Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Challenges in crowd management;
Why in the News?
Recently six people lost their lives in a stampede in Tirupati while waiting to collect tokens for Lord Venkateswara’s darshan.
Why do stampedes take place?
Stampedes are chaotic and uncontrolled movements of large crowds, often triggered by panic or an urgent rush to move in a confined or crowded space.
- Venues that exceed their safe capacity can lead to dangerously crowded conditions. When too many people gather in a confined space, the risk of a stampede increases significantly.
- Inadequate planning and lack of effective crowd control measures, such as clear exits and designated waiting areas, can exacerbate the situation. Poor organisation often leads to confusion and panic among attendees.
- Narrow pathways, obstacles, and poorly designed event spaces can create bottlenecks during emergencies. These barriers make it difficult for people to move freely and can trap crowds, increasing the risk of crush injuries.
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How does human psychology lead to stampedes?
- Panic Response: Panic can spread rapidly through crowds, causing individuals to act irrationally. When one person begins to push forward out of fear or urgency, it creates a domino effect where others follow without understanding the situation.
- External Triggers: Events such as loud noises, sudden movements, or perceived threats (like a fire or an emergency) can trigger panic responses in crowds, leading to stampedes.
- Psychological Factors: Theories of collective behaviour suggest that in large groups, individuals may act against their own interests when panic sets in.
- For instance, the desire to escape a perceived danger can override cooperative behaviour, leading to chaotic pushing and shoving.
How does the physical organisation of spaces contribute to stampedes?
- Narrow Exits and Blocked Pathways: Limited exits and narrow pathways can create bottlenecks during emergencies, making it difficult for individuals to evacuate quickly.
- When a crowd is forced to funnel through a small area which leads to panic and chaos, increasing the likelihood of a stampede as people rush to escape.
- Poorly Designed Crowd Flow: Spaces that do not effectively manage crowd flow can exacerbate congestion.
- Suppose different groups of people converge at the same point without clear guidance or separation that can lead to confusion and a surge of movement, triggering stampede conditions. Effective crowd management strategies are essential to ensure smooth movement.
- Inadequate Lighting and Visibility: Insufficient lighting can disorient attendees and hinder their ability to navigate the space safely. In low-light conditions, individuals may struggle to see exits or understand the crowd dynamics, leading to increased panic and disorder during critical moments, which can precipitate a stampede.
How to better prevent stampedes, or at least, mitigate their risks? (Way forward)
- Effective Crowd Management: Limit crowd size through pre-registration, schedule staggered entries, and organise queues with barriers and clear signage. Use real-time monitoring tools like CCTV and AI-based systems to manage crowd density.
- Improved Infrastructure and Emergency Readiness: Design venues with wide pathways, multiple exits, and clear evacuation routes. Provide on-site medical facilities and train staff in crowd control, first aid, and emergency response.
- Public Awareness and Technology Use: Educate attendees on safety protocols, and use digital tools like online ticketing and mobile alerts to prevent physical queues and guide the crowd calmly during emergencies.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Contempt to government (Section 152 (BNS);
Why in the News?
In the 2024 case of Tejender Pal Singh v. State of Rajasthan, the Rajasthan High Court warned that Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) should not be misused to suppress valid criticism or peaceful dissent.
What are the key differences between Section 152 of the BNS and Section 124A of the IPC?
- Terminology and Scope:
- Section 124A (IPC) specifically criminalizes acts that bring hatred or contempt towards the government, termed as sedition. It focuses on inciting disaffection against the government.
- Section 152 (BNS) criminalizes acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, including inciting rebellion or promoting separatism. While it does not explicitly use the term “sedition,” it covers similar ground with broader language.
- Penalties:
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- Section 124A prescribes a punishment of life imprisonment or a minimum of three years in prison, along with a possible fine.
- Section 152 increases the potential penalty to life imprisonment or up to seven years, along with a mandatory fine, making it potentially more stringent.
- Intent Requirement:
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- Section 124A requires proof of intent to incite disaffection.
- Section 152 lowers this threshold by allowing prosecution if a person “knowingly” shares information that could incite rebellion or separatism, regardless of malicious intent.
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How does Section 152 impact freedom of speech and legitimate dissent?
- Chilling Effect: The vagueness of what constitutes an act endangering sovereignty can lead to a chilling effect on free speech. Individuals may self-censor to avoid potential legal repercussions for expressing dissenting opinions or criticism of the government.
