- INDIA’S FIRST KINNAR SARPANCH IN LOK SABHA
- Durga Bai Majhwar: From Sarpanch to Lok Sabha Candidate
- Durga Bai Majhwar, also known as Durga Mausi, is making headlines for her unique journey in Indian politics
- This profile highlights her remarkable achievements: First Transgender Sarpanch: Elected as the village head (Sarpanch) of Kanhwara village in Madhya Pradesh in 2014, she is considered the first transgender person to hold such a position in India
- Spiritual Leader: She is also the “mahamandaleshwar” of a Kinnar Akhara, signifying her spiritual leadership within the transgender community (Kinnar)
- Lok Sabha Aspirations: Currently contesting the Lok Sabha elections as an Independent candidate (though her affidavit mentions the Indian People’s Adhikar Party) from the Damoh constituency
- Why is this significant? – Breaking Barriers: Her candidacy challenges societal norms and prejudices faced by the transgender community in India
- Following a Legacy: She considers Kamla Jaan, the first transgender Mayor of Katni city (later disqualified), as her mentor and continues her legacy of political participation
- Grassroots Connection: She emphasises her connection with the people, highlighting their encouragement for her to contest the election
- Durga Bai Majhwar’s story exemplifies the growing political participation of the transgender community in India This is a significant development in social justice issues, gender equality, and marginalised communities.
2. REITs, InvITs MOBILISED 1.3LAKH CR, OVER THE LAST 4 YEARS, RBI DATA SHOWS
- REITs and InvITs are two types of investment instruments that allow individuals to invest in real estate and infrastructure projects without directly owning the properties themselves
- REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts): Invest in income-generating real estate properties like offices, malls, hospitals, etc.
- Typically required to distribute a majority of their income (around 80%) as dividends to investors
- Offer a way to participate in the real estate market without the hassle of managing physical properties
- InvITs (Infrastructure Investment Trusts): Invest in infrastructure projects like roads, power plants, telecom towers, etc.
- Generate returns through user fees, tolls, or tariffs collected from these projects
- Similar to REITs, InvITs also distribute a significant portion of their income to investors
- Benefits of REITs and InvITs: Pooled Investment: Allows individuals to invest in large-scale projects with smaller amounts of money.
- Liquidity: Units of REITs and InvITs are traded on stock exchanges, providing easy entry and exit for investors.
- Regular Income: These instruments offer potential for stable and recurring income through dividends or distributions.
- Recent Developments: The Indian market for REITs and InvITs has seen significant growth in recent years, attracting over ₹1.3 lakh crore in investments
- Regulatory bodies like SEBI are making it easier for retail investors to participate by reducing minimum investment amounts.
3. INTERNATIONAL
- Nepal’s President asks Sheik Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the emir of Qatar, to help free hostage held by Hamas
- Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe bats for Global South during Iran President’s visit
4. HUMAN – WILDLIFE CONFLICTS
- The Supreme Court highlighted the critical issue of human[1]wildlife conflict in India, particularly in Assam
- This conflict threatens the existence of forests and wildlife due to competition for resources and sometimes deadly encounters
- The Case – The court heard a case regarding Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam
- There are villages within the sanctuary, especially those of marginalised communities, facing challenges due to the sanctuary boundaries
- This case started with the Assam government wanting to reduce the size of the sanctuary, but the court stayed that decision
- The Solution (A work in Progress) – The court emphasized the need for a balance between protecting wildlife and addressing the rights of local communities
- The Assam government proposed a special committee to assess the sanctuary boundaries
- This committee aims to: Protect wildlife habitat § Accommodate the existing villages
- Account for the growing rhino population
- The final decision on the sanctuary boundaries will involve approval from the National Board of Wildlife and the Supreme Court itself Overall, the Supreme Court’s ruling attempts to find a middle ground between conservation and human needs in Assam. The final outcome will depend on the committee’s recommendations and the court’s approval process.
5. THE CONFLICT, FROM NEBUCHADNEZZAR TO NETANYAHU
- The long-standing enmity between Jews and Persians, dates back to historical events.
- It continues to influence the geopolitical landscape, particularly between Iran and Israel
- Historical and current tensions
- Historical Roots: The animosity dates back to 586 BC when Nebuchadnezzar, the Assyrian king, destroyed the first Jewish temple and exiled Judeans to Babylonia
- This historical event has left a long-lasting impact on Jewish-Persian relations
- Modern Political Dynamics:
- The establishment of the Islamic Republic in Iran in 1979 marked a significant shift in Iran-Israel relations
- Iran vocally opposed Israel and supported anti-Israel groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis The long-standing enmity between Jews and Persians, dates back to historical events
- Nuclear Tensions – Iran’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities has been a major concern for Israel, which views Iran as an existential threat
- Israel has actively worked to thwart Iran’s nuclear ambitions through various means, including sabotage and targeted airstrikes.
- Direct Confrontations – Recent years have seen a shift from proxy conflicts to direct engagements
- Such as airstrikes and missile attacks between the two nations
- This signals a new phase in their hostile relationship
- Geopolitical Influence – Both nations seek to extend their influence in the region
- With Iran aiming to solidify ties with Shia communities across the Middle East
- And Israel seeking to maintain its security and regional superiority
- International Relations – The dynamics between Iran and Israel also affect broader international relations, including alliances with major powers and regional actors
- The U.S. and several Arab states have shown varying degrees of involvement and support for either side Understanding these aspects provides a clearer picture of the deep[1]seated and complex nature of Iran-Israel relations, framed by historical grievances, religious ideologies, and contemporary geopolitical strategies.
ONE LINER
- ‘Heavenly Islands of Goa’ – a book authored by Governor of Goa ‘ Sreedharan Pillai’
- April 25 – World Malaria Day
