Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gurez Valley
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The high-altitude passes within the Gurez valley, located in northern Kashmir, are now linked to the Mushkoh valley in the Drass Sector of Kargil, Ladakh. This region was a significant site during the 1999 war.
- The newly established 130-kilometer road has been opened to tourists, and one of its highest passes, Kaobal Gali, situated at an elevation of 4,166.9 meters in Gurez, serves as the vital link connecting these two valleys.
About Gurez Valley
- Found in the Kashmir valley, Gurez is positioned near the Line of Control, which separates it from Pakistan-administered Kashmir’s Astore and Neelum districts.
- The local inhabitants are primarily ethnic Dards/Shins who speak the Shina language and share similar dress and cultural traditions with their counterparts in Pakistani-administered Gilgit-Baltistan.
- The Buduaab village within Gurez valley is known for its Zumba yak, a smaller breed compared to other yaks.
- Gurez valley played a significant role in the Kargil war.
- It is closely situated to the Line of Control (LoC), with the Kishanganga river delineating the border in multiple areas.
- Unique to the Gurez valley is the presence of villages constructed entirely of log houses, devoid of modern urban construction materials.
- The region boasts diverse fauna and wildlife, including species such as the Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, ibex, musk deer, and marmots.
- With approximately 38,000 inhabitants, the Gurez valley has already welcomed an impressive 50,000 tourists this year.
Back2Basisc: Mushkoh Valley
- Located in Dras, Ladakh, the Mushkoh valley is also renowned as the “valley of wild tulips.”
- The valley gained notoriety due to the fierce battle at Tiger Hill during a conflict between India and Pakistan, resulting in numerous casualties on both sides.
- Mushkoh valley’s meadows are adorned with vibrant wild tulip flowers, and it is home to the endangered Himalayan yew.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Sikh Diaspora
Central Idea
- Canadian PM recently shared evidence with India, alleging the involvement of Indian agents in the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
- This claim triggered a diplomatic stand-off between Canada and India, with India accusing Canada of sheltering Khalistani terrorists and extremists.
Sikh Diaspora in Canada
- Significant Population: According to the 2021 Canadian census, Sikhs account for 2.1% of Canada’s population, making Canada home to the largest Sikh population outside India.
- Historical Migration: Sikhs have been migrating to Canada for over a century, primarily driven by their involvement in the British Empire’s armed services.
- Expansion of the Empire: Wherever the British Empire expanded, Sikhs migrated, including countries in the Far East and East Africa.
Early Years of Sikh Migration
- Queen Victoria’s Jubilee: Sikh migration to Canada began in 1897 during Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Kesur Singh, a Risaldar Major in the British India Army, is considered one of the first Sikh settlers to arrive in Canada that year.
- Laborers and Sojourners: The first significant wave of Sikh migration to Canada occurred in the early 1900s, with most migrants working as laborers in British Columbia’s logging industry and Ontario’s manufacturing sector.
- Intent to Remit: Many of the early Sikh immigrants were sojourners, intending to stay for only a few years and remit their savings back to India.
Challenges and Pushback
- Hostility and Prejudice: Sikh migrants faced hostility from locals who perceived them as job competitors. They also encountered racial and cultural prejudices.
- Tightened Regulations: Due to mounting public pressure, the Canadian government imposed stringent regulations, such as requiring Asian immigrants to possess a specified sum of money and arrive only via a continuous journey from their country of origin.
- Komagata Maru Incident: In 1914, the Komagata Maru incident occurred, where a ship carrying 376 South Asian passengers, mostly Sikhs, was detained in Vancouver for two months and then forced to return to Asia. This incident resulted in fatalities.
Turning Point after World War II
- Relaxing Immigration Policy: After World War II, Canada’s immigration policy shifted for several reasons, including a commitment to the United Nations’ stance against racial discrimination, economic expansion, and a need for laborers.
- Importance of Human Capital: Canada turned to third-world countries for the import of human capital, leading to a decline in European immigration.
