Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Right to education;
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court’s move to block the NCPCR’s recommendations to stop funding madrasas that don’t follow the RTE Act, 2009, and conduct inspections, along with related actions by the Centre and states, has brought some relief to minorities and secular-minded people.
What reforms are necessary to modernize madrasa education and address public perceptions?
- Curriculum Integration: Need to introduce a balanced curriculum that combines religious studies with modern subjects like science, mathematics, and social studies to make madrasa education more holistic and aligned with mainstream education standards.
- Teacher Training and Certification: Ensure that madrasa teachers receive proper training in contemporary pedagogy and modern subjects.
- Infrastructure Development: Improve madrasa facilities to provide a conducive learning environment. This includes better classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and access to technology for digital learning.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a framework to regularly assess and monitor the quality of education in madrasas.
- Vocational and Skill-Based Training: Incorporate vocational courses and skill development programs to equip students with practical skills that can improve their employability.
- Awareness Programs: Need to run awareness campaigns to inform the community about the value of modernizing madrasa education.
How do political narratives and policies affect the perception of madrasas among the Muslim community?
- Communal Narratives and Stereotyping: Political narratives often portray madrasas as breeding grounds for extremism, which affects the public’s perception, especially among non-Muslims.
- Legislative and Policy Decisions: Policies such as withdrawing government funding or enforcing stringent regulations can create a perception of bias against Muslim educational institutions.
- Historical Reason and Islamophobia: Historical events like the U.S.-Taliban conflict have influenced perceptions of madrasas, linking them to extremism. Political rhetoric often builds on these associations to foster Islamophobic sentiments.
- Social Justice versus Appeasement: There is a debate on whether supporting madrasas financially is an act of social justice (ensuring access to education) or appeasement.
What role can madrasas play in promoting social cohesion and countering extremism?
- Interfaith Learning and Dialogue: Madrasas can include teachings that promote understanding and respect for other religions.
- Combating Radicalization: By modernizing curricula to include secular education and critical thinking, madrasas can counter extremist narratives. An informed and educated student body is more resilient to radical ideologies.
- Community Engagement Programs: Madrasas can play a role in community service and outreach, helping bridge the gap between Muslim communities and others. This engagement can dispel misconceptions and build mutual trust.
- Promoting National Values and Secular Ideals: Incorporating national education standards in madrasas can help in promoting the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution, such as secularism, social justice, and equality.
Way forward:
- Comprehensive Policy Reforms: Develop a national framework that integrates modern subjects into madrasa education, provides teacher training, and ensures quality monitoring.
- Community and Interfaith Initiatives: Launch awareness programs to highlight the benefits of modernizing madrasa education while encouraging interfaith dialogue and community engagement.
Mains PYQ:
Q The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting an incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. (UPSC IAS/2016)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Rights of nonhuman;
Why in the News?
Colorado’s highest court recently reviewed whether older African female elephants can legally contest their captivity, as the NonHuman Rights Project claims they are unlawfully confined.
What is nonhuman?
- Nonhuman animals are living beings other than humans, including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects, recognized for their capacity to feel, behave, and interact.
What is Legal personhood?
- Legal personhood is the status granted to an entity, allowing it to hold legal rights and obligations, traditionally applied to humans and some organizations.
- Example: All human individuals are recognized as legal persons. This allows them to enter into contracts, sue, and be sued in court.
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What Constitutes Legal Personhood for Nonhuman Animals?
- Legal Personhood Definition: Legal personhood refers to the capacity of an entity to have legal rights and duties. In law, a “person” is not strictly limited to human beings; corporations, for example, are considered legal persons.
- Application to Nonhuman Animals: Extending legal personhood to nonhuman animals involves granting them certain legal rights, such as the right to not be unlawfully confined or exploited. This would require redefining animals’ status from property to beings with inherent rights.
- Arguments in Favor: Proponents argue that certain highly intelligent and socially complex animals, such as elephants, dolphins, and great apes, should be granted legal rights because they can experience suffering and possess a degree of autonomy akin to that of humans.
- Arguments Against: Opponents of legal personhood for animals argue that the legal system is designed for human society and extending personhood to animals could lead to complex legal issues.
- They contend that animal welfare can be ensured through legislative protections rather than redefining personhood.
How can societies balance animal welfare with cultural practices that might clash with today’s views on animal rights?
- Engagement and Dialogue: Encourage conversations between cultural leaders, communities, and animal rights advocates to understand different perspectives and find common ground on how to improve animal welfare while respecting traditions.
- Education and Awareness: Promote education about animal welfare and the capacity of animals to feel pain and suffering, helping communities to reconsider practices and adopt alternatives that align with both cultural values and humane treatment.
