Daily Current Affairs 23 February 2024 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 23 February 2024 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Right to Adopt Not a Fundamental Right

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Right to Adopt Not a Fundamental Right Delhi High Court observations
3. Central Adoption Resource Authority
4. Hague Adoption Convention

Why in the News?

The court made observations while dealing with a batch of pleas filed by several prospective parents with two biological children and wishing to adopt a third child.

News in Brief

• The court made these observations while dealing with a batch of pleas filed by several prospective parents with two biological children wishing to adopt a third child.
• These pleas challenged a decision of the Central Adoption Resource Authority that affirmed the retrospective application of the Adoption Regulations of 2022.
• These rules mandate that couples with two or more children can only adopt children with special needs, hard to place, or unlikely to be adopted because of physical or mental disability, emotional disturbance, recognised high risk of physical or mental disease, age, and racial or ethnic factors.
• The petitioner contended that the right to adoption is a statutory right and that the right of children to be given for adoption goes hand in hand with the right of the parents to adopt.

Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty

No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.

Right to Adopt Not a Fundamental Right Delhi High Court observations

• The right to adopt is not a fundamental right, nor do prospective adoptive parents have the right to choose whom to adopt.
• Adoption is premised on the welfare of children and does not place the rights of prospective parents at the forefront.
• The right to adopt cannot be raised to a fundamental right within Article 21.
• It can’t be raised to a level granting PAPs (prospective adoptive parents) the right to demand their choice of who to adopt.
• The adoption process in its entirety operates on the premise of the welfare of children.

Central Adoption Resource Authority

• Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is a statutory body of the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India.
• It is a statutory body under Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
• Central Authority to deal with inter-country adoptions by the provisions of the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993, ratified by the Government of India in 2003.
• Primarily deals with the adoption of orphan, abandoned and surrendered children through its associated /recognised adoption agencies.
• In 2018, CARA has allowed individuals in a live-in relationship to adopt children from and within India.

National Livestock Mission

Source: PIB
GS III: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About National Livestock Mission (NLM)

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the further modification of the National Livestock Mission by including additional activities.

News in Brief

• The establishment of entrepreneurship for horse, donkey, mule, and camel with a 50% capital subsidy of up to 50 lakhs will be provided to the Individuals, FPO, SHG, JLG, FCO and Section 8 companies. Also, the state government will be assisted with breed conservation of horses, donkeys and camels. The Central Government will provide 10 cr. for the establishment of a semen station and a nucleus breeding farm for horses, donkeys and camels.
• Establishment of entrepreneurs for Fodder seed processing Infrastructure (Processing & Grading unit/Fodder storage godown) with 50% capital subsidy up to Rs.50 lakhs to the private companies, start-ups /SHGs /FPOs /FCOs /JLGs / Farmers Cooperative societies (FCO), Section 8 companies establishment of Infrastructure like construction of building, receiving shed, drying platform, machinery etc. including the grading plants as well as seed storage godown. The remaining cost of the project needs to be arranged by the beneficiary through bank finance or self-funding.
• To increase the fodder cultivation areas, the state government will be assisted with fodder cultivation in the non—forest land, wasteland/range land/non-arable as well as forest land “Non-Forest Wasteland/Rangeland/Non-arable Land” and “Fodder Production from Forest Land” as well as in the degraded forest land. This will increase the fodder availability in the country.
• The Livestock Insurance programme has been simplified. The beneficiary share of the premium for the farmers has been reduced and it will be 15% as against the current beneficiary share of 20%,30%, 40% and 50%. The remaining amount of the premium will be shared by the Centre and the State at 60:40 for all states, 90:10. The number of animals to be insured has also been increased to 10 cattle units instead of 5 cattle units for cattle sheep and goats. This will facilitate the livestock farmers to get their valuable animals insured by paying a minimum amount.

About National Livestock Mission (NLM)

The National Livestock Mission (NLM) is an initiative launched by the Government of India to ensure the sustainable development of the livestock sector. It aims to enhance livestock productivity and production, improve breed quality, and support livestock-based livelihoods across the country.

