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  • The Supreme Court has announced the organization of a special Lok Adalat, marking the 75th anniversary of its establishment, aimed at facilitating amicable resolutions for pending cases.
  • About Lok Adalat:
    • Lok Adalat is a recognized alternative dispute resolution mechanism in India under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. It serves as a platform where disputes or cases at various stages, whether in courts or pre-litigation, are resolved through mutual agreement or compromise.
  • Key Features of Lok Adalat:
    • Lok Adalats can be convened at district, state, and national levels as determined by the State/District Legal Services Authority or the Supreme Court/High Court/Taluk Legal Services Committee.
    • They typically comprise judicial officers as chairpersons, accompanied by advocates and social workers as members.
    • Decisions made by Lok Adalats hold the same legal standing as decrees of civil courts and are binding on all parties involved.
    • There is no provision for appeal against Lok Adalat awards, although parties can pursue litigation through regular courts if dissatisfied.
    • No court fees are levied for cases filed in Lok Adalats, and if a matter referred to them is settled, the original court fees are refunded.
    • Dispute resolution in Lok Adalats occurs through direct interaction between members and the concerned parties.
    • Their jurisdiction spans civil disputes, criminal cases (that are compoundable), and family matters.
    • Certain non-compoundable offences are excluded from Lok Adalat jurisdiction.
  • Permanent Lok Adalat:
    • Established under the amended Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, Permanent Lok Adalats are dedicated bodies handling disputes related to public utility services such as transport and telecommunications.
    • They operate as permanent bodies with a Chairman and two members.
    • Jurisdiction of Permanent Lok Adalats extends up to Rs. 1 crore.
    • Applications for dispute settlement can be made to Permanent Lok Adalats before court proceedings commence, and once an application is accepted, court jurisdiction cannot be invoked.
    • Awards issued by Permanent Lok Adalats are final and binding, decided by a majority vote among its members.
  • In essence, Lok Adalats and Permanent Lok Adalats play crucial roles in the Indian legal system, providing accessible and effective avenues for resolving disputes outside traditional court settings.

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  • Scientists at the Zoological Survey of India's Gopalpur regional centre have recently identified a new species of snake eel named 'Ophichthus Suryai' in Odisha.
  • About Ophichthus Suryai:
    • This newly discovered snake eel species distinguishes itself from related species like Ophichthus alleni, Ophichthus zophistius, and Ophichthus altipennis in several ways
    • Its dorsal fin origin (DFO) is positioned just above or slightly anterior to the gill opening.
    • It possesses a distinct vertebral count and features teeth arranged in multiple rows on both the maxilla and mandible.
  • What is a Snake eel?
    • Snake eels belong to the family Ophichthidae within the order Anguilliformes and are prevalent in marine environments:
      • Often mistaken for sea snakes, snake eels inhabit warm, tropical waters.
      • They typically reside and conceal themselves in the seabed or river bottoms.
      • While they can survive at depths exceeding 2,000 feet (around 600 meters), they are commonly found in shallower waters.
      • Snake eel sizes vary greatly by species, with some reaching lengths up to 10 feet (about 3 meters).
      • Their cross-sectional shape is nearly circular, characterized by a scaleless body, small eyes, and a pointed snout.
      • Snake eels primarily feed on small fish and are also known to consume crustaceans.
  • The discovery of 'Ophichthus Suryai' adds to the rich biodiversity of snake eels, shedding light on the fascinating adaptations and ecological roles within marine ecosystems.

