Context
Ritu Tawde of the BJP has taken charge as Mumbai’s 78th Mayor and 8th woman Mayor.
Constitutional Basis
• The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) provides the framework for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)—Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, Nagar Panchayats.
• It does NOT prescribe a uniform Mayor system; States decide the powers, tenure, and mode of election.
Context
Jamnagar (Gujarat) has reported 20 cholera cases, with five newly hospitalised patients testing positive. The outbreak is linked to contaminated drinking water due to leaky underground pipelines.
How cholera spreads:
• Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
• It spreads by consuming food or water contaminated with faeces from an infected person.
Context
New findings reveal early trade and cultural contact between ancient Tamilagam/India and Egypt.
Key information
• Around 30 inscriptions in Tamil Brahmi, Prakrit, and Sanskrit were found in tombs in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.
• These inscriptions date to 1st–3rd centuries CE.
Context
Bangladesh holds its general elections and a national referendum on February 12, deciding the country’s political direction and future governance framework.
India–Bangladesh: Key Connectivity Points
• India is Bangladesh’s largest trading partner in South Asia.
Major connectivity projects mentioned:
• Kolkata–Khulna rail link
• Agartala–Akhaura rail link
• Haldibari–Chilahati rail link
• 1,000 MW electricity export from India to Bangladesh and the Tripura–Comilla power link are identified as strategic elements of the bilateral relationship.
Context
The Home Ministry issued new guidelines on how and when Vande Mataram should be sung or played at official events.
Key points
• Vande Mataram must be sung/played before the National Anthem whenever both are performed at an event.
• Audience must stand at attention when the official version (around 3 min 10 sec) is sung/played.
• No standing required if it appears as part of a newsreel or documentary because interrupting the film would cause disorder.
• The official version should be accompanied by mass singing during flag-unfurling, cultural events, or ceremonial functions (other than parades).
• If a band plays it, there will be a roll of drums before it begins to alert the audience.
• Schools may include community singing of the National Song once a week.
• The guidelines provide clarity on occasions, decorum, and the proper respect to be shown.
Vande Mataram
• Written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in the novel Anandamath (1882).
• Celebrates love for the motherland.
• Declared National Song of India (different from the National Anthem).
• Traditionally sung at formal state functions during arrival/departure of the President and at major official events.
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