Today in History (February 5th, 1597)
In 1597, a group of early Japanese Christians, known as the “26 Martyrs,” were killed by the new government of Japan for being seen as a threat to Japanese society.
Summary of Today’s News
Digital Detox
Recently, Karnataka Government announced Digital Detox Initiative in collaboration with All India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF) and NIMHANS.
Key Points
- Digital Detox is a period of time during which one intentionally reduces amount of time spent online on electronic devices, like mobiles, laptops, etc.
- Initiative seeks to ensure responsible gaming, through – Awareness, Digital Detox centres for personalized guidance, Community connection through workshops, etc.
- Need of Digital Detox: Mental health challenges, decreasing attention spans and strained real-wo
22nd Law Commission (LC) submits 284th Report titled Prevention of Damage to Public Property
Context
Recently, 22nd Law Commission took suo motu cognizance to prepare the report on account of rising incidents of vandalism and consequent loss to the state exchequer.
- Also, it highlighted the issue of wilful obstruction of public place or way.
- It said that only some States have provisions for dealing with obstructions on public pathways.
Key Recommendations: Amendment in the PDPP (Prevention of Damage to Public Property) Act, 1984, it should include
- One of the conditions for bail should be the deposit of an amount equivalent to the estimate value of the property damaged.
- Enact comprehensive law dealing with willful obstruction of public ways, parks, grounds etc.
- Constitutional and Legal Provisions for Protection Fundamental Right under Article 19 implicitly contains the Right to protest.
- However, demonstration which creates nuisance and disturbances are not covered under it.
- Fundamental Duties, Article 51A-duty of every citizen to safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
World Wetland Day 2024 (WWD)
Context
On 2nd February, WWD 2024 was celebrated at Sirpur Lake Indore, Madhya Pradesh (MP)
- The theme was- ‘Wetlands and Human Wellbeing’
- WWD is observed on 2nd February every year worldwide
- It is to commemorate the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in 1971.
- India has been a party to the Convention since 1982. About Sirpur Lake It is a human-made wetland.
Key Points about Lake
- Located in the city of Indore, MP.
- Lake is shallow, alkaline, nutrient-rich and prone to floods.
GHAR PORTAL
Context
GHAR (GO Home and Re-Unite) Portal was launched earlier by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
Key Highlights of this Portal
- Digital tracking and monitoring of children who are in the Juvenile Justice system and have to be repatriated to another Country/State/District.
- Digital transfer of cases of children to the concerned Juvenile Justice Board/Child Welfare Committee of the State for speedy repatriation of children.
- Where there is a requirement of a translator/interpreter/expert, request to be made to the concerned State Government.
- Child Welfare Committees and District Child Protection Officers can ensure proper restoration and rehabilitation of children by digitally monitoring the progress of the case of the child.
- A checklist format will be provided in the forms so that the children who are hard to repatriate or children who are not getting their entitled compensation or other monetary benefits can be identified.
- List of Government implemented schemes are provided, so that at the time of restoration the Child Welfare Committees can link the child with the schemes to strengthen the family and ensure that child remains with his/her family.
Input Service Distribution (ISD)
Context
Interim budget (2024) has proposed to mandatorily register for ISD for companies with branches in multiple cities to claim input tax credit.
- Input Tax Credit is the tax that a business pays on a purchase and can used to reduce its tax liability when it makes a sale.
- ISD is a mechanism (office) that allows billing of common input services to one location of the company and permitting it to distribute it to its branches with separate GST registration.
- This recent move is expected to reduce disputes significantly.
Surajkund International Crafts Mela
Context
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the 37th Surajkund International Crafts Mela at Surajkund, Haryana.
Key Points
- Surajkund Mela showcases the richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms and cultural fabric of India.
- This fair is the Largest crafts fair in the world.
- In 2013, the fair was upgraded to an international level.
- This year the Partner Nation: Tanzania
- This year the Theme State: Gujarat
- Cultural Partner: North-Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation
