Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: OROP, Agniveer scheme
Mains level: One Rank One Pension challenges and way forward
Central Idea
- In recent times, two prominent ideas, right-sizing and Atmanirbharta, have gained traction in the Armed Forces. However, it is essential to recognize that both these initiatives have their shortcomings and are rooted in the flawed implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme. These policies have far-reaching consequences and necessitate a critical evaluation to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of our armed forces
What is One Rank One Pension (OROP) Policy?
- OROP means the same pension, for the same rank, for the same length of service, irrespective of the date of retirement.
- The concept was provoked by the then decision by Indira Gandhi-led government, in 1973, two years after the historic victory in the 1971 Bangladesh war
Implications of OROP
- Enhanced Pension Benefits: OROP brings parity and fairness by addressing the concerns of veterans who felt their pensions were unjustly lower compared to their counterparts who retired earlier. This leads to improved financial security for retired armed forces personnel and their families.
- Motivation and Morale: OROP addresses long-standing grievances regarding pension disparities and recognizes the sacrifices made by veterans. The assurance of fair and equal pensions enhances the sense of dignity, honor, and respect for those who have served in the armed forces.
- Social Security: OROP enhances the financial security and social welfare of retired armed forces personnel and their families. It provides them with a stable and predictable income during their post-retirement years, ensuring a decent standard of living and supporting their well-being
- Financial Burden: OROP entails providing equal pension benefits to all military personnel retiring at the same rank with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement. This results in an increased financial burden on the government, as it has to allocate additional funds to fulfill the pension requirements.
- Impact on Modernization: The financial implications of implementing OROP may impact the allocation of funds for modernization and procurement of advanced equipment and technologies. The increased pension expenditure could limit the resources available for upgrading the armed forces’ capabilities, affecting their preparedness and modernization efforts.
- Sustainability and Budgetary Constraints: Sustaining the OROP scheme in the long term poses challenges due to the increasing pension liabilities. The government needs to ensure that the pension system remains financially viable and sustainable, considering the rising life expectancy and the expanding pool of retired armed forces personnel.
Challenges in Rightsizing and Strategic Decision-making
- Improved Insurgency Situation: The considerably improved insurgency situation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly south of Banihal, has prompted a reassessment of force requirements. While progress has been made in countering militancy, the dilution of manpower without compensatory measures, such as state-of-the-art equipment, poses challenges to sustaining effective counter-insurgency operations.
- The Northeast and Counter-insurgency: The transfer of counter-insurgency responsibilities from the Army to the Assam Rifles in the Northeast region represents a significant shift. While relieving the Army of secondary responsibilities is reasonable, reducing combat strength without adequate compensation in terms of advanced equipment may impact the effectiveness of operations, particularly in regions with ongoing ethnic conflicts like Manipur.
Zero Recruitment and Adverse Impact
- Manpower Deficiency: The absence of recruitment for two-and-a-half years until June 2022 has created significant voids in personnel strength, particularly affecting combat units. The mounting deficiencies, amounting to 1,80,000 personnel in the Army alone, have strained operational capabilities and increased the burden on existing forces.
- Combat Readiness and Strategic Concerns: The adverse impact of zero recruitment and constant personnel retirements has had serious repercussions on combat units, including those deployed in sensitive areas like Ladakh against the Chinese PLA.
Way ahead: Need for Rightsizing and Strategic Evaluation
- Effective Allocation of Resources: Rightsizing involves optimizing the allocation of resources, including manpower, equipment, and finances, to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. It helps in aligning the available resources with the desired objectives and operational requirements.
- Enhanced Operational Readiness: By conducting a strategic evaluation, the armed forces can assess their current capabilities and identify areas for improvement. This evaluation helps in identifying gaps and addressing them to enhance operational readiness and combat effectiveness.
- Financial Sustainability: Rightsizing allows for a more sustainable financial model by ensuring that the allocated funds are utilized efficiently. It helps in managing the budgetary constraints and reducing unnecessary expenditures, allowing resources to be redirected towards critical areas such as modernization and technological advancements.
- Adapting to Changing Threat Landscape: Strategic evaluation helps in assessing the evolving security threats and challenges faced by the nation. It enables the armed forces to adapt and realign their structure, capabilities, and operational concepts to effectively counter emerging threats and maintain a credible deterrence posture.
- Optimal Utilization of Human Resources: Rightsizing involves assessing the manpower requirements and aligning them with the operational needs. It helps in ensuring that the armed forces have the right personnel in the right positions, adequately trained and equipped to fulfill their roles and responsibilities.
- Modernization and Technological Upgrades: Strategic evaluation provides an opportunity to prioritize modernization initiatives and technological upgrades. It enables the armed forces to invest in cutting-edge equipment, systems, and platforms that enhance their combat capabilities and maintain technological superiority.
- Operational Flexibility and Agility: Rightsizing and strategic evaluation enable the armed forces to achieve operational flexibility and agility. It allows for the formation of versatile and adaptable units, capable of responding to a wide range of contingencies and operating in diverse environments.
- Long-Term Sustainability: By aligning the force structure, resources, and operational requirements, rightsizing and strategic evaluation contribute to the long-term sustainability of the armed forces. It ensures that the military remains capable and resilient, able to meet the nation’s security needs effectively
Conclusion
- While the ideas of right-sizing and Atmanirbharta may seem appealing, it is crucial to critically analyze their implementation and potential ramifications. The flawed execution of the OROP scheme and subsequent policies have placed a burden on the Armed Forces, affecting their modernization efforts. It is imperative to strike a balance between optimizing resources and ensuring the security and preparedness of our forces.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Role of CJI and related constitutional provisions
Mains level: Administrative powers of the CJI, challenges and concerns
Central Idea
- A recent judicial development has raised concerns about the authority and powers of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in influencing judicial decisions. The recall application filed by the Union of India against a judgment regarding the right to default bail, followed by an interim order from the Court of the CJI, has highlighted the need to reassess the constitutional framework and the extent of the CJI’s administrative powers
An Extraordinary Decision and its Unusual Turn
- Safeguarding the Right to Default Bail: The Division Bench of the Supreme Court in Ritu Chhabria v. Union of India recognized the right of an undertrial to be released on default bail if the investigation exceeds the statutory time limit. It criticized the practice of charge-sheeting accused individuals despite incomplete investigations and emphasized that the filing of a preliminary charge-sheet does not extinguish the right to bail.
- Surprising Recall Application: The Court of the CJI entertained a recall application filed by the Union of India against the Ritu Chhabria judgment. This move deviated from the usual course of filing a review petition before the same Bench. The interim order passed by the Court of the CJI effectively stayed the Division Bench’s decision, even though it had no direct connection to the case.
Concerns over the Role of the CJI
- Intra-court Appeal without Legislative or Constitutional Backing: The recall application before a different Bench, including the CJI, raises concerns about the absence of a legislative or constitutional framework for such appeals. This practice can be seen as bench fishing or forum shopping, creating a mechanism devoid of legal legitimacy.
- The CJI’s Administrative Powers: While all Supreme Court judges possess equal judicial powers, the CJI enjoys special administrative powers as the ‘Master of the Roster.’ These powers include constituting Benches and assigning matters for reconsideration. However, within a Bench, the CJI’s vote holds no greater weight than that of other judges.
- Issues of Judicial Equality: While historically, the CJI has authored minority opinions, the recent interim order raises concerns about the extent of the CJI’s influence on judicial decisions. Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, have systems where judges collectively exercise power, reflecting the collective strength of the Court.
Cause for Concern
- Instances of Abuse: Recorded instances of infirmities and irregularities in case assignments have raised concerns about the potential abuse of administrative powers by the CJI. The unending nature of these powers makes it impractical to establish limits, emphasizing the need for transparency and checks.
- The Need for Checks and Balance: To maintain the integrity of the judiciary, it is crucial to limit the expansion of the CJI’s powers as the ‘Master of the Roster.’ The computerization of case assignments and the removal of discretionary powers from the CJI can mitigate concerns of undue influence and ensure a fair and impartial judicial process.
Administrative Powers of the CJI
- Constitution of Benches: The CJI has the authority to constitute various Benches within the Supreme Court, including both Division Benches and larger Constitution Benches. This power allows the CJI to assign judges to specific cases and distribute the workload among the judges.
- Assignment of Matters: The CJI has the discretion to assign specific cases or references to different Benches for adjudication. This includes allocating matters to the appropriate Benches based on subject matter, complexity, and other relevant factors.
- Reconsideration of Matters: The CJI can refer cases or issues for reconsideration by a larger Bench. This power enables the CJI to ensure consistency in judicial pronouncements, resolve conflicting decisions, or clarify legal principles through the review of previous judgments.
- Administrative Decision-Making: The CJI is responsible for making administrative decisions related to the court’s functioning, including the allocation of courtrooms, assignment of court staff, and management of infrastructure and resources.
- Appointment of Judicial Officers: The CJI plays a significant role in the appointment and transfer of judges to various high courts and other tribunals. This responsibility includes participating in the collegium system, which involves recommending suitable candidates for judicial appointments.
- Judicial Administration: The CJI oversees the overall functioning of the judiciary, including setting standards for court procedures, case management, and promoting efficiency in the delivery of justice. The CJI works closely with other judges, court officials, and stakeholders to ensure the smooth operation of the judicial system
Facts for prelims
Key provisions related to the CJI’s administrative authority
- Article 145: This article enables the CJI, as the head of the court, to exercise administrative control over the functioning of the Supreme Court.
- Article 146: This article empowers the CJI to appoint officers and servants of the Supreme Court and to determine their conditions of service. It allows the CJI to administer the court’s staff and resources in order to ensure efficient administration.
- Article 147: This article establishes the authority of the CJI in matters related to the appointment and posting of officers and servants of the Supreme Court. The CJI has the power to determine the strength and composition of the court’s administrative staff.
- Article 229: This article deals with the appointment of retired judges of the Supreme Court and high courts to act as ad-hoc judges. The CJI plays a significant role in appointing and assigning duties to these ad-hoc judges, which contributes to the efficient functioning of the judiciary.
- Article 124(3): This provision relates to the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court. The CJI, as part of the collegium system, participates in the process of recommending suitable candidates for judicial appointments. The collegium consists of the CJI and a group of senior judges, and their recommendations play a crucial role in judicial appointments.
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Conclusion
- While the administrative powers of the CJI are necessary for the efficient functioning of the Court, their exercise should adhere to constitutional principles and established legal procedures. It is imperative to establish transparent systems and minimize discretionary powers to safeguard the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: 17th Lok Sabha performance and related facts
Mains level: Low performance of 17th Lok Sabha, concerns and way forward
Central Idea
- India’s new Parliament building, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, symbolizes the aspirations of 140 crore Indians. However, as the 17th Lok Sabha nears its final year, it faces scrutiny over its performance.
Performance of 17th Lok Sabha
- Sitting Days: The 17th Lok Sabha has functioned for 230 sitting days so far. However, if it falls short of surpassing the lowest recorded full-term Lok Sabha (331 sitting days in the 16th Lok Sabha), it would become the shortest full-term Lok Sabha since 1952.
- Referral of Bills to Committees: There has been a decline in the referral of bills to Parliamentary Standing Committees. Since 2004, only 45% of the total bills introduced in Parliament have been referred to committees. This suggests a potential decrease in comprehensive scrutiny and review of proposed legislation.
- Legislative Output: The number of bills introduced and passed in the 17th Lok Sabha has seen a decline. Out of the 150 bills introduced, 131 have been passed so far (excluding Finance and Appropriation Bills). The decreasing trend raises questions about the legislative productivity of the Lok Sabha.
