernutrition prevails in extremely remote and impoverished areas of states like Bihar, Jharkhand, or Odisha, where access to food is limited, and some might consume only one meal a day.

Impact of Obesity & Undernutrition on Health:

• Obesity’s health consequences are evident, leading to increased risks of diabetes, hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes, particularly in children.
• The effects of undernutrition may not be as apparent but are likely to contribute to a higher burden of non-communicable diseases.
  • Non-communicable diseases result from unhealthy behaviors rather than infections.

-Source: The Hindu

Assam Government Repeals 1935 Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act

Context:

The Assam Government has recently approved the Assam Repealing Ordinance 2024, leading to the repeal of the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act of 1935. Consequently, Muslim marriage or divorce registration in the state will now be governed by the Special Marriage Act of 1954.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1935
2. Reasons for Repealing Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1935
3. Arguments Against the Repeal of Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1935
4. Muslim Personal Law

Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1935:

• Enacted under Muslim Personal Law in 1935.
• Defines the process for registering Muslim marriages and divorces.
• 2010 amendment mandates compulsory registration in Assam, replacing ‘voluntary.’
• Authorizes the state to grant licenses to any Muslim for marriage and divorce registration.
• Muslim registrars are recognized as public servants.
• Specifies the application process and outlines procedures for registration.

Reasons for Repealing Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1935:

Outdated and Non-Compliance with Modern Norms:

• Viewed as outdated, not aligning with contemporary societal norms.
• Permitted marriage registration below legal age standards (18 and 21 for bride and groom), contradicting current norms.

Combatting Child Marriage:

• Government’s decision linked to ongoing efforts against child marriage.
• Repealing aimed at eliminating provisions allowing underage marriages to be registered, contributing to the eradication of child marriage in Assam.

Informal Registration Mechanism and Potential Misuse:

• Act facilitated an informal mechanism for marriage registration.
• Potential misuse by kazis, government-registered officials overseeing marriages, identified as a concern.

Allegations of Underage Marriages and Divorces:

• Reports of underage marriages and divorces without proper grounds surfaced.
• Highlighted the need for reform in the existing system.

Towards a Uniform Civil Code (UCC):

• Repealing seen as a step towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code in Assam.
• Reflects a similar move by Uttarakhand.
• Aims to streamline marriage laws, creating a common legal framework for diverse communities.

Arguments Against the Repeal of Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1935:

Simple and Decentralized Process:

• The Act offered a straightforward and decentralized marriage registration process.
• 94 kazis distributed across the state facilitated accessibility.
• The complexities associated with the Special Marriage Act might discourage registration, especially among the poor and illiterate.

Criticism and Legal Challenges:

• The Act faced criticism from various quarters, including advocates and political parties.
• Legal challenges were mounted against the Act.

Concerns about Increased Unregistered Marriages:

• Complete repeal raises concerns about potential consequences.
• There are apprehensions about an upsurge in unregistered marriages.
• The existing Act’s elimination may create a regulatory vacuum.

Muslim Personal Law:

Definition:

• Governs personal matters for individuals adhering to the Islamic faith.
• Encompasses aspects such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and family relationships.

Sources of Muslim Personal Law:

• Derived primarily from the Quran, Hadith (Prophet Muhammad’s sayings and actions), and Islamic jurisprudence.

Issues with Muslim Personal Laws:

• Polygamy: Permits men to practice polygamy, allowing up to four wives simultaneously.
• Nikah Halala: Requires a woman to marry and divorce another person before remarrying her divorced husband.
• Talaq Practices: Talaq-e-Hasan involves a man divorcing his wife by uttering Talaq once for three months.
• Triple Talaq: Allows a husband to divorce his wife by repeating “talaq” three times in any form.
• Talaq and Khula: Terms for divorce for men and women, respectively.

Application in India:

• Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act (1937):
  • Formulated an Islamic law code for Indian Muslims.
  • Established during British rule, aiming to govern Indians according to cultural norms.
  • Quran writings hold utmost importance for Muslims.
  • Regulates aspects of Muslim social life, including marriage, divorce, inheritance, and family relations.
  • Declares that, in personal disputes, the state shall not interfere.

-Source: Indian Express

Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Context:

The Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has been approved by the State Legislative Assembly and Council. The proposed amendments aim to modify various provisions within the existing Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act of 1997. The next step involves sending the Bill for approval to the Governor.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Highlights of the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions Bill
2. Concerns Regarding the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions Bill
3. Management of Religious Institutions in India

Key Highlights of the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions Bill:

Taxation Modification:

• The Bill aimed to modify the taxation structure for Hindu temples.

Revenue Diversion for Temple Maintenance:

• Proposed diverting 10% of gross income from temples earning over Rs 1 crore annually.
• Previous allocation was 10% of the net income for temples earning over Rs 10 lakh annually.

