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- The Delhi High Court recently deliberated on the evolving legal landscape regarding the authority of officers from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to issue show-cause notices and recover duties under the Customs Act, 1962.
- About Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI):
- Established in 1957, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is the premier agency in India for anti-smuggling intelligence and investigations. Operating under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, the DRI enforces the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, along with more than fifty other related laws, such as the Arms Act, NDPS Act, COFEPOSA (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities), Wildlife Protection Act, Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, among others. Its primary mandate is to combat smuggling activities, including the trafficking of illegal drugs, smuggling of wildlife and environmentally sensitive goods, and addressing commercial frauds linked to international trade, particularly the evasion of customs duties. The DRI operates through an extensive network of zonal, regional, and sub-regional units, as well as intelligence cells across the country. Additionally, the DRI is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and distributing intelligence to operational units, assisting with investigations, maintaining records of seizures and market prices, and identifying trends in smuggling activities. The agency also works to suggest improvements to address gaps in the existing legal and procedural frameworks.
- For the first time, members of the Birhor tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Jharkhand, have become part of a movement against child marriage in Giridih, as reported by an organization dedicated to protecting children's rights.
- About the Birhor Tribe:
- The Birhor are a traditionally nomadic tribe primarily found in Jharkhand, with smaller populations also in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal. The name "Birhor" translates to "jungle people," with "bir" meaning "jungle" and "hor" meaning "men."
- Language: The Birhor tribe speaks the Birhor language, which belongs to the Munda subgroup of the Austroasiatic language family. It shares similarities with languages such as Santali, Mundari, and Ho.
- Ethnology: Birhor people are characterized by their short stature, long heads, wavy hair, and broad noses. They believe they are descendants of the Sun, and they consider the Kharwars, who also trace their lineage to the Sun, as their brothers. Ethnologically, the Birhors are closely related to the Santals, Mundas, and Hos.
- Economy: Historically, the Birhor tribe has followed a "primitive subsistence economy," relying on nomadic practices of hunting and gathering, with a particular focus on hunting monkeys. They also make ropes from the fibers of a specific type of vine. Some Birhors have transitioned to settled agricultural lifestyles. The tribe is divided into two social categories: the wandering Birhors, known as Uthlus, and the settled Birhors, called Janghis.
- Beliefs: The Birhor follow a blend of animism and Hinduism in their religious practices.
- India has expressed its "concern" over the ongoing developments in West Asia, with the government highlighting that attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Red Sea pose a threat to freedom of navigation and have the potential to "impact our trade," as communicated recently to Parliament.
- About the Red Sea:
- The Red Sea is a semi-enclosed inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between the continents of Africa and Asia. It is the northernmost tropical sea in the world and one of the most trafficked maritime routes globally. To the south, the Red Sea connects to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean through the Gulf of Aden and the narrow Bab el Mandeb Strait. The northern part of the Red Sea is divided by the Sinai Peninsula into the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez, where it links to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal. The Red Sea spans an area of approximately 438,000 square kilometers and extends about 2,250 kilometers in length.
- Bordering Countries: The Red Sea is bordered by Yemen and Saudi Arabia to the east. To the north and west, it is bordered by Egypt, while Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti lie to its western shores.
- The Red Sea is recognized as one of the warmest seas in the world, containing some of the hottest and saltiest seawater. Its name comes from the occasional color changes observed in its waters. Although it is typically an intense blue-green, it can sometimes appear reddish-brown due to blooms of algae, specifically Trichodesmium erythraeum, which turn the water red as they die off.
- Islands: Notable islands in the Red Sea include Tiran Island, located near the entrance of the Gulf of Aqaba, and Shadwan Island, which is situated at the entrance to the Gulf of Suez.
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently informed the Supreme Court that it would submit the survey report on the religious structures within the Mehrauli Archaeological Park in Delhi within a week, in response to a plea for their protection.
- About Mehrauli Archaeological Park:
- Located in Delhi, adjacent to the Qutb Complex, Mehrauli was historically the first of the seven cities of Delhi. Covering over 200 acres (80 hectares), the park offers a glimpse into India’s rich heritage, spanning from the Pre-Islamic era to the Colonial period.
- The site is home to numerous historically significant monuments, including remnants from the first city of Delhi, which served as the capital of the Tomar dynasty in the 11th century. There are more than 440 monuments within the park.
- Some notable landmarks include:
- Tomb of Balban (1287 AD): This structure marks a key development in Indian architecture, featuring the country's first true arch and dome.
- Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb (1526-1535 AD): A remarkable example of Indo-Islamic architecture, this complex, named after Sufi saint Jamali and his companion Kamali, is known for its intricate decorative elements and central dome.
- Rajon Ki Baoli (16th century): Also known as the Stepwell of the Masons, this symmetrical stepwell with arched niches is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Dargah of Qutab Sahib: A tranquil white marble shrine dedicated to a revered Sufi saint, offering a spiritual landmark within the park.
- Hijron ka Khanqah: A Sufi hospice from the Lodhi dynasty that historically provided shelter to the transgender community.
- Jahaz Mahal ("Ship Palace"): A Lodi-era pleasure pavilion designed with boat-like shapes and arches, making it a unique architectural feature.
- Iron Pillar: A famous landmark, renowned for its corrosion resistance despite being over a thousand years old.
- The park stands as a testimony to the rich architectural, cultural, and spiritual legacy of India.