- Points System: In 1967, Canada introduced the ‘points system,’ focusing on skills as the main criterion for non-dependent relatives’ admission, eliminating racial preferences.
Conclusion
- The history of Sikh migration to Canada spans over a century, marked by challenges, prejudice, and policy changes.
- Today, Canada is home to a thriving Sikh community, showcasing the transformative journey from early struggles to a more inclusive and skill-based immigration system.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nilgiri Tahr
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- In a continued effort to conserve the Nilgiri Tahr, Tamil Nadu launched Project Nilgiri Tahr last year.
- Now, the state is focusing on establishing a standardized protocol with Kerala for counting the population of this endangered species.
About Nilgiri Tahr
IUCN Conservation Status: Endangered
Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I
- It is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in Southern India.
- It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
- The Nilgiri tahr inhabits the open montane grassland habitat of the South Western Ghats montane rain forests eco-region.
- At elevations from 1,200 to 2,600 metres (3,900 to 8,500 ft), the forests open into grasslands interspersed with pockets of stunted forests, locally known as sholas.
- Eravikulam National Park is home to the largest population of this Tahr.
- It is estimated that there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahrs in the wild. It has become locally extinct in around 14% of its traditional shola forest-grassland habitat.
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Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project
- Under The Nilgiri Tahr project, TN government plans to develop a better understanding of the Nilgiri Tahr population through-
- Surveys and radio telemetry studies;
- Reintroduce the Tahrs to their historical habitat;
- Address proximate threats; and
- Increase public awareness of the species.
- The project is to be implemented from 2022 to 2027.
- Furthermore, October 7 will be celebrated as ‘Niligiri Tahr Day’ in honour of E.R.C. Davidar, who was responsible for pioneering one of the first studies of the species in 1975.
Historic significance of Nilgiri Tahr
- There are multiple references to the Nilgiri Tahr in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to 2,000 years.
- The late Mesolithic (10,000-4,000 BC) paintings highlight the significance of the Tahr in folklore, culture and life.
- It was designated as the State animal in recognition of its ecological and cultural significance.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Debt
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Record High: The Institute of International Finance (IIF) reported that global debt reached an all-time high of $307 trillion by the end of June 2023, marking an increase of about $100 trillion over the last decade.
- Debt-GDP Ratio: After seven consecutive quarters of decline, global debt as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) has started rising again, reaching 336%.
Understanding Global Debt
- Global debt encompasses borrowings by governments (sovereign), private businesses, and individuals.
- Governments borrow to cover various expenses and pay interest on past debts, while the private sector borrows primarily for investments.
Drivers of Rising Global Debt
- Historical Trend: Both nominal global debt and the debt-to-GDP ratio have been steadily increasing over the years. The pandemic briefly halted this trend as economic activity slowed, but debt levels have been on the rise again.
- Advanced Economies: Over 80% of the first-half increase in global debt came from advanced economies like the U.S., the U.K., Japan, and France. Among emerging markets, China, India, and Brazil saw substantial debt growth.
- Surge Amid Rising Interest Rates: Despite expectations of declining demand for loans due to rising interest rates, global debt increased by $10 trillion in the first half of 2023. This trend is not unusual as increased savings often lead to higher debt levels when channelled into investments.
Inflation’s Impact on Debt
- Unique Trend: More intriguing than rising debt levels is the preceding seven consecutive quarters of declining global debt as a share of GDP before 2023.
- Inflation’s Role: The IIF attributes this decline to price inflation, which allowed governments to erode their debts denominated in local currencies through inflation. This process, known as inflating away debt, involves central banks creating new currency to pay off government debt, indirectly taxing the economy through rising prices.
Causes for Concern
- Debt Sustainability: Rising global debt levels often raise concerns about debt sustainability, especially in the case of government debt driven by reckless borrowing for populist programs.
- Impact of Rising Interest Rates: As central banks raise interest rates to combat inflation, governments with heavy debt burdens may struggle to service their debt. Rising rates could lead to defaults or attempts to inflate away the debt.
- IIF Warning: The IIF warns that the global financial infrastructure is ill-prepared to handle unsustainable domestic debt levels.
