Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- The 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) is set to take place in Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the region’s commitment to wildlife conservation, with a special focus on hornbills.
- This festival, scheduled from January 18-20, 2024, at Seijosa in the Pakke Kessang district, brings together diverse communities to unite in their efforts to protect these iconic birds and promote environmental awareness.
Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival
- Festival’s Theme: “Domutoh Domutoh, Paga hum Domutoh”
- Meaning: Translating to “Let Our Hornbills Remain” in the Nyishi language, this year’s theme underscores the critical importance of preserving these magnificent birds.
- Conservation Advocacy: PPHF serves as a platform to advocate for the protection of hornbill populations and their natural habitats.
Emphasis on Wildlife Conservation
- Hornbill Species: The Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Arunachal Pradesh is home to four hornbill species: Wreathed, Great Indian, Oriental Pied, and the endangered Rufous-necked hornbill.
- Nyishi Tribal Contribution: The festival recognizes the Nyishi, Arunachal Pradesh’s largest tribal group, for their pivotal role in hornbill conservation. They transitioned from hunting hornbills to becoming advocates for their preservation.
- Alternative Income: PPHF aims to generate alternative sources of income for the region and raise awareness about PTR and its surroundings, fostering economic development while preserving the environment.
Back2Basics: Great Indian Hornbill
- IUCN status: Vulnerable (uplisted from Near Threatened in 2018), CITES: Appendix I
- The great hornbill (Buceros bicornis) also known as the great Indian hornbill or great pied hornbill, is one of the larger members of the hornbill family.
- The great hornbill is long-lived, living for nearly 50 years in captivity.
- It is predominantly fruit-eating, but is an opportunist and preys on small mammals, reptiles and birds.
- Its impressive size and colour have made it important in many tribal cultures and rituals.
- A large majority of their population is found in India with a significant proportion in the Western Ghats and the Nilgiris.
- The nesting grounds of the birds in the Nilgiris North Eastern Range are also believed to support some of their highest densities.
- Referred to as ‘forest engineers’ or ‘farmers of the forest’ for playing a key role in dispersing seeds of tropical trees, hornbills indicate the prosperity and balance of the forest they build nests.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- In 2014, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences declared that “the 21st century will be lit by LED lamps,” recognizing the pivotal role of Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in shaping the future of lighting technology.
- This article delves into the fascinating world of diodes, LEDs, and their significance in modern technology.
Understanding Diodes
- Diode Basics: A diode is a small electronic component with two terminals, an anode and a cathode. Its primary function is to allow current flow in one direction only, thanks to a p-n junction.
- P-N Junction: A p-n junction consists of two adjacent materials: a p-type with positive charge-carriers called holes and an n-type with negative charge-carriers – electrons. Electrons can flow easily from the n-type to the p-type but not the other way, granting the diode its one-way current control.
- Anode and Cathode: The anode terminal is connected to the p-type material, while the cathode is connected to the n-type material. These terminals define the diode’s directionality.
Birth of Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
- Electroluminescence: LEDs are diodes that emit light. Electrons, with higher energy levels than holes, release energy when they occupy holes in the p-n junction. If this energy falls within the visible spectrum, light is emitted – a phenomenon known as electroluminescence.
- Band Gap: LEDs achieve specific light colors by ensuring that electron-hole recombination releases a precise amount of energy, determined by the band gap.
Significance of Band Gap
- Energy Levels: Electrons can only have distinct energy values and occupy particular energy levels. These electrons tend to occupy the lowest energy levels available, leading to conductors, insulators, and materials with a band gap.
- Band Gap’s Role: A band gap represents the energy threshold required for electrons to move from lower to higher energy levels, allowing materials to conduct electricity.
- LEDs and Band Gap: In LEDs, the energy emitted during electron-hole recombination corresponds to the band gap, determining the light’s color.
LED’s Color Palette
- Historical Context: Scientists developed red and green LEDs over four decades before achieving blue LEDs. The challenge lay in creating gallium nitride crystals with precise properties for electroluminescence.
