Polity 

Should a third language be compulsory? - The Hindu 

There has been a tussle between the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government over the three-language formula in schools under the New Education Policy (NEP), 2020. The Union government has indicated that it needs to be complied with for release of funds tied to the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. However, the Tamil Nadu government views it as a ‘smokescreen’ for Hindi imposition and insists that it would continue with its two-language policy.

Constitutional Provisions

• Official Language: Hindi.
• Use of English: Originally planned for 15 years (till 1965), but continued indefinitely under the Official Languages Act, 1963.

• State Languages: States can adopt Hindi or any regional language for official use.

• Promotion of Hindi: The Union must promote Hindi as a medium of expression for India's composite culture.

Three-Language Policy

• Introduced in NEP 1968, mandating Hindi in non-Hindi states.
• Opposition in Tamil Nadu, which follows a two-language policy (Tamil & English).
• NEP 2020: Retains the three-language formula but does not impose any language.
• States, regions, and students can choose languages, with at least two being Indian languages.

Issues in Language & Education

• Learning Outcomes:

• ASER 2022: 60% of Class V students cannot read Class II level text.
• ASER 2023: 25% of youth (14-18 years) struggle with reading in their regional language; 40% cannot read English sentences.
• Poor foundational numeracy skills (subtraction & division).

• Education Expenditure:
  • ₹3.03 lakh crore (2019-20) spent on elementary education; 85% by States, 15% by Centre.
  • Total education expenditure: 4-4.5% of GDP, below NEP 2020 target of 6%.

Way Forward

Language Learning:

• English aids global competitiveness.
• Focus on mother tongue/local language, English & numeracy in govt schools.
• Limited proficiency in third language in private schools.

Bilingual & Trilingual Trends:

• 2011 Census: 26% bilingual, 7% trilingual (higher in urban areas).
• Urbanization & migration may increase multilingualism in upcoming Census.

Policy & Funding:

• Centre & Tamil Nadu need dialogue to avoid funding delays.
• More autonomy for States in school education policies.

What did the HC rule about arresting women at night? - The Hindu 

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court in Deepa versus S. Vijayalakshmi and Others ruled that the legal provision in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which restricts the arrest of a woman after sunset and before sunrise, is directory and not mandatory.

Safeguards for Arrest of Women

• Legal Provisions: Section 43(5) of BNSS (earlier Section 46(4) of CrPC) provides two safeguards:
  • No arrest after sunset and before sunrise, except in exceptional circumstances.
  • In such cases, written permission from the magistrate is required, sought by a woman police officer.

Additional Provisions:

• Police officers should not touch a woman while arresting, except when done by a woman officer or if necessary.
• The law does not define "exceptional circumstances" explicitly.

Madras High Court Ruling

• Observations:
  • Section 46(4) does not specify consequences for non-compliance.
  • If the provision were mandatory, the legislature would have prescribed penalties.
  • In cases of serious crimes at night, adherence to this rule may aid escape of the accused if a magistrate is unavailable.
  • Mechanical compliance may harm public interest.

History of Section 46(4) CrPC

• Law Commission Reports:
  • 135th Report (1989): Recommended no arrest after sunset, except in urgent cases, with prior permission of a senior officer.
  • 154th Report (1996): Reiterated similar recommendations.
  • 2005 Amendment: Incorporated Section 46(4) CrPC with modifications.

Supreme Court’s Stand

• Bombay HC Ruling: Directed that no woman should be detained without a lady constable and never after sunset and before sunrise.
• Supreme Court's Observation: Strict compliance may cause practical difficulties in some cases.
• Does not dilute the provision:
  • Section 46(4) CrPC/43(5) BNSS is directory, not mandatory.
  • Non-compliance won't make an arrest illegal, but the officer must justify the reason for deviation.
  • Police directed to issue guidelines defining exceptional circumstances.

Economy 

Working with FSSAI, other bodies to regulate spice industry: Spices Board - The Hindu 

The Spices Board is working with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and other regulatory agencies to bring in more regulations for the industry to usher in sustainable approaches and conservation-driven strategies to develop the industry.

