Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Republic Day
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- On January 26, India celebrates Republic Day, marking the day when its Constitution came into effect in 1950.
- However, the roots of this celebration trace back to January 26, 1930, when India made the historic “Poorna Swaraj” declaration, signifying its quest for complete independence from British rule.
Context of the 1920s
- Non-Cooperation Movement: The 1920s witnessed the aftermath of the Non Cooperation Movement and the Chauri Chaura incident, which prompted Mahatma Gandhi to temporarily halt non-violent protests.
- Rise of Leaders: This period saw the emergence of notable leaders like Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Vallabhai Patel, and C. Rajagopalachari, setting the stage for India’s future freedom struggle.
Simon Commission and Nehru Report
- Simon Commission: In 1927, British authorities appointed the Simon Commission to discuss political reforms in India, sparking nationwide protests with slogans like “Simon Go Back.”
- Nehru Report: In response, the Indian National Congress (INC) established its own commission under Motilal Nehru, advocating dominion status for India within the British Empire.
Internal Disagreements: Dominion or Republic?
- Dominion Status Debate: While the Nehru Report called for dominion status, leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru favored complete independence, fearing that dominion status would align India with colonial exploitation in the British Empire.
- Change in Gandhi’s Views: Initially supporting dominion status, Mahatma Gandhi’s stance evolved as he began advocating for complete independence.
Irwin Declaration and Backtracking
- Irwin Declaration: In 1929, Viceroy Irwin vaguely promised dominion status for India, which sparked hope among Indians but faced opposition in Britain.
- Backtracking: Under pressure from Britain, Irwin retracted his promise during a meeting with Indian leaders, leading to growing unity within the INC for complete independence.
Declaration of Poorna Swaraj
- Lahore Session of INC: In December 1929, during the Lahore Session of the INC, the “Poorna Swaraj” resolution was passed, calling for complete independence from British rule.
- Official Promulgation: On January 26, 1930, this declaration of independence was officially announced, marking a pivotal moment in India’s freedom struggle.
- Nonviolent Protest: The resolution also affirmed the Gandhian principles of nonviolent protest, which became integral to the subsequent struggle for independence.
Republic Day in Post-Independence India
- Celebrating Independence: From 1930 until India’s independence in 1947, January 26 was celebrated as “Independence Day” or “Poorna Swaraj Day,” symbolizing India’s commitment to sovereignty.
- Constitution Adoption: When India adopted its Constitution, leaders chose January 26 for Republic Day, as it held historical significance and aligned with the ideals of complete independence as articulated in the “Poorna Swaraj” declaration.
- Symbolism: Today, Republic Day commemorates India’s journey to self-rule and reflects the principles enshrined in its Constitution.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Padma Awards
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, actors Chiranjeevi and Vyjayanthimala Bali, and Bharatanatyam dancer Padma Subrahmanyam will be conferred with Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award, the Central government announced on the eve of Republic Day.
- Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International, will be conferred with the award posthumously.
About Padma Award
- The Padma Awards are among India’s most prestigious civilian honors, announced annually on Republic Day’s eve, following the Bharat Ratna.
- These awards are designed to recognize outstanding achievements across various fields and disciplines, particularly those involving public service.
- The Government of India introduced the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan in 1954.
- Initially, the Padma Vibhushan had three classes: Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg, and Tisra Varg, which were renamed in 1955 as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, respectively.
Award Categories
There are three categories of Padma Awards:
- Padma Vibhushan: This is awarded for ‘exceptional and distinguished service.’
- Padma Bhushan: This is for ‘distinguished service of a high order.’
- Padma Shri: This is given for ‘distinguished service.’
Eligibility Criteria
- The awards are open to all individuals regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender.
- Government employees, except doctors and scientists, are generally ineligible.
- The awards are usually not given posthumously, but exceptions can be made in extraordinary cases.
- A recipient can be considered for a higher category of Padma award only if at least five years have passed since their previous Padma honor. However, exceptions can be made for exceptionally deserving cases.
