Current Affairs – January 21, 2025

{GS1 – MIH – Movements} Kuka Martyrs’ Day *

• Context (IE): On January 17, Punjab CM paid tribute to 66 Namdhari Sikhs, executed by the British in 1872, at the Namdhari Shaheed Smarak in Malerkotla, marking Kuka Martyrs’ Day.

What is the Kuka Rebellion?

• The Kuka Rebellion, led by the Namdhari sect (Kukas), was an anti-British uprising in Punjab that blended religious reform with resistance to colonial authority.
• Key Leaders: Satguru Ram Singh, Kuka Hira Singh, and Lehna Singh spearheaded the rebellion.
• Religious, Social, and Economic Reforms: Focused on transforming society through religious practices, social structures, and economic independence reforms.
• Distinctive Appearance: Followers wore white, hand-spun clothing and saffron turbans, reflecting simplicity, vegetarianism, and rejection of ostentation.
• Social Justice: Advocated abolition of the caste system, improving women’s status, promoting widow remarriage, and encouraging inter-caste marriages.
• Religious Reform: Emphasized returning to the purest form of Sikhism, as practised by Guru Gobind Singh, opposing social vices like meat consumption, alcohol, and foreign goods.
• Self-Reliance: Encouraged boycotting British goods, supporting indigenous industries, and promoting self-sufficiency.
• It reached its climax in January 1872 with significant clashes in Malerkotla and Malaudh Fort.
  • Jan. 13, Malerkotla Incident: A group of 200 Namdharis clashed with govt officials owing to discontent with British rule and native collaborators over a cow slaughter incident.
  • Jan. 15, Malaudh Fort Attack: A 150-strong Kuka contingent attacked the fort, but they were repelled by British loyalists.
• Mass Executions:
  • On 17 and 18 January 1872, 67 Kukas were executed by cannon fire.
  • Brutality: Executions were witnessed by thousands to serve as a deterrent to other rebels.
  • Martyrs: Notable martyrs included 12-year-old Bishan Singh and Waryam Singh, who displayed extraordinary bravery.

Post-Revolt

• Exile: Satguru Ram Singh & other key leaders were exiled to Rangoon, Burma and never returned.
• Beliefs: Namdharis believe that Satguru Ram Singh is still alive and will return, symbolised by their practice of wearing white.
• Split: Post-Satguru Jagjit Singh’s death in 2012, the sect split into two factions, One led by Thakur Dilip Singh in Sirsa, Haryana. The other by Sangrur Uday Singh in Bhaini Sahib, Ludhiana.

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{GS1 – MIH – Movements} Sewa Singh Thikriwala and Singh Sabha Movement

• Context (IE): Sewa Singh Thikriwala, a key figure in the Praja Mandal movement and Singh Sabha Movement played a significant role in the fight for civil liberties in Punjab.

Early Life and Background

• Birth and Family: Born in the late 19^th century in Thikriwala village, part of Patiala’s princely state.
• Family: His father, Dewa Singh, was a high-ranking official in Maharaja Rajinder Singh’s court.
• Early Career: Initially worked as a health officer but left his post to pursue social reforms.

Singh Sabha Movement (SSM)

• SSM emerged in the late 19^th century to revive Sikhism amidst colonial policies and missionary efforts.

Objectives

• Religious Revival: To restore Sikhism to its purity & counter Christian & Arya Samaj conversions.
• Educational Reform: Promote Sikh education through modern schools and institutions.
• Preservation of Sikh Identity: Reinforce Sikh traditions, culture, and language (Gurmukhi).

Contributions of the Singh Sabha Movement

• Political Awareness: Laid the foundation for Sikh participation in India’s freedom struggle by fostering Sikh identity, rights awareness & mass mobilisation during Gurdwara Reform & national movements.
• Educational Institutions: Established Khalsa schools and colleges, like Khalsa College, Amritsar.
• Religious Reforms: Standardized Sikh rituals and practices, emphasising Guru Granth Sahib.
• Cultural Revival: Promoted Punjabi language and Sikh heritage.

