Author: karthik

Honour Killings in India Syllabus: Indian Society Context: Honour killings are murders committed to punish individuals, often women, perceived to have brought dishonour to their family or community, usually for marrying outside caste, religion, or community norms. Despite constitutional safeguards like Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty), these crimes persist in parts of India.   Significance / Features: Predominantly affect women who assert autonomy in choosing life partners. Perpetrators often include family members and informal community councils like Khap Panchayats. Deeply rooted in patriarchy, caste hierarchy, and social control mechanisms. Victims frequently include inter-caste or inter-faith couples.   Challenges: Weak law enforcement and social legitimization of violence by local bodies. Victims face threats even before marriage; law protection often delayed. Social norms and fear of ostracism prevent reporting.   Way Forward: Enact a specific law criminalizing honour killings. Strengthen law enforcement and witness protection mechanisms. Raise awareness to challenge caste-based and patriarchal norms. Judicial oversight of Khap/Jati Panchayats’ illegal diktats. With reference to honour killings in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? The Supreme Court’s ruling in Shakti Vahini v. Union of India (2018) called for the enactment of a dedicated law against honour crimes. The phenomenon is primarily driven by economic factors and has no connection to caste endogamy. The Indian Penal Code (now BNS) currently has no legal provisions to prosecute perpetrators of honour killings. A)1 only B) 2 and 3 only C) 1, 2 and 3 D) None of the above Correct Answer: D) None of the above Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. While the Supreme Court’s ruling was a landmark judgment, it did not explicitly call for a new law. Instead, it directed states to establish safe houses for couples, monitor illegal caste gatherings, and punish officials who fail to prevent the crimes. The call for a specific law is mentioned in the provided text as a proposed law and a way forward, but not as a directive from this specific court case. Statement 2 is incorrect. The provided text clearly states that honour killings are rooted in “safeguarding social control, hierarchy, and patriarchal dominance.” It also explicitly mentions that caste endogamy is central and that economic factors are a component, but not the sole driver. Statement 3 is incorrect. The text mentions that while there is no specific law for honour crimes, perpetrators can be prosecuted under existing provisions of the Indian Penal Code (now BNS), such as murder, culpable homicide, and conspiracy. Revival of Reefs in the Gulf of Mannar Syllabus:Ecology The coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu, are a vital and biodiverse marine ecosystem that has faced significant threats from human activities and climate change. These reefs, which are home to species like Acropora and Montipora corals, are crucial for supporting marine biodiversity, protecting the coastline, and providing livelihoods for local fishing communities. Historically, they have been damaged by practices like coral mining and destructive fishing, and more recently, by global warming, which causes mass coral bleaching. However, sustained scientific restoration efforts over the past two decades have shown remarkable success. Scientists are transplanting coral fragments onto artificial substrates, a method that has resulted in high survival rates and a significant increase in both fish populations and overall biodiversity in the restored areas. This initiative serves as a powerful model for climate adaptation and marine conservation, demonstrating that with scientific intervention and community involvement, degraded ecosystems can be revived. With reference to coral reef restoration in the Gulf of Mannar, consider the following statements: The restoration project has exclusively used the fast-growing Acropora coral species due to its high survival rate. The project’s success is a model for climate adaptation, demonstrating that scientific innovation can help marine ecosystems recover. The restored reefs have seen a significant increase in fish density, but not in overall biodiversity. A)1 only B) 2 only C) 1 and 3 only D) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer: B) 2 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The text says that “20 coral species” were transplanted, and that Acropora “showed highest survival.” It does not state that only this species was used. Statement 2 is correct. The conclusion of the provided text states, “The revival of corals in the Gulf of Mannar proves that scientific innovation… can bring marine ecosystems back from the brink. It is a model for climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation.” Statement 3 is incorrect. The text explicitly mentions that both “Fish Density” and “Biodiversity” (via coral recruits) increased significantly in the restored areas. Reclaiming Forests in Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve Syllabus:Ecology   Context: The Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh faced large-scale encroachment. Evidence-based technology enabled forest reclamation without violence.   Significance / Features: Use of satellite imagery and drone mapping to identify illegal settlements. AI and remote sensing used for monitoring forest cover. 1,800 acres successfully reclaimed and restored for wildlife.   Challenges: Balancing human livelihoods with conservation. Ensuring long-term protection of reclaimed land. Continued monitoring against illegal encroachment.   Way Forward: Expand use of technology for real-time forest monitoring. Integrate reclaimed areas into wildlife corridors. Community engagement for sustainable coexistence. With reference to the forest reclamation in the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, consider the following statements: The project’s success was rooted in the application of the Forest Rights Act to provide legal justification for the anti-encroachment drive. The core objective was not merely to evict encroachers but to restore the reclaimed land to create inviolate habitats for wildlife. The use of satellite imagery was critical in proving that the settlements were recent and thus not protected under the Forest Rights Act. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only B) 2 and 3 only C) 3 only D) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer: B) 2 and 3 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The text states that the officer used technology to gather evidence that the settlements were illegal and not protected under the Forest Rights Act because they were established after 2008.