- Legal Frameworks: Implement laws that protect animal welfare while allowing for cultural practices to continue in a regulated manner, ensuring that such practices do not involve cruelty or inhumane treatment of animals.
What are the Rights of Animals in the Indian Context?
- Traditional and Cultural Practices: In India, animals play a significant role in various cultural and religious practices. For instance, cows are considered sacred in Hinduism, while elephants are used in festivals and ceremonies.
- Legal Framework for Animal Rights: India has several laws aimed at protecting animal rights, such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. These laws establish standards for animal welfare and criminalize cruelty.
- However, they stop short of granting legal personhood to animals.
- Judicial Intervention: The Indian judiciary has taken progressive stances on animal rights in some cases.
- For example, the Uttarakhand High Court in 2018 declared all animals in the state to be legal entities, with citizens acting as guardians. This ruling emphasized the need to protect animals’ dignity and well-being, though it did not grant full legal personhood.
Conclusion: India can look toward a framework that balances animal welfare with cultural practices by adopting context-specific policies. This could include creating more robust welfare standards, engaging with communities to find humane alternatives, and fostering a cultural shift toward greater empathy for animals.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Polio Day
Mains level: Polio Eradication
Why in the News?
October 24 is recognized as World Polio Day, a commemoration established by Rotary International to honor the birth of Jonas Salk, who spearheaded the development of the first vaccine against polio in the 1950s.
What key strategies contributed to the successful eradication of polio in India?
- Comprehensive Vaccination Campaigns: India implemented large-scale vaccination drives starting in 1972, which expanded under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) in 1985.
- Community Engagement and Awareness: Targeted awareness campaigns were crucial, utilizing local health workers to administer oral polio drops, which made vaccination accessible.
- Effective Messaging: The slogan “do boond zindagi ki” (two drops of life) resonated well with the public. Utilizing celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and integrating health messages into popular media further amplified awareness.
- Robust Surveillance System: A multilayered surveillance mechanism was developed to monitor acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases, enabling prompt immunisation of affected populations. This system involved local informers, including community health workers and doctors.
- Targeted Interventions for High-Risk Areas: By 2009, efforts were concentrated in specific regions, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where most cases were reported. This targeted approach was critical in reducing transmission rates.
- Collaboration with International Agencies: The eradication campaign was supported by various international bodies such as WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, ensuring financial and logistical backing.
How did India address the challenges of vaccine hesitancy among specific communities?
- Engagement with Community Leaders: To address religious concerns and misinformation, influential figures such as imams and local leaders were involved. Their endorsements played a significant role in countering myths about the vaccine.
- Targeted Communication Strategies: Awareness efforts were tailored to specific communities, focusing on dispelling myths surrounding the vaccine, such as fears about impotence and cultural taboos against its ingredients.
- Culturally Sensitive Messaging: Messaging was crafted in local languages and through community-specific narratives, ensuring that it resonated with the cultural context of various groups.
What lessons can be learned from India’s polio eradication efforts for future public health campaigns?
- Importance of Community Involvement: Engaging local leaders and community members is vital for building trust and addressing vaccine hesitancy effectively.
- Flexibility in Implementation: Tailoring vaccination drives to accommodate local cultural practices, work schedules, and geographic challenges can enhance participation rates.
- Sustained Awareness Efforts: Continuous education and awareness campaigns are essential, especially in the face of evolving misinformation and cultural resistance.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: The use of robust surveillance systems and data analytics to identify and target high-risk areas can help streamline public health interventions.
- Collaboration with Multiple Stakeholders: Building partnerships between government agencies, international organizations, and local communities can strengthen public health responses and resource mobilization.
Conclusion: Need to establish sustainable platforms for continuous dialogue between healthcare providers and community leaders to address health concerns, build trust, and ensure community-specific health initiatives are effectively communicated and implemented.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Tropical Cyclone, Landfall
Why in the News?
West Bengal and Odisha experienced heavy rainfall as Tropical Cyclone Dana is anticipated to make landfall later tonight.
What are Cyclones?
- Cyclones are wind systems rotating inwardly towards an area of low atmospheric pressure. They are categorised into Tropical (Temperature-induced) and Temperate (extra-tropical) cyclones (airmass-induced).
- Formation Conditions: Tropical cyclones originate in warm regions, requiring conditions such as
- Warm sea surface (> 27°C),
- Coriolis Force,
- Pre-existing low-pressure systems,
- Small vertical wind speed differences, and
- Upper air divergence.
Characteristics of Tropical Cyclones:
- They form over warm water bodies due to energy derived from the condensation of warm water within cumulonimbus clouds.
