UPSC Daily Current Affairs| Prelim Bits 21-02-2025

Advocates-on-Record (AoRs)

Why in News?

The Supreme Court (SC) has held that Advocates-on-Record (AoRs) bear full responsibility for the accuracy of petitions filed before the Court, even if the drafts are prepared by other advocates.

• It is a special category that involves special persons who have been officially sanctioned to practice and represent their clients in the Supreme Court of India.
• It is specified under Supreme Court Rules, 2013 under Article 145(1).
• It states that the SC may, from time to time, make rules for regulating the practices and procedures in the court.
• Only such title holders can submit motions and other request petitions to the Supreme Court.
• The AORs serve as a liaison between the clients and the Court, ensuring that all procedural formalities are satisfied.
• Qualifications - The Advocate is required to be enrolled with any State Bar Council.
• The Advocate is required to have a prior experience of at least 4 years.
• The Advocate has undergone a training under a senior AoR of 1 year.
• The Advocate has appeared for the SC examination.
• The Advocate is required to have an office in Delhi within a radius of 10 miles from the SC house.
  • Give an undertaking to employ a clerk, who shall be a registered clerk, within one month of being registered as an AoR.
• AOR is issued a unique identification number that must be used on all documents filed in the SC.
• Roles and Responsibilities - Only an AoR is authorised to file a Vakalatnama on behalf of a client in the SC.

The Vakalatnama is a crucial document that grants the advocate the authority to represent the client.

• The AOR, with the help of a registered clerk, must complete all procedural aspects, including drafting and filing legal documents, and is personally liable for paying court fees and charges.
• Any SC notices are sent to the AoR.

Reference

Live Law | Advocate-on-Record

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Why in News?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is celebrated annually on February 19 to mark the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji.

• Chhatrapati Shivaji was the founder of the Maratha Empire.
• Born on - February 19, 1630, in Pune, Maharashtra.
• Parents - Shahaji Bhonsle and Jijabai.
• Teachers - Dadoji Kondadev and Jijabai.
• He is a great military administrator and tactician, fought and won several wars against the Mughals.
• He was crowned as the "Chhatrapati (Emperor)" in 1674 at Raigad Fort.
• He established Hindavi Swarajya, declaring independence from Mughal and Deccan Sultanates.
• He developed Guerrilla Warfare tactics.
• He established a robust naval force, recognizing the importance of naval supremacy in safeguarding the coastlines.
• His administrative reforms included the creation of a disciplined military structure, the introduction of revenue reforms, and the promotion of trade.
• He also emphasized religious tolerance and supported a diverse society, ensuring justice for all his subjects.
• He introduced Ashta Pradhan Mandal, a Council of 8 Ministers for governance.
• Established revenue policies such as Kathi & Chauth system to ensure stable economy.
• Shivaji was in constant conflict with the Mughal Empire and other neighboring states.
• His escape from Agra in 1666 after being imprisoned by Aurangzeb showcased his ingenuity and determination. This daring escape solidified his reputation as a cunning and resilient leader.
• Shivaji Maharaj passed away on April 3, 1680, at Raigad Fort.

Reference

NDTV | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti

Baboons

Why in News?

Recently, #JusticeForRaygun widely shared on social media due to encounters between baboons and people in Pretoria.

A young male baboon named Raygun burned to death by the teenagers in Africa.

• Scientific name – Papio.
• Baboons – They are world's largest monkeys, and there are 5 different species of baboons.
  • 5 species – Olive, Yellow, Chacma, Guinea, and Sacred baboon
• Habitat – Savanna, woodlands, bushlands, mountains, tropical forests and semi-arid regions.
• Distribution – Dry regions of Africa and Arabia.
• Morphology – Long bodies, not including substantial tails of varying lengths, large head, cheek pouches, dog-like noses and powerful jaws.
• Long snout, sharp canines, red (or black) backside, thick fur and its colour varies depending on the species.

• Sexual Dimorphism
  • Males – They are largest species, but females are only half this size.
  • They have a thick coat of fur, especially around their chest and head, where they have thick manes.
• Uniqueness – It doesn’t have a prehensile (gripping) tail, meaning their tails are not used as a hand.
• Behavior – Highly social, intelligent, travel in large noisy troops, and communicating by calls
• Diet – They are omnivorous feed on fruits, grasses, seeds, eggs, insects, bark, roots, birds, rodents, antelopes and sheep.
• Threats:
  • Hunted for their skins
  • Overgrazing
  • Agricultural expansion
  • Irrigation projects
  • Overall human settlement growth.
• Conservation status
  • IUCN status – Least concern.
  • CITES – Appendix II.

References

1. Down to Earth| Baboons and Human Fear
2. National Geographic| Baboons
3. AFW| Baboons