- Primary Colors: LEDs can produce red, green, and blue light, offering a versatile color palette. Combining different LEDs enables a broad spectrum of colors on display boards and screens.
- Breakthrough: Japanese researchers, Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano, and Shuji Nakamura, made a significant breakthrough in the late 1980s, creating a bright blue LED using gallium nitride. Their achievement earned them the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics.
Advantages of LEDs
- Efficiency: LEDs outperform incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lamps in terms of luminous efficacy, emitting more light per watt of power.
- Durability: LEDs are highly durable, reducing material waste and maintenance costs.
- Diverse Applications: LEDs find applications in diverse fields, from consumer electronics and signage to greenhouse lighting and air quality monitoring.
- Color Versatility: LEDs can emit various colors and frequencies, catering to a wide range of applications.
Future Prospects
- Haitz’s Law: Similar to Moore’s law, LEDs have followed Haitz’s law, predicting cost reduction and increased light output over time.
- Innovations: Ongoing research explores skin-embedded LEDs, organic LEDs, and efficient LEDs made from perovskites, promising further advancements in lighting technology.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Thiruvalluvar Day
Mains level: NA
Introduction
- Thiruvalluvar, an eminent figure in Tamil culture, has recently stirred controversy over the representation of his image and attire by TN Governor and the CM.
About Thiruvalluvar Day
- Thiruvalluvar Day is usually celebrated either on the 15th or 16th of January in the state of Tamil Nadu.
- The day is quite similar to Raksha Bandhan where women pray for the well-being of their brothers.
- The women perform the rituals in the morning. Rice is put at the centre of a leaf as a part of the ritual while the women ask for the well-being of their brothers.
- This is followed by an Arati and turmeric water is sprinkled on the “kolam”.
Who was Thiruvalluvar?
- Thiruvalluvar, also known as Valluvar, is a revered Tamil poet-saint who holds a special place in the hearts of Tamils, transcending caste and religious boundaries.
- The exact period during which he lived and his religious affiliation remain subjects of debate.
- Some place him in the third or fourth century, while others date him to the eighth or ninth century.
- His religious identity varies, with some considering him a Hindu, some associating him with Jainism, and Dravidian groups regarding him as a saint due to his rejection of the caste system.
- Thirukkural, his principal work, consists of 1330 couplets (kurals) and is categorized into three parts, offering teachings on dharma (virtue), artha (wealth), and kama (love).
Significance of Robes
- Political Influence: Depictions of Thiruvalluvar, including his attire, have been molded by various political groups over time, despite limited historical information.
- Scholar Insights: Scholars suggest that Thiruvalluvar’s affiliation was likely Jain, not Hindu or Dravidian. His appearance, including white robes, is a relatively recent interpretation.
- Disputed Symbolism: The controversy surrounding the color of Thiruvalluvar’s robes stems from differing political agendas and interpretations of his verses.
Thiruvalluvar’s Relevance Today
- Archaeological Discoveries: Recent excavations at Keeladi near Madurai have pushed the history of Tamilagam (Sangam Era) back by at least 300 years, bolstering Dravidian historians’ assertions of their ancient heritage.
- Keeladi Context: The Keeladi findings have ignited debates between supporters of Hindutva and those upholding the Dravidian perspective. While no Hindu idols were found at Keeladi, interpretations vary on the presence of ‘Hindu’ elements.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Science Communication, Various initiatives mentioned
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- Science communication is an essential bridge between the scientific community and the public, fostering understanding, engagement, and informed decision-making.
- In India, the recent focus on communicating science, particularly during Chandrayaan-3 and the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the growing importance of this discipline.
- However, gaps and challenges persist in effectively conveying scientific information.
Role of Science Communication
- Science communication encompasses all aspects of conveying scientific knowledge, fostering discussions on ethical, societal, and political impacts, and engaging scientists and diverse audiences.
- In today’s context, it extends to sharing research findings, institutional outreach, and public engagement with science.
Contemporary Science Communication in India
- Government Initiatives: In 2021, the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) was established. National science funding agencies and research organizations actively engage in science communication through press releases, social media campaigns, exhibitions, and lectures.