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  • Ramesh Karthik Naik, a 26-year-old writer hailing from the tribal thanda of Vivek Nagar in Jakranpally mandal, Nizamabad district, has been honored with the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar for his contributions to Telugu literature.
  • About Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar
    • Established in 2011, the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar is an annual award that recognizes outstanding literary works by writers aged 35 and below across all 24 recognized languages in India.
    • It specifically honors creative originality in literary creations.
    • Notably, the Yuva Puraskar is unique among Akademi awards as it accepts nominations from publishers and allows self-nominations by writers themselves.
    • The award includes a plaque, shawl, citation, and a prize amount of ₹50,000.
    • Posthumous publications are not eligible for consideration.
  • Key Points about Sahitya Akademi:
    • Formally inaugurated by the Government of India on 12 March 1954, Sahitya Akademi serves as India's premier institution for literary exchange, publication, and promotion.
    • As the National Academy of Letters, it engages with 24 Indian languages, including English, fostering literary dialogue and cultural enrichment.
    • Despite its governmental inception, Sahitya Akademi operates autonomously as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
    • Ramesh Karthik Naik's recognition underscores the Akademi's commitment to nurturing young literary talent across India, encouraging creativity and diversity within the country's rich literary landscape.

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  • Recent police operations in Jammu and Kashmir have uncovered a resurgence of liquid explosives after nearly 17 years, with authorities seizing "difficult-to-detect (d2d)" Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the Union territory.
  • Details on Liquid Explosives and IEDs:
    • The recovered substances, suspected to be trinitrotoluene (TNT) or nitroglycerine commonly used in dynamites, were identified through forensic analysis.
    • Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are unconventional explosive weapons that can be fashioned into various forms and activated through diverse methods.
    • They are utilized by criminals, vandals, terrorists, suicide bombers, and insurgents due to their adaptability and devastating potential.
    • The damage caused by an IED depends on factors such as its size, construction, placement, and the type of explosive or propellant it incorporates.
    • The term "IED" gained prominence during the Iraq War, where these devices were extensively used.
  • Components and Materials:
    • All IEDs include essential components: an initiating mechanism (detonator), an explosive charge, and a casing or projectiles (like ball bearings or nails) that become lethal fragments upon detonation.
    • IEDs can be crafted from a variety of materials including artillery shells, aerial bombs, specific fertilizers, TNT, and other explosives.
    • Furthermore, some IEDs may incorporate radiological, chemical, or biological elements to enhance their lethality and psychological impact.

The resurgence of liquid explosives underscores ongoing security challenges in the region, highlighting the continued innovation and adaptation of insurgent tactics in conflict zones

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  • The Ajanta caves, an esteemed archaeological site located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, comprise approximately 30 rock-cut caves.
  • Details of the Ajanta Caves:
    • These caves include five unfinished chaitya grihas (sanctuaries) numbered 9, 10, 19, 26, and 29, and the remaining caves serve as sangharamas or viharas (monasteries).
    • Situated above the left bank of the Waghora River, these caves are hewn out of a vertical cliff in the Ajanta hills.
    • They represent remarkable examples of Buddhist religious art that profoundly influenced subsequent Indian artistic traditions.
  • Constructed in Two Phases:
    • The caves were built in two distinct phases:
      • The first phase dates back to the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE, during the reign of the Satavahana Dynasty, predominantly patronized by followers of Hinayana/Theravada Buddhism.
      • The second phase occurred in the late 5th century CE, possibly under the rule of Vakataka king Harisena, characterized by the dominance of Mahayana Buddhism.
  • Artistic Features:
    • The murals within these caves are painted in the tempera style, featuring vivid depictions of human figures imbued with dramatic storytelling.
    • Painters typically used red ochre or carbon black for outlines, while mud mixed with organic substances such as plant fibers, seeds, and rice husks served as mortar.
    • In the first period, the murals predominantly showcase floral patterns, geometric designs, animals, and birds, with a notable absence of religious motifs.
    • In contrast, murals from the second period illustrate iconic scenes from the Jatakas (tales of the previous lives of the Buddha). These scenes include Asita’s prophecy about the infant Buddha, Buddha’s temptation by Mara, miraculous feats attributed to the Buddha, as well as various battles and hunting scenes.

The Ajanta caves stand as enduring testaments to the rich artistic heritage of ancient India, blending religious devotion with exquisite craftsmanship to create a lasting cultural legacy.

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