- Budget Discussions: The latest Budget session of the 17th Lok Sabha was one of the shortest since 1952. The limited time dedicated to discussing financial matters, particularly the Budget, raises concerns about the depth of analysis and deliberation on critical fiscal issues.
- Debates on Matters of Public Importance: The number of debates conducted in the Lok Sabha during the tenure of the 17th Lok Sabha has been limited. There have been only 11 short duration discussions and one half-an-hour discussion, indicating a restricted avenue for robust parliamentary discourse on matters of public importance.
- Delayed Election of Deputy Speaker: Despite the constitutional provision mandating the election of a Deputy Speaker, the 17th Lok Sabha has not elected one, even as it enters its final year of the five-year term. This delay raises concerns about adherence to constitutional norms and the effective functioning of parliamentary proceedings.
Value addition box from Civilsdaily
| Lok Sabha |
Term |
Total Sitting Days |
Bills Introduced |
Bills Passed |
Average Sitting Days per Year |
| 15th |
2009-2014 |
357 |
244 |
181 |
71 |
| 16th |
2014-2019 |
331 |
247 |
156 |
66 |
| 17th |
2019-2024 |
Less than 331 (projected) |
150 (as of April 2023) |
131 (as of April 2023) |
58 (projected) |
Why the 17th Lok Sabha’s productivity has been low?
- Disruptions and Protests: The 17th Lok Sabha witnessed frequent disruptions and protests from opposition parties, leading to a significant loss of time and decreased productivity. Some of the major issues that led to disruptions include the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC), and farm laws.
- Lack of Consensus: The ruling party enjoyed a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, but there was still a lack of consensus on many key issues, resulting in a delay in passing important bills and legislation.
- COVID-19 Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to the low productivity of the Lok Sabha as many sessions were delayed or cancelled due to safety concerns.
- Speaker’s Decision: The decision of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha to disallow opposition MPs from raising certain issues also resulted in protests and disruptions, further reducing the productivity of the house.
- Shorter Sessions: The 17th Lok Sabha had shorter sessions compared to previous Lok Sabhas, which also contributed to lower productivity. Many important bills and issues were left pending as there was not enough time to discuss and debate them thoroughly.
The concerns associated with the performance of MPs in the old Parliament building
- Limited Parliamentary Engagement: The limited number of sitting days raises concerns about the MPs’ ability to fully engage in legislative proceedings and address the various challenges and issues faced by the country.
- Decreased Scrutiny of Legislation: The declining referral of bills to Parliamentary Standing Committees raises concerns about the thorough scrutiny and review of proposed legislation.
- Legislative Productivity: The decreased number of bills introduced and passed in the 17th Lok Sabha raises concerns about its legislative productivity. This may limit the ability of MPs to address critical issues, propose new policies, and enact necessary reforms, hindering progress and development.
- Limited Budget Discussions: The shortened Budget sessions and reduced time allocated for financial discussions raise concerns about the depth of analysis and deliberation on critical fiscal matters.
- Restricted Debates on Public Matters: The limited number of debates conducted in the Lok Sabha raises concerns about the comprehensive discussion and examination of matters of public importance.
New Parliament Building: An Opportunity for Efficiency
- Responsible Parliamentary Conduct: Members of Parliament should prioritize constructive and meaningful debates, fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and consensus-building. It is essential to move away from disruptive tactics and focus on substantive discussions that address the complex governance challenges of our time.
- Reducing Disruptions: Long periods of deadlock and disruptions hinder the smooth functioning of Parliament. Efforts should be made to minimize disruptions and ensure that discussions remain focused on key issues. Rules and procedures can be reviewed to encourage more disciplined and productive parliamentary conduct.
- Enhancing Communication and Participation: The new Parliament building, equipped with modern facilities, offers opportunities for better communication and engagement. Members should utilize these resources effectively to engage with constituents, share information, and seek feedback, fostering a more inclusive and participatory democracy.
Conclusion
- The performance of MPs in the 17th Lok Sabha is pivotal in driving effective governance and representing the aspirations of the Indian people. It is crucial for MPs to embrace their roles as custodians of democracy, remaining accountable to their constituents and working collectively to shape a brighter future for India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AISHE
Mains level: Religious disparity in higher education
Central Idea
- All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-21 conducted by the Ministry of Education reveals the underrepresentation of Muslims in higher education compared to other communities.
What is the AISHE?
- To portray the status of higher education in the country, the Ministry of Education conducts an annual web-based AISHE since 2010-11.
- Data is collected on several parameters such as teachers, student enrolment, programmes, examination results, education finance and infrastructure.
- Indicators of educational development such as Institution Density, Gross Enrolment Ratio, Pupil-teacher ratio, Gender Parity Index, Per Student Expenditure will also be calculated from the data collected through AISHE.
- These are useful in making informed policy decisions and research for development of the education sector.
AISHE 2020-21 data on Minority Education
The survey highlights a decline in Muslim enrollment, potentially due to economic constraints and limited opportunities for pursuing higher education.
(1) Decline in Muslim Enrollment:
- Muslim enrollment in higher education declined by 8% in the 2020-21 academic year, while other marginalized communities experienced improved enrollment rates.
- Economic impoverishment forces talented Muslim students to prioritize earning opportunities after completing school, rather than pursuing higher education.
- Drastic declines were reported in UP (36%), J&K (26%), Maharashtra (8.5%), and TN (8.1%).
- Delhi witnessed a significant portion of Muslim students failing to enroll for higher education.
(2) Uttar Pradesh’s Low Enrollment Rate:
- Muslims constitute around 20% of the population in the state.
- Despite an increase in the number of colleges in UP, mere 4.5% Muslim enrollment is in higher education.
(3) Kerala’s Exceptional Performance:
- Kerala stands out as the only state where 43% of Muslims pursue higher education, bucking the trend of low enrollment.
(4) Female enrolment improving:
- Muslim and other minority communities exhibit higher female student enrollment than male students, indicating progress for women in minority communities.
- Male members of the Muslim community face pressure to earn a living early, potentially hindering their pursuit of higher education.
(5) Lack of Muslim Teachers:
- Muslim representation among teachers in higher education institutions is alarmingly low, comprising only 5.6%.
- General Category teachers account for 56%, while OBC, SC, and ST teachers make up 32%, 9%, and 2.5%, respectively.
- Gender disparities among teachers persist, with only 59 female Muslim teachers for every 100 male Muslim teachers.
Reasons for such low enrollment
- Religious influence: Certain societal and cultural norms within the Muslim community prioritize early marriage and family responsibilities over pursuing higher education, especially for female students.
- Economic Challenges: The Muslim community faces financial limitations that hinder their ability to afford higher education expenses, including tuition fees and accommodation.
- Lack of Awareness and Guidance: Many Muslim students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, lack information about available higher education opportunities, scholarships etc.
- Preferences for religious preachings: Many families prefer religious teachings at Madrasas over STEM education considering the acute competition and lack of reservation facilities.
- Stereotypes and Discrimination: Instances of religious discrimination and bias discourage Muslim students from pursuing higher education and create a sense of unwelcomeness in educational institutions.
- Socio-political Factors: Political decisions, policy changes, or the withdrawal of educational support programs can have a direct impact on the enrollment of Muslim students in higher education.
Schemes promoting Muslim education in India
- Maulana Azad National Fellowship: Provides scholarships for minority students pursuing M Phil and Ph D programs.
- National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC): Offers interest-free loans and scholarships to economically disadvantaged minority students.
- Nai Udaan Scheme: Provides free coaching and assistance for competitive exams to minority students.
- Seekho Aur Kamao (Learn and Earn) Scheme: Offers skill development and vocational training to enhance employability among minority students.
- Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes: Provides financial assistance for educational expenses to increase access to education for minority students.