- Growing Landscape: Science communication extends to research organizations, universities, social enterprises, non-profits, and art-science collaborations. It bridges journalism, education, outreach, and art with science.
Government-Led Efforts
India’s commitment to science communication dates back to the post-independence era. Key milestones include:
- Publications & Information Directorate (PID): Established in 1951 under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), PID published national science magazines to disseminate scientific knowledge.
- Birla Industrial and Technological Museum (1959): Focused on defining India’s scientific heritage and promoting science education.
- 42nd Amendment to the Constitution (1976): Introduced Article 51 A (h), emphasizing the development of a scientific temper among citizens.
- National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC): Formed during the sixth Five Year Plan (1980-1985), emphasizing the popularization of science.
- Vigyan Prasar (1989): An autonomous organization set up by the Department of Science and Technology to popularize science.
Addressing Challenges and Forging Ahead
To enhance science communication in India:
- Formal Education and Training: Introduce masters and doctoral programs in science communication. These programs will cultivate a cadre of skilled communicators attuned to India’s diverse contexts.
- Integration with Scientific Process: Encourage scientists to actively participate in science communication. This includes incorporating communication as part of research and rewarding scientists for their efforts.
- Large-Scale Strategy: Establish a professional organization that collaborates with government departments, stakeholders, and experts to create comprehensive science communication frameworks. These frameworks must span various disciplines, media formats, and demographic groups.
Conclusion
- Science communication plays a pivotal role in advancing scientific literacy, public engagement, and informed decision-making in India.
- By addressing current gaps and embracing a forward-looking approach, India can build a robust science communication ecosystem that effectively bridges the gap between science and society, empowering citizens and propelling scientific progress.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: KABIL, Lithium
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), has taken a significant step towards securing its strategic mineral supply by acquiring five lithium blocks in Argentina.
About KABIL
- Joint Venture: Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) is a Joint Venture Company established with the participation of three Central Public Sector Enterprises: National Aluminium Company Ltd. (NALCO), Hindustan Copper Ltd. (HCL), and Mineral Exploration Company Ltd. (MECL).
- Formation: KABIL was founded in 2019 with the primary objective of sourcing critical minerals like lithium and cobalt from overseas locations.
- Ministry Oversight: Under the purview of the Ministry of Mines, KABIL’s equity participation is distributed in the ratio of 40:30:30 among NALCO, HCL, and MECL, respectively.
Mission and Functions
- Strategic Mineral Security: KABIL’s core mission is to ensure India’s mineral security and achieve self-reliance in critical and strategic minerals. It identifies and acquires overseas mineral assets like lithium and cobalt.
- Functions: KABIL conducts the identification, acquisition, exploration, development, mining, and processing of strategic minerals abroad to meet the country’s commercial requirements.
- Exploration: It explores various avenues for sourcing minerals, including trading opportunities, governmental collaborations, strategic acquisitions, and investments in exploration and mining assets.
- Global Partnerships: KABIL fosters partnerships with mineral-rich countries worldwide, such as Australia, Africa, and South America, leveraging India’s expertise in exploration and mineral processing to create mutually beneficial economic opportunities.
Key Developments
- Argentina’s Lithium Resources: Argentina, along with Chile and Bolivia, forms the world’s “Lithium Triangle,” collectively possessing over half of the world’s lithium resources. Argentina stands out with its second-largest lithium resources, third-largest lithium reserves, and fourth-largest production globally.
- Block Acquisition: KABIL, a state-owned entity, has acquired Exploration and Exclusivity Rights for five lithium brine blocks in Argentina.
- Branch Office in Argentina: KABIL is gearing up to establish a branch office in Catamarca, Argentina, further emphasizing its commitment to the project.
Significance of this acquisition
- Strategic Significance: This groundbreaking endeavour holds paramount importance for India’s transition towards green energy solutions. Lithium, often referred to as ‘white gold,’ is integral for various applications, including energy storage solutions, mobile phone batteries, and electric vehicles (EVs).
