Category: Trivia

• The Supreme Court’s refusal to accept Patanjali’s MD’s unconditional apologies highlights the seriousness of knowingly misleading marketing and the consequences.
• Despite apologies, Patanjali’s failure to uphold its agreement not to make deceptive claims about curing various illnesses resulted in this verdict. 

Understanding Misleading Advertisements:

• The Consumer Protection Act of 2019 outlaws unfair trade practices, including misleading ads. It also provides methods for consumers to seek recourse for such complaints.

Following are the types of Misleading Ads:

1. False claims are advertisements that make false statements about a product’s characteristics or benefits.
2. Exaggerated Claims: Advertisements that exaggerate a product’s advantages beyond justification.
3. Omission of Material Information: Advertisements that conceal important information that customers must be aware of.
4. Comparative advertising refers to advertisements that unfairly attack competitors’ products.
5. Endorsements and Testimonials: Ads that include false endorsements or testimonials.
6. Health and Safety Claims: Advertisements that promise unsubstantiated health or safety benefits.
7. Bait-and-switch tactics involve attracting customers with false promises and then switching to new offers.

Regulatory Authorities dealing with the Issue:

1. The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) ensures impartiality and compliance with the ASCI Code in Indian advertising.
2. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) regulates consumer rights infractions, unfair trade practices, and misleading marketing that harms the public interest. It has released the Guidelines for the Prevention and Endorsement of Misleading Advertisements, 2022. 

About the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1955 (DOMA)

• The Magic Remedies Act includes a definition of “drug”.
• It includes things such as talismans, mantras, and charms that claim to have extraordinary healing properties.

Here are the key provisions of the Act:

1. Prohibition of Certain ads: The Act forbids ads that claim to prevent or cure certain diseases or conditions mentioned in Schedule J of the Act through medications or treatments. These ailments include cancer, TB, diabetes, and epilepsy.
2. Misleading ads: The Act outlaws ads that are untrue or misleading in any material way about the nature, composition, quality, or potency of a medication or treatment.
3. Offences: No court shall take notice of any offence under the Act unless a complaint is filed by the government or a person authorised by the government.
4. Exemptions: The Act exempts ads for pharmaceuticals or cures containing certain chemicals or preparations mentioned in Schedule J, as long as they meet the conditions stipulated in the Schedule.

Violations made by Patanjali Ayurveda

1. Patanjali Ayurveda committed violations under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1954 (DOMA). Patanjali violated Section 4 of the DOMA by publishing fraudulent medicine advertisements.
2. Patanjali violated Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act of 2019 (CPA) by making false claims about curing various illnesses in its marketing, which is defined as “misleading advertisement”.
3. Patanjali’s actions violated the pact signed by the Ministry of AYUSH and the Advertising criteria Council of India (ASCI), demonstrating noncompliance with agreed-upon criteria for advertising tactics.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/companies/misleading-advertisements-case-sc-rejects-apology-by-ramdev-patanjali-acharya-balkrishna-11712731437742.html

• SJVN Limited received two major honours at the 15th Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) Vishwakarma honours 2024 for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

About the CIDC Vishwakarma Awards

• The CIDC Vishwakarma Awards are one of the most prestigious recognitions in the building industry.
• It was launched in 2005.
• The prizes are named after Vishwakarma, the celestial architect and engineer in Hindu mythology who represents craftsmanship, inventiveness, and construction skills. 

Important information about the award organiser: 

• The awards are organised by the Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC), a government-established agency dedicated to promoting the development and expansion of the construction industry.
• Categories: The awards encompass a wide range of categories, including:

1. Construction Projects: Recognising excellent projects from many sectors, including residential, commercial, infrastructure, and industrial construction.
2. Construction Technologies: Recognises innovative technologies and practices that improve construction processes, efficiency, and sustainability.
3. Construction Equipment: Recognise advances in construction machinery, tools, and equipment.
4. Health, Safety, and the Environment: Recognising efforts and practices that prioritise worker safety, environmental protection, and sustainability in construction.
5. Individual Achievements: Recognising the accomplishments of professionals and executives who have made a significant effect on the construction sector.
6. Other categories may include awards for sustainability, corporate social responsibility efforts, and emerging construction trends.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2017217

• Over 60 items from various areas acquired the Geographical Indication (GI) tag at the same time, making this the largest batch of GI tags ever given.

What is a GI tag?