- Bridge Courses and Remedial Coaching: Helps minority students bridge educational gaps and improve academic performance.
Way Forward
Following efforts should be made to address the declining enrollment of Muslim students in higher education:
- Providing scholarships and financial aid to economically disadvantaged Muslim students.
- Creating awareness programs to highlight the importance of higher education and its long-term benefits.
- Collaborating with community organizations to develop mentoring and support systems for Muslim students.
- Implementing policies that promote inclusive education and equal opportunities for all communities.
- Encouraging the recruitment and representation of Muslim teachers and non-teaching staff in higher education institutions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ASEAN, UNPKF
Mains level: UN Peacekeeping and its significance
Central Idea
India-ASEAN Initiative for Women in UNPK Operations
- Defence Minister proposed this initiative last year to strengthen India-ASEAN defence cooperation.
- Tailor-made courses for women peacekeepers from ASEAN member-states will be conducted at the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in India.
- Twenty peacekeepers, two from each country, will receive training in various aspects of peacekeeping.
- A “Table Top Exercise” focusing on UNPK challenges will be held in December, specifically designed for women officers from ASEAN.
India’s Training and Capacity Building
- The Indian Army has established the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi, which trains over 12,000 troops annually in peacekeeping operations.
- The CUNPK hosts foreign delegations, shares best practices, and dispatches mobile training teams to Friendly Foreign Countries for capacity building in UNPK.
- India has deployed Female Engagement Teams, Women Military Police, and women staff officers and military observers in various UN missions.
- India has the second-largest women contingent in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and UN Interim Security Force for Abyei.
What is United Nations Peacekeeping?
- UN Peacekeeping helps countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace.
- UN peacekeepers are often referred to as Blue Berets or Blue Helmets because of their light blue berets or helmets) can include soldiers, police officers, and civilian personnel.
UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles:
- Consent of the parties
- Impartiality
- Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate
UNPKF in operation
- Since 1948, UN Peacekeepers have undertaken 71 Field Missions.
- There are approximately 81,820 personnel serving on 13 peace operations led by UNDPO, in four continents currently.
- This represents a nine-fold increase since 1999.
- A total of 119 countries have contributed military and police personnel to UN peacekeeping.
- Currently, 72,930 of those serving are troops and military observers, and about 8,890 are police personnel.
Why UN Peacekeeping is needed?
- Conflict resolution: UN peacekeeping missions play a crucial role in assisting host countries in transitioning from conflict to peace.
- Burden sharing: UN peacekeeping utilizes a global coalition of troops and police to share the responsibility of maintaining peace and stability worldwide.
- Democratization: Peacekeepers provide security and political support to facilitate the early transition to peace and support democratic processes in post-conflict countries.
India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping
- Largest troop contributor: India has a long-standing history of contributing personnel to UN peacekeeping missions, with over 253,000 Indians serving in 49 out of 71 missions.
- Current deployments: Approximately 5,500 Indian troops and police are deployed in UN peacekeeping missions, ranking India as the fifth-highest troop-contributing country.
- Women in Indian Peacekeeping: India has played a pioneering role in deploying women peacekeepers, starting with an all-women contingent to Liberia in 2007.
- Humanitarian services: Indian peacekeepers also provide medical care, veterinary support, and engineering services to communities in need.
Issues with UN Peacekeeping
[A] Issues for India
- Kashmir interference: India has expressed discontent with the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) operating in Kashmir, considering it irrelevant after the Shimla Agreement.
- Disregard for India-Pak ceasefire: UNMOGIP continues to observe hostilities and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, which India believes is unnecessary.
[B] Global Challenges
- Diverse security challenges: UN peacekeeping operations need to adapt to rapidly evolving security dynamics.
- Resource allocation: Mandates of peacekeeping missions should align with available resources.
- Greater involvement of troop-contributing countries: Countries providing troops and police should have a meaningful role in mission planning.
- Investment in peacebuilding: Adequate financial and human resources are required for post-conflict peacebuilding.