Nomination Process
- Nominations are reviewed by the Padma Awards Committee, formed annually by the Prime Minister.
- The Committee, led by the Cabinet Secretary, includes the Home Secretary, Secretary to the President, and 4-6 distinguished members.
- The Committee’s recommendations are forwarded to the Prime Minister and the President for final approval.
Limitations
- The awards are not titles and cannot be used as prefixes or suffixes to the awardees’ names.
- The number of awards given annually (excluding posthumous awards and those to NRIs/foreigners/OCIs) is capped at 120.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Constitution and its drafting
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- The Indian Constitution, renowned as the world’s lengthiest written Constitution, is not just a legal document but a treasure trove of artistic richness.
- It features intricate hand-painted images and elaborate borders across all its 22 parts, making it the most visually appealing Constitution globally.
Narrative Scheme of Paintings
- Historical Representation: The paintings within the Constitution depict various periods in Indian history, from the Indus Valley civilization to the freedom struggle. Additionally, scenes from the epic tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata are featured.
- Geographical Diversity: These illustrations also capture India’s diverse geography, from the desert with marching camels to the grandeur of the Himalayas.
The Appointment of Artists
- Selection of Nandalal Bose: Nandalal Bose, a renowned artist and close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, was entrusted with the task of illustrating the Constitution in October 1949, just before the final session of the Constituent Assembly.
- Collaborative Effort: Bose collaborated with family members, students, and fellow artists, including Kripal Singh Shekhawat, A Perumal, and Direndrakrishna Deb Burman.
- Calligraphy: While the Constitution itself was handwritten by calligrapher Prem Behari Narain Raizada in a flowing italic style, the Hindi version’s calligraphy was masterfully crafted by Vasant Krishan Vaidya.
Notable Artistic Contributions
- Preamble and National Emblem: The Preamble page features intricate patterns sketched by Beohar Rammanohar Sinha and bears his signature, while Dinanath Bhargava sketched the National Emblem, the Lion Capital of Ashoka.
- Payment for Artists: Records suggest that the artists who painted the historical scenes were paid Rs 25 for each page.
Ideation of Artwork
- No Direct Correlation: Nandalal Bose’s artwork in the Constitution does not have a direct correlation with the text, as he did not illustrate the content of the Constitution itself. Instead, he crafted a visual narrative of India’s history as he envisioned it.
- Changes and Adjustments: A preliminary plan was drawn up for the artwork, which underwent changes with additions and deletions. For instance, a scene featuring ‘portraits of Akbar and Shahjahan with Mughal architecture’ was replaced with an image of Akbar.
Borrowing from History and Religion
- Diverse Representations: The artwork includes depictions of the Bull Seal from the Indus Valley region, scenes from the lives of hermits and ascetics, Buddha in meditation, Mahavir, sculptures from Mahabalipuram, and the descent of the Ganga to Earth.
- Incorporating Epics: Scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana are featured in the artwork, symbolizing India’s rich mythological heritage.
- Homage to Tagore: Three landscapes within the Constitution pay tribute to Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and his composition of the National Anthem, celebrating India’s diverse geographical landscapes.
Celebrating Monarchs and Freedom Fighters
- Emperor Ashoka: Part VII features Emperor Ashoka seated on an elephant, propagating Buddhism.
- King Vikramaditya and Tipu Sultan: Part IX showcases a scene from King Vikramaditya’s court, while Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi shares the page with Tipu Sultan in Part XVI.
- Gandhi and Freedom Fighters: Mahatma Gandhi appears twice, leading the Dandi March and visiting Noakhali in Bangladesh. Subhas Chandra Bose is depicted saluting the flag with members of the Azad Hind Fauj.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sapinda Marriages
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- The Delhi High Court recently dismissed a challenge to the constitutionality of Section 5(v) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (HMA), which prohibits sapinda marriages among Hindus unless custom permits.
- The court’s decision affirms the legal restrictions on such marriages and emphasizes the importance of regulating marital choices.
For Aspirants with Sociology Optional, this article is of immense importance under: “Systems of Kinship- Family, household, marriage” in both Paper I and Paper II.
