1. Supreme Court Orders Establishment of Additional POCSO Courts
Context:
The Supreme Court has directed the Central Government to urgently establish dedicated POCSO Courts across states, especially where pendency exceeds 300 cases. Earlier, one special court per district with over 100 FIRs was mandated.
About POCSO Courts:
- Set up under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
- Aim: Child-friendly, sensitive environment to ensure speedy justice.
- Time-bound trial: Must be completed within 1 year from the date of cognizance.
- In-camera trials, support persons, and gender neutrality in provisions.
- As of Jan 2025: 754 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including 404 exclusive POCSO Courts, have disposed of over 3,06,000 cases.
Significance:
Ensures access to justice for child victims of sexual offences and strengthens institutional infrastructure under child protection laws.
UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2010
Question:
Consider the following statements:
- The Supreme Court of India tenders advice to the President of India on matters of law or fact:
- on its own initiative (on any matter of larger public interest).
- if he seeks such advice.
- only if the matters relate to the Fundamental Rights of the citizens
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1 and 2 only
Answer: (b) 2 only
2. ASI Completes Conservation Work of Lodhi-Era Stepwell – Rajon Ki Baoli
Context:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in collaboration with World Monuments Fund India (WMFI) and TCS Foundation, completed conservation of Rajon Ki Baoli in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, New Delhi.
About Rajon Ki Baoli:
- Built circa 1506 CE by Daulat Khan during the Lodhi dynasty.
- U-shaped, four-tiered stepwell with Indo-Islamic arches and plasterwork.
- Name means “Stepwell of the Masons” (rajmistris).
Significance:
Preserving traditional water systems for sustainable urban water management and highlighting Indo-Islamic architectural heritage.
UPSC Civil Services Examination – General Studies
Question:
Consider the following statements:
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the premier organization for archaeological research and the protection of cultural heritage in India.
- The protection and maintenance of monuments declared as of national importance are undertaken by the ASI.
- Ancient monuments or archaeological sites which are of historical, archaeological, or artistic interest and have been in existence for not less than 50 years may be declared as of national importance.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Options:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) All of the above
- (d) 1 and 3 only
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
3. Railway Protection Force Conducts Operation AAHT Against Human Trafficking
Context:
Railway Protection Force (RPF) rescued four minor girls from a trafficking attempt at Raxaul Railway Station.
About Operation AAHT:
- AAHT = Action Against Human Trafficking – a nationwide RPF campaign.
- Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) active across railway zones.
- 2024–25 Data: 929 victims rescued, including 874 children; 274 traffickers arrested.
About Human Trafficking:
Recruitment, transport, or harboring of individuals using coercion or fraud for exploitation (e.g. sexual slavery, servitude).
4. India Participates in Sagarmatha Sambaad on Mountain Ecosystems
Context:
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav attended Sagarmatha Sambaad in Kathmandu, a global forum to discuss mountain-related environmental challenges.
Theme (2025):
“Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity”
India’s 5-Point Global Action Plan:
- Enhanced Scientific Cooperation – Monitoring glaciers, biodiversity.
- Building Climate Resilience – GLOF early warnings, resilient infrastructure.
- Empowering Mountain Communities – Sustainable tourism, green livelihoods.
- Green Finance – Climate funds for adaptation in mountain regions.
- Recognition in Climate Negotiations – Mountain voices in global forums.
5. Supreme Court Instructs Identification of Agamic Temples in Tamil Nadu
Context:
The Supreme Court has asked the Madras High Court committee to identify Agamic versus non-Agamic temples in Tamil Nadu within three months.
About Agamas:
- Ancient Hindu scriptures based on Tantra, written in Sanskrit and Tamil.
- Cover topics like temple architecture, philosophy, yoga, rituals, mantras.
- Classified into:
- Shaiva Agamas (28 texts)Vaishnava Agamas (108 Pancharatra Samhitas)
- Shakta Agamas (64 Tantras)
- Essential elements: Sthala (place), Tirtha (water body), and Murti (idol).
Legal Issue:
Traditional norms require priests from specific sects in Agamic temples. Govt reforms allow trained individuals from any caste to become priests, leading to concerns over religious autonomy.
Notable Temples:
- Brihadeeswarar Temple (Thanjavur)
- Meenakshi Temple (Madurai)
- Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam)