• A GI is a symbol used on items that have a distinct geographical origin and have characteristics or a reputation that are unique to that origin.
• India, a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), implemented the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, effective September 2003. The nodal agency is the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• GIs are defined in Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
• The tag is good for ten years and can be renewed.

Various GI Tags Awarded:

	Details
Bihu Dhol (Assam)	Traditional drum used during Bihu festivals
Jaapi (Assam)	Bamboo headgear worn in rural Assam
Sarthebari metal craft (Assam)	Traditional metal craft producing utensils and artifacts
Mishing handloom products (Assam)	Handwoven textiles including shawls and sarees
Asharikandi terracotta craft (Assam)	Terracotta pottery and decorative items
Pani Meteka craft (Assam)	Brass and copper utensils adorned with intricate designs
Bodo Dokhona (Assam)	Traditional attire of Bodo women
Bodo Eri silk (Assam)	Silk fabric produced from eri silkworms, known for its soft texture and eco-friendly production
Bodo Jwmgra (Assam)	Traditional scarf worn by Bodo community members
Bodo Gamsa (Assam)	Traditional dress of Bodo men
Bodo Thorkha (Assam)	Traditional musical instrument made from bamboo or wood
Bodo Sifung (Assam)	Long flute used in traditional Bodo music
Banaras Thandai (Uttar Pradesh)	Traditional drink made from milk, nuts, seeds, and spices
Banaras Tabla (Uttar Pradesh)	Pair of drums used in classical Indian music
Banaras Shehnai (Uttar Pradesh)	Traditional wind instrument used in Indian classical music
Banaras Lal Bharwamirch (Uttar Pradesh)	Red chili grown in the Banaras region
Banaras Lal Peda (Uttar Pradesh)	Popular Indian sweet made from condensed milk and sugar
Pachra-Rignai (Tripura)	Traditional dress worn by women, consisting of a wrap-around skirt and blouse
Matabari Peda (Tripura)	Sweet delicacy made from condensed milk, sugar, and ghee
Garo Textile weaving (Meghalaya)	Traditional weaving craft practiced by the Garo tribe
Lyrnai Pottery (Meghalaya)	Traditional pottery making characterized by unique designs and techniques
Chubitchi (Meghalaya)	Traditional dish made with meat, local herbs, and spices

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/over-60-products-from-across-india-earn-gi-tags/article68013568.ece

• Many Geographical Indications (GI) Tags have been awarded in India’s states over the last week. 

About GI Tag

• A GI tag is used to identify products with a certain geographical origin and their associated qualities or reputation.
• India, a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), implemented the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, effective September 2003. The nodal agency is the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• GIs are defined in Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
• The tag is good for ten years.

Recently Awarded GI Tags

[1] Narasapur Crochet Lace Craft:

	Details
Technique	Handcrafted crochet lace-making using fine threads
Design	Natural and traditional motifs inspire intricate patterns and motifs.
Uniqueness	Known for delicate and elaborate motifs, utilised in sarees, dress fabrics, and home decor.
Economic Impact	Provides a livelihood for local artisans, increases market value, and safeguards against imitation.
Recognition	The GI tag promotes cultural heritage and the economic development of craftsmen.

[2] Mukha Shilpa of Majuli:

	Details
Origin	Majuli, Assam, the world’s largest river island
Artform	Traditional mask-making, also known as Mukha Shilpa
Material	Made of eco-friendly materials like bamboo, clay, and cloth.
Uniqueness	Masks depict mythological characters, deities, and animals, preserving Assamese culture
Cultural Significance	Used in traditional Sattriya dance styles, rituals and festivals.
Economic Impact	The GI tag encourages tourism, empowers local craftspeople, and supports conservation efforts.
Conservation Efforts	Recognition strengthens efforts to maintain and develop this old art form.

[3] Traditional Tribal Attire ‘Risa’:

	Details
Origin	Tripura, northeastern state known for rich tribal culture
Attire	Traditional attire worn by Tripuri tribal women
Fabric	Handwoven cotton cloth with vivid colours and detailed motifs.
Uniqueness	Unique weaving techniques and motifs that symbolise tribal identity.
Cultural Heritage	Wearing it during festivals and ceremonies is an integral component of Tripuri culture.
Economic Impact	GI tag improves market exposure and supports the livelihoods of weavers
Preservation Efforts	Recognition encourages the preservation and renewal of traditional weaving processes.

