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  • [19 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: India’s nuanced approach in the South China Sea

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains: 
    Q) South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment (UPSC IAS/2016)

    Q) With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affaire the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and ever flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China.(UPSC IAS/2014)

    Note4Students

    Mentor comments:Mr. Jaishankar’s comment was made amid the ongoing South China or West Philippine Sea dispute between Manila and Beijing which witnessed, arguably, its most intense and volatile year in 2023, with frequent tensions at sea and diplomatic friction. A joint statement in 2023 between New Delhi and Manila had also called for China to adhere to the rules-based maritime order and acknowledge the International Court of Justice ruling of 2016 in favour of Manila.

    Why in the news?

    In March 2024, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, articulated, in a joint statement during his visit to Manila, India’s full support for the Philippines in upholding its national sovereignty. 

    India’s complex ties with China

    • India’s evolving position in South China Sea : India’s evolving position on the South China Sea is closely tied to its complex relationship with China, which includes long-standing border disputes.
    • Border Disputes: India and China have a history of border disputes, which intensified following the Galwan Valley incident of 2020. China’s periodic incursions into Indian territory and renaming of Indian villages in Arunachal Pradesh have further strained relations.
    • Response to the Galwan Valley incident: India demonstrated its capability for asymmetric deterrence by sending a frontline warship to the South China Sea.
    • Disruptive Implications: China’s assertive posture and territorial claims in the South China Sea and along India’s land border have significant implications for regional stability.
    • Strategic Engagements: India has increased its strategic engagements, including regular naval exercises and military cooperation with Southeast Asian nations, to underline its commitment to regional security and counter China’s assertive actions.

    The policy evolution from India’s Look East Policy to Act East Policy:

    • Initially the Look East Policy: The Look East Policy initially emphasized economic integration with Southeast Asia and securing energy resources for India’s growing economy.
    • Economic Stakes: Indian state-owned enterprises, such as ONGC Videsh, engaged in oil and gas exploration projects in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zones, indicating India’s economic interests in the region.
    • Support for International Law: India’s involvement in maritime resource exploration projects underscored its support for the freedom of exploration and exploitation within the bounds of international law, particularly UNCLOS.
    • Shift to Act East Policy: Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, there has been a strategic shift towards the Act East Policy, marking a more active and strategic engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.
    • Geopolitical Acknowledgment: The policy evolution reflects India’s recognition of the changing geopolitical landscape and the necessity for a proactive and multifaceted foreign policy approach.
    • Expanded Focus: The Act East Policy emphasizes not only economic integration but also strategic partnerships and increased security cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.
    • Capacity Strengthening: India has bolstered its capacities through forward positioning, mission-based deployments, reinforced maritime domain awareness, and the development of deep-water maritime facilities.

    The role of ASEAN in the South China sea:

    • Central Involvement: ASEAN countries, along with China, are primarily involved in the disputes in the South China Sea, making ASEAN a central player in the region’s dynamics.
    • Importance of ASEAN Centrality: India’s Indo-Pacific strategy emphasizes the centrality of ASEAN, recognizing the importance of ASEAN’s position and cooperation in addressing challenges in the South China Sea.
    • Imperative for India to support ASEAN’s position: Despite its centrality, differences within ASEAN pose challenges to concerted efforts to address issues related to the South China Sea, making it imperative for India to support and strengthen ASEAN’s position.

    Conclusion: India should support the Philippines in upholding sovereignty. Strengthen strategic engagements and military cooperation with Southeast Asian nations. Advocate for a rules-based order in the South China Sea, emphasizing ASEAN centrality and regional stability.

  • A world in disarray, a concern about the future

    Why in the news? 

    Factors such as the lack of globally influential leaders, evolving alliances, economic challenges, and advancements in technology contribute to the current geopolitical landscape.

    Factors behind the concerning current geopolitical landscape

    Growing chaos, an absent leadership

    • Decline of the rules-based international order: The traditional Western-led global order is perceived as dead, leading to increased geopolitical disarray.
    • Rise of new alliance patterns: With the weakening of the West and the ascent of China, new alliances have emerged, but none possess enough strength to maintain global peace.
    • Lack of influential leaders: Leaders like Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Joe Biden are seen as lacking the ability to sustain peace globally, with many other Western leaders deemed inadequate for the task.
    • Potential for conflict escalation: While shooting wars are limited to certain regions like Ukraine and Gaza, there’s concern about the absence of leaders capable of resolving conflicts peacefully.
    • Stalemate in Ukraine: The situation in Ukraine remains deadlocked, with leaders unwilling to compromise, raising concerns about the possibility of the use of battlefield nuclear weapons.
    • Escalating tensions in West Asia: Israel’s actions, described as those of a “wounded tiger,” are leading to increased casualties in Gaza, while Iran poses a direct threat to Israel, potentially leading to a broader conflict with dire implications.
    • Potential leadership shift in militant Jihadism: There are indications that a resurgent Iran could take over the leadership of militant Jihadism against the West and other perceived “infidels,” further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