Income Calculation Clarification:

• Net income calculated based on temple profits after deducting expenses.
• Gross income refers to the total amount of money the temple generates.

Additional Allocation for Intermediate Income Temples:

• Suggested allocating 5% of income from temples earning between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore to the common pool.

Financial Impact:

• Projected additional Rs 60 crore from 87 temples with income over Rs 1 crore and 311 temples exceeding Rs 10 lakh.

Utilization of Common Pool:

• Common fund for purposes such as religious studies, temple maintenance, and charitable causes.

Creation and Background of Common Fund Pool:

• Common fund pool established in 2011 through an amendment to the 1997 Act.

Committee of Management Modification:

• Suggested adding a member skilled in Vishwakarma Hindu temple architecture and sculpture to the “committee of management.”

Committee of Management Composition:

• Under Section 25 of the KHRI& CE 1997 Act, mandates a nine-member committee of management.
• Composition includes a priest, at least one Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe member, two women, and one local member.

Empowerment of Rajya Dharmika Parishat:

• Empowered Rajya Dharmika Parishat to appoint committee chairpersons.
• Given authority over religious disputes, temple statuses, and trustee appointments.

Creation of Oversight Committees:

• Mandated the creation of district and state committees for overseeing infrastructure projects for temples earning over Rs 25 lakh annually.

Concerns Regarding the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions Bill:

Potential Discrimination:

• The Bill may face challenges for being perceived as discriminatory, applying only to Hindu temples and not to other religious institutions.

Scrutiny Under Article 14:

• Potential scrutiny under Article 14 of the Constitution, ensuring equality before the law and equal protection, questioning arbitrary state actions.

Constitutional Rights Under Article 25:

• Critics argue that interference may infringe on constitutional rights granted under Article 25.
• Article 25 ensures freedom of religion, subject to public order, morality, and health.
• Article 25(2)(a) allows the State to regulate activities with economic, political, or secular nature.

Violation of Rights Under Article 26:

• Concerns raised about potential violation of rights granted under Article 26.
• Article 26 grants autonomy to religious denominations for managing religious affairs and establishing institutions.

Risk of Corruption and Mismanagement:

• Fear that the Bill may lead to corruption and mismanagement of temple funds and assets by the government-appointed Rajya Dharmika Parishath.

Opposition Allegations:

• Criticism from the opposition, alleging governmental overreach and financial exploitation of temples.

Management of Religious Institutions in India:

Places of Worship Act, 1991:

• Enacted to freeze the status of religious places as of 15th August 1947.
• Prohibits the conversion of any place of worship, ensuring the maintenance of their religious character.
• Excludes ancient monuments and archaeological sites governed by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
• Does not cover settled cases, resolved disputes, or conversions before its implementation.
• Excludes the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid in Ayodhya and associated legal proceedings.

Constitution of India (Article 26):

• Guarantees the right of religious groups to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes.
• Allows them to manage their own affairs in religious matters and own, acquire, and administer property.
• Various religious denominations, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, utilize these constitutional guarantees.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC):

• Manages Sikh Gurdwaras in India and abroad.
• Directly elected through elections by Sikh voters registered under the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925.

Waqf Act of 1954:

• Established the Central Waqf Council advising the Central Government on waqf administration.
• State Waqf Boards exercise control over mosques, graveyards, and religious waqfs in their respective states.
• Manages properties and revenues to ensure proper utilization for religious, pious, or charitable purposes according to Muslim Law.
• Waqf is a permanent dedication of movable or immovable properties.

-Source: Indian Express

Status of Leopards in India 2022: Ministry Report

Context:

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has released a report on the Status of Leopards in India 2022. The comprehensive survey covered 20 states, focusing on approximately 70% of the leopards’ expected habitat.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Establishment of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
2. Key Highlights of the Report on Leopard Status in India 2022

Establishment of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

• In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger, the Union Government has approved the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). The headquarters will be in India, receiving a one-time budgetary support of Rs.150 crore for a five-year period from 2023-24 to 2027-28.

About International Big Cat Alliance:

• It aims to strengthen global cooperation and efforts for conservation of seven big cat species and their habitats.

Objective:

• IBCA aims for mutual cooperation among countries for mutual benefit in furthering the conservation agenda.
•  IBCA would have a multipronged approach in broad basing and establishing linkages manifold in several areas and help in knowledge sharing, capacity building, networking, advocacy, finance and resources support, research and technical support, education and awareness.

Members:

• The International Big Cat Alliance has been conceived as a multi-country, multi-agency coalition of 96 big cat range countries,
• Non-range countries interested in big cat conservation
• Conservation partners and scientific organizations working in the field of big cat conservation
• Business groups and corporates willing to contribute to the cause of big cats
• Seven big cats include Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar and the Cheetah out of these five big cats viz. Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard and Cheetah are found in India.