Way Forward
- UNSC reform: Reform the UN Security Council to reflect the changing global landscape.
- Multi-partner collaboration: Enhance effectiveness by involving actors beyond the UNSC in counterterrorism efforts.
- Modernization of peacekeeping: Strengthen UN Peacekeeping Forces through modernization and inclusivity.
- Human-centric decision-making: Promote accountability and transparency in the UNSC’s decision-making processes.
Conclusion
- India’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in UNPK operations underscores its dedication to global peace and security.
- These initiatives aim to enhance the capabilities and representation of women in peacekeeping, recognizing their valuable contributions to maintaining peace and stability worldwide.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NAVIC
Mains level: Indigenous GPS
Central Idea
- The Indian Space Research Organisation has successfully launched its fifth satellite of 2023.
- A 2,232-kilogram satellite named NVS-1 was launched into space as part of the NavIC
What is NAVIC?
- NavIC is a regional satellite navigation system consisting of seven satellites in orbit that provide positioning, navigation, and timing services to various sectors, including civil aviation and the military.
(1) Origins and Motivation:
- The idea of NAVIC emerged in the early 2000s as IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) to address India’s need for an independent navigation system for strategic and civilian purposes.
- The motivation behind NAVIC was to reduce dependence on foreign systems like GPS and enhance national security, sovereignty, and economic growth.
(2) Satellite Deployment:
- The NAVIC constellation consists of a total of 7* satellites.
- The first satellite, IRNSS-1A, was launched in July 2013, followed by subsequent launches of IRNSS-1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, and IRNSS-1I.
- Each satellite is placed in a geostationary orbit or an inclined geosynchronous orbit, providing continuous coverage over the Indian landmass and surrounding regions.
(3) Renaming to NAVIC:
- In 2016, the system was officially named NAVIC, which stands for Navigation with Indian Constellation.
- The name change aimed to create a distinct brand identity for the Indian regional navigation system.
Key Features and Technical Details
(1) Coverage Area:
- NAVIC provides coverage within India and extends up to 1,500 kilometres beyond its borders.
- The system covers the Indian landmass, as well as the Indian Ocean region.
(2) Satellite Configuration:
- The NAVIC satellites are equipped with atomic clocks to provide accurate timing signals.
- They transmit signals on different frequencies, including L5 and S bands, for enhanced accuracy and reliability.
(3) Applications and Services:
- NAVIC has a wide range of applications, including terrestrial, aerial, and marine navigation.
- It is utilized in various sectors such as transportation, agriculture, disaster management, surveying, and geodetic applications.
- The system supports position determination, velocity measurement, and time synchronization services.
About NVS-1 Satellite
- NVS-1 is part of the second-generation NavIC satellite series and ensures continuity of existing services while introducing new services in the Li band.
- The satellite features two solar arrays generating up to 2.4 kW of power, a lithium-ion battery for eclipse support, and thermal management and propulsion systems.
- Notably, NVS-1 includes a Rubidium atomic clock developed in-house by the Space Applications Centre, showcasing India’s technical expertise in this advanced technology.
India’s launch capabilities and recent missions
- The NVS-1 launch marks the second successful mission in a month and the fifth launch of the year for ISRO.
- In April, ISRO completed the PSLV-C55 mission, deploying two satellites, including TeLEOS-2 with a synthetic aperture radar payload.
- The PSLV-C55 mission highlighted collaboration between India and Singapore in space exploration and technology.
*Note: The numbers of satellites in this constellation is disputed. It is given as 7 and 8 on different sources. Total Nine satellites were launched out of which the very first (IRNSS-1A) is partially failed because of some issue in its Atomic Clock. Another and the last satellite had a launch failure. Hence the number 7/8.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Tripitaka
Mains level: Democracy in Indian Civilizations
Central Idea
- The construction and history of the Indian Parliament building serve as a reminder of India’s rich democratic traditions.