    A new set of alliances

    • Great power rivalry appears diminished: The rivalry between the U.S. and China is described as a “shadow play” with little significance beyond proxy conflicts.
    • U.S. setbacks and diminished superpower status: The U.S. is perceived as grappling with hubris following setbacks since Afghanistan in 2020, which has diminished its status as a superpower.
    • Europe’s reliance on NATO and limited influence: Europe’s reliance on NATO for protection from Russia has not translated into significant influence in conflicts like Ukraine, despite significant costs.
    • Emerging China-Russia-Iran axis: The alliance between China, Russia, and Iran poses a challenge to U.S. and Western influence in West Asia, raising questions about their tactics in the region.

    Economic challenges

    • Geopolitics of oil: The China-Russia-Iran axis signals a significant shift in the politics of oil, which is likely to have far-reaching consequences for global stability.
    • Diminished effectiveness of sanctions: Sanctions are seen as losing their impact in the face of changing geopolitical dynamics, potentially leading to a major economic slowdown.

    Advancements in technology 

    • Technology as a disruptor: National security efforts are increasingly focused on protecting vital technologies, with artificial intelligence emerging as a major disruptor in conventional warfare.
    • Rise of smaller nations leveraging AI: Smaller nations are leveraging artificial intelligence to challenge the military dominance of larger powers like the U.S. and China, potentially leveling the playing field.
    • Impact of ISR revolution in warfare: The military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) revolution, enabled by drones, aircraft, and space assets, is transforming the battlefield, posing new challenges for military strategies.
    • Nuclear arms race and arms control fraying: Arms control agreements are deteriorating, leading to the development of new nuclear warheads and cruise missiles, raising concerns about a nuclear makeover and potential use of nuclear weapons.

    Conclusion: The breakdown of the rules-based order, inadequate leadership, and the formation of volatile alliances contribute to geopolitical turmoil. Need of robust leadership and coherent strategiesto avoid the conflict escalation in the world.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q (UPSC IAS/2022) (a): Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for the last seven months. Different countries have taken independent stands and actions keeping in view their own national interests. We are all aware that war has its own impact on the different aspects of society, including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? lllustrate with justification the ethical issues involved in the given state of affairs.

    (b): Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:

    (i) Constitutional morality

    (ii) Conflict of interest

    (iii) Probity in public life

    (iv) Challanges of digitalization

    (v) Devotion to duty

  • Why have private investments dropped? | Explained

    Why in the news? 

    The failure of private investment, as measured by private Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices, to pick up pace has been one of the major issues plaguing the Indian economy.

    What is GFCF?

    • GFCF refers to the growth in the size of fixed capital in an economy.
    • Fixed capital refers to things such as buildings and machinery, for instance, which require investment to be created.
    • So private GFCF can serve as a rough indicator of how much the private sector in an economy is willing to invest.
    • Overall GFCF also includes capital formation as a result of investment by the government.

    Why does it matter?

    • GFCF matters because fixed capital, by helping workers produce a greater amount of goods and services each year, helps to boost economic growth and improve living standards.
    • In other words, fixed capital is what largely determines the overall output of an economy.

    What is the trend seen in private investment in India?

    • Pre-liberalization (1950s to early 1990s): Private investment remained relatively stable, hovering around or slightly above 10% of GDP. Public investment, however, steadily increased during this period.
    • Liberalization (early 1990s onwards): Economic reforms in the early 1990s improved private sector confidence, leading to a significant uptick in private investment. Public investment, although still significant, began to decline relative to private investment.
    • Post-global financial crisis (late 2000s to present): Private investment continued to grow until the global financial crisis of 2007-08, reaching around 27% of GDP. However, from around 2011-12 onwards, private investment began to decline, hitting a low of 19.6% of GDP in 2020-21.

    Why has private investment fallen?

    • Low private consumption expenditure: Some economists attribute the decline in private investment to low private consumption expenditure. They argue that businesses need confidence in future demand to invest in fixed capital, and boosting consumption expenditure can help stimulate private investment.
    • Structural problems and policy uncertainty: Other economists argue that structural issues and policy uncertainty are core reasons behind the fall in private investment. They point to unfavourable government policies and policy uncertainty as major factors affecting private investment.