- Wind rotation is influenced by the Coriolis force, resulting in anti-clockwise rotation in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.
- By 30° latitude, the diminished warmth halts cyclone activity.
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What is the “Landfall” of a Cyclone?
- Landfall occurs when a tropical cyclone moves from the sea onto the land.
- As per the IMD, a cyclone makes landfall when the centre of the storm, or its eye, crosses the coast.
- Landfall should not be confused with a “direct hit”, where the eyewall (area of high winds) hits land but the eye of the cyclone remains offshore.
- According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a cyclone’s strongest winds may still impact land even if the centre of the storm does not reach the coast.
How long does a Cyclone Landfall last?
- The duration of landfall typically lasts a few hours, depending on the wind speed and size of the storm.
- For cyclone Dana, the landfall process is expected to last five to six hours with wind speeds around 125 km/h, impacting a wide region.
- Cyclones usually weaken after landfall as they lose their moisture supply and experience increased surface friction.
- While landfall is often the most destructive phase of a cyclone, it also signals the beginning of the cyclone’s dissipation.
PYQ:
[2015] In the South Atlantic and South Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the main reason behind this?
(a) Sea Surface temperature are low
(b) Inter Tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs
(c) Coriolis force is too weak
(d) Absence of land in those regions |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PM-YASASVI Scheme
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has implemented the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI).
About PM-YASASVI Scheme
|
Details |
| Launch Year |
2021-22 |
| Purpose |
To provide financial assistance and educational support to students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and De-notified Tribes (DNT). |
| Eligibility Criteria |
• Students from OBC, EBC, and DNT(Denotified Tribes) categories
• Annual family income up to ₹2.50 lakh
• Additional criteria may apply based on specific schemes. |
| Benefits |
• Scholarships for pre-matriculation (Class 9-10) and post-matriculation (higher studies)
• Covers tuition, hostel expenses, and academic costs
• Hostel facilities for OBC students
• Promotes educational advancement for marginalized communities. |
| Scholarship Amounts |
• Class 9 and Class 10: ₹75,000 annually
• Class 11 and Class 12: ₹1,25,000 annually |
| Selection Criteria |
• Based on performance in the YASASVI Entrance Test (YET) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Application Process |
• Applications submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) |
| Significance |
Promotes inclusivity and social progress by supporting students from OBC, EBC, and DNT backgrounds in their educational pursuits. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Environmental Ship Index (ESI)
Why in the News?
- Mormugao Port Authority has gained global recognition as an incentive provider on the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) platform.
- It is the first port in India to implement Green Ship Incentives under the ESI, promoting eco-friendly practices in shipping.
- The port launched the “Harit Shrey” scheme in October 2023, offering port fee discounts based on ESI ratings of commercial vessels.
About the Environmental Ship Index (ESI):
|
Details |
| What is it? |
A scoring system that measures the environmental performance of ships, specifically their air pollution emissions. |
| Establishment |
Launched in 2011 by the World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP) under the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH). |
| Scope |
ESI evaluates emissions of:
• Sulfur oxides (SOx)
• Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• Particulate matter from seagoing vessels. |
| Purpose |
To encourage ships to adopt technologies and practices that minimize emissions, contributing to air quality improvement and climate change mitigation. |
How effective is ESI to reduce emissions, and what metrics are used to evaluate this effectiveness?
- The ESI provides a framework for incentivizing ships based on their environmental performance, specifically targeting reductions in air emissions such as CO2, SOx, and NOx.
- The effectiveness of the ESI is evaluated using specific metrics, including a ship’s ESI score, which is derived from factors such as engine efficiency, fuel quality, and the implementation of emission reduction technologies.
- The ESI enables ports to analyze the overall impact of green shipping initiatives through aggregated data on participating vessels.
What are the future developments planned for the ESI?
- Future plans include expanding metrics to cover additional pollutants and carbon intensity for a more comprehensive environmental assessment.
- Enhancements in digital reporting for easier tracking of emissions data and performance analytics.
- Planned updates will aim to support the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 decarbonization targets, including zero-emission technology.
How will they align with global maritime regulations aimed at decarbonization?
- ESI updates will align with IMO’s MARPOL Annex VI regulations on pollutant emissions and greenhouse gases (GHG).
- ESI’s future adaptations will address carbon intensity targets and promote alternative fuels like ammonia and hydrogen, in line with IMO’s goal of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
- The ESI is part of the broader World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP), promoting sustainability in port operations and low-carbon maritime trade.
- ESI aims to further incentivize the adoption of energy-efficient engines, battery systems, and hybrid propulsion to support long-term emission reduction.