Understanding Sapinda Marriages
- Definition: Sapinda marriages involve individuals closely related within specified degrees, as per Section 3(f)(ii) of the HMA.
- Prohibition: The HMA prohibits sapinda marriages within a certain range of lineal ascent, ensuring that marriages do not occur between individuals with a common lineal ascendant within the defined limits.
Legal Framework
- Void Marriages: Sapinda marriages that violate Section 5(v) and lack an established custom permitting them are declared void, meaning they are considered invalid from the outset.
- Customary Exception: The sole exception to this prohibition arises when both parties’ customs permit sapinda marriages, as defined in Section 3(a) of the HMA.
- Custom Criteria: To qualify as a custom, it must be continuously observed, uniform, reasonable, and not opposed to public policy, gaining legitimacy among Hindus in a particular area or community.
Grounds for Challenging the Law
- Constitutional Challenge: The petitioner contended that Section 5(v) violated the right to equality under Article 14 of the Constitution by requiring proof of custom for sapinda marriages.
- Lack of Proof: The woman argued that sapinda marriages exist even without documented custom, and the consent of both families validated the marriage.
High Court’s Decision
- No Established Custom: The Delhi HC found no stringent proof of an established custom supporting sapinda marriages, which is crucial under the law.
- Regulation of Marriages: The court upheld the idea that the choice of a marriage partner can be subject to regulation.
- No Violation of Equality: The petitioner failed to provide compelling legal grounds to challenge the prohibition against sapinda marriages on grounds of violating the right to equality.
International Perspectives
- European Laws: In several European countries, laws related to incestuous relationships are less stringent compared to India, allowing marriages between consenting adults.
- Examples: France, Belgium, Portugal, and Italy have different laws regarding incestuous relationships and marriages.
- US Laws: In the United States, incestuous marriages are banned in all 50 states, but some states allow incestuous relationships between consenting adults.
Conclusion
- The Delhi HC decision reaffirms the legal framework regulating sapinda marriages in India and emphasizes the importance of established customs in permitting such unions.
- It also highlights the differing legal approaches to incestuous relationships and marriages in various countries.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gyanvapi
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- The Gyanvapi Structure sin Varanasi has been the center of a longstanding controversy regarding its historical origin and the existence of a Hindu temple preceding its construction.
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently concluded that a Hindu temple indeed existed at the site before the mosque’s construction, relying on scientific studies, textual evidence, and historical accounts.
Gyanvapi: Historical Background
- Temple’s Existence: The ASI’s findings suggest that a substantial Hindu temple once stood adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple, which is believed to have been demolished during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
- Persian Chronicles: The primary source for this claim is Saqi Mustaid Khan’s Maasir-i-Alamgiri, a Persian chronicle written shortly after Aurangzeb died in 1707. It mentions Aurangzeb’s orders to destroy temples and schools of the “infidels.”
- Aurangzeb’s Policy: Historians interpret this as part of Aurangzeb’s broader policy against Hinduism, marked by the destruction of temples and discriminatory measures, such as customs duties.
Historical Interpretations
- Selective Targeting: Some historians argue that the 1669 decree was not a blanket order to destroy all temples but targeted institutions where certain teachings took place, especially in Benares (now Varanasi).
- Conflict with Shivaji: It is suggested that Aurangzeb ordered the destruction of the Kashi temple as retribution following Chhatrapati Shivaji’s escape from Mughal custody.
- Religious Cloth: The Gyanvapi Mosque incorporates a part of the ruined temple’s wall, possibly serving as a religious statement of the consequences of opposing Mughal authority.
Expert Opinions and Legal Implications
- ASI Report: The ASI’s extensive report provides expert evidence but can be contested in court during the ongoing legal battle.
- Witnesses and Cross-Examination: The civil suit involves witnesses from various fields, including historians, archaeologists, and religious experts, who will be cross-examined.
- Court Determination: The courts will decide whether the ASI report can be conclusively relied upon and assess the significance of the existence of a Hindu temple in determining the mosque’s religious character.