    Conclusion: To address the decline in private investment, India needs policies promoting consumer confidence and stable, conducive business environments. Balancing pro-growth fiscal measures with structural reforms can stimulate investment, fostering economic growth and prosperity.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss the factors to be considered while designing a concession agreement between a public entity and private entity.(UPSC IAS/2020)

  • Where India’s trade with Israel and Iran stands, and whether regional tensions could impact it

    Why in the news? 

    Iran’s attack on Israel earlier this week has sparked tensions in the Middle East and beyond. India, which has friendly ties with both the countries, has expressed “serious concerns” about escalation of hostilities.

    India-Israel trade has doubled in the last five years

    • India established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992. Since then, trade between two countries has been rising significantly, from around $200 million in 1992 (comprising primarily of diamonds), to $10.7 billion (excluding defence) in the Financial Year 2022-23.

    What are the main components of India’s trade with Israel?

    • Based on India’s 8-digit Harmonized System code, under which trade items are classified, the most valued items exported by India to Israel included diesel, diamonds, aviation turbine fuel, radar apparatus, Basmati rice, T-shirts, and wheat.

    Value of India-Iran trade came down in the last five years

    • India’s trade with Iran has seen a contraction in recent years, before an uptick in the FY 2022-23. It increased by 21.77 per cent — from $1.94 billion in 2021-22 to $2.33 billion in 2022-23.

    Israel and Iran do not have significant FDI in India

    • Israel’s FDI in India: Israel’s contribution to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India is relatively low, accounting for just 0.4% of the total FDI inflows between April 2000 and December 2023. FDI from Israel to India amounted to $288 million during this period.
    • Indian Investment in Israel: Conversely, Indian firms have invested more in Israel, with cumulative Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) reaching around US$ 383 million from April 2000 to May 2023.
    • India’s Investment in Iran: India is involved in developing the first phase of the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar in Iran. This initiative aims to enhance India’s connectivity and trade relations with the Middle East and Central Asia.

    How could Middle East tensions impact the Indian economy?

    • Impact on Trade Routes: Tensions in the Middle East, particularly in the Red Sea region, could disrupt crucial trade routes connecting Europe and Asia. Roughly 12 percent of global trade depends on this route, potentially affecting India’s trade.
    • Shipping Disruptions: Yemen-based militants, known as the Houthis, have targeted ships passing through the Red Sea since November 2023, leading to shipping disruptions. This could exacerbate India’s trade problems.
    • Stability Concerns in West Asia: The conflict between Iran and Israel adds to the instability in West Asia, potentially delaying projects like the Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
    • Impact on Petroleum Prices: While the ongoing conflict may not significantly disrupt crude oil and gas production, shipping disruptions in the Red Sea could lead to higher oil and gas prices. However, the impact on Indian consumers may be minimal as the government could offset price increases by reducing taxes.

    Conclusion: India’s friendly ties with both Israel and Iran provide an opportunity for diplomatic engagement to mitigate the escalation of hostilities in the region. By actively participating in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue, India can contribute to regional stability and safeguard its economic interests.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (UPSC IAS/2021)

  • [pib] SPACE Testing & Evaluation hub for Sonar Systems

    Why in the news?

    A state-of-the-art SPACE testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems, designed for the Indian Navy, was inaugurated by DRDO.

    About Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE)

    • The SPACE is located at the Underwater Acoustic Research Facility in Kulamavu, Idukki, Kerala.
    • It is developed by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO.
    • It is set to become a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems deployed on various Indian Navy platforms, including ships, submarines, and helicopters.

    Key Features of SPACE:

    • SPACE comprises two distinct components:
    1. Floating Platform on the water surface and
    2. Submersible platform capable of descending to depths of up to 100 meters using winch systems.
    • After completing operations, the submersible platform can be winched up and docked with the floating platform, ensuring efficient utilization of resources.

    Functions and Capabilities:

    • The primary function of SPACE is the evaluation of complete sonar systems, facilitating rapid deployment and retrieval of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers.
    • It will serve for surveying, sampling, and data collection of air, surface, mid-water, and reservoir floor parameters utilizing modern scientific instrumentation.
    • It will address the data processing and sample analysis requirements, ushering in a new era of Anti-Submarine Warfare research capabilities.

    What is SONAR?

    • SONAR stands for “Sound Navigation and Ranging.”
    • It’s a technique used for detecting and locating objects underwater by transmitting sound waves and analyzing the echoes they produce.