- Potential for Abuse: The broad language and lack of clear definitions in Section 152 allow for expansive interpretation by enforcement authorities. This can result in legitimate expressions of dissent being criminalized under the guise of national security.
- Judicial Oversight: The Rajasthan High Court emphasized that Section 152 should not be used as a tool to suppress dissent but rather as a protective measure for national security. It called for careful application and judicial oversight to ensure that legitimate criticism is not equated with sedition.
What are the legal and constitutional implications of enforcing Section 152?
- Constitutional Rights: Enforcing Section 152 raises concerns regarding violations of Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and 19 (Freedom of Speech) of the Indian Constitution. The vague definitions may lead to arbitrary enforcement, undermining individual rights and freedoms.
- Judicial Precedents: The judiciary has historically favoured a consequentialist approach in interpreting laws related to free speech. Previous rulings have established that there must be a direct causal link between speech and its impact for it to constitute an offence. This precedent should guide the interpretation and enforcement of Section 152.
- Need for Guidelines: There is an urgent need for the Supreme Court to establish clear guidelines regarding the application of Section 152, similar to those created in past cases. This would help delineate acceptable boundaries for criticism while protecting national interests without infringing on civil liberties.
Way forward:
- Establish Clear Guidelines: The Supreme Court should set precise guidelines for applying Section 152 to ensure a balance between protecting national security and safeguarding freedom of speech, as done in past landmark cases.
- Promote Judicial Oversight: Enforcement authorities should be required to demonstrate a direct and significant link between the speech and its impact, with courts actively monitoring cases to prevent misuse of the law against legitimate dissent.
Mains PYQ:
Q What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2014)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Citizenship;
Why in the News?
Recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that there are many challenges in giving dual citizenship to Indians living abroad. He mentioned that the Overseas Citizenship of India program is a step towards addressing this need and added that the discussion about dual citizenship is still ongoing.
What are the arguments for and against dual citizenship in India?
Arguments Against Dual Citizenship:
- Divided Loyalties: Critics argue that dual citizenship would lead to divided loyalties, undermining national integrity. Political rights granted to dual citizens could create conflicts of allegiance between India and another country, which is seen as dangerous for India’s sovereignty.
- Legal Restrictions: The Indian Constitution mandates that acquiring citizenship in another country results in the automatic loss of Indian citizenship. This legal framework does not support dual citizenship, making it a complex issue to address.
- Historical Context: The Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019 reflects a cautious approach to citizenship rights, emphasizing the need for complete loyalty to India and limiting the scope of citizenship to those who relinquish foreign nationality.
Arguments For Dual Citizenship:
- Global Integration: Proponents believe that allowing dual citizenship could strengthen ties between India and its diaspora, fostering economic and cultural exchanges in an increasingly globalized world.
- Economic Contributions: There is a belief that dual citizenship could attract foreign investment and encourage Indian expatriates to contribute more significantly to India’s economy without the fear of losing their original nationality.
How does India’s stance on dual citizenship compare with other democracies?
- India’s Position on Dual Citizenship: According to Article 9 of the Indian Constitution, any Indian citizen who voluntarily acquires citizenship of another country ceases to be an Indian citizen. This is reinforced by the Citizenship Act of 1955, which outlines that Indian citizenship is singular and does not accommodate dual nationality.
- Comparison with Other Democracies
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- United States: The U.S. has no restrictions on dual citizenship. Citizens can hold multiple nationalities without losing their U.S. citizenship. This reflects a more permissive approach towards allegiance and nationality.
- Canada: Canada also allows dual citizenship and recognizes the right of its citizens to hold multiple nationalities. This policy facilitates a diverse and multicultural society.
- Australia: Similar to Canada, Australia permits dual nationality and extends full consular assistance to its citizens regardless of their other nationalities.
- Germany: Germany has specific regulations regarding dual citizenship, generally requiring individuals to choose one nationality unless they are EU citizens or meet certain conditions. This reflects a more nuanced approach than India’s outright prohibition.
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What are the current legal frameworks?
- Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI): Introduced in 2005, OCI allows persons of Indian origin from certain countries to reside in India without a visa and grants them some rights akin to those of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). However, OCIs do not have voting rights or the ability to hold constitutional offices.