Spices Board

• Establishment:  1987 under the Spices Board Act, 1986.
• Merger: Formed by merging Cardamom Board (1968) & Spices Export Promotion Council (1960).
• Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• Role:
  • Export promotion of 52 scheduled spices.
  • Development of Cardamom (Small & Large).
• Functions:
  • A link between Indian exporters and global importers.
  • Regulates industry, ensures quality control, and promotes sustainable spice exports.

Environment 

Migratory birds leave Bhitarkanika National Park as mercury rises

Bhitarkanika National Park, known for hosting large numbers of migratory birds during winter, is witnessing an early departure of these avian visitors.

Bhitarkanika National Park

• Location: Kendrapara district, Odisha.
• Ecosystem: Network of creeks and canals fed by Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, and Patasala rivers.
• Designation: Second Ramsar site in Odisha after Chilika Lake.
• Area: 672 sq. km.
• Mangrove Ecosystem: India’s second largest after the Sundarbans.

• Soil: Enriched with salt due to proximity to the Bay of Bengal.
• Flora: Mangroves, casuarinas, indigo bush, and grasses.
• Fauna: 
  • Largest congregation of endangered Saltwater Crocodiles in India.
  • Gahirmatha Beach (eastern boundary) – largest colony of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
  • Other species: Hyenas, wild boar, chital, sambar, jungle cat, migratory birds.

Sci and Tech 

Buldhana hair loss cases: Expert report blames high selenium in wheat - The Hindu

Incidents of sudden hair loss in Maharashtra's Buldhana district, which made national headlines, are linked to high selenium content found in wheat from Punjab and Haryana supplied by local ration shops.

Selenium

• Nature: A mineral found in soil, water, and certain foods.
• Forms:
  • Inorganic selenium in soil and groundwater.
  • Plants convert it into organic forms like selenomethionine and selenocysteine.

Function:

• Constituent of 25 selenoproteins, including thioredoxin reductases and glutathione peroxidases.
• Essential for thyroid metabolism, DNA synthesis, reproduction, and protection from oxidative damage.

Requirement:

• RDA: 55 mcg/day for adults (19+ years).
• Pregnancy & Lactation: 60–70 mcg/day.

• Rich sources: Seafood, organ meats, Brazil nuts.
• Other sources: Animal-based protein foods.

What is black plastic - Indian Express 

Used to make cooking spatulas, takeout boxes and kitchen peelers, black plastic made headlines after a study last year claimed that the material contained toxic flame retardants which could be leaching into food at hazardous levels.

Black Plastic

• Usage: Found in food trays, containers, and utensils.

• Composition: Often made from recycled electronic waste (computers, TVs, appliances).
• Toxicity: May contain bromine, antimony, lead, cadmium, mercury, and flame retardants.

Health Impact:

• High exposure to heavy metals is toxic.
• Children are vulnerable due to prolonged contact with contaminated toys.
• Kitchen utensils can leach toxins into food when heated.
• Contains BPA & phthalates, which disrupt hormones and may cause reproductive issues, obesity, and diabetes.

Environmental Impact:

• Difficult to recycle, often dumped in landfills or incinerated.
• Releases dioxins and furans, harmful to air quality.

Defence 

Tamal, India’s last imported warship, likely to be commissioned in June - The Hindu 

The Indian Navy crew that will operate Tamal, the stealth frigate under construction in Russia, reached St. Petersburg last week in preparation for its commissioning, which is expected to take place in early June.

INS Tushil and INS Tamal

• Overview: Stealth frigates built for the Indian Navy in Russia under Project 1135.6.
• Successor: Follow-on to the Talwar-class frigates.
• Construction: Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad.
• Stealth Technology: Reduced radar, sound, and infrared signatures.
• Advanced Weaponry: Has surface-to-surface, surface-to-air, & anti- submarine missiles with advanced sensors & electronic warfare systems.
• Enhanced Capabilities: More advanced weaponry, sensors, and stealth than predecessors.
• Indigenization: Integration of Indian systems to enhance self-reliance.
• Maritime Security: Strengthens anti-piracy, surveillance, and humanitarian missions.
• Power Projection: Enhances India's presence in the Indo-Pacific.
• Technological Advancements: Represents a leap in naval engineering and combat systems.
• Defense Ties with Russia: Reinforces India-Russia defense cooperation.