Prominent Figures

• Baba Khem Singh Bedi: Initiated the movement in Amritsar in 1873.
• Bhagat Lakshman Singh: Played a vital role in intellectual contributions.
• Giani Ditt Singh: Propagated Sikh values and identity through literature.

Thikriwala’s Contributions to the Singh Sabha Movement

• Organized Gurmukhi classes in Gurdwaras.
• Promoted the traditional Sikh Anand Karaj (marriage) ceremony.
• Revitalised Sikh culture and identity through education.

Praja Mandal Movement

• Praja Mandal movement was a significant part of the Indian independence movement from the 1920s.
• People living in the princely states, subject to the rule of local aristocrats rather than the British Raj, campaigned against those feudatory rulers and sometimes the British administration.
• Nature of the Movement: Protestors engaged in constructive programs like establishing schools, promoting Khadi, supporting cottage industries, and agitating against untouchability.

Objectives

• Aimed to safeguard civil liberties, seek educational reforms, and demand a responsible government.
• Protested against oppressive taxation and the unjust treatment of peasants.

Reasons for the Movement

• Princely states enjoyed little independence and were treated as subordinate or feudatory powers.
• High economic burden through taxation, poor educational standards and social services pushed the anger against the feudatory rulers, British raj and non-tribals in tribal belts.
• The protestors attempted to improve their civil and democratic rights.

Response to the Movement

• Nagpur session of 1920: Congress called upon princes to grant responsible government. However, political action in states could not be taken in the name of Congress. This stand continued till 1935.
• The first All-India States People’s Conference (AISPC) session was held in Bombay in 1927.
  • This conference brought together the representatives of princely states for political dialogues.
  • The AISPC was a conglomeration of political movements in the princely states of the British Raj.
• Cooperation was increased with the state’s peoples’ conference. Committees could be formed in states, but no direct action would be taken.
• In 1935, Jawahar Lal Nehru was invited to become president of the AISPC.
• Lucknow session of Congress, 1936: INC Stated that people of states should have the same rights of self-determination as those of the rest of India.
• Haripura Session of 1938: State problems were discussed in detail. Demand for Purna Swaraj came from India, including princely states. Still, state movements couldn’t be launched under the Congress banner.
• Tripuri Session, 1939: Shift in the policy of Congress. A resolution was passed enunciating its new policy by completely removing restraints on itself.
• During the Quit India Movement, Congress formally extended the call for launching a struggle to the people of states.

Sewa Singh’s Role in the Praja Mandal Movement

• Led the Punjab Riyasat Praja Mandal, which called for self-rule in the princely states.
• Actively campaigned against the autocratic rule of the Maharajas, demanding democratic reforms.
• Central role in mobilising public opinion against princely rulers, advocating rights of the people.
• Supported the formation of educational institutions and public service reforms.
• The movement gained momentum in the princely states of Patiala, Nabha, Jind, Malerkotla, and Faridkot.
• It laid the groundwork for future political reforms, influencing later struggles for autonomy & governance.

Imprisonment and Activism

• False Accusations: Imprisoned under false charges of theft due to his outspoken criticism of ruling prince.
• Praja Mandal Leadership: Became the president of the Punjab Riyasat Praja Mandal after his arrest, continuing to lead the movement from jail.
• Multiple Arrests: Arrested again in 1930 for leading protests and sentenced to ten years but released due to public pressure; Imprisoned in 1933 for three years after being accused of inciting protests.
• Hunger Strike: Began a hunger strike in jail in early 1934 to protest his treatment and mistreatment by authorities. Died on January 20, 1935, while still on hunger strike.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Issues} Medical Negligence and IV Fluids

• Context (TH | DH): The West Bengal government suspended 12 doctors for alleged medical negligence after deaths linked to expired intravenous (IV) fluids at Medinipur Medical College.

Medical Negligence in India

Legal Provisions Governing Medical Negligence

• Section 304A, IPC: Covers death due to negligence (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 106).
• Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Patients can claim compensation for medical malpractice.
• Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010: Mandates minimum standards for healthcare services.
• Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002: Guides doctors’ conduct; violations can lead to license cancellation.

Judicial Precedents

• Indian Medical Association vs. V.P. Shantha (1995): Established medical services as part of the Consumer Protection Act.

