Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) aims to clean the Ganga River by treating sewage generated in five major states through sewage treatment plants (STPs) and sewerage networks.
- Over seven years, NMCG has achieved 20% sewage treatment capacity, with a target of 60% by December 2026.
About National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
| Objective |
Restore and rejuvenate the Ganga River and its tributaries, ensuring their ecological and geological health |
| Formation Year |
2014 |
| Nodal Agency |
Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India |
| Coverage |
Encompasses Ganga and its major tributaries |
| Key Areas |
Pollution control, riverfront development, biodiversity conservation, afforestation, and public awareness |
| Projects |
Ghat and crematoria development, sewage treatment plants, river surface cleaning, and more |
| Holistic Approach |
Integrates various government initiatives, stakeholders, and public participation |
| Collaborations |
Partnerships with state governments, NGOs, international agencies, and private sector |
| Legal Measures |
National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) established for river protection |
| Significance |
Addresses ecological, social, and cultural aspects while ensuring sustainable water quality |
Current and Future Sewage Treatment Capacity
- As of now, NMCG treats about 20% of sewage generated in the Ganga river basin.
- The treatment capacity is projected to reach 33% by 2024 and 60% by December 2026.
- Sewage generation is estimated at 11,765 million litres per day (MLD) across five states: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Role of NMCG
- NMCG aims to prevent untreated sewage from flowing into the Ganga River.
- The 11,765 MLD projection includes sewage generated within the states but not necessarily flowing into the river.
- NMCG’s plan includes setting up 7,000 MLD sewage treatment capacity by 2026.
Projects and Progress
- STPs and sewerage networks constitute about 80% of the NMCG project.
- By July 2023, functional STPs treat 2,665 MLD, with 1,455 MLD added in the last financial year.
- Delayed projects resulted from land acquisition issues and revisions in Detailed Project Reports.
State-wise Distribution
- Most STPs are in Uttarakhand (36), followed by Uttar Pradesh (35) and West Bengal (11).
- Despite NMCG’s ₹20,000 crore budget, in-principle approval has been given for projects worth ₹37,396 crore, with ₹14,745 crore released for infrastructure work by June 2023.
Conclusion
- NMCG’s progress signifies a positive trajectory in Ganga River restoration, reflected in improved water quality and enhanced aquatic life.
- The mission’s efforts continue to tackle sewage treatment challenges and promote cleaner water resources.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: India-Greece Relations
Central Idea
- PM Modi recently visited Greece to elevate bilateral ties to the level of strategic partnership.
- No Indian PM has visited Greece since 1983.
- Greece awarded the Indian PM with “The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour” (its second highest civilian award).
India and Greece Ties: A Historic Backgrounder
- India’s engagement with Greece spans over 2500 years, marked by trade, literature, and art interactions.
- Trade links and cultural exchanges existed between Mauryan Kings and Greece, evidenced by coinage and writings.
- Alexander the Great’s invasion in 326 BC led to interactions with Indian rulers, including battles with Raja Porus and Ambhi.
- Chanakya’s writings mention Megasthenes, an ambassador, in Chandragupta’s court.
- The fusion of Greek and Indian influences is visible in Gandhara Art.
Establishment of Modern Diplomatic Ties
- Diplomatic relations established in 1950.
- Embassies set up in Athens and Delhi, reflecting mutual cooperation.
- Greece respected India’s decisions on various internal matters and the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM).
- Collaboration on nuclear issues and international platforms showcased strong ties.
- Greece’s support for India on geopolitical and global matters.
Key Areas of Collaboration
(1) Defence and Security
- Enhancing collaboration in maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber security, and defence industry.
- Establishment of an India-Greece dialogue framework at the level of National Security Advisors (NSAs) for comprehensive discussions.
(2) Maritime Security and International Law
- A shared vision for a free, open, and rules-based Mediterranean Sea and Indo-Pacific.
- Pledged adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom of navigation.
(3) Culture and Tourism
- Commitment to promoting art exchanges and cooperation.
- Joint efforts to preserve and safeguard ancient sites are bolstered through collaboration within UNESCO.
(4) Trade and Investment
- The ambitious goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
- Exploration of opportunities in sectors including renewable energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and innovation.
(5) Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement (MMPA)
- Recognition of the mutual benefits of an early finalization of the MMPA.
- Aims to facilitate the free movement of the workforce between the two nations.
Recent Visit: An In-depth Analysis
- PM Modi’s visit marked the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years.
- Collaborative efforts focused on military cooperation, counter-terrorism, and cybersecurity.
- National Security Advisor-level dialogue was held to facilitate comprehensive discussions on mutual concerns.