- Reducing Import Dependency: India’s lithium requirements, valued at around ₹24,000 crore, are primarily met through imports, with a significant portion originating from China.
- Unlocking Technical Expertise: The Union Minister for Mines, highlights that this initiative not only addresses India’s lithium sourcing needs but also brings valuable technical and operational experience in brine-type lithium exploration, exploitation, and extraction.
Conclusion
- India’s acquisition of lithium blocks in Argentina through KABIL represents a monumental stride towards securing its strategic mineral supply.
- This initiative not only strengthens India’s position in the global lithium market but also aligns with its commitment to sustainable and self-reliant energy solutions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NEDL
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated the revision of the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL), acknowledging the evolving healthcare landscape since its first release in 2019.
- This move aims to optimize the availability of essential diagnostic tests across all tiers of healthcare facilities in India.
What is NEDL?
- Inception: The NEDL extends and builds upon initiatives like the Free Diagnostics Service Initiative (FDI) under which was launched in July 2015 under National Health Mission (NHM).
- Comprehensive List: The NEDL is designed to cater to all levels of healthcare, including village-level healthcare, primary care, secondary care, and tertiary care facilities.
- Scope of Tests: The NEDL focuses on diagnostic tests essential for diseases with significant burdens, such as vector-borne diseases (Malaria, Dengue, Filariasis, Chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis), as well as Leptospirosis, Brucellosis, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis (A, B, C, and E), HIV, and Syphilis. Specific tests are marked as desirable, recommended for regions or states with high disease prevalence.
- In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD): Alongside diagnostic tests, the NEDL recommends corresponding In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) products, which are tests conducted on samples like blood or tissue taken from the human body.
- Regulatory Guidance: The NEDL includes a comprehensive guidance document on the “Regulatory framework for diagnostics: National and International.”
- Human Resources: It also recommends the allocation of human resources, such as ASHA workers, lab technicians, and pathologists, tailored to the proposed list of diagnostics for different healthcare levels.
Significance of NEDL
- Quality Assurance: The availability of quality-assured diagnostics enhances the optimal utilization of the Essential Medicine List (EML).
- SDG Achievement: Implementation of the NEDL contributes to the realization of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.8, aiming for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
- Enhanced Healthcare: The NEDL facilitates evidence-based healthcare, improving patient outcomes, reducing out-of-pocket expenses, and ensuring the effective use of public health facilities. It aids in disease burden assessment, trend analysis, surveillance, outbreak identification, and addressing antimicrobial resistance.
- Standardization and R&D: The NEDL encourages the standardization of technology and diagnostic services, fostering research and development (R&D) for innovative diagnostics, ultimately leading to cost reduction.
Revisiting the List: Careful Consideration Process
- Disease Burden Analysis: The inclusion of diagnostic tests in the NEDL is based on rigorous assessments of disease burden data across India’s diverse states.
- Alignment with National Programs: Tests align with national health programs to address specific health needs.
- Adherence to Standards: The NEDL adheres to Indian public health standards and considers the necessary resources, infrastructure, and personnel required at each healthcare facility.
Factors to Consider
- Essential Test Criteria: Stakeholders are encouraged to propose tests that meet specific criteria:
-
- Priority for healthcare needs
- Alignment with disease prevalence and public health significance
- Demonstrated efficacy, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness
- Impact on Disease Management: Tests should focus on conditions with high disease burdens and substantial public health relevance. The introduction of these tests should significantly enhance disease diagnosis and management.
- Appropriate Utilization: Any proposed addition to the NEDL must align with the availability of equipment, infrastructure, and qualified personnel, by the Indian Public Health Standards of 2022.
Conclusion
- The revision of India’s National Essential Diagnostics List is a crucial step towards ensuring that essential diagnostic tests are accessible at all healthcare levels.
- By aligning with disease burden data and adhering to stringent criteria, India aims to enhance its public health infrastructure, making diagnostics an integral part of healthcare delivery.
