Today in History (July 23^rd, 1856)

Bal Gangadhar Tilak, also known as Lokmanya Tilak, was one of the prominent leaders in India’s freedom struggle against British colonial rule. He was born on July 23, 1856, in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, and his birthday is also celebrated as “Lokmanya Tilak Jayanti” in India.

Let’s revise

A) The ________ deals with the administration of the tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

1. 6th Schedule
2. 7th Schedule
3. 5th Schedule
4. 4th Schedule

Ans. (1)

B) The ________ of the Constitution lays out provision for Administration and Control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

1. 6th Schedule
2. 7th Schedule
3. 5th Schedule
4. 4th Schedule

Ans. (3)

C) The NCSC (National Commission for Schedule Castes) is a _________ Body established with a view to provide safeguards against the exploitation of Scheduled Castes and to promote and protect their social, educational, economic and cultural interests.

1. Constitutional
2. Statutory
3. Illegal
4. Based on order from UNGA

Ans. (1)

D) Article 338 was amended, and the erstwhile National Commission for SC and ST was replaced by two separate Commissions from the year____

1. 2012
2. 2004
3. 2015
4. 2021

Ans. (2)

E) Article _____ of the Indian Constitution vests the power to specify SC in various states and union territories with the President of India.

1. 32
2. 226
3. 341
4. 123

Ans. (3)

Summary of Today’s News

Budget and Economic survey focusing on the key areas.

• Economic Growth Forecast: The Indian economy is projected to grow between 6.5% to 7% in the current fiscal year, potentially exceeding 7% in subsequent years, according to the Economic Survey for 2023-24.
• Pre-COVID Growth Trends: The economy has rebounded to pre-COVID growth levels without lasting damage, signaling resilience.
• Policy Priorities: Addressing inequality and unemployment is emphasized as critical policy objectives.
• Regulatory Environment: The Chief Economic Adviser advocates reducing regulatory burdens on businesses to stimulate growth.
• Corporate Responsibility: Corporates are urged to create productive jobs despite their profitability, promoting social responsibility.
• AI and Employment: There’s a call to use AI to augment rather than replace labor, especially in a growing economy.
• Skilling Initiatives: Emphasis on rebooting skilling programs to bridge the education-employment gap and enhance workforce capabilities.
• Financial Sector Role: Highlighting the importance of long-term investment over short-term gains for sustainable economic benefits.

Fines on newly elected MLAs by West Bengal Governor.

• Illegal Swearing-In: Two newly elected TMC MLAs fined ₹500 each by West Bengal Raj Bhavan for allegedly violating constitutional norms during their oath-taking.
• Constitutional Controversy: Governor accused Speaker of constitutional impropriety, claiming only he or his appointed deputy could administer oaths per Article 188 of the Constitution.
• Speaker’s Response: Speaker Biman Banerjee defended his authority, stating the House has the right to administer oaths and isn’t solely under the Governor’s control.
• Upcoming Oaths: Four more TMC MLAs set to be sworn in, with the Speaker asserting he will conduct the ceremony, citing constitutional convention and Article 188.

Supreme Court to IIT Delhi to solve the complex question from NEET-UG 2024

The Supreme Court has instructed IIT-Delhi to resolve an ambiguous question from the NEET-UG 2024 Physics paper within 24 hours. The question concerns statements about atoms, with discrepancies in correct answers between old and new versions of NCERT textbooks. This decision affects the scores of over 4 lakh candidates, including 44 with perfect scores. Allegations of question leaks and exam irregularities prompted petitions for a re-examination, culminating in this directive from the Court.

Mental Health and the national development

• Significance of Mental Health: The Economic Survey emphasizes mental health as a crucial driver of individual and national development for the first time, noting its impact on productivity, healthcare costs, and overall well-being.
• Prevalence and Challenges: It cites data showing 10.6% of Indian adults suffer from mental disorders, with substantial treatment gaps ranging from 70% to 92%. Urban areas exhibit higher prevalence rates compared to rural regions.
• Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic exacerbated mental health issues, particularly among adolescents, with notable increases in anxiety, extreme emotions, and mood swings among students.
• Government Initiatives: Highlights include the National Mental Health Programme, National Tele Mental Health Programme, and efforts to increase mental health personnel. Goals include raising the number of psychiatrists to meet WHO standards and standardizing mental health services across sectors.
• Policy Recommendations: Calls for robust implementation of healthcare programs, integration of mental health services in schools, development of age-appropriate mental health curricula, and community-based interventions to enhance mental health outcomes.