[4] Riyawan Garlic (Madhya Pradesh):

	Details
Origin	Riyawan village in Ratlam district, Madhya Pradesh
Variety	A type of garlic recognised for its distinct flavour, aroma, and therapeutic benefits.
Cultivation	Grown organically in fertile soil and favorable climate
Uniqueness	Distinct flavour and pungency, popular in culinary applications and Ayurvedic health.
Health Benefits	Rich in antioxidants and thought to offer therapeutic effects for a variety of diseases.
Economic Impact	GI tag improves local agriculture and provides economic opportunities for farmers.
Quality Assurance	Recognition ensures authenticity and quality while protecting against imitation.

[5] ‘Chandi Tarakasi’ or Silver Filigree:

	Details
Origin	Cuttack, Odisha, is known for centuries-old silver filigree workmanship.
Craftsmanship	The intricate craft of twisting and curling small silver wires to produce beautiful patterns and shapes.
Utility	Used in jewellery, cookware, decorative objects, and souvenirs.
Uniqueness	Unique patterns expressing Odia culture and heritage are passed down through generations.
Artistic Value	Prized for craftsmanship and artistic appeal
Economic Impact	GI tag increases market value, supports local artists, and promotes the preservation of cultural heritage.
Cultural Heritage	Recognition encourages the preservation and perpetuation of traditional art forms.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/narasapur-crochet-lace-craft-gets-geographical-indication-tag/article67912994.ece#:~:text=NARASAPUR%20(WEST%20GODAVARI),-The%20famed%20Narasapur&text=In%20Konaseema%20region%2C%20Razole%20and,garments%2C%20home%20furnishings%20and%20accessories.

• On January 23, the Indian government made a historic announcement: Karpoori Thakur, Bihar’s former chief minister, was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.
• Thakur, widely known as ‘Jannayak’ or the people’s leader, leaves a legacy of long-term policy initiatives that continue to alter Bihar and the nation.

Karpoori Thakur’s Life and Career

• Thakur, born on January 24, 1924, in Bihar, rose to become the state’s leading backward caste leader despite being a minority nai (barber) caste member.
• Political Activism: He was an active participant in the freedom struggle, enduring imprisonment for his beliefs.
• Thakur was an MLA from 1952 till his death in 1988, with the exception of a brief period when he was elected MP in 1977.
• Respected Clean Image: Despite serving in public office for three decades, Thakur maintained a clean image and refrained from personal enrichment using government resources.

Landmark Policy Decisions

• Education Reform: To make education more accessible, English was removed as a compulsory subject for matriculation tests.
• Alcohol Prohibition: To address societal concerns caused by alcohol abuse, a prohibition on alcohol consumption was implemented.
• Engineer Job Opportunities: Introduced preferential treatment for unemployed engineers in government contracts, resulting in the hiring of around 8,000 engineers.
• Layered Reservation System: In June 1970, the ‘Karpoori Thakur Formula’ was implemented, offering 26% reservation, which included 12% for OBCs, 8% for economically backward OBCs, 3% for women, and 3% for economically disadvantaged higher caste persons.

Challenges and consequences

• Immediate criticism: Thakur’s reservation policy received strong criticism, particularly from upper castes, and his administration fell as a result of its execution.
• Despite his track record of good governance, his caste background has resulted in insulting slogans and polarisation in society.
• Political fallout: Some saw Thakur’s choice to prioritise the reservation policy as premature, in contrast to other leaders who solidified their power before implementing comparable programmes.

Karpoori Thakur’s Enduring Legacy

• Thakur’s legacy continues to have an impact on the current Mandal-Kamandal political environment.
• Recognition from Leaders: Nitish Kumar, Bihar’s chief minister, hails from a small EBC minority and has been strongly identified with Thakur’s legacy.
• Political Continuation: Thakur’s policies continue to influence the agendas of Bihar’s political parties, demonstrating the long-term impact of his commitment to social justice.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/socialist-icon-karpoori-thakur-awarded-bharat-ratna-a-day-before-centenary/article67769726.ece

• The year 2024 is a leap year, which happens every four years and adds one day to the calendar.
• This means that February 2024 will have 29 days rather than the usual 28.

What exactly is a leap year?

• A leap year has 366 days, one more than the standard 365 days, with the extra day added to February.
• The extra day compensates for the extra time it takes the Earth to complete its orbit around the Sun.

The Reason for the Leap Year Introduction

• Astronomical foundation: The Earth orbits the Sun in about 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds.
• Time Adjustment: To match this duration, an extra day is added every four years, bringing the total extra time to nearly six hours every year.

