Prelims Focus – 18th April 2024

Jiadhal River

In News:  Recently excessive rainfall, caused by changing climate, has triggered unprecedented shifts in the course of the Jiadhal river.

• The Jiadhal River is a northern sub-tributary of the Brahmaputra River in the Indian state of Assam. 
• The river originates from the hills of Arunachal Pradesh. 
• The Jiadhal River flows through the Dhemaji district of Assam and takes the call of the Kumotiya River from Gogamukh.
• The river then joins the Subansiri River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
• Jiadhal River is called the ‘Sorrow of Dhemaji’ for the heavy damage due to annual flood and erosion.

Lake Kariba

In News: Water levels at Lake Kariba have recently dropped to just 13.52% of its capacity because of the latest El Niño drought.

• Lake Kariba is the world’s largest artificial lake and reservoir by size.  
• Location: It was formed by damming the Zambezi River within the Kariba Gorge in Africa.
• It lies 1,300 kilometers upstream from the Indian Ocean, along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
• Islands: The lake has several islands, inclusive of Maaze Island, Chete Island, Sekula, Sampa Karuma, Fothergill, Spurwing, Bed Island, etc.

Meningitis

In News: Nigeria has become the first country in the world to introduce a new, highly effective vaccine against meningitis.

• Meningitis is a dangerous disease of the membranes surrounding the mind and spinal cord.
• It can be resulting from viruses, micro organisms, fungi, or parasites and may result in extreme complications, which include brain damage, hearing loss and gaining knowledge of disabilities. 
• Bacterial meningitis, in particular caused by the meningococcus micro organism, is a significant condition in Africa.
• A vicinity of 26 countries known as the “African meningitis belt” stretches across the continent, along with Nigeria. 
• The vaccine, called Men5CV, is recommended through the World Health Organization (WHO) and offers safety against 5 layers of the meningococcus micro organisms in a single shot.

Hakki Pikki tribe

Recent News:

Members of the Hakki Pikki tribe from Karnataka found themselves stranded in Sudan during a period of violent unrest.

Details about the Tribe:

• Lifestyle: The Hakki Pikki people traditionally lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place in search of livelihood opportunities. They are known for their traditional skills in hunting, gathering, and handicrafts.
• Language: The Hakki Pikki people speak a language known as Hakki, which belongs to the Dravidian language family. However, due to interactions with other communities and the influence of regional languages, many Hakki Pikki individuals also speak Kannada, Tamil, or Malayalam.
• Occupation: Historically, the Hakki Pikki tribe relied on hunting, gathering forest produce, and trading forest goods for their livelihood. However, with the decline in forest resources and government regulations restricting their traditional activities, many Hakki Pikki people have transitioned to other occupations such as agriculture, daily wage labour, and selling handicrafts.
• Socio-economic Status: The Hakki Pikki tribe has faced socio-economic marginalisation and discrimination over the years. They often lack access to basic amenities such as education, healthcare, and clean water. Poverty, illiteracy, and lack of political representation are common issues among the Hakki Pikki community.

Perquisite Value for Electric bicycles

Recent News:

The additional value of electric bicycles and two-wheelers offered by companies can greatly impact the adoption of eco-friendly transportation. Perquisites are extra benefits given to employees in addition to their regular salary.

Details:

• The Income-tax Act exempts office commute vehicles from perquisite value, but there’s uncertainty surrounding electric vehicles, leading to companies’ reluctance in providing sustainable commute options. 
• This results in increased reliance on cars and cab services, contributing to urban congestion and pollution. Clear guidance from tax authorities is crucial to encourage companies to offer electric bicycles and two-wheelers as tax-efficient benefits to employees. 
• The Central Board of Direct Taxes should clarify the perquisite value of company-provided electric two-wheelers or bicycles by assigning either a ‘nil’ value or a clear valuation. 
• There’s a need to review the taxation regime and provide clarity on the perquisite value of these sustainable commuting options. 
• Despite the Indian government’s tax breaks on electric vehicles in the 2019-20 budget, the adoption of electric two-wheelers remains limited. 
• The temporary tax benefits, including deductions on loan interest and GST reduction, are set to expire in March 2023.

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