- Private Debt Concerns: Rapidly increasing private debt levels also raise alarms as they are often linked to unsustainable booms that can culminate in economic crises, particularly when such lending lacks genuine savings.
- Looming Financial Crisis: The 2008 global financial crisis serves as a recent example of an economic boom fueled by easy credit policies, such as those by the U.S. Federal Reserve, preceding an economic downturn.
Conclusion
- The surge in global debt warrants attention, given its potential implications for economic stability, sustainability, and the capacity of financial systems to address mounting debt challenges.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: OSIRIS-REx Mission
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The NASA OSIRIS-REx mission has achieved a significant milestone by successfully returning to Earth with an estimated 250 grams (8.8 ounces) of material gathered from the surface of an asteroid.
- These precious samples hold the potential to provide critical insights into differentiating authentic asteroid-origin materials from potential terrestrial contaminants or alterations across various meteorite types.
OSIRIS-REx Mission
(a) Mission Launch and Journey:
- OSIRIS-REx embarked on its journey when it was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in 2016.
- Over a span of two years, it traversed space to reach Bennu, a carbon-rich asteroid nestled between Earth and Mars.
(b) Orbiting Bennu:
- The spacecraft reached its destination, Bennu, in December 2018.
- It spent two years in orbit around the asteroid, conducting a comprehensive suite of measurements.
- These measurements encompassed critical aspects such as Bennu’s mass, density, albedo, surface composition, and particle environment.
- The landing site chosen on Bennu was named “Nightingale.”
(c) Notable Discoveries:
- During the reconnaissance phase, the OSIRIS-REx mission uncovered several intriguing findings:
- Bennu is classified as an active asteroid, periodically ejecting material from its surface.
- The surface of Bennu exhibited a considerably rougher terrain than initially expected, featuring numerous boulders exceeding ten meters in diameter.
- Bennu’s bulk density was found to be lower than anticipated, suggesting the presence of substantial empty space within the asteroid’s structure.
- Surface features on Bennu indicated signs of past aqueous activity, and the asteroid’s rotation was observed to be accelerating due to the YORP effect.
Previous such missions
- Previous space missions like Japan’s Hayabusa and Hayabusa2, as well as China’s Chang’e 5, have made substantial contributions to our understanding of celestial bodies and their compositions.
- The return of asteroid samples by OSIRIS-REx marks NASA’s first sample return mission since Stardust in 2006 and Genesis in 2004.
Significance of Sample Return
- The return of material directly from celestial sources, such as asteroids, comets, the solar wind, and the Moon, holds immense scientific significance.
- It provides the means to answer questions that lie beyond the scope of remote observations, landers, rovers, or even meteorites.
- Collecting samples directly from the source ensures the preservation of intricate details that may otherwise be lost during a meteorite’s passage through Earth’s atmosphere and subsequent impact.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Draft Patent Amendment Rules
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- On August 23, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade in India unveiled draft patent amendment rules.
- These changes, if enacted, may have significant implications for pharmaceutical companies and patients, particularly in the global South.
Draft Patent Amendment Rules: Key takeaways
- Financial Burden: A notable modification is the introduction of variable fees for filing pre-grant oppositions, potentially placing a substantial financial burden on civil society organizations and patient groups.
- Maintainability Decision: Of particular concern is the provision granting the controller the authority to determine the maintainability of representation by individuals or civil society organizations seeking to file pre-grant oppositions.
Impact on Public Health Safeguards
- Key Public Health Safeguard: Pre-grant opposition serves as a crucial public health safeguard against practices like patent evergreening and the granting of unwarranted monopolies. It ensures continued accessibility to quality-assured and affordable generic medicines.
- Lobbying for Weakened Safeguards: The draft amendment rules have raised concerns that they may undermine these safeguards and potentially extend patent protection on frivolous grounds. Big pharmaceutical companies have long lobbied to remove critical safeguards from India’s patent laws.