Historical Context

• Julian Calendar: Developed by scholars under Julius Caesar in 46 BC, the Julian calendar was the first to introduce the concept of leap years.
• Pope Gregory XIII changed the calendar in 1582 by skipping 10 days to remedy accumulated inconsistencies.

Calculation of a Leap Year

• Gregorian Calendar Regulations: The leap year does not occur exactly every four years. Years ending in 00 are not considered leap years unless they are divisible by 400.
• Following this criteria, the year 1900 was not a leap year, but the year 2000 was.

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/how-to/2024-leap-year-what-is-leap-year-why-it-comes-in-february-and-how-its-calculated-here-is-all-you-should-know/articleshow/106445410.cms#:~:text=Due%20to%20the%20Earth's%20orbit,alignment%20with%20the%20changing%20seasons.&text=As%20we%20enter%202024%2C%20an,making%20it%20a%20leap%20year.

• Kyrgyzstan, a country in Central Asia, has designated the snow leopard as its national symbol.

About

	Details
Habitat	Mountainous regions of Central and Southern Asia; in India: western and eastern Himalayas.
Indian Geographical Range	Eastern Himalayas (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh) and Western Himalayas (J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand).
Project Snow Leopard (2009)	Aims to improve animal protection at high altitudes in the Himalayas by incorporating local populations.
Conservation Status	IUCN Red List: VulnerableCITES: Appendix IWildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I
India’s Conservation Efforts	The flagship species for the upper Himalayas.Since 2013, it has been a part of the GSLEP Programme.Himalaya Sanrakshak community development programme (2020).SECURE Himalaya project (GEF-UNDP financed) National Protocol on Snow Leopard Population Assessment (2019).The MoEF&CC has listed 21 severely endangered species for recovery.Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park’s conservation breeding programme.
GSLEP Programme	12 snow leopard countries (India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) have formed an inter-governmental alliance to raise awareness about the importance of ecosystems.
Living Himalaya Network Initiative	WWF’s initiative in Bhutan, India (North-East), and Nepal to make a difference in conservation in the Eastern Himalayas.

The Importance of the Snow Leopard

• The snow leopard represents the health and stability of mountain ecosystems, which encompass a large amount of the world’s land surface.
• In ancient Kyrgyz culture, the snow leopard was a totem animal associated with the legendary figure Manas.
• The snow leopard represents the balance between mankind and nature in Chyngyz Aitmatov’s novel “When Mountains Fall.”

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/world/snow-leopard-enigmatic-big-cat-of-high-asia-now-national-animal-of-kyrgyzstan-93664

• The Prime Minister praised the Sahibzade, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the eleventh Sikh Guru, for their bravery and sacrifice.
• The martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh is commemorated on this day, which was declared on January 9, 2022.

Veer Bal Divas: Remembrance Day

• Veer Bal Divas was founded to honour the young Sahibzade slain between the ages of 6 and 9.
• The Legacy of Guru Gobind Singh: Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs and the founder of the Khalsa, is an important figure in Sikh history.

The Legend of the Sahibzades 

• Sahibzada’s Meaning: In Punjabi, “Sahibzada” means “son,” and refers to Guru Gobind Singh’s four sons.
• Sacrificial Week is observed from December 21 to 27 in commemoration of the Sahibzades’ sacrifices for Sikhism and Hinduism.
• Martyrdom for Faith: Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh, and Fateh Singh were martyred while protecting their faith against forced conversion.

Backstory of Their Martyrdom 

• Khalsa Panth and Anandpur Sahib: In December 1704 during Aurangzeb’s invasion, Guru Gobind Singh departed Anandpur Sahib with his family.
• Capture and Martyrdom: The younger Sahibzades were taken by Subedar Wazir Khan of Sirhind and subjected to religious conversion pressure, which resulted in their terrible martyrdom.
• The Sacrifice of the Elder Sahibzades: The elder Sahibzades, Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh, were martyred in the battle of Chamkaur in 1705.

Consequences and Historical Implications

• When Guru Gobind Singh learned of their martyrdom, he wrote the ‘Zafarnama’ to Aurangzeb, expressing the Khalsa’s readiness to confront his dominion.
• Revenge of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur: He avenged the martyrdom of the Sahibzades by punishing Wazir Khan and established Sikh authority in the region.
• The Sikh kingdom: This sacrifice cleared the path for Maharaja Ranjit Singh to subsequently construct a massive Sikh kingdom.