- Both nations committed to maritime security, promoting free and open seas in the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific.
- Adherence to UNCLOS, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and navigation freedom are emphasized.
- Strengthening cooperation across defence, science, culture, tourism, and agriculture sectors.
- Greek membership in the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
Future Outlook
- Both leaders stressed cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections.
- PM Modi invited PM Mitsotakis to India, highlighting further deepening of relations.
- India-Greece ties play a significant role in the broader India-Europe commercial corridor plans.
- Shared vision for progress and commitment to diplomatic resolutions.
- Strengthening civilizational bonds through cultural interactions.
Conclusion
- The historical and modern India-Greece relations exhibit a strong foundation and evolving collaboration.
- Recent joint efforts underscore a robust partnership across various domains and a positive outlook for the future.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mercy Petitions
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 seeks to replace the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and introduces significant changes to the mercy petition process for death sentence cases.
- These changes impact core aspects like justiciability, time limits, and the execution process.
Background on Mercy Petitions
- The Constitution granted the President (Article 72) and Governor (Article 161) the power to grant pardons or commute sentences.
- In the Supreme Court’s ruling in Maru Ram vs. Union of India (1981), it was established that the President must act based on the Council of Ministers’ advice in mercy petitions.
New Mercy Petition Provision in BNSS
- Under BNSS Section 473(1), convicts can file mercy petitions within 30 days after specific events.
- Convicts can petition the President or Governor based on dismissal of appeals or confirmation of sentences.
- For cases with multiple convicts, they all must file petitions within 60 days.
Centre’s Role in Mercy Petitions
- The Centre seeks the state government’s comments, reviews the case, and makes recommendations to the President within 60 days.
- No time limit is specified for the President’s decision.
Exclusion of Appeals against President’s Decision
- BNSS Section 473(7) states that the President’s decisions on mercy petitions are final.
- Courts cannot question or review the grounds for President’s pardons or commutations.
- Unlike the Shatrughan Chauhan vs. Union of India (2014) ruling that mandated a 14-day gap between the rejection of mercy petitions and execution, BNSS doesn’t mention such a provision.
Delay in Mercy Petition Disposal
- The Shatrughan Chauhan case highlighted the need to avoid undue delay in mercy petition disposal.
- BNSS lacks a time limit for the President to decide mercy pleas.
Conclusion
- The proposed BNSS’s alterations to mercy petitions raise concerns about transparency, judicial review, and the protection of prisoners’ rights.
- Balancing constitutional powers with timely justice remains a challenge in these proposed changes.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mitakshara School of Law
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Supreme Court clarified that children born from void or voidable marriages can inherit the parent’s share in a joint Hindu family property governed by Mitakshara law.
- However, the inheritance rights are limited to the parent’s share and do not extend to other family members’ properties.
Mitakshara School of Law
| History |
Originated in ancient India; attributed to Vijnaneshvara, a 12th-century scholar |
| Focus |
Interpretation of Yajnavalkya Smriti in matters of family, property, and inheritance law |
| Ancestral Property |
Emphasis on joint family property and ancestral property rights |
| Inheritance |
Defines rules for succession and inheritance within Hindu families |
| Variations |
Different regional interpretations, including the “Dayabhaga” School |
| Regional Influence |
Widespread influence on Hindu legal practices, especially in property law |
| Development |
Evolved over time and influenced by legal reforms and societal changes |
| Modern Context |
Coexists with contemporary legal frameworks and personal laws |
| Significance |
Played a significant role in shaping Hindu family and property law |
Nature of Marriages and Law
- A voidable marriage is made invalid by the husband or wife through a decree.
- A void marriage is invalid from the beginning.
- Mitakshara Law of Succession applies to Hindu Undivided Families across India, except West Bengal and Assam.
Ruling Details
- The Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, clarified that the child from a void or voidable marriage cannot claim rights to other family members’ properties.
- The child’s inheritance rights pertain only to the parent’s share in the ancestral property.
- A “notional partition” is conducted to ascertain the parent’s share immediately before their death.
Inheritance Calculation
- The law assumes a partition of the ancestral property between the deceased parent and other family members before the parent’s death.
- The child’s inheritance is based on the share the parent would have received through this notional partition.
Legal Basis
- Section 16 of the Hindu Marriage Act grants legitimacy to children born from void or voidable marriages.
- The court held that these children have the right to their parents’ property.
- The intent of granting legitimacy to such children in the Hindu Marriage Act is reflected in the Hindu Succession Act.
Impact of Amendment
- The Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005, allows a deceased person’s share in a joint Hindu family property to devolve to heirs by testamentary or intestate succession.
- Before the amendment, devolution occurred only through survivorship.