- Eligibility: The OCI scheme is available primarily to individuals who were citizens of India or eligible for Indian citizenship at the time of the Constitution’s commencement, excluding those from Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is contingent upon the individual’s home country allowing some form of dual citizenship.
What are the challenges?
- Political Loyalty Concerns: There is a prevalent fear that granting dual citizenship would lead to divided loyalties among citizens, particularly regarding political rights.
- Public Sentiment and Political Will: There is significant public resistance against dual citizenship due to concerns about national security and sovereignty.
- Complexity of Implementation: Implementing a dual citizenship framework would require substantial legal changes and could complicate India’s existing immigration and nationality laws. The challenge lies in balancing the interests of the diaspora with the need to maintain a cohesive national identity.
Way forward:
- Gradual Legal Reforms: India could consider a phased approach to dual citizenship by first allowing it for specific categories such as diaspora members who maintain close economic or cultural ties with India, while ensuring that political rights remain exclusive to Indian citizens only.
- Enhanced OCI Benefits: India could expand the rights of Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) holders, granting them more privileges such as the right to vote or hold certain offices, without granting full dual citizenship.
Mains PYQ:
Q ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Future of Jobs Report, 2025; Other reports by WEF
Why in the News?
According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2025, global macro trends, including technological advancements, demographic shifts, and the green transition, will create 170 million new jobs by 2030.
About the Future of Jobs Report, 2025
- It is based on insights gathered from over 1,000 leading global companies, collectively representing 14 million workers across 22 industry sectors and 55 economies worldwide.
- It provides critical insights into emerging and declining job roles, skills trends, and the overall impact of global changes on the labour market.
What are the key findings of the report?
- The report projects 170 million new jobs globally by 2030, with a net increase of 78 million jobs after accounting for 92 million displaced roles.
- Fast-growing roles include AI and machine learning specialists, big data experts, FinTech engineers, and farmworkers, driven by technological advancements and the green transition.
- Clerical jobs like data entry clerks and cashiers are declining due to automation.
- Employers anticipate 39% of skills will change by 2030, with growing demand for AI proficiency, creative thinking, and resilience.
- Businesses are focusing on reskilling, with 85% investing in upskilling programs.
- Collaboration among governments, academia, and industries is vital to bridge the skills gap and align with future job demands.
About World Economic Forum (WEF):
- The WEF is an international NGO for Public-Private Cooperation.
- It was established in January 1971 by German engineer and economist Klaus Schwab.
- Important reports published by WEF include: Global Competitiveness Report, Global Risks Report, Global Gender Gap Report, Global Social Mobility Report, Energy Transition Index, and Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report, among others.
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PYQ:
[2019] The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the:
(a) International Monetary Fund
(b) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(c) World Economic Forum
(d) World Bank |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Features of the Dam Safety Act, 2021
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court has criticized the Union government for its inaction in fully implementing the Dam Safety Act, 2021, nearly five years after its enactment.
What is the Dam Safety Act of 2021?
| Details |
Enacted to ensure the structural and operational safety of over 5,700 large dams in India.
Objectives (Section 3):
• Prevent dam-related disasters by ensuring dam safety.
• Establish institutions for monitoring, maintenance, and emergency preparedness. |
| Structural Mandate |
- National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) (Sections 5–6): Chaired by the Chairperson of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and reconstituted every three years to develop policies, guidelines, and standards.
- National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) (Section 9): Implements NCDS guidelines, regulates dam safety standards, and resolves disputes between State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSOs) and dam owners.
- State Committees on Dam Safety (SCDS) (Section 14): Provide state-level oversight.
- State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSOs) (Section 15): Monitor and inspect dams at the state level, reporting to NDSA.
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| Other Provisions:
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- Responsibilities of Dam Owners (Section 38): Form Dam Safety Units, prepare and implement Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), and conduct regular Comprehensive Safety Evaluations (CSEs).
- Emergency Preparedness (Section 39): Mandatory EAPs for rapid response in emergencies.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance (Section 45): Imprisonment up to two years, fines, or both for failing to comply with Act provisions.
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Why is Dam Safety a priority concern in India?
- Third-Highest Number of Dams Globally: India has over 4,407 large dams, following China and the USA.
- Aging Dams: By 2025, over 1,115 dams will be more than 50 years old; By 2050, 4,250 dams will surpass 50 years of age, with 64 dams exceeding 150 years.