Importance in Indian History

• A Watershed Moment: The martyrdom of the Sahibzades is seen as a watershed moment in Indian history, and it is remembered with both respect and sadness.
• The names of the Sahibzades are honoured in the Sikh Ardas, symbolising their enduring legacy in Sikh faith and history.

Source: https://www.amarujala.com/delhi-ncr/pm-narendra-modi-participated-in-veer-bal-diwas-program-at-bharat-mandapam-of-pragati-maidan-2023-12-26

• The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has issued its yearly crime report for the year 2022.

The History of NCRB Reports

• The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) was created under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in January 1986.
• The major function of the NCRB is to produce and manage national crime statistics, serving as a central repository for criminal data.
• The scope of the reports includes a wide range of illegal actions, such as crimes against women, cybercrimes, commercial offences, and others.

Process of Data Compilation

• Sources: According to the 2011 Census, data is gathered from police forces in 36 states and union territories, as well as 53 cities with populations more than 10 lakh.
• Validation: Data collected at local police stations is validated at the district and state levels before being finalised by the NCRB.

Highlights from the NCRB Report for 2022 Overall Crimes: 

• The study identified 58,24,946 cognizable offences, including 35,61,379 IPC offences and 22,63,567 Special and Local Laws (SLL) offences.
• Crime Rate: A decrease in crime rate per lakh people from 445.9 in 2021 to 422.2 in 2022.
• Crimes Against Women: There were 4,45,256 instances, a 4% rise from the previous year.
• Cybercrime: A huge 24.4% rise from 2021, totaling 65,893 instances.
• Suicides: Suicides will grow by 4.2% in 2022, totaling 1,70,924 incidents.

Data and Interpretation by State

• Chargesheeting Rate: Kerala (96.0%), Puducherry (91.3%), and West Bengal (90.6%) have the highest rates.
• Interpretation: High chargesheet rates may represent more efficient law enforcement rather than increased crime rates.

NCRB Data Principal Offence regulation Challenges and Limitations: 

• This regulation may result in underreporting of some types of crimes.
• Data correctness: Inefficiencies or gaps at the local level might have an impact on the overall correctness of the report.
• Socioeconomic Factors: The study does not address the underlying socioeconomic causes of crime.
• Underreporting Issues: Underreporting of crimes may occur due to fear of a police reaction or societal censure.

@theend

• Understanding the NCRB report necessitates an understanding of its scope, methodology, and limits.
• While it gives important insights into Indian crime patterns, evaluating the data with an awareness of these elements is critical for a thorough knowledge of the country’s crime dynamics.

Source: https://blog.finology.in/Legal-news/ncrb-report-2022

• Grandmaster Title: At the IV El Llobregat Open in Spain, Indian chess player Vaishali Rameshbabu (Pragnananda’s sister) acquired the Grandmaster title by crossing 2,500 FIDE ranking points.
• She is just the third Indian woman player to hold this championship, following Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli.

Recognising the Grandmaster Title

• The highest chess honour is: The International Chess Federation (FIDE) bestows the Grandmaster title as the peak of chess success.
• Prestige: It denotes recognised as one of the world’s most gifted chess players, as demonstrated in highly competitive settings.

Other Recognized Chess Titles

• FIDE titles include International Master (IM), FIDE Master (FM), Candidate Master (CM), Woman Grandmaster (WGM), Woman International Master (WIM), Woman FIDE Master (WFM), and Woman Candidate Master (WCM), in addition to Grandmaster.
• Lifetime Validity: Except for revocation owing to offences such as cheating, all FIDE titles, including the Grandmaster title, are valid for life.

History and Criteria of Grandmaster Title

• The name ‘grandmaster’ has been used for almost a century and was formalised by FIDE in 1950.
• The first Grandmaster titles were awarded in 1950 to 27 players, including then-world champion Mikhail Botvinnik.
• To gain the Grandmaster title, a player must have a FIDE Classical or Standard rating of 2,500 and three Grandmaster norms.
• Grandmaster Norms: These norms are based on strict tournament performance requirements, like as a performance rating of 2,600 or higher in a FIDE tournament under particular conditions.

Vaishali Rameshbabu’s Grandmaster success:

• Vaishali’s Grandmaster title is a testimonial to her outstanding success in international chess events.
• Representation: Her triumph contributes to India’s increasing status as a global chess powerhouse.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/chess/vaishali-and-praggnanandhaa-make-history-as-the-first-ever-brother-sister-duo-to-become-grandmasters-9051083/#:~:text=Vaishali%20Rameshbabu%20became%20only%20the,Open%20in%20Spain%20on%20Friday.