Critiques and Concerns
- Lack of Rational Basis: Critics argue that the rules’ provision for controller-determined maintainability lacks a rational basis and may create more problems. Without clear guidelines, decisions on the eligibility of pre-grant opposition filers could become arbitrary.
- Favouring Corporations: Some believe that the government is aligning with pharmaceutical companies’ interests, as these corporations often seek to limit pre-grant opposition.
- Unique Provision at Risk: Pre-grant opposition, an exceptional provision within the Indian Patent Act, has been crucial in protecting public health interests. Weakening this provision could have dire consequences for patients and the generic drug industry.
Precedents of Successful Opposition
- Past Precedents: Pre-grant opposition filed by patient groups and civil society organizations has led to the rejection of patent extensions pursued by pharmaceutical companies based on weak claims of “novel invention.”
- Notable Instances: Examples include opposition to patents for drugs like Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), Nevirapine, Glivec (imatinib mesylate), Zidovudine/Lamivudine (HIV medicines), and Lopinavir/Ritonavir (HIV medicines).
Potential Ramifications
- Global Implications: The proposed changes could disproportionately impact patients in India and the global South, who heavily rely on India’s production of affordable generic drugs and vaccines.
- Threat to Access: Weakening pre-grant opposition may impede access to essential medicines, putting patients at risk and affecting the generic drug industry.
- Concerns Raised: Experts emphasize that any erosion of this provision within the Indian Patent Act would be a significant change, jeopardizing patients’ ability to access affordable medications and enabling pharmaceutical corporations to exert greater control over the market.
Conclusion
- The draft patent amendment rules have sparked concerns that they may undermine essential safeguards, potentially benefiting pharmaceutical giants while posing a threat to patients’ access to affordable medicines.
- The pivotal role of pre-grant opposition in safeguarding public health interests is at risk, raising questions about the impact on patients in India and beyond.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Tripitaka
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- A team from Buddhavanam Theme Park in Hyderabad embarked on a significant visit to Sri Lanka.
- Their destination: the third-century BC Buddhist rock-cut caves at Mathale, situated on the Colombo-Kandy route.
Why such move?
- The team noted that the teachings of Lord Buddha, known as Tripitaka (Sutra, Vinaya, and Abhidhamma pitakas), were originally transmitted orally.
- However, it was under the auspices of Sri Lankan king Devanampiya Tissa, a contemporary of King Asoka, that these teachings were written on palm leaves in Sri Lanka.
- This event marked the advent of Buddhist literature in India.
About 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 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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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Lokmanya' Tilak and associated facts, role, contribution etc
Mains level: Lokmanya Tilak's vision, Nationalistic Ideals, role, contribution
What’s the news?
- The ten-day Ganesh festival, commencing on September 19, is celebrated nationwide with mass participation, a transformation attributed to Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s 19th-century efforts, now symbolizing India’s unity and resilience.
Central idea
- The ten-day Ganesh festival is a spectacle of devotion and festivity celebrated with enthusiasm across India, particularly in the western regions. This grand public event, characterized by mass participation, owes its transformation from a one-day private affair to a colossal celebration to the visionary nationalist leader, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, fondly known as Lokmanya or the Leader of the People.
Tilak’s Nationalistic Ideals
- Advocated Swaraj (self-rule) with unwavering commitment: Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a visionary leader who firmly believed in India’s right to self-rule. At a time when many nationalist leaders were seeking concessions from the British, Tilak boldly asserted that India should have full self-governance, known as Swaraj, as its birthright.
- Fearlessly criticized British exploitation in India: Tilak was an outspoken critic of British colonial rule in India. He fearlessly highlighted the exploitation, economic hardships, and cultural subjugation faced by Indians under British rule.
- Promoted modern civil and political rights: Tilak advocated for the modernization of India’s political and civil rights. He argued for greater political participation and civil liberties for Indians, emphasizing the need for Indians to have the same rights as citizens of other nations.
- Gained popularity through fiery rhetoric and direct language: Tilak’s communication style was marked by fiery rhetoric and direct language. He used newspapers and public speeches to communicate his ideas to a wide audience.
