Today in History (Apr 30^th, 1789)

George Washington, the first president of the United States, was inaugurated this day in 1789 in Federal Hall in New York City, addressing his constituency on “the proceedings of a new and free government.”

Let’s revise

A) Recently, GANHRI was seen in news. It works in which field?

1. Global Science development
2. Human Rights protection and promotion
3. Protection of environment and ecology
4. Water conservation

Ans. (b)

B) National Human Rights Commission of India was established in_____

1. 1982
2. 1989
3. 1993
4. 1948

Ans. (c)

C) What is correct about the National Human Rights Commission of India?

1. It is a constitutional body
2. It is an unconstitutional body
3. It is a statutory body
4. None of the above is correct

Ans. (c)

D) Protection of Human Rights Act was passed in which year?

1. 1995
2. 1998
3. 1993
4. 1996

Ans. (c)

E) Who is the current chairman of National Human Rights Commission of India?

1. Justice Arun Kumar Mishra
2. Justice Ranjan Gogoi
3. Justice BR Gavai
4. Justice BL Dattu

Ans. (a)

F) For the first time, Bru voters exercised their franchise in Lok Sabha Election, 2024. This community has its presence in which state of India?

1. Tripura
2. Sikkim
3. Meghalaya
4. Arunachal Pradesh

Ans. (a)

G) Match the following and find the incorrect pair.
State Capital City

1. Tripura Agartala
2. Mizoram Aizwal
3. Meghalaya Shilong
4. Arunachal Pradesh Imphal

Ans. (d)

H) The 26th World Energy Congress, co-hosted by the World Energy Council (WEC), concluded in which country?

1. Norway
2. Netherlands
3. Sweden
4. India

Ans. (b)

I) Which one is the main river of the north eastern states of India?

1. Tapti
2. Godavari
3. Barak
4. Gomati

Ans. (c)

Summary of Today’s News

Foreign Exchange (Forex)

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cautioned banks and customers again about unauthorised entities offering foreign exchange trading using the banking channels.
• Foreign exchange, or forex, is the conversion of one country’s currency into another. In a free economy, a country’s currency is valued according to the laws of supply and demand. In other words, a currency’s value can be pegged to another country’s currency, such as the U.S. dollar, or even to a basket of currencies.
• Example: If we have to pay Rs 50 for $1 then the exchange rate is Rs 50 per dollar.
• A country’s currency value may also be set by the country’s government.
• Key Participants: Major players in the foreign exchange market include commercial banks, foreign exchange brokers, other authorised dealers, and monetary authorities.
• Types of Exchange Rate: These are divided into fixed, flexible, and managed floating.
• Fixed systems have government-set rates, maintained through foreign exchange reserves.
• Flexible systems allow market-driven rates, providing automatic balance of payment adjustments.
• Managed floating systems are hybrids, permitting central bank interventions to moderate rate fluctuations.

Tamil Nadu Education Department released Guidelines for Elimination of Corporal Punishment (GECP)

• GECP aims to safeguard physical and mental well-being of students and extends to address any form of harassment of students in schools.
• Corporal Punishment (CP) is any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light. e.g., hitting, kicking, etc.
Problems with corporal punishment
• Physical and psychological harm: Can cause physical injuries, anxiety, low self-esteem, and other mental health issues.
• Perpetuation of violence: May reinforce the idea that violence is an acceptable means of resolving conflicts or asserting authority, contributing to normalization and perpetuation of violence in society.
• Discrimination and disproportionate impact: In some cases, CP may be applied disproportionately or discriminatorily based on factors such as gender, race, or socioeconomic status.
• Ineffective as a disciplinary measure: It may teach children to fear and avoid punishment rather than promoting positive behavioural changes or moral development.
• Impact on education: Can result in higher school drop-outs, poor learning outcomes by creating atmosphere of fear and intimidation in classrooms, etc.
• Article 39 of Constitution: Directs the State to protect childhood and youth against exploitation and moral and material abandonment.
• Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act 2009: Section 17 of the Act Prohibits physical and mental harassment and makes it punishable offense.

Significant increase in screen time among children

In several studies, it has been found that screen time among children is more than 2 hours a day.
Reasons for Rise in Screen time among children:
Role Modelling: Children usually imitate their parents/ other family members and peer group.
Educational or recreational purposes: With the advent of COVID-19 pandemic, use of Mobile has witnessed rapid and widespread acceptance.
Working parents: They usually provide mobile phones to children’s for different purposes such as safety.
Increased Accessibility of smart phones: Proliferation of smartphones, tablets, computers, and other digital devices in recent times.

Consequences of increased screen time

Mental and Physical Health Issues: High exposure may lead to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Sedentary lifestyle may lead to physical health issues like obesity.
Cognitive ability and social skills: High screen time can hinder the development of important Cognitive, social and emotional skills, such as empathy.
Cyber Bullying and Child Abuse: Incidents of bullying and abuses are rising. Young girls are more prone to them.
Solution: Emphasis on physical activities, limiting screen time by creating awareness etc.
Manodarpan Initiative launched by the Ministry of Education to provide psychosocial support to students for Mental Health and Emotional well-being.