PYQ:
[2015] With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, consider the following statements:
- It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills.
- It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Betelgeuse
Why in the News?
Recent research has revealed a surprising finding about Betelgeuse (which was believed to explode): the star’s unusual brightening and dimming patterns may be influenced by an unseen companion star.
About Betelgeuse
- Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star in the Orion constellation, marking Orion’s left shoulder.
- It is among the brightest and largest stars visible in the night sky, located about 650 light-years from Earth.
- The star is nearing the end of its life, and when it dies, its explosion is expected to be visible during the day for several weeks.
- Betelgeuse is vast, measuring more than 700 million miles (1.2 billion kilometers) in diameter.
- Known for its periodic dimming and brightening, Betelgeuse has two distinct pulsation cycles:
- A short-term cycle of about one year.
- A longer six-year cycle called a long secondary period.
- Researchers believe this longer cycle may be caused by Betelbuddy (an unseen companion star) moving through the dust surrounding Betelgeuse.
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Indicators and Scientific Evidence
- Betelgeuse’s cyclic dimming and brightening patterns indicate it is nearing the end of its life.
- Its massive size and expansion as a red supergiant suggest it is in a late stellar stage.
- Cooling surface temperature and mass loss through stellar winds signal increasing instability.
- Spectral analysis shows heavy elements in Betelgeuse’s layers, typical of late-stage fusion.
- An unseen companion star, or “Betelbuddy,” may be influencing its brightness and internal structure.
Potential Effects of Betelgeuse’s Supernova on Earth and Our Solar System
- Betelgeuse’s supernova will likely be visible in daylight for weeks and brighter than the Moon at night.
- At 650 light-years away, dangerous radiation would dissipate before reaching Earth, posing no harm.
- Space missions and satellites may experience minor interference from increased cosmic rays.
- The explosion will enrich the interstellar medium with heavy elements, contributing to new star formation.
- The supernova will provide valuable scientific insights into stellar life cycles and cosmic element formation.
PYQ:
[2017] The terms ‘Event Horizon’, ‘Singularity’, ‘String Theory’ and ‘Standard Model’ are sometimes seen in the news in the context of:
(a) Observation and understanding of the Universe
(b) Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses
(c) Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth
(d) Origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kittur Rani Chennamma
Why in the News?
A commemorative postage stamp was released at the historic Kittur Rani Channamma Stage within the Kittur Fort premises to mark the 200th anniversary of Kittur Vijayotsava.
About Kittur Rani Chennamma
- Rani Chennamma was born in 1778 in Kakati, Belgaum (now Karnataka).
- She was trained in horse riding, sword fighting, and archery from an early age.
- She married Mallasarja Desai, the ruler of Kittur, a small principality in Karnataka.
- The Kittur Uprising (1824):
- The British East India Company refused to recognize her adopted son, Shivalingappa, as the rightful successor under the Doctrine of Lapse.
- She declared war on the British in response to their annexation attempt.
- In October 1824, she led the Kittur army against 20,000 British soldiers stationed near the Kittur Fort.
- During the battle, British official John Thackery was killed, and the Company forces faced significant losses.
- After initial resistance, British forces returned in December 1824 with a larger army.
- Despite her courageous efforts, Rani Chennamma was captured along with her forces and imprisoned.
- She was held captive in Bailhongal Fort, where she spent her remaining years. She died in captivity in 1829.
Legacy and Significance
- Rani Chennamma is celebrated as one of the first women in Indian history to lead an anti-colonial uprising.
- She is revered as a symbol of courage, patriotism, and resistance against colonial oppression.
- She is honored in Kannada folklore, particularly through lavani (folk songs) that celebrate her bravery and sacrifice.
- Statues have been erected across Karnataka, including a prominent one in Bengaluru’s Parliament House.
Doctrine of Lapse
- Introduced by Lord Dalhousie in 1848, the Doctrine aimed at expanding British territories in India.
- The policy was based on the principle that a princely state without a suitable heir should become part of the British Empire.
- Applied to princely states where the ruler died without a natural or legally adopted male heir, enabling the British to annex those states.
- The policy was seen as illegitimate by many Indian rulers and played a role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
- Several states annexed due to this Doctrine, include Satara (1848), Jaitpur (1849), Sambalpur (1849), Udaipur (1850), Jhansi (1853), and Nagpur (1854).
- Prior to the Doctrine of Lapse, princely states had a traditional practice of selecting an heir from a group of candidates known as bhajans.
- The policy was abandoned in 1859, two years after the end of the Company Rule in India.
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PYQ:
[2013] Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.
[2014] What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)?
- To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States
- To place the Indian administration under the British Crown
- To regulate East India Company’s trade with India
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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