- The involvement of stakeholders ensures a comprehensive and effective approach to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the nation.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Classical Languages in India
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- In a significant move to deepen cultural ties, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced that the Centre has decided to include Farsi (Persian) as one of the nine classical languages in India under the New Education Policy.
Classical Languages in India
- As of now, India recognizes six languages as classical, including Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014).
- In addition to these classical languages Pali, Persian, and Prakrit and their works of literature are to be preserved according to India’s National Education Policy-2020.
- The addition of Farsi (Persian) brings the total to nine classical languages (Needs more clarification).
Criteria for Classical Language Status
The Ministry of Culture in the Rajya Sabha outlined the criteria for declaring a language as ‘Classical’:
- High Antiquity: The language must have a recorded history spanning 1500-2000 years.
- Valuable Heritage: It should possess a body of ancient literature and texts cherished by generations.
- Originality: The literary tradition must be unique and not borrowed from another linguistic community.
- Distinctness: The classical language and its literature should be distinct from modern forms or offshoots.
Promotion of Classical Languages
Upon being recognized as a classical language, the HRD Ministry provides various benefits, including:
- International Awards: Two major international awards for eminent scholars in classical Indian languages.
- Centre of Excellence: Establishment of a Centre of Excellence for studies in Classical Languages.
- Professional Chairs: Requesting the University Grants Commission (UGC) to create Professional Chairs for Classical Languages, initially in Central Universities.
The Eighth Schedule
The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution outlines the official languages of the Republic of India. It is governed by Articles 344(1) and 351 of the Constitution.
- Purpose: Originally created to grant representation on the Official Languages Commission and enrich Hindi and English, the official languages of the Union.
- Medium for Examinations: Candidates appearing for public service examinations have the privilege of using any language from the Eighth Schedule as a medium to answer exam papers.
- Languages Included: Currently, the Eighth Schedule includes 22 languages, including Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
Chronological Additions
The chronological additions to the Eighth Schedule are as follows:
- 1950: Initially included 14 languages.
- 1967: Sindhi was added through the 21st Constitutional Amendment Act.
- 1992: Konkani, Manipuri (Meitei), and Nepali were included through the 71st Constitutional Amendment Act.
- 2003: Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santali were added through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act.
- 2011: The spelling “Oriya” was replaced with “Odia” through the 96th Constitutional Amendment Act.
Try this PYQ:
Consider the following languages:
- Gujarati
- Kannada
- Telugu
Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language / Languages’ by the Government?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Post your answers here.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Na
Mains level: Rapid urbanization
Central Idea:
The article discusses the recent inauguration of Mumbai’s Atal Setu, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link bridge, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, it critically analyzes this development within the context of outdated urban planning principles from the 1960s. The slow implementation of city plans is viewed positively, as it has preserved essential open spaces and ecological features crucial for climate mitigation and adaptation.
Key Highlights:
- Inauguration of Mumbai Trans Harbour Link bridge, Atal Setu, symbolizing development.
- Critique of urban development rooted in 1960s planning ideologies.
- Slow plan implementation seen as advantageous, preserving open spaces and ecological features.
- Rapid infrastructure construction causing environmental problems and neglect of urban ecology.
- Failure to account for the city’s dependence on ecology leading to air quality and water runoff issues.
Key Challenges:
- Adherence to outdated planning ideologies despite advancements in urban ecology.
- Rapid concretization and infrastructure projects causing environmental problems.
- Lack of consideration for the city’s dependence on ecology in current infrastructure development.
- Slow and contentious realization of development plans in Mumbai.
- Air quality crisis and increased rainwater runoff due to insufficient planning for urban ecology.
Key Terms:
- Urban ecology
- Concretization
- Infrastructure construction
- Climate crisis
- Development plans
- Slow plan implementation
- Open spaces
- Wetlands
- Rapid urbanization
- Ecological context
Key Phrases:
- “Dated and problematic mode of city-making.”
- “Failures to account for the city and its citizens’ dependence on ecology.”
- “Preservation of open spaces, wetlands, and gardens for climate mitigation.”
- “Toxic air quality levels and increasing rainwater runoff as evidence of planning failures.”
