Society 

On live-in relationships in Uttarakhand - The Hindu/ How the Uttarakhand UCC regulates live-in relationships - Indian Express

The Uttarakhand government recently rolled out the Uniform Civil Code Rules for regulating live-in relationships which requires, among other things, the couple to fill a 16-page form and obtain a certificate from a religious leader showing they are eligible to marry, if they so choose. The Uttarakhand UCC makes it compulsory to register all live-in relationships. This applies to Uttarakhand residents living in the state as well as those living elsewhere in India.

Live-In Relationship

• Definition: A relationship between a man and a woman who cohabit in a manner resembling marriage.
• Shared Household: A dwelling (rented or owned) where non-minors live together under one roof.
• Qualification: Cohabitation and household management by an adult male and female.

Eligibility for a Live-In Relationship

• Applicability: Only to heterosexual couples; 74 prohibited relationships, (including first cousins) are barred.
• Status: Individuals already married or in another live-in relationship cannot enter a new live-in relationship.
• Requirements: Free consent; invalid if obtained by force, coercion, undue influence, misrepresentation, or fraud.
• Registrar's Role: Conducts a summary inquiry at the time of registration.

Regulation of Live-In Relationships under the UCC

Mandatory Registration:

• Couples must submit a “statement of live-in relationship” within one month of entering the relationship.
• They must also file a “termination of relationship” statement when the relationship ends.

Information Sharing:

• The Registrar forwards these statements to the local police station.
• If either partner is under 21, the information is also sent to their parent or local guardian.

Registration Process 

• Online: Register using Aadhaar; an OTP is sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
• Offline: Visit the local registrar with registration form/ supporting documents.
• Verification & Appeal: Registrar verifies the application within 30 days. If rejected, an appeal can be filed within 30 days.
• Updating Information: If one partner dies, update the registration within 30 days from the issuance of the death certificate.

Documents Required for Registration

• Proof of Age: 
  • Submit age verification for both partners.
  • If either partner is under 21, the Registrar notifies their parents.
• Proof of Residency:
  • For Uttarakhand residents: a domicile certificate or employment certificate (for government employees).
  • For those residing in Uttarakhand for over a year: an electricity/water bill, relevant passport extracts, or a rent agreement, along with a tenant verification certificate (minimum one year old).
  • The Registrar verifies with the landlord.
• Proof of Previous Relationship: Divorce decree, nullity decree, spouse’s death certificate, or a certificate of terminated live-in relationship.
• Proof of Permissibility of Marriage: A certificate from a religious leader confirming that the couple’s customs permit marriage.

Benefits of registration

• Maintenance for Women: A deserted woman can claim maintenance similar to that available in marriage.
• Legitimacy of Children: Children born are legally recognized as legitimate and can inherit property.
• Protection in Tenancy:  With a certificate, landlords cannot deny tenancy solely because the couple is unmarried.

Penalties for Non-Registration:

• Without Notice: Failure to register may result in up to 3 months jail, a fine up to Rs 10,000, or both.
• After Registrar Notice: If a notice is issued and not complied with, penalties increase to up to 6 months jail, a fine up to Rs 25,000, or both.
• Landlord Requirements: Landlords must obtain a registration certificate from unmarried couples before renting property.
• False Complaint Consequences: False complaints result in cautions and warnings, with repeated offenses attracting heavier fines.

Polity 

The legal systems under which citizenship is acquired - The Hindu

U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order stating that U.S. citizenship will be granted in the future only to children with parents holding U.S. citizenship or a U.S. green card.

Legal Principles of Citizenship

• Citizenship: Full and equal membership in a country; “the right to have rights” (Hannah Arendt).
• Jus Soli: Citizenship based on place of birth; practiced by many North American and Latin American countries.
• Jus Sanguinis: Citizenship determined by the citizenship of the parents; followed by several African, European, and Asian nations.

Current Issue in the U.S.

• Traditional Practice: The U.S. grants citizenship based on jus soli as per the 14th Amendment (1868), confirmed by SCOTUS in 1898.
• Recent Order: Limits citizenship to children with U.S. citizens or Green Card holders.
• Legal Challenge: A federal court in Washington has temporarily stayed the order, labeling it “blatantly unconstitutional.”

Citizenship in India

• Citizenship Act, 1955: Initially followed jus soli until 1987.

Shift to Jus Sanguinis:

• 1987 - 2004: Citizenship required at least one parent to be Indian.
• 2004 onwards: Both parents must be citizens or one must be a citizen and the other not an illegal immigrant.

Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA):

• Grants accelerated citizenship to only Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

World Affairs 

THE ESCALATING CONFLICT IN CONGO, WHY ITS NEIGHBOURS ARE INVOLVED - Indian Express

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo are seeking to advance south towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, in an attempt to expand their area of control in the country’s east after capturing the city of Goma. The latest fighting is part of a major escalation of a decades-old conflict over power, identity, and resources that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced more than one million since its recent resurgence.