    Here’s how it works:

    1. Sound Transmission: A SONAR system sends out pulses of sound waves, typically at frequencies beyond the range of human hearing. These sound waves travel through the water and propagate in all directions.
    2. Object Detection: When the sound waves encounter an object underwater, such as a submarine, seafloor, or marine life, they reflect off the object and return to the SONAR system as echoes.
    3. Echo Reception: The SONAR system receives the echoes of the transmitted sound waves and measures the time it takes for them to return. By knowing the speed of sound in water and the time it takes for the echoes to return, the system can calculate the distance to the object.
    4. Data Analysis: The received echoes are processed and analyzed to create a visual representation of the underwater environment. This information helps operators identify and locate objects of interest, navigate safely, and map the seafloor.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft,” The experiment in question refers to-

    (a) Voyager-2

    (b) New Horizons

    (c) LISA Pathfinder

    (d) Evolved LISA

  • Mount Ruang in Indonesia Erupts

    Why in the news?

    Indonesia witnessed a series of eruptions from Mount Ruang, a stratovolcano located in North Sulawesi Province.

    About Mount Ruang 

    • Ruang is situated in the Sangihe Islands arc, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
    • It comprises an island that is 4 by 5 kilometers wide, with a summit containing a partial lava dome reaching an altitude of 725 meters (2,379 ft).
    • From its summit, peaks such as Klabat, Siau, and Ternate can be observed in the south, north, and east, respectively.
    • The volcano’s first recorded eruption was in 1808.

    Why so many volcanic eruptions in Indonesia this year?

    • Indonesia, an archipelago of 270 million people, has 120 active volcanoes.
    • It is prone to volcanic activity because it sits along the “Ring of Fire,” a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean.

    What is the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’?

    • The Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ or Pacific Rim, or the Circum-Pacific Belt, is an area along the Pacific Ocean that is characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.
    • Volcanic arcs and oceanic trenches partly encircling the Pacific Basin form the so-called Ring of Fire.
    • It is home to about 75 per cent of the world’s volcanoes – more than 450 volcanoes.
    • Also, about 90 per cent of the world’s earthquakes occur here.

    Its spread

    • Its length is over 40,000 kilometres and traces from New Zealand clockwise in an almost circular arc covering Tonga, Kermadec Islands, Indonesia.
    • It is moving up to the Philippines, Japan, and stretching eastward to the Aleutian Islands, then southward along the western coast of North America and South America.

    Seismic activity of the region

    • The area is along several tectonic plates including the:
    1. Pacific plate,
    2. Philippine Plate,
    3. Juan de Fuca plate,
    4. Cocos plate,
    5. Nazca plate, and
    6. North American plate.
    • The movement of these plates or tectonic activity makes the area witness abundant earthquakes and tsunamis every year.
    • Along much of the Ring, tectonic plates move towards each other creating subduction zones.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian Territory.
    2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
    3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1 and 3

  • [pib] World Future Energy Summit 2024

    Why in the news?

    A panel discussion on “Future Growth Opportunities for Long Duration Energy Storage” was held at the World Future Energy Summit 2024 in Abu Dhabi.

    About World Future Energy Summit (WFES)

    • The WFES is an annual event held in Abu Dhabi; hosted in the United Arab Emirates, aiming to advance future energy, energy efficiency, and clean technologies.
    • It began in 2008, held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
    • Public relations firm Edelman helped set it up to “burnish the UEA’s green credentials“.
    • It was established as a platform to address the growing need for renewable energy solutions and sustainable development in response to global energy challenges.

    Key Initiative: Young Future Energy Leaders

    • The Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) is an element of the annual World Future Energy Summit (WFES).
    • A program of the Masdar Institute, it is committed to raising awareness and engaging students and young professionals in the fields of renewable energy and sustainability.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Which of the following organizations brings out the publication known as ‘World Economic Outlook’?

    (a) International Monetary Fund

    (b) United Nations Development Programme

    (c) World Economic Forum

    (d) World Bank

  • India’s Surge in Pulses Imports: A Six-Year High

    Why in the news?

    • India’s pulses imports in fiscal 2024 witnessed a remarkable surge, soaring by 84% year-on-year to their highest level in six years.
    • Lower production levels prompted India to permit duty-free imports of red lentils (Masoor) and yellow peas (Tur/Arhar), further driving the increase in imports.

    Pulses Cultivation in India

    Details
    Seasons Cultivated in both ‘Kharif’ and ‘Rabi’ seasons. ‘Rabi’ pulses contribute more than 60% of production.