- “Reimagine infrastructure planning for the climate-changed city of the present and future.”
Key Quotes:
- “Planners and engineers alike have simply not accounted for the fact that the city and all its citizens depend on an ecology to live.”
- “Rather than rush to complete these outdated intentions of the past… this is a good time to reimagine infrastructure planning for the climate-changed city of the present and future.”
Key Statements:
- The bridge and coastal road represent a dated mode of city-making from the 1960s.
- Slow plan implementation has preserved open spaces and ecological features vital for climate mitigation.
- Rapid concretization and infrastructure construction have led to environmental problems in the city.
Key Examples and References:
- Inauguration of Mumbai Trans Harbour Link bridge, Atal Setu.
- Mumbai CityLabs event on January 13 highlighting slow and contentious realization of development plans.
Key Facts and Data:
- Completed 60 years after initial design, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link bridge is portrayed as a symbol of development.
- Preservation of open spaces, wetlands, and gardens due to slow plan implementation.
Critical Analysis:
The article criticizes the persistence of outdated planning ideologies, emphasizing the need for a shift towards contemporary urban ecology principles. It highlights the negative environmental impacts of rapid infrastructure construction and calls for a reimagining of infrastructure planning to address current and future climate challenges.
Way Forward:
- Reimagine infrastructure planning in line with contemporary urban ecology principles.
- Prioritize the preservation of open spaces, wetlands, and green areas for climate mitigation and adaptation.
- Consider the urban social and ecological context of the 21st century in planning.
- Learn from past failures and avoid rushing into completing outdated infrastructure projects.
- Encourage sustainable and ecologically sensitive development in Mumbai.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Lakshadweep
Mains level: Neighbourhood First Policy
Central Idea:
The article delves into recent diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives, triggered by social media campaigns and statements from Maldivian officials. It emphasizes the challenges India faces in maintaining regional relationships amid a shifting dynamic in the Maldives towards a pro-China stance.
Key Highlights:
- Social Media Campaign: Post-Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, a social media campaign to boycott the Maldives emerged, leading to negative reactions from some Maldivian officials.
- Pro-China Shift: President Muizzu’s visit to China and his pro-China stand mark a significant departure from his predecessor’s policies. He seeks closer ties with China and challenges existing Indian influence in the region.
- Diplomatic Fallout: Maldivian officials’ comments on India and Modi resulted in their suspension, with the Maldives clarifying that their views did not represent the government’s official stance.
- India’s Regional Importance: India’s relationship with the Maldives is crucial due to geographical proximity, shared maritime interests, and historical ties. The Maldives has traditionally supported India in international forums.
- India’s Foreign Policy Challenges: The article points out India’s diplomatic challenges, citing instances such as its stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, impacting its global standing.
Key Challenges:
- Shifting Alliances: The Maldives’ pivot towards China challenges India’s influence in the region, posing a diplomatic challenge and potential geopolitical consequences.
- Domestic Sentiments: The article highlights the impact of populist rhetoric and social media campaigns on India’s foreign policy, especially in dealing with smaller neighbors.
- Global Perception: India faces a challenge in projecting a harmonious image that aligns with both its national interests and the interests of its neighbors, as opposed to adopting a more confrontational approach seen in social media reactions.
Key Phrases:
- China’s wolf-warrior diplomacy: An assertive and combative approach to foreign relations characterized by aggressive rhetoric and actions, aimed at defending China’s interests and countering perceived challenges or criticisms from the international community.
- Neighbourhood First Policy: Refers to India’s approach emphasizing prioritizing relationships with its neighboring countries.
Key Quotes:
- “His election campaign in 2023 also contained anti-India rhetoric: he promised to remove Indian troops from the Maldives and balance trade relations, which he claimed were heavily tilted in India’s favour.”
- “India has to make those hard choices and it must make them now.”
Key Examples and References:
- Maldivian President’s Visit to China: President Muizzu’s pro-China stance and the elevation of bilateral ties with China.
- India’s G20 Summit Theme: The use of the theme ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ during the G20 summit.