- Decreasing Storage Capacity: Sedimentation reduces reservoir efficiency, affecting water availability for irrigation, drinking, and hydropower. Ex. Bhakra Dam has experienced 139.86% higher siltation rates than estimated, reducing its lifespan.
- Structural Vulnerabilities: Poorly designed sedimentation management systems make many dams structurally weak over time. Extreme environmental events, such as floods, can exacerbate these vulnerabilities.
- Lack of Data and Monitoring: Insufficient documentation of storage loss, sedimentation rates, and other critical metrics leads to a lack of preparedness.
PYQ:
[2018] Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain valley bound by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy should resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies?
[2019] What is common to the places known as Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati?
(a) Recently discovered uranium deposits
(b) Tropical rain forests
(c) Underground cave systems
(d) Water reservoirs |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Classical Languages, Historical significance of Marathi
Why in the News?
Months after conferring classical language status to Marathi, the Union Government issued an official notification formalizing the recognition.
What is the Criteria for declaring a Classical language?
- 2004 (Tamil Declaration):
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- High antiquity of over 1,000 years.
- A significant body of ancient literature valued by generations.
- An original literary tradition, not derived from other languages.
- 2005 (Sanskrit Declaration):
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- High antiquity of 1,500–2,000 years.
- A substantial body of ancient literature valued across generations.
- Originality in literary traditions, distinct from other linguistic influences.
- The classical form must show discontinuity or distinctiveness from modern forms.
- 2024 (Updated Criteria by Linguistic Experts Committee):
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- High antiquity of 1,500–2,000 years.
- Literature includes knowledge texts, prose, inscriptions, and other forms.
- Must demonstrate distinctiveness or discontinuity from current forms.
- Classical languages: Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Telugu (2008), Kannada (2008), Malayalam (2013), Odia (2014); Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali (2024) along with Marathi.
What are the significance of Classical Language?
- Recognizing a classical language preserves its historical roots and unifies cultural heritage.
- It promotes academic research, translation, and scholarly employment opportunities.
- Gaining global awareness broadens its use in technology, academia, and global dialogue.
- Government support and funding ensure sustained preservation, research, and institutional development.
Historical Significance of Marathi Language
- Marathi’s 2,000-year history meets the antiquity criterion.
- Early mentions of “Marathi” in various forms, such as Maharashtri Prakrit, Jain Maharashtri, and Prakrit Marathi, point to its evolution.
- Over 100 stone inscriptions, including those in the Naneghat Caves (20 BCE), which contain Marathi commands alongside Sanskrit benedictions.
- Literary milestones: Works from the Yadava period (12th–13th century AD) such as:
- Leelacharitra: A biography of Chakradhar Swami.
- Dnyaneshwari: A commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Sant Dnyaneshwar.
- The Pathare Committee (2013) and Sahitya Akademi supported Marathi’s case.
- A massive postcard campaign with 500,000 letters sent to the Prime Minister demanding recognition.
- Dnyaneshwar Mulay’s Committee addressed administrative hurdles to finalize the proposal in February 2024.
PYQ:
[2015] Which one of the following was given classical language status recently?
(a) Odia
(b) Konkani
(c) Bhojpuri
(d) Assamese |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Miyawaki Technique
Why in the News?
Ahead of the Mahakumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has employed the Japanese Miyawaki technique to create dense “oxygen bank” forests, ensuring cleaner air and ecological balance for millions of devotees.
About Miyawaki Technique
- The Miyawaki technique is a pioneering method for creating dense forests in limited spaces, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s.
- Known as the ‘pot plantation method’, this technique mimics natural forest ecosystems by using native species planted closely together, promoting rapid growth and biodiversity.
- It was developed to restore degraded ecosystems and barren lands by replicating the processes found in natural forests.
- It is widely used for urban afforestation projects globally.
Significant Features:
- Dense Planting: Trees and shrubs are planted close together, enabling rapid growth—up to 10 times faster than traditional methods.
- Native Species: Focuses on local plant varieties to replicate the natural ecosystem.
- Improved Biodiversity: Enhances species richness, supporting more flora and fauna.
- Carbon Absorption: Trees absorb more carbon, helping combat urban pollution.
PYQ:
[2022] The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the:
(a) Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas
(b) Development of gardens using genetically modified flora
(c) Creation of mini forests in urban areas
(d) Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces |
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