Key Highlights of the Report on Leopard Status in India 2022:

Population Growth:

• India’s leopard population increased by 8% from 12,852 in 2018 to 13,874 in 2022.

Distribution Outside Protected Areas:

• Approximately 65% of leopards are found outside protected areas in the Shivalik landscape.
• Only one-third of leopards reside within protected areas.

Shivalik Landscape Decline:

• Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains experienced a decline from 1,253 in 2018 to 1,109 in 2022.
• The region faces a 3.4% annual decline, contrasting with Central India and Eastern Ghats, which showed a 1.5% growth rate.

Regional Leopard Population:

• Madhya Pradesh has the highest leopard count (3,907), followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
• Odisha and Uttarakhand experienced declines from 2018 to 2022.

Population Declines:

• Kerala, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Goa reported leopard population declines.

Landscape Impact on Population:

• Central India and Eastern Ghats landscape houses the largest growing leopard population due to tiger conservation efforts.

Density Variation:

• Leopard densities are higher in Tiger Reserves compared to areas outside Protected Areas, despite tiger regulatory pressure.

Common Threats:

• Poaching threats for bush meat and tiger/leopard skins.
• Habitat loss due to mining and human activities.

Incidents in Odisha:

• Seizure of 59 leopard skins from wildlife smugglers in Odisha between 2018 and 2023.

Road Accidents:

• Road accidents significantly contribute to leopard fatalities.

-Source: Indian Express

Drugs and Magic Remedies(Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954

Context:

Recently, the Supreme Court has prohibited Patanjali Ayurved from disseminating advertisements that claim to treat medical conditions such as BP, diabetes, fevers, epilepsy, and lupus, as outlined in the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1954.

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954:

Legislative Framework:

• Established as a legislative framework to control the advertisement of drugs and prohibit claims of magical qualities in remedies.

Scope of Advertisements:

• Encompasses various forms of advertisements, including written, oral, and visual mediums.

Definition of “Drug”:

• Under the Act, “drug” refers to medicines intended for human or animal use, substances for diagnosis or treatment of diseases, and articles affecting the body’s functions.

“Magic Remedy” Definition:

• Extends beyond consumables to include talismans, mantras, and charms claiming miraculous powers for healing or influencing bodily functions.

Regulations on Drug Advertisements:

• Imposes strict regulations on the publication of drug-related advertisements.

Prohibited Advertisements:

• Prohibits advertisements that give false impressions, make false claims, or are otherwise misleading.

Penalties for Violations:

• Violations can result in penalties, including imprisonment or fines, upon conviction.

Definition of “Advertisement”:

• Extends to all notices, labels, wrappers, and oral announcements.

Applicability:

• Applies to all individuals and entities involved in the publication of advertisements, including manufacturers, distributors, and advertisers.
• Holds both individuals and companies accountable for contraventions.

Liability of Individuals:

• Individuals in charge of business operations may be deemed guilty unless they can prove lack of knowledge or demonstrate due diligence.
• Directors, managers, or officers of a company may be held liable if they consented to or neglected the offense.

Punishment:

• Violations can result in imprisonment, fines, or both.
• First conviction may lead to up to six months in prison, fines, or both.
• Subsequent convictions may result in imprisonment up to one year, fines, or both.
• The Act does not specify limits for fines imposed on individuals or organizations.

-Source: The Hindu

Lahore Resolution

Context:

Pakistan has decided to hold its National Day celebrations in New Delhi again this year, which is observed on March 23, the day the Lahore Resolution was adopted in 1940 by the Muslim League.

Relevance:

GS I: History

Lahore Resolution:

• Adoption:
  • Adopted by the All-India Muslim League during its general session in Lahore from March 22 to March 24, 1940.
• Objective:
  • Formally called for the creation of an independent state for India’s Muslims.
• Notable Absence:
  • The resolution does not explicitly mention the term ‘Pakistan.’
• Criticism:
  • Criticized by some Indian Muslims, including Abul Kalam Azad and the Deoband ulema led by Husain Ahmad Madani, who advocated for a united India.
• Resolution Contents:
  • Geographically contiguous Muslim-majority areas, particularly in the North-Western and Eastern Zones, should be grouped to form “Independent States” with autonomous and sovereign constituent units.
  • In regions where Muslims are a minority, the constitution should provide mandatory safeguards for their religious, cultural, economic, political, administrative, and other rights in consultation with them.

Lead-up to the Lahore Resolution:

Early 1930s Agitation:

• Until the early 1930s, many Muslims had been advocating for better representation and protection of their rights within the Indian Union.
• The separate electorate granted to them in the Government of India Act, 1935, was seen as a step in that direction.

Khaksar Tragedy Influence:

• The Muslim League session occurred shortly after the Khaksar tragedy, where members of the Khaksar, a Muslim group fighting for India’s independence, were shot by the British in Lahore on March 19, 1940, resulting in casualties.

-Source: The Hindu