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Steps for Prevention of Medical Negligence

• Strict Adherence to Hospital SoPs and Protocols: Regular audits of drug expiry, inventory management, and compliance with medical guidelines.
• Accountability Mechanisms: Implementation of periodic reviews by medical councils and ethics committees to ensure proper practices.
• Awareness Programs for Healthcare Staff: Continuous education on medical standards, ethical practices, and legal consequences of negligence.
• Standardized Documentation: Ensure thorough and accurate documentation of patient records, treatments, and procedures to avoid legal complications.
• Quality Control and Safety Protocols: Establish regular safety checks, infection control measures, and adherence to clinical best practices to minimise errors.

Intravenous (IV) Fluids

• IV Fluids are sterile liquids injected into veins to treat dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or for drug delivery. IV fluids are composed of water (base solvent), electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride), and glucose (provides energy).

Types

• Isotonic: Matches blood concentration (e.g., normal saline, lactated Ringer’s).
• Hypertonic: Higher solute concentration, used for hyponatremia.
• Hypotonic: Lower solute concentration, used for severe intracellular dehydration.
• Crystalloids: Contain small molecules; easily absorbed by tissues (e.g., saline, D5W).
• Colloids: Contain larger molecules; remain in blood vessels (e.g., albumin, hetastarch).

Complications of IV Fluids

• Fluid Overload: Excessive administration causing swelling, headache, or heart issues.
• Electrolyte Imbalances: Inappropriate fluid composition leading to irregular heartbeat or nerve issues.
• Infection Risks: Contaminated or expired IV fluids may lead to sepsis.

Regulations and Standards for IV Fluids Usage

• Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940: Governs IV fluids’ manufacturing, storage, and distribution.
• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): Specifies safety standards for medical fluids.
• Pharmaceutical Oversight: Regulatory actions against manufacturers for quality breaches.

{GS2 – Polity – Laws} Abetment of Suicide

• Context (IE | ET): The SC emphasised that charges for abetment of suicide under Section 306 of the IPC should not be invoked mechanically.
• Data on Conviction Rates: The conviction rate for abetment of suicide was 17.5% in 2022.

Legal Provisions

• IPC Section 107 (Section 45 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita–BNS, 2023): Defines abetment as instigating, conspiring, or aiding the commission of an act.
• IPC Section 306: This section deals with the charge of abetment of suicide, prescribing punishment of up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine for those convicted.
• BNS Section 108: Similar provisions under the BNS 2023, cover abetment of suicide.
• Intent to Cause Suicide: To prove abetment, it must be shown that the accused directly or indirectly instigated or aided the deceased in committing suicide.

Landmark Judgments

• In M Mohan v. State (2011) and Ude Singh v. Haryana (2019), the SC emphasised direct acts of incitement and specific intent as crucial for charges of abetment of suicide.
• Bank Manager Case (2023): The SC cleared a bank manager’s charges under Section 306 IPC, stating that minor allegations of harassment do not meet the threshold for abetment.
• Khairu @ Satendra Singh Rawat Case (2024): MP HC ruled that mere harassment or misbehaviour is not sufficient for abetment unless the accused’s actions left the deceased with no option but suicide.

SC’s Stand on Abetment of Suicide

• Practical Approach: The SC stressed that the law must be applied practically, ensuring that emotional reactions from the deceased’s family do not influence legal proceedings.
• Hyperbole vs. Instigation: The Court ruled that informal exchanges or exaggerated statements should not be treated as instigation to commit suicide.
• Threshold for Prosecution: Investigating agencies must not press charges unless the criteria for abetment are met, avoiding unnecessary prosecution based on family distress.

Challenges and Sensitization

• Need for Sensitization: The SC called for better awareness among investigation agencies and trial courts regarding the criteria for abetment of suicide to prevent misuse of Section 306 IPC.
• Avoiding Mechanical Invocation: SC warned against the tendency of trial courts to “play safe” and frame charges without solid evidence, urging a practical and context-driven approach.

