In a controversial move, the Assam cabinet has decided to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1935. This decision has been met with criticism from former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah. In other news, CBSE is looking into implementing "open-book" examinations. Also, Radhika Mohta, a matchmaker and relationship coach, has shed light on the practical aspects of live-in relationships, while the Uttarakhand Assembly has passed a bill to regulate laws related to marriage and divorce, including live-in relationships.
Uniform Civil Code: Navigating Legal Uniformity and Religious Diversity
Background:
A Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption that applies equally to all citizens regardless of their religion. The idea of a UCC in India has been debated for decades, with proponents arguing for legal uniformity and opponents citing concerns over religious freedom.
Recent Developments in Assam:
In a recent move, the Assam cabinet has decided to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1935. This act governs marriage and divorce among Muslims in Assam, and its repeal is seen as a step towards implementing a UCC in the state. The decision has drawn criticism from former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, who have raised concerns about the impact on Muslim women's rights.
CBSE's "Open-Book" Examinations:
Separately, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is considering implementing "open-book" examinations. This would allow students to refer to textbooks or notes during exams, potentially reducing stress levels and focusing on higher-order thinking skills.
Live-In Relationships in Uttarakhand:
The Uttarakhand Assembly has passed a bill to regulate laws related to marriage and divorce, including live-in relationships. The bill defines live-in relationships as those between two adults who have lived together for at least two years and establishes rights and responsibilities for such relationships.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
Q1: What is the purpose of a Uniform Civil Code?
A: A UCC aims to create legal uniformity and ensure equal rights for all citizens in personal matters, regardless of their religion.
Q2: What are the arguments in favor of a UCC?
A: Proponents argue for legal uniformity, gender equality, and the promotion of national integration.
Q3: What are the concerns raised against a UCC?
A: Opponents express concerns about the infringement of religious freedom, the erosion of cultural diversity, and the potential impact on the rights of minorities.
Q4: Is a Uniform Civil Code being implemented in Assam?
A: The Assam cabinet's decision to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1935 is a step towards implementing a UCC in the state, but it is yet to be fully implemented.
Q5: What is the current status of live-in relationships in India?
A: The Supreme Court has recognized live-in relationships as valid under certain conditions. However, their legal status varies across different states, and the Uttarakhand Assembly's recent bill aims to provide a more comprehensive framework for regulating such relationships.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is a significant day for Hindus, particularly in South India. It is a time to fast and pray to Lord Vishnu for forgiveness and a chance to go to heaven. This year, it falls on January 10, 2025, and devotees celebrate by lighting lamps, chanting mantras, and visiting temples for blessings. The holiday is rooted in the belief that observing it dedicatedly can bring good fortune and a peaceful afterlife.
In the aftermath of a tragic stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has taken swift action by suspending officials and ordering a judicial probe into the incident. Criticizing the lack of responsibility and failure to assess the situation, Naidu's political opponents are also utilizing the incident to attack his government. Amidst the controversy, the temple's reputation for managing large crowds has taken a hit and measures are being suggested to prevent such incidents in the future.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her distress and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of devotees who lost their lives in a stampede at Tirupati on Thursday. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and urged for better crowd management at religious places. The stampede occurred on Wednesday night as devotees were jostling for tickets at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam.
Greenland, the world's largest island, has been in the news for its melting glaciers and concerns about climate change. However, its strategic importance has also caught the attention of leaders like President Trump who recently expressed interest in purchasing the island. This is not a new idea, as previous presidents have also considered acquiring Greenland due to its location, potential energy resources, and role in the Arctic region. This article explores the history of this proposition and the current geopolitical considerations surrounding Greenland.
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine the Central Bureau of Investigation's appeal against the acquittal of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and four others in the murder case of former sect manager Ranjit Singh. The case, which has seen multiple twists and turns, has been referred to Justice Bela M. Trivedi's bench, which is already hearing a related petition filed by the victim's father. The CBI has argued that Ram Rahim orchestrated the murder after suspecting Singh of leaking an anonymous letter accusing him of sexual misconduct. The case has attracted widespread public attention due to Ram Rahim's involvement and frequent paroles from prison.
As Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule voices the public demand for Minister Dhananjay Munde's resignation, a petition filed in the Bombay High Court by Dhananjay Deshmukh, brother of the murdered sarpanch, is withdrawn. The petition had alleged that Munde was linked to a criminal syndicate involved in the murder of his sibling in 2024. Sule cites a precedent in which a former Maharashtra CM resigned over a scam, calling for similar sensitivity towards this case.
The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, with voting to take place on February 5 and counting of votes on February 8. The recent release of the final electoral roll shows a 1.09 per cent increase in the number of voters since the last draft. CEC Rajiv Kumar addressed concerns over EVMs and the election procedure, asserting the transparency and credibility of the Indian election process. The AAP, BJP and Congress are gearing up for a three-way battle, with the AAP currently in the lead after sweeping 2020 Delhi elections.
With the Delhi Assembly elections just around the corner, AICC Delhi in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin believes that the Congress party will successfully appeal to voters by focusing on key issues affecting citizens. He emphasized that the party only makes promises that have been fulfilled in Congress-ruled states and will prioritize cleaning the Yamuna, improving women's safety, reducing corruption, and addressing unemployment, all of which have been neglected by the current AAP government.
The BJP has refuted Delhi CM Atishi's accusation that her official residence was taken away by the Centre, stating that the allotment was withdrawn for her failure to take possession and ongoing CBI/ED investigation. The AAP leader, however, remains undeterred and vows to work for the people of Delhi even if it means operating from the streets. Delhi's 2025 election poll schedule has also been announced, with voting to take place on February 5 and results on February 8.
During a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump announced his plan to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Trump believes that the new name has a "beautiful ring" and is more appropriate, especially given the current state of relations between the US and Mexico. While this isn't the first time renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has been proposed, Trump's announcement has caused controversy and garnered attention.