Tilak’s Leadership and Vision
- Emerged as a prominent mass leader in India’s anti-colonial movement: Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s leadership during the late 19th and early 20th centuries made him one of the most prominent figures in India’s anti-colonial struggle.
- Iconic declaration: Tilak’s famous declaration, Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it, encapsulated his determination and became a rallying cry for the Indian independence movement.
- Effectively mobilized people against British rule: Tilak’s leadership was instrumental in mobilizing people against British colonial rule. He organized protests, public meetings, and social and cultural events that galvanized support for the nationalist cause.
- Utilized Hindu imagery and symbolism in political campaigns: Tilak recognized the power of symbolism in political mobilization. He used Hindu imagery and symbolism to appeal to the cultural and religious sentiments of the majority of Indians.
The Transformation of the Ganesh Festival
- Shifted the Ganesh festival from a one-day private event: Before Tilak’s intervention, the Ganesh festival was a one-day private affair largely observed by Brahmins and upper castes. However, in 1893, Tilak initiated a transformative change by expanding the festival into a ten-day community celebration.
- Introduced community Ganpati worship in 1893: Tilak introduced the concept of community Ganpati worship during the Ganesh festival, allowing people from all social strata to participate in the festivities.
- Incorporated patriotic songs and propagated nationalist ideas: Under Tilak’s guidance, the Ganesh festival became a platform for singing patriotic songs and propagating nationalist ideas.
- Formation of Ganesh festival societies and increased youth participation: Tilak’s efforts led to the establishment of Ganesh festival societies across Maharashtra, encouraging youth participation and instilling a sense of pride, valor, and patriotism among the youth.
Shivaji Festival and Boycott Campaign
- Initiated the Shivaji festival in 1896 to inspire nationalism: In addition to the Ganesh festival, Tilak introduced the Shivaji festival in 1896 to celebrate the legacy of the Maratha king Shivaji and inspire nationalist sentiments among young Maharashtrians.
- Celebrated the legacy of Maratha King Shivaji: The Shivaji festival paid tribute to Shivaji’s role in resisting foreign rule and promoting Swaraj, instilling pride in Maharashtrians.
- Organized a campaign in Maharashtra to boycott foreign cloth: In 1896, Tilak organized a campaign in Maharashtra to boycott foreign cloth in response to the imposition of an excise duty on cotton by the British colonial administration.
- Efforts galvanized support for the nationalist cause: Both the Shivaji festival and the boycott campaign were instrumental in galvanizing support for the nationalist cause.
Controversies and Criticisms
- Accused of introducing a communal aspect to the freedom struggle: Tilak faced criticism for allegedly introducing communal elements into the freedom struggle, particularly during the communal clashes of 1893.
- Maintained a conservative stance on women’s emancipation and caste reforms: Tilak’s conservative positions on women’s rights and caste reforms were points of contention.
- Criticize the British for favoring Muslims due to fears of a Hindu majority: During the communal clashes of 1893, Tilak accused the British of being partisan towards Muslims out of fear of a growing Hindu majority.
- Left a complex legacy with an enduring impact on India’s nationalist movement: Despite the controversies and criticisms, Bal Gangadhar Tilak left a complex but indelible legacy in India’s struggle for independence, shaping the course of the nationalist movement.
Conclusion
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s vision and leadership and his efforts to unite and instill nationalist fervor through this festival continue to shape the way it is celebrated today. Ganesh Chaturthi stands as a symbol of India’s unity and resilience in the face of colonial rule, thanks to the foresight of Lokmanya’ Tilak.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Read the attached story
Mains level: Women’s Reservation Bill
What’s the news?
- In a historic move, Parliament passed the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Amendment) Bill, commonly referred to as the women’s reservation Bill.
Central idea
- The Indian Parliament recently ratified the Constitution (128th Amendment) Bill. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, as the bill is called, seeks to reserve one-third of all seats for women in the Lok Sabha, the State Legislative Assemblies. The bill received overwhelming support in both houses of Parliament and now awaits presidential assent to become law.