Legal and Constitutional Aspects
- Maintainability Issue: The preliminary issue of whether the suit can be filed depends on the fate of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which aims to maintain the religious character of places of worship as of August 15, 1947.
- Relevance of ASI Report: The relevance of the ASI report could change significantly if the 1991 law is altered or struck down. Currently, the law is considered a fundamental feature of the Constitution, safeguarding secularism.
- Secularism and Non-Retrogression: The Places of Worship Act is seen as essential in upholding the principles of secularism and non-retrogression, core elements of India’s Constitution.
Conclusion
- The controversy surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque underscores the complexities of historical interpretation and legal implications.
- The ASI’s findings, while significant, are part of an ongoing legal process, and the final determination will have far-reaching consequences on the historical narrative and religious character of the site.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bharat Ratna award
Mains level: Karpoori Thakur, a backward-caste leader
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: unresolved GST issues
Mains level: insights into the economic performance of the government
Central Idea:
The discussion between D.K. Srivastava and G. Vijay analyzes the economic performance of the BJP-led government in its second term, focusing on policy prescriptions, the impact of major reforms such as GST and corporate income tax changes, and the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by the GST Council, the government’s emphasis on infrastructure development, and the performance of the agricultural sector over the past five years.
Key Highlights:
- The Indian economy faced challenges in 2019 due to GST implementation issues and corporate income tax reforms, leading to a weak fiscal situation.
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp contraction, followed by a rapid recovery with GDP growth rates exceeding expectations.
- Recovery was K-shaped, impacting contact-intensive sectors and large service sectors, resulting in a focus on infrastructure expansion for long-term growth.
- The digitization of the economy through the UPI platform was highlighted as a positive outcome, especially for small-scale industries in the informal sector.
- The GST story was deemed incomplete, with concerns about revenue autonomy for State governments and challenges in GST reform.
- The government’s capital expenditure increase in the last budget aimed at income generation and employment growth, but concerns were raised about the quality of employment generated.
- The agricultural sector performed well in terms of growth, except for the current year, but challenges such as supply chain shocks and inflation in key food items were discussed.
Key Challenges:
- Unresolved issues in GST reform, including revenue neutrality and loss of revenue autonomy for State governments.
- Quality of employment generated by capital-intensive infrastructure projects and the persistently high unemployment rate.
- Inconsistent policies in the agricultural sector, with challenges like bans on exports and uncertainties affecting production decisions.
Key Terms:
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- UPI (Unified Payments Interface)
Key Phrases:
- “K-shaped recovery”
- “Last mile delivery”
- “Jobless growth”
- “Centre-State relations”
- “Capital stimulus”
- “Job creation elasticities”
- “Unprotected informal sector employment”
Key Quotes:
- “Between 2014 and 19, we provided a rejuvenated Centre-State dynamic, cooperative federalism, GST Council, and a strident commitment to fiscal discipline.”
- “The government stood out as a performing government, a government whose signature was in the last mile delivery.”
Key Statements:
- Recovery from the economic challenges post-2019 was marked by robust GDP growth, particularly in FY22 and FY23.
- The GST Council faced criticism for incomplete reform, loss of revenue autonomy for State governments, and politicization of resource distribution.
Key Examples and References:
- Demonetization in 2016 and its long-term impact on economic contraction.
- The increase in capital expenditure in the last budget and its purported aim of income generation and employment growth.
Critical Analysis:
The discussion highlights the positive aspects of economic recovery, infrastructure development, and agriculture sector growth. However, challenges such as the quality of employment, unresolved GST issues, and inconsistent policies in agriculture are critically analyzed. The impact of global challenges, supply-side issues, and the need for a balanced approach between capital stimulus and consumption stimulation are emphasized.
Way Forward:
- Address GST reform issues to ensure revenue autonomy for State governments.
- Evaluate the employment impact of infrastructure projects and focus on generating quality employment.
- Maintain a balance between capital stimulus and consumption stimulation to address external sector challenges.
