Essential Religious Practice
Bombay High Court ruled that using loudspeakers is not an essential religious practice protected under Article 25 of the Constitution.
- Refers to practices integral to a religion’s doctrine, protected under Article 25.
- Judiciary determines ERP based on religious tenets.
- Key judgements –
- Santhara (Sallekhana): In 2015, the Rajasthan High Court ruled Santhara as non-essential to Jainism, but the Supreme Court stayed the order, allowing the practice to continue.
- Triple Talaq Case: The SC invalidated instant triple talaq, ruling it was not an essential Islamic practice and violated women’s rights.
Operation Sankalp
Recently, Vayu Sena Medal was awarded to officers for executing Operation Sankalp.
- Launched by – Indian Navy
- Aim – To protect the maritime community from various non-traditional threats in the backdrop of Israel-Hamas conflict.
- Included 3 areas of operations – Gulf of Aden and adjoining areas, Arabian Sea and off the East Coast of Somalia.
Bomb Cyclone
Storm Éowyn formed over Ireland and Scotland has been termed a bomb cyclone
- Forms when central air pressure of cyclone drops by at least 24 millibars in 24 hours.
- Caused by cold and warm air masses colliding, an event that leads to pressure to drop.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) outbreak has been reported in Pune, Maharashtra
- Very rare but potentially paralysing nerve disorder
- Caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own nerves.
- Triggered by gastrointestinal or respiratory infection.
Organophosphate
Doctors in Jammu & Kashmir expressed the likelihood of Organophosphates, used in pesticides, behind the death of 17 villagers.
- Chemical compounds formed through the esterification process involving phosphoric acid and alcohol.
- Esterification – Chemical reaction where 2 reactants like alcohol and acid combine to create an ester as the reaction product.
- Applications – Herbicides, Pesticides, Insecticides etc.