What does the bill say?
- Reservation for Women: The primary objective of the bill is to provide 33% reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies across India. This means that one-third of the total seats in these legislative bodies would be reserved exclusively for women candidates.
- Applicability to SCs and STs: The reservation for women extends to seats that are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies as well. This ensures that women from marginalized communities also have an opportunity to participate in the political process.
- Rotational Reservation: The bill stipulates that the seats reserved for women will be rotated after each delimitation exercise. Delimitation involves the adjustment of territorial boundaries and the allocation of seats based on population changes. This rotation ensures that women candidates have a chance to represent different constituencies over time.
The groundwork for the Women’s Reservation Bill
- The foundation for the Women’s Reservation Bill was established with the enactment of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1993.
- These amendments introduced the concept of panchayats and urban local bodies into the Indian Constitution.
- Notably, these amendments mandated a one-third (33%) reservation for women in these local governing bodies.
- This marked a significant step toward increasing women’s representation in grassroots politics.
- Building on the provisions of the 73rd and 74th Amendments, some states took progressive steps to further enhance women’s political participation.
- For example, Bihar became the first state to provide 50% reservation for women in panchayat bodies in 2006.
- Over time, more than 20 states adopted a 50% reservation for women at the panchayat level.
- Studies on Women’s Leadership:
- Academic research conducted during this period shed light on the positive influence of women’s leadership in political bodies.
- For example, a 2001 study by Raghabendra Chattopadhyay and Esther Duflo in West Bengal found that women leaders tended to invest more in infrastructure directly relevant to the needs of rural women, such as water supply, fuel availability, and roads.
- Another study conducted in Maharashtra highlighted how all-women panchayats prioritized women’s issues, showcasing the potential benefits of women’s representation in politics.
Previous attempts in the parliament over the years
- The Women’s Reservation Bill, also known as the 81st Constitution Amendment Bill, was first introduced in the Lok Sabha in 1996 by the Deve Gowda-led United Front government. This bill proposed reserving one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for women.
- It was referred to a Joint Committee for recommendations but failed to receive approval in the Lok Sabha. The bill lapsed with the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
- In 1998, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led National Democratic Alliance government reintroduced the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha.
- However, like the previous attempt, it also lapsed after the government fell in 1999.
- 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2003:
- The Women’s Reservation Bill was reintroduced in the Lok Sabha multiple times between 1999 and 2003.
- However, it faced resistance and failed to secure passage during these years.
- In 2010, the Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government tabled the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of Parliament). This bill aimed to reserve one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for women.
- However, the bill was never taken up for consideration in the Lok Sabha and lapsed with the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha.
Critical issues and concerns raised by the opposition
- Delay Due to Delimitation:
- The primary concern raised by the opposition is the linkage of women’s reservations with the periodic delimitation exercise. The last delimitation order was issued in 2008, and there is a freeze on seat readjustment until the figures of the first Census held after 2026 become available.
- This has raised concerns that women’s reservations might not be implemented until the 2031 Census figures are available, causing a potential prolonged delay.
- Another significant issue raised by the Opposition is the absence of a separate reservation for OBCs in the Women’s Reservation Bill.
- While the bill provides reservations for SCs and STs, it does not include a specific provision for OBCs, despite their significant population representation.
Assurance and suggestions
- Amit Shah’s Assurance: Home Minister Amit Shah informed Parliament that the census and delimitation exercise would be conducted immediately after the general election due in 2024. This implies that the delimitation process, which has been a concern regarding potential delays in implementing women’s reservations, would be expedited.
- Owaisi’s Suggestion: Asaduddin Owaisi and Syed Imtiyaz Jaleel of the AIMIM suggested that the bill should incorporate separate quotas for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Muslim women, as these communities are underrepresented in Parliament and legislative assemblies.
Way forward
- Timely Delimitation: The government can work on conducting the delimitation exercise promptly after the general election due in 2024, as stated by Home Minister Amit Shah. This would ensure that women’s reservation becomes a reality sooner.