Current Situation in Goma and Kivu

• Takeover: Rebels entered Goma (North Kivu's capital) and seized the city’s airport after encountering scattered resistance.
• Expansion into South Kivu: M23 fighters advanced southward into South Kivu, clashing with the Congolese army and Burundian troops.
• Concerns: The involvement of troops from Burundi and Rwanda raises fears that the fighting could escalate into a broader regional conflict.

M23 Rebels

• Origin: Named after the March 23, 2009 accord that ended a previous Tutsi-led revolt in eastern Congo.
• Grievances:
  • Accuse the Congolese government of failing to honor the peace deal and fully integrate Tutsis into the military and administration.
  • Vow to defend Tutsi interests, particularly against ethnic Hutu militias such as the FDLR.

• Impact on the Region: 
• Displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.

• Have maintained control over Congo’s coltan-mining region of Rubaya.

Rwanda's Involvement

• Accusations: Rwanda accused of fueling the conflict by deploying thousands of troops/ weapons on Congolese soil in support of M23.

• Rwanda's Position:

• Denies backing the rebels, stating its measures are purely defensive.
• Rwanda accuses Congo of aligning with the FDLR, which has attacked Tutsis in both countries.

Science and Technology 

Navigation satellite launched last week suffers malfunction - The Hindu

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been unable to perform the intended orbit-raising operations for the NVS-02 satellite due to a valve malfunction. 

NVS-02 

• Overview: Second satellite in the NVS series under NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation).
• Part: One of five replacement satellites for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System.
• Enhanced Features:
  • Heavier with a longer mission life than earlier satellites.
  • Equipped with an indigenously developed atomic clock for improved accuracy.
  • Supports L1 frequency (used in US GPS), enhancing compatibility with personal trackers and devices.
• Significance: Improves reliability and accessibility of India's navigation system for civilian and strategic applications.

The various challenges associated with AI-driven genetic testing - The Hindu

The Human Genome Project, launched in 1990 and concluded in 2003, enabled the documentation and analysis of the building blocks of human DNA, revealing patterns that could indicate the likelihood of developing rare diseases or carrying genetic abnormalities. Initially, predictive tests were limited to exceptional cases due to their high cost. For instance, expecting mothers could undergo tests to detect fetal cells with chromosomal defects potentially associated with Down’s Syndrome or cancer patients could have their tumours examined to determine the most effective treatment options.

Impact of AI on Genomics

• Enhanced Data Processing: AI enables faster processing of genetic information.
• 2024: Johns Hopkins researchers used machine learning to identify tumour-associated genetic code sequences previously overlooked.
• Gene Box: A healthcare startup, uses AI to process large genetic datasets, uncovering patterns beyond manual analysis capabilities.
• Predicting genetic predispositions: AI algorithms interpret gene-environment interactions, and offer personalized recommendations.

Pitfalls of Genetic Testing with AI

• Limited Predictive Power: Genetics contributes ~30% to outcomes like elite school admission or high-paying jobs.
• Variations of Unknown Significance: Genetic tests may yield inconclusive results, requiring family testing for clarity. Diagnoses can change over time.
• Uncertain Risk Assessment: Alzheimer’s can develop even without associated genetic variations.
• Ethical Concerns: Sensitive predictions (e.g., mental health, heart disease) require strict ethical guidelines.
• Non-Genetic Factors: Environment, diet, and education significantly influence outcomes alongside genetics.

Why Users Should Remain Cautious in Genetic Testing

• Data Security Risks: Nucleus, a startup, promotes genome analysis via smartphones, raising data privacy concerns.
• 23andMe's 2023 data breach: Exposed personal data of 6.9 million users, later sold on the dark web.

• DNA Data Ownership Concerns: Difficulty in deleting genetic data once users opt for analysis; 80% of users had opted in.
• Regulatory Gaps: Companies like 23andMe are not covered under HIPAA, limiting federal protection for consumer genetic data.
• Growing AI Influence: Despite risks, AI-infused genomics attracts increasing investment due to its potential in personalized healthcare.

Defence 

DRDO carries out 3 consecutive tests of Very Short-Range Air Defence system - Indian Express

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted three successive flight-trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. These tests were carried out against high-speed targets flying at very low altitude.

Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)

• About: Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) for neutralizing low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges.
• Development: Indigenously by DRDO's Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad.

Key Features:

• Optimized missile and launcher design for easy portability and minimal personnel requirement.
• Miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics.
• Propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor.
• Range: Up to 6 km.
• Lightweight and man-portable
• Quick deployment in mountainous regions near LAC with China.