News in Shorts: 28 January 2025

Fentanyl

Context: Recently, the US President warned China to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese imports as fentanyl is being sent from China to the US via Mexico and Canada.

What is fentanyl ?

• Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used as a painkiller and anesthetic. 
• It is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin.
• Risks of Fentanyl
  • While it is a medically approved drug, fentanyl overdoses can cause:
    • Stupor
    • Changes in pupil size
    • Clammy skin
    • Blue-tinted skin (cyanosis)
    • Coma and respiratory failure, which can lead to death
• What are Opioids?
  • Opioids are substances derived from, or mimicking, natural compounds in the opium poppy plant. 
  • They are used for pain relief and produce feelings of euphoria, but they are highly addictive.
  • Some other examples of opioids include:
    • Morphine
    • Oxycodone
    • Codeine
    • Heroin

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LEZIM – Maharashtrian Folk Dance

Context: Chhaava movie maker, which is based on the life of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Sambhaji, will remove the Lezim dance scene from the movie following objections from politicians and history enthusiasts.

About Lezim Dance (Lazium)

• A traditional folk dance from Maharashtra, performed during marriage processions and cultural festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi.
• Origin: It’s said that Lezim was originally a sport played by men during the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji
• Features:
• • The lezim is a small mallet made of thin wood with metal pieces strung together that clash to produce a rhythmic sound when swung.
  • The dance is both a rigorous physical exercise and a performance art.
  • It involves formations in twos, fours, or circles and features callisthenic motions such as stepping, squatting, and jumping.
  • Typically accompanied by dhol (drums), with drum beats starting slow and gradually speeding up to match the dancers’ movements. 
    • Singing and wind or string instruments are not part of the performance.
• Modern Use: It is now used in physical education drills in schools and colleges due to its physical benefits.

Etikoppaka Toys

Context: Andhra Pradesh garnered special attention in the 76th Republic Day celebrations parade in New Delhi on 26 January with a display of the fascinating Etikoppaka toys. 

About Etikoppaka Toys

• Also known as Etikoppaka Bommalu, these wooden toys have a 400-year-old tradition of craftsmanship.
• Originates from Etikoppaka village, located on the banks of the Varaha River (tributary of the Vaigai River) in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh.
• Key Features:
  • Made from the wood of the Ankudu tree (Wrightia tinctoria), which is lightweight, soft, and suitable for intricate carvings.
  • Rounded designs with no sharp edges, ensuring safety for children.
  • Coloured with natural dyes derived from seeds, roots, leaves, bark, and lacquer.
  • Finished using a lacquer-turning technique, giving a smooth, glossy, and durable finish.
• Cultural and Historical Significance:
  • The designs harken back to ancient civilizations like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.
  • Includes mythological characters, musical instruments, household decorations, and animals, reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage.
• Recognition: Awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017.

Search Committee constituted for selection of Names for Chief Election Commissioner

Context: The Union Law Ministry has recently set up a Search Committee headed by the Law Minister to shortlist names for the post of Chief Election Commissioner.

• Members: The search committee will comprise the Law Minister and two Secretaries (of Finance and Department of Personnel and Training)
  • Eligibility:  Eligibility for the posts includes holding (or having held) a post equivalent to the Secretary to the central government.
• Legal Provision: The search committee is constituted under the, Chief Election Commissioner And Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service And Term of Office) Act, 2023.
• The Search Committee will shortlist five secretary-level officers which will be then considered by the Selection Committee.

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The Process of Appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner

• Legal Act: The Chief Election Commissioner And Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service And Term of Office) Act, 2023
• Appointment Process: The CEC and ECs will be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of a Selection Committee comprising,
  • The Prime Minister, a Cabinet Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.
• Exemption to Selection Committee: 
  • Recommendations of the Selection Committee will be valid even when there is a vacancy in this Committee.   
  • The Selection Committee has the option of selecting a name from outside the search committee determined panel.
• Terms of Service: The Salary and Conditions of Service of the CEC and ECs will be equivalent to that of Cabinet Secretary. 
  • Previously it was equivalent to the salary of a Supreme Court Judge.

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