- Inclusive Consultations: The concerns regarding the absence of a separate reservation for OBCs should be addressed through inclusive consultations and discussions with political parties and stakeholders.
- Research and Data: Continued research on the impact of women’s reservation at various levels of governance can provide evidence of its positive effects.
- Political Consensus: Building consensus among political parties and garnering bipartisan support for the Women’s Reservation Bill is essential. This can be achieved through dialogue, negotiations, and compromise to address the concerns of different parties.
Conclusion
- The passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill is a significant step toward promoting gender equality and women’s participation in the Indian political landscape. While it faces challenges related to delimitation and OBC representation, its historical context and potential benefits make it a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards inclusive and representative governance.
Also read:
Women’s share in Assemblies less than 10% in 20 States
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Delhi declaration , India-Middle East-Europe Corridor
Mains level: India's G- 20 presidency, Diplomatic win, key outcomes, IMEC and its significance
What’s the news?
- A historic shift in Saudi policy and key global developments raise prospects for peace; Israel’s absence at the 2023 G-20 summit draws attention.
Central idea
- The 2023 G-20 summit, held under India’s presidency, demonstrated India’s ability to address complex global challenges despite the group’s limited economic focus. India’s success at the summit, marked by various outcomes, garnered global attention.
Key Outcomes
- Inclusion of the African Union: The G-20 welcomed the African Union, expanding its reach and global inclusivity.
- Clean Energy Initiative: India offered a tangible solution through a biofuel alliance, promoting clean energy globally.
- Substantial Aid for Asia-Africa: Increased aid for Asia-Africa cooperation was pledged, promoting development in the region.
- Economic Corridor Announcement: The most significant surprise was the announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, connecting India to Europe via the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel.
- The Delhi Declaration: A joint statement issued by all G-20 members emphasized the need for global cooperation in a fractured international order.
What is the Delhi Declaration?
- The Delhi Declaration is a joint statement issued during the 2023 G-20 Summit held under India’s presidency.
- It serves as a summary of the key agreements, commitments, and principles that member nations of the G-20, a group of major economies, endorse during the summit.
- The declaration typically addresses various global challenges, including economic issues, climate change, geopolitical concerns, and social development.
What makes the Delhi Declaration a diplomatic triumph?
- It is notable because it manages to garner the agreement of major world leaders, even in the context of international power struggles.
- Despite the absence of China’s President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the summit, India succeeded in obtaining their agreement for the declaration.
- This reflects India’s diplomatic acumen in bridging divides and fostering consensus among diverse nations.
- Unity Amidst Differences:
- The declaration manages to bring together countries with differing perspectives and interests. It is often challenging to find common ground on complex issues such as territorial disputes or geopolitical conflicts, but the Delhi Declaration demonstrates that the G-20 member nations can set aside differences to agree on a common agenda.
- This unity is seen as a diplomatic success in a world marked by division and discord.
- The Delhi Declaration strikes a balance between addressing global issues and not directly naming certain nations for their actions. In this case, it avoids naming Russia for its aggression against Ukraine but emphasizes the importance of upholding the United Nations charter and principles of territorial sovereignty.
- This balanced approach allows each member to find something in the declaration that aligns with their interests, contributing to its success.
- India’s diplomats and leadership employed effective diplomatic strategies in crafting the Delhi Declaration. By creating a text that caters to the interests of each member, they ensured that all participating nations could claim a win.
- This diplomatic skill in negotiation and consensus-building is viewed as a triumph for India’s presidency.
What is IMEC?
- The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is an economic initiative aimed at creating a strategic trade and transportation corridor that connects India with the Middle East and Europe.
- It was established through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the leaders of India, the United States, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Italy, and the EU on September 10 in New Delhi.
- IMEC envisions the development of a reliable and cost-effective transport network, including railways and ship-to-rail transit, to facilitate the movement of goods and services between India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and the European Union (EU).
- It seeks to offer an alternative route for trade between Asia and Europe, reducing transit times and logistics costs compared to existing maritime routes like the Suez Canal.