{Prelims – PIN World – Asia} Mayotte

• Context (IE): Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi (Jan 2025) struck Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, causing severe flooding and displacing 14,500 people.
• It followed Tropical Cyclone Chido (Dec 2024), the strongest storm in 90 years, which devastated Southeast Africa with 260 km/h winds, killing 39 and displacing thousands.

• Mayotte is in the Mozambique Channel, part of the Comoros Archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
• Comprises two islands: Grande Terre (main island) and Petite Terre.
• History: Colonized by France in 1843. Mayotte remained French following a 1974 referendum when other Comoros islands gained independence.
• Present Status: A French overseas department and the poorest territory of France and the EU.

{Prelims – In News} Kashmir’s Pashmina: Heritage of ‘Soft Gold’ *

• Context (IE): Highlighting the cultural and technological significance of Kashmir’s Pashmina.

Pashmina

• Pashmina is a fine fabric (finer than 16 microns, ensuring exceptional softness and warmth) made from the undercoat of the Changthangi goat, primarily found in Ladakh.
• Etymology: Derived from the Persian word “Pashm,” meaning soft wool.
• Unique Qualities: Lightweight, soft, warm, breathable, and durable.
• GI Tag: Kashmir’s Pashmina holds GI certification for its traditional production methods.
• Testing Authenticity: “Ring Test” checks fineness of shawl by sliding it through a standard finger ring.
• Threats: Mass-produced imitations undermine artisans; Climate change affects goat populations.
• Storage and Preservation: Use breathable cotton or muslin bags in cool, dry places. Wash with mild detergent; air dry flat to maintain shape.
• Innovations: Blends with silk and modern designs aim to attract younger buyers.

Production Steps

1. Harvesting: Undercoat shed naturally during spring is collected.
2. Sorting: Guard hairs manually removed by women artisans.
3. Spinning: Hand-spun on traditional wheels to produce fine yarn.
4. Weaving: Intricately crafted on traditional handlooms.
5. Dyeing: Natural dyes from plants and minerals enhance colours.

Types and Varieties of Pashmina

• Pure Pashmina: Finest cashmere wool, unblended.
• Silk Pashmina: Wool-silk blend in an 80:20 ratio for enhanced sheen.
• Kani Pashmina: Intricate patterns woven using small wooden needles (Kanis).
• Regional Variants: Changthang Pashmina has Ultra-fine fibres sourced from goats at 13,000–18,000 ft altitude. Tibetan Pashmina is slightly coarser but still premium.

Significance of Pashmina Shawls

• Historical Legacy: Dates back over 3,000 years; prized by emperors and European aristocracy.
• Cultural Role: Used in ceremonial shawls and heirlooms in Kashmir.
• Economic Significance: Livelihood for Himalayan communities, sustaining traditional craftsmanship.

{Prelims – In News} Great Bitter Lake

• Context (IE): The Great Bitter Lake is a crucial water body in Egypt located along the Suez Canal, which serves as a passage for international maritime trade.

Source: BBC

Location and Geography

• Situated in Egypt, spanning approximately 60 km², the Great Bitter Lake is a saltwater lake between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, connected to both seas through the Suez Canal.

Historical Significance

• Pre-Canal History: The site was originally a dry salt valley before the construction of the Suez Canal.
• Ancient Connections: Evidence of trade routes via the Suez Canal dates back to the era of Pharaoh Senausret III, suggesting the region’s historical significance for maritime commerce.

Importance of Great Bitter Lake

• Suez Canal Expansion: The canal’s development, including the Great Bitter Lake, involves advanced dredging techniques, creating a wider and deeper passage to accommodate modern, larger vessels.
• Global Trade: The Suez Canal, with the Great Bitter Lake as a key component, shortens the maritime route between Europe and Asia by up to 7,000 kilometres, boosting international trade.
• Strategic Importance: The lake is a staging area for ships travelling through the Suez Canal, where vessels can adjust their positions or wait for passage.
• Traffic Management: It helps manage the traffic flow in the narrow canal, allowing ships to pass safely and efficiently, especially in the event of congestion.
• Key Role in Oil Transport: It is also vital for oil and gas shipping, with a significant percentage of global petroleum passing through the Suez Canal annually.