- Dr BR Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee for the Indian Constitution, highlighted the presence of democratic aspects in Indian history that predate Western influence.
Democratic Traditions in Ancient India
- Ambedkar had challenged the notion that India’s parliamentary procedures were borrowed from European countries.
- Ambedkar referred to the Vinay–pitaka, a Theravada Buddhist scripture, as evidence of existing democratic procedures in India.
- The scripture regulated meetings of the Bhikkhus Sangh (monks) and included rules for debates, motions, and voting through a secret ballot system.
Comparison with Western Democracies
- Ambedkar acknowledged the importance of contributions made by Western democracies in moving away from autocracy and religious dominance.
- He highlighted the separation of Church and State in Western societies and the transition to secular laws created by the people rather than divine or religious authorities.
Caution against Failure to Address Defects
- Ambedkar pointed out the tendency of ancient societies to neglect repairing their own defects, leading to their decay.
- He criticized the Indian society’s reliance on divine laws established by figures like Manu and Yajnavalkya, which hindered the ability to address societal issues.
Conclusion
- While acknowledging India’s rich democratic history, it is essential to continue building and strengthening democratic institutions to address the evolving needs and challenges of society.
- This includes fostering an introspective approach, embracing inclusive governance, and upholding the principles of secularism, equality, and social justice.
Back2Basics: Tripitaka
- The Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon, is a collection of sacred Buddhist scriptures that form the foundational texts of the Theravada Buddhist tradition.
- It is divided into three sections, known as the Tripitaka, which literally means “Three Baskets.”
History and significance
- The Tripitaka was orally transmitted from the time of Gautama Buddha in the 5th century BCE until it was eventually written down in the 1st century BCE.
- It holds immense historical and religious significance as it contains the teachings, discourses, rules, and guidelines given by the Buddha and his prominent disciples.
Composition of the Tripitaka:
(1) Vinaya Pitaka (Basket of Discipline):
- Comprises the rules and guidelines for monastic discipline in the Buddhist community.
- Provides detailed instructions on the conduct and behavior expected from monks and nuns.
- Covers various aspects, including ethical guidelines, disciplinary codes, and procedures for resolving disputes.
- Offers insights into the monastic life, the organization of the Sangha (monastic community), and the role of the monastic code in maintaining harmony and ethical conduct.
(2) Sutta Pitaka (Basket of Discourses):
- Contains the discourses and teachings delivered by Gautama Buddha and his close disciples.
- Includes a vast collection of discourses covering a wide range of topics, such as ethics, meditation, philosophy, and social issues.
- Consists of individual suttas (discourses) grouped into different collections or Nikayas, such as the Digha Nikaya (Long Discourses), Majjhima Nikaya (Middle-Length Discourses), Samyutta Nikaya (Connected Discourses), and Anguttara Nikaya (Numerical Discourses).
- Presents the Buddha’s profound teachings on the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, dependent origination, and other core concepts of Buddhism.
(3) Abhidhamma Pitaka (Basket of Higher Teachings):
- Provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of Buddhist philosophy and psychology.
- Explores the nature of mind, consciousness, and reality in intricate detail.
- Presents the teachings in a more technical and analytical manner, offering an advanced understanding of Buddhist concepts.
- Divided into seven books, known as the Abhidhamma books, which delve into topics such as consciousness, mental factors, elements, and the path to liberation.
- Offers a deep exploration of the ultimate nature of existence and the workings of the mind.
Features and Characteristics
- Authenticity and Authority: The Tripitaka is regarded as the most authoritative and authentic collection of Buddhist scriptures in the Theravada tradition.
- Canonical Language: The texts are primarily written in Pali, an ancient Indian language close to the language spoken during the Buddha’s time.
- Extensive Coverage: The Tripitaka covers a wide range of topics, offering comprehensive guidance for practitioners in various aspects of life.
- Preservation of Early Buddhist Teachings: The Tripitaka is believed to preserve the original teachings of the Buddha, providing insights into his wisdom and teachings.
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