Details

• Launch Date: The National Livestock Mission was launched in 2014 as a part of the Government of India’s 12th Five-Year Plan.
• Objective: The mission aims to ensure quantitative and qualitative improvement in livestock production systems and capacity building of stakeholders.
• Key Focus Areas: It focuses on breed improvement, feed and fodder development, livestock health, and extension services.
• Financial Allocation: The Government of India allocates funds to the states based on proposals submitted by them under the mission. These funds are utilized for various activities aimed at improving the livestock sector.
• Implementation: The mission is implemented through the respective state governments, which formulate and implement their own strategies and action plans based on the guidelines provided by the central government.

Benefits of the Scheme

• Breed Improvement: Under the NLM, various initiatives such as breed improvement programs, breed conservation, and establishment of semen stations are undertaken to improve the genetic potential of livestock.
• Feed and Fodder Development: The mission focuses on promoting scientific fodder cultivation, improving grazing lands, and introducing innovative feed technologies to ensure better nutrition for livestock.
• Livestock Health: Initiatives like disease control programs, vaccination drives, and the establishment of veterinary hospitals and clinics aim to improve the health of livestock and reduce mortality rates.
• Extension Services: Capacity building of stakeholders including farmers, veterinarians, and extension workers is emphasized to disseminate best practices and technologies in livestock management.

Guru Ravidasji And Bhakti Movement

Source: PIB
GS I: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Guru Ravidasji
3. Guru Ravidasji And Bhakti Movement

Why in the News?

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu greeted fellow citizens on the eve of the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidasji.

News in Brief

• Sant Ravidas was an embodiment of spiritual wisdom.
• He dedicated his life to serving humanity with faith and devotion. He fought for the cause of the eradication of caste-based and social discrimination.
• Guru Ravidasji strived to bring harmony to society by following devotional practices. He spread the message of peace, tolerance and brotherhood.
• He showed the path of enlightenment to the people.

About Guru Ravidasji

• Guru Ravidas Ji, also known as Sant Ravidas, was a prominent saint, poet, and social reformer who lived during the 15th and 16th centuries in India.
• He was born into a family of leather workers, traditionally considered “untouchables” in the caste system, in the city of Varanasi (then known as Banaras) in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
• Despite facing discrimination and social marginalization due to his caste, Guru Ravidas Ji rose above these challenges.
• He became a revered spiritual figure known for his profound teachings on equality, humility, and devotion.
• He rejected the hierarchical caste system and advocated for all individuals’ spiritual and social upliftment, regardless of their background.
• Guru Ravidas Ji’s teachings emphasized the importance of inner purity, devotion to the divine, and treating all beings with compassion and respect.

Literary works and Philosophy

• He is one of thirty-six contributors to this foremost canonical scripture of Sikhism, The Adi Granth.
• Songs of Ravidas discuss Nirguna-Saguna themes, as well as ideas that are at the foundation of Nath Yoga philosophy of Hinduism.

Guru Ravidasji And Bhakti Movement

Key aspects of Guru Ravidas Ji’s contribution to the Bhakti Movement

• Emphasis on Devotion (Bhakti)
  • Guru Ravidas Ji emphasized the path of devotion (bhakti) as a means to attain spiritual liberation.
  • He preached the importance of developing a loving and intimate relationship with the divine through prayer, meditation, and selfless service.
  • His devotional poetry, filled with expressions of love and longing for the divine, inspired countless individuals to cultivate a deeper connection with God.
• Spiritual Equality
  • One of Guru Ravidas Ji’s most significant contributions to the Bhakti Movement was his emphasis on spiritual equality.
  • He vehemently opposed the rigid caste system prevalent in society and advocated for the idea that spiritual worth is not determined by one’s caste, social status, or birth.
  • Guru Ravidas Ji’s teachings emphasized the universality of divine love and the equal access of all individuals, regardless of their background, to the divine grace.
• Rejection of Ritualism and Formalism
  • Guru Ravidas Ji criticized the excessive emphasis on rituals and formalism in religious practices.
  • He believed in the simplicity and sincerity of devotion, emphasizing the inner qualities of love, humility, and compassion over outward displays of religious observance.
  • His teachings encouraged people to focus on the essence of spirituality rather than getting entangled in external rituals and ceremonies.
• Social Reform
  • In addition to his spiritual teachings, Guru Ravidas Ji actively engaged in social reform efforts aimed at challenging social injustices, particularly caste-based discrimination and untouchability.
  • He advocated for the dignity of labour and promoted social equality and harmony among people of all castes and communities.
  • Guru Ravidas Ji’s life and teachings inspired many to question and challenge oppressive social norms and strive for a more just and equitable society.

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