- Equal rights of succession are now granted to women as well as men.
Background and Precedents
- The case was centered on Section 16(3) of the Hindu Marriage Act.
- In 2011, a Division Bench of the Supreme Court championed the rights of children born from illegitimate marriages to inherit their parents’ properties.
- The Division Bench emphasized that these children deserve the same rights as those born from valid marriages.
Conclusion
- The concept of legitimacy evolves with changing social norms.
- The court observed that what was considered illegitimate in the past may be legitimate today.
- Children born from void or voidable marriages should not be denied inheritance rights based on evolving social consensus.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Tibetan Democracy Day
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Tibetan Democracy Day on September 2 marks the founding of the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamshala.
- It signifies the establishment of Tibetan democracy after forced displacement.
Tibetan Govt in Exile: Historical Genesis
- In 1960, a year after Tibetans were displaced, the first elected representatives of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile were sworn in.
- His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s influence led to the enactment of the Tibetan constitution in 1963, emphasizing democracy.
Role of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA)
- The CTA, based in Dharamshala, manages over 100,000 Tibetan refugees globally.
- It is the heart of Tibetan self-governance and resilience.
- CTA’s Evolution:
- The first women representatives were elected in 1963 under the Tibetan constitution.
- In 1975, the CTA declared September 2 as the founding day of Tibetan democracy.
- The Charter of the Tibetans in exile was adopted in 1991, followed by the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission in 1992.
CTA’s Functioning
- The CTA, led by the President (Sikyong), operates through departments: Religion and Culture, Home, Finance, Education, Security, Information and International Relations, and Health.
- The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile has 45 members representing various aspects of the Tibetan community.
Leadership Transition
- The Dalai Lama’s shift to semi-retirement led to direct elections of the executive head, Kalön Tripa.
- In 2011, His Holiness delegated political authority to Sikyong, the President of the CTA.
Bodh Gaya’s Role
- In 1960, the first elected Tibetan representatives took their oaths in Bodh Gaya, marking the inception of the democratic system.
- Bodh Gaya played a pivotal role in the early days of Tibetan democracy.
India’s perception of Tibet
- India respects the Dalai Lama as a spiritual leader but does not officially recognize the CTA as a government.
- It balances diplomatic considerations while supporting Tibetan refugees.
Global Recognition
- The US stands as a vocal supporter, with bipartisan backing and specialized coordinators for Tibet.
- While global recognition is limited, Tibetans value India’s consistent support.
Back2Basics: Tibetan Buddhism
|
Description |
| Origin and Development |
Form of Vajrayana Buddhism; emerged in Tibetan Plateau and Himalayan regions |
| Tantric Practices |
Emphasizes rapid spiritual awakening through rituals, visualizations, and energy transformation |
| Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama |
Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) is spiritual leader; Panchen Lama is also significant |
| Monastic Traditions |
Strong monastic presence; monks and nuns preserve teachings and meditate |
| Deity Pantheon |
Diverse deities representing enlightenment qualities; depicted in mandalas and thangkas |
| Prayer Flags and Wheels |
Flags convey prayers; wheels accumulate merit and blessings |
| Reincarnation and Tulku System |
Belief in reincarnation; system to identify tulkus (reincarnated lamas) |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nagorno-Karabakh region
Mains level: Usual crisis in the middle east and caucasus region
Central Idea
- Three Armenian soldiers have been killed in firing from Azerbaijan as tensions between the two countries persist.
Consider this PYQ:
Q.The area is known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events related to: (CSP 2015)
a) Central Asia
b) Middle East
c) South-East Asia
d) Central Africa
Post your answers here.
What is the dispute?
- Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway region that is inside Azerbaijan but is run by ethnic Armenians, declared martial law and mobilized their male populations.
- Armenia said Azerbaijan had carried out an air and artillery attack on Nagorno-Karabakh.
Epicentre: The Nagorno-Karabakh region
- Nagorno-Karabakh broke away from Azerbaijan in a conflict that broke out as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.
- A ceasefire was agreed in 1994 after thousands of people were killed and many more displaced.
- Azerbaijan and Armenia frequently accuse each other of attacks around Nagorno-Karabakh and along the separate Azeri-Armenian frontier.
Economics behind the clashes
- The clashes prompted a flurry of diplomacy to prevent a new flare-up of a decades-old conflict between majority Christian Armenia and mainly Muslim Azerbaijan.
- Pipelines shipping Caspian oil and natural gas from Azerbaijan to the world pass close to Nagorno-Karabakh.
- The clashes have raised concerns about instability in the South Caucasus, a corridor for pipelines transporting oil and gas to world markets.
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