Key Facts and Data:
- Maldivian President’s Request: President Muizzu’s request for India to remove its military personnel from the Maldives by March 15.
- China-Maldives Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership: An agreement indicating deepening ties between China and the Maldives.
Critical Analysis:
The article critically examines India’s foreign policy challenges, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach and the potential repercussions of adopting a confrontational stance, drawing parallels with China’s diplomacy.
Way Forward:
The article suggests that India needs to navigate its foreign policy with a globalist perspective, taking into account the complexities of regional relationships, avoiding populist rhetoric, and making strategic decisions that align with its long-term interests.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Chief Secretary's extension
Mains level: Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2023 Constitutional logic
Central Idea:
The article criticizes the Supreme Court of India’s November 2023 judgment allowing a six-month extension to Delhi’s Chief Secretary despite serious corruption allegations. It highlights the Court’s perceived inconsistency in upholding constitutional principles, particularly concerning the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2023, and expresses concerns about the erosion of constitutional logic and past judicial wisdom.
Key Highlights:
- The Supreme Court’s decision to permit the extension of Delhi’s Chief Secretary’s tenure is viewed as an instance of judicial self-abnegation.
- The article questions the Court’s reversal of its own earlier Services judgment, which emphasized the elected government’s control over services in Delhi.
- Serious corruption charges against the Chief Secretary and the Delhi Chief Minister’s recommendation for his removal create a conflict of interest.
- The Court’s reliance on the 2023 amendment and the interpretation of the Chief Secretary’s role is criticized for being inconsistent with past rulings, including Royappa.
- The article points out the Court’s failure to acknowledge that the 2023 amendment did not exclude the application of the Royappa case.
Key Challenges:
- The Supreme Court’s perceived inconsistency in interpreting constitutional principles, especially regarding the Chief Secretary’s extension and the 2023 amendment.
- Addressing the conflict of interest posed by serious allegations against the Chief Secretary and the breakdown of trust between the elected government and bureaucracy.
- The Court’s deviation from its past rulings, particularly the Services judgment and Royappa case, creates a challenge in maintaining a coherent judicial stance.
Key Terms/Phrases:
- Judicial self-abnegation
- Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2023
- Constitutional logic
- Chief Secretary’s extension
- Services judgment
- Royappa case
- Conflict of interest
- Constitutional interpretation
- Erosion of trust
- Unilateral extension
Key Quotes:
- “The Court’s judgments become ‘writ in water’ when it reverses its own reasoning for the government’s convenience.”
- “The Court has lost sight of constitutional logic and past wisdom that attributed great value to constitutional interpretation.”
Key Statements:
- “The article questions the Court’s deviation from its earlier stance, leading to a perceived erosion of constitutional principles and inconsistency.”
- “The conflict of interest arising from serious charges against the Chief Secretary and the breakdown of trust between the elected government and bureaucracy is a significant concern.”
Key Examples/References:
- The Supreme Court’s November 2023 judgment permitting the Chief Secretary’s extension and its reliance on the 2023 amendment.
- The Services judgment emphasizing the elected government’s control over services and the Royappa case defining the role of the Chief Secretary.
Key Facts/Data:
- The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2023 had been challenged by the Delhi government but was not stayed by the courts.
- Serious allegations of corruption against the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister’s recommendation for immediate removal.
Critical Analysis:
The article critically examines the Supreme Court’s handling of the Chief Secretary’s extension, highlighting perceived inconsistencies, conflicts with past judgments, and a departure from established constitutional principles. It raises concerns about the erosion of trust between the elected government and bureaucracy.
Way Forward:
- The Supreme Court needs to revisit and reconcile its past judgments, especially the Services and Royappa cases, to ensure a coherent judicial stance.
- Addressing conflicts of interest and corruption allegations in bureaucratic appointments is crucial for maintaining public trust.
- The Court should uphold constitutional principles consistently, considering the broader impact on governance and accountability.
- Future decisions related to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2023 should be made with a clear understanding of constitutional logic and democratic principles.
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