- Implement consistent and supportive policies in the agricultural sector to address supply chain shocks and inflation.
- Continue efforts to digitize the economy for inclusive growth and last-mile delivery.
This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the economic performance of the BJP-led government, covering various dimensions and offering suggestions for future considerations.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: na
Mains level: the current political agenda's impact on India's cultural diversity and constitutional values
Central Idea:
The article emphasizes the threat to India’s secular fabric and cultural diversity posed by the current political agenda, particularly the push towards a theocratic state under the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It underscores the importance of reasserting the constitutional principles of a pluralistic and tolerant India, in contrast to the growing dominance of a unidimensional cultural and religious identity.
Key Highlights:
- The “Objective resolution” of the Indian Constitution adopted in 1947 forms the basis of the Preamble, but recent state-sponsored events challenge the constitutional commitment to secularism.
- The BJP’s agenda is criticized for promoting a theocratic state and diminishing India’s rich cultural diversity by imposing a singular identity.
- The article laments the erosion of the concept of “unity in diversity,” replacing it with a vision of one nation, one market, one language, and one official religion.
- The Constitution’s recognition of and respect for diversities and differences, both politically and culturally, is highlighted as the foundation of India’s progress.
Key Challenges:
- The political effort to centralize and homogenize cultural and religious practices, particularly in favor of Hindutva, poses a challenge to India’s historical pluralism.
- The erosion of tolerance and the imposition of a singular identity may lead to suspicion and animosity among different religious and cultural groups.
- The celebration of a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ contradicts the constitutional principles of a secular state, potentially endangering India’s hard-fought independence.
Key Terms:
- Hindutva: The political ideology that seeks to establish the hegemony of Hindus and the Hindu way of life.
- Theocratic: Relating to a system of government in which religious leaders control the state.
- Pluralism: The coexistence of diverse cultural, religious, or ethnic groups within a society.
- Constitution: The fundamental legal document outlining the structure and principles of a government.
Key Phrases:
- “Flattening of multidimensions”: Describes the attempt to impose a unidimensional cultural and religious identity, eroding India’s diverse cultural landscape.
- “Unity in diversity”: Formerly celebrated, this concept is criticized for being replaced by a vision of singular identity.
- “One nation, one market, one colour, one language, one election”: Illustrates the push towards homogenization in various aspects of Indian society.
Key Quotes:
- “Will Indians place the country above their creed or will they place creed above country?”
- “Our independence will be put in jeopardy a second time and probably be lost forever.”
- “When power outstrips ability, we will fall on evil days.”
Key Statements:
- The Indian Constitution recognizes and incorporates space for diversities and differences in both politics and culture.
- The celebration of a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is in direct contradiction to the Indian Constitution.
- The Constitution is seen as a guarantee of the right to live with liberty, equality, and justice.
Key Examples and References:
- The consecration of the temple in Ayodhya and the state-sponsored events on January 22, 2024, are cited as instances where the secular principles of the Constitution were violated.
- Mention of diverse celebrations of Dusshera, representing different cultural practices across India.
Key Facts and Data:
- The Indian Constitution was adopted 75 years ago, emphasizing tolerance and solidarity as foundational principles.
- The celebration of the 75th year of the Republic coincides with concerns about the erosion of secular principles.
Critical Analysis:
The article critically examines the current political agenda’s impact on India’s cultural diversity and constitutional values. It highlights the dangers of sidelining pluralism and secularism in favor of a singular identity, emphasizing the need for citizens to assert the constitutional republic over a ‘Hindu Rashtra.’
Way Forward:
- The article calls for a reassertion of the constitutional principles of a pluralistic and tolerant India.
- Citizens are urged to make choices that align with the values of the Constitution, ensuring a diverse and inclusive nation.
- A collective duty is emphasized in retaining the values that have shaped India’s social democracy for 75 years.
In summary, the article advocates for a return to the constitutional principles that have guided India for 75 years, safeguarding the nation’s pluralism and diversity against the current trend towards a unidimensional cultural and religious identity
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