What makes this initiative a game-changer?
- Geopolitical Significance: The corridor’s establishment is seen as a transformative move in the geopolitics of the region. It directly challenges China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has been a major driver of China’s influence globally. By offering an alternative route and infrastructure, it diversifies strategic options for countries in the region and potentially reduces their reliance on the BRI.
- Economic Benefits: The corridor has the potential to significantly boost trade and economic ties between India and Europe, two major economic regions. It’s expected to stimulate economic growth, create opportunities for investment, and contribute to prosperity along the corridor.
- Improved Connectivity: The project enhances connectivity between regions, not only economically but also culturally. Enhanced connectivity can foster stability and cooperation among participating countries.
- Diplomatic Significance: India’s success in securing the participation of Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, underscores its diplomatic influence and the importance of its strategic relationships in the region.
- Global Recognition: The corridor’s announcement received international recognition, with leaders like U.S. President Joe Biden acknowledging its significance. This recognition highlights its potential to have a far-reaching impact on the global economic and geopolitical landscape.
- Regional Development: The corridor has the potential to be a catalyst for regional development. It could encourage investment in infrastructure, technology, and industries along the route, leading to job creation and improved living standards for local populations.
- Security Considerations: The corridor’s success is closely tied to regional stability and cooperation. It could incentivize countries in the Middle East, including Israel and Saudi Arabia, to work towards diplomatic normalization and conflict resolution. Achieving peace in the region is crucial for the corridor’s successful realization.
Israel’s Absence from the G-20 and Possible Factors
- Israel’s absence from the 2023 G-20 summit, despite its involvement in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor project, leads to questions about the reasons behind this decision.
- Diplomatic Normalization: Diplomatic normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia may have played a role. The economic corridor project might have been linked to diplomatic normalization efforts, delaying public recognition of Israel’s involvement until full normalization was achieved.
- Avoidance of Domestic Politics: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s failure to publicly acknowledge Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative for the economic corridor could be a result of domestic political considerations. Netanyahu might have wanted to avoid appearing too eager for diplomatic achievements, given his domestic political situation.
- U.S. Administration’s Preferences: The U.S. administration’s avoidance of Netanyahu for eight months due to domestic politics suggests that U.S. preferences or concerns might have influenced Israel’s role in the summit.
- Regional Sensitivities: The complexities of the Middle East and sensitivities surrounding Israel’s involvement with Middle Eastern countries might have influenced the host’s decision on the guest list for the summit.
Way Forward: A Push for Peace
- Saudi Arabia’s Diplomatic Shift: Saudi Arabia’s decision to end its diplomatic boycott of Israel signifies a historic opportunity for progress in the Middle East. This shift should be leveraged to promote peace and stability in the region.
- Influencing Other Nations: Saudi Arabia’s acceptance of Israel could serve as a positive example for other Muslim-majority nations. Efforts should be made to encourage countries like Pakistan, Indonesia, and Malaysia to engage in diplomatic relations with Israel, fostering broader regional cooperation.
- Conditional Diplomacy: Recognizing the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, diplomatic efforts should continue with a commitment to the two-state solution and the well-being of the Palestinian people as key conditions for acceptance. This approach acknowledges the need for a just and lasting resolution.
- Promoting Negotiations: The Peace Day Effort initiated by Saudi Arabia, supported by the Arab League and the European Union, offers a path to incentivize Israeli and Palestinian leaders to come to the negotiating table. International stakeholders should continue to support and facilitate these efforts.
- Addressing Extremism: While pursuing diplomacy, it is crucial to address extremism on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Counteracting extremism and promoting dialogue and reconciliation are essential components of any sustainable peace process.
Conclusion
- The 2023 G-20 summit under India’s presidency showcased India’s leadership in addressing global challenges. Israel’s absence raised questions, but the path to diplomatic normalization and peace in the Middle East may have played a role. As India continues to drive global cooperation, the world watches with anticipation.
Also read:
India-Middle East-Europe Corridor: The way to a new world order
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