    Kharif Season Pulses:

    1. Pigeon Peas (Arhar/Toor/Red Gram)
    2. Green Beans (Moong Beans)
    3. Black Matpe (Urad/Mah/Black Gram)
    4. Black Eyed Peas (Lobia)
    5. Chick Peas (Kabuli Chana)
    6. Red Kidney Beans (Rajmash)

    Rabi Season Pulses:

    1. Bengal Gram (Desi Chick Pea/Desi Chana)
    2. Lentils (Masoor)
    3. White Peas (Matar)
    Production (2023)  Approximately 27.5 million metric tonnes

    Reported as 7.6 quintals per hectare
    Area under Cultivation Pulses account for around 20% of the area under food grains in India.
    Top Producing States Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka
    Government Initiatives National Food Security Mission (NFSM) for Pulses, Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme
    Research and Development Conducted by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in collaboration with State Agricultural Universities
    Goal Aim for self-sufficiency in pulse production by 2027

     

    Pulses Import: Figures and Value

    • India imported a total of 4.65 million metric tons of pulses in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, marking the highest volume since fiscal 2018.
    • In terms of value, imports surged by 93% to reach $3.75 billion in the same period.

     

    Pulses Production in India: Key Facts

    • India is the largest producer (25% of global production), consumer (27% of world consumption) and importer (14%) of pulses in the world (as per FAO).
    • Pulses account for around 20% of the area under foodgrains and contribute around 7-10% of the total foodgrains production in the country (as per Vikaspedia).
    • Gram (Chana) is the most dominant pulse having a share of around 40 per cent in the total production followed by Tur/Arhar at 15 to 20 per cent and Urad and Moong at around 8-10 per cent each. (Reference)
    • Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are the top five pulses producing States. (Reference)

     

    Global Impact of Higher Imports

    • The surge in imports by India, the world’s largest importer, producer, and consumer of protein-rich pulses, has been bolstering global prices.
    • It has also contributed to reducing stocks in exporting countries such as Canada, Australia, and Myanmar.

    Significance of Pulses Consumption

    1. Nutritional Value:
      • Pulses are considered to be ‘poor man’s protein’.
      • They contain 20-25% of protein by weight, with twice the protein available in wheat and thrice that present in rice.
      • WHO recommends 80gm/day of Pulses in the diet.
    2. Environmental Sustainability:
      • Pulses have low carbon and water footprints, making them integral to sustainable farming.
      • Water footprints for producing one kilogram of meat are five times higher than that of pulses.
      • Pulses emit 0.5 kilogram in CO2 equivalent per kilogram, while meat produces 9.5 kilograms in CO2 equivalent.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years ?

    (a) Spices

    (b) Fresh fruits

    (c) Pulses

    (d) Vegetable oils

    [2020] With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:

    1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop.
    2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.
    3. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Complex Dispute

    Why in the news?

    The Supreme Court has issued a cautionary note to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) barring any physical excavation that could alter the character of the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Complex.

    About Bhojshala Complex

    Details
    Location Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh.
    Historical Background Established by Raja Bhoj, the greatest ruler of the Parmar dynasty, as an educational institute.
    Date of Establishment 11th century.
    Transformation Originally a Goddess Wagdevi (Saraswati temple), later converted into Kamal Maulana Mosque by Muslim rulers.
    Architectural Features
    • Large open courtyard (Mahaāyata);
    • Verandah with decorated pillars (Sthāpanā);
    • Prayer hall with intricately carved ceilings (Shikharākāra).
    Inscriptions
    • Two hymns depicting the Karmavatar of Vishnu (Avatār);
    • Sarpabandha pillar inscriptions with Sanskrit alphabet and grammatical rules (Vyākaraṇa).
    Archaeological Significance Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as an 11th-century monument under Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958

    Controversy over Bhojshala Complex

    • Religious Claims: Hindus regard the site as the temple of Goddess Wagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims believe it to be the Kamal Maula mosque.
    • Usage Agreement: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) allows Hindus to pray on Tuesdays and Vasant Panchami, and Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays,

    Recent Developments

    • Vasant Panchami Dispute: A recent order allowing Hindus to worship during Basant Panchami hours led to discontent among some Right-wing activists.
    • Demand for Extended Access: Hindu groups demand all-day access to the shrine on such occasions, leading to protests and petitions filed in the High Court.

     

    Who was Raja Bhoj?

    Details
    Original name Raja Bhoja (Mihir Bhoja)
    Dynasty Gurjara-Pratihara
    Reign 836 – 885 AD
    Rise to Prominence Emerged as the paramount power in northern India, defeating rivals like the Palas and Rashtrakutas
    Capital Kannauj (Mahodaya)
    Military Strength Possessed India’s strongest cavalry, as noted by Arab traveller Sulaiman
    Title Assumed the title of “Adivaraha”; referred to as “King Baura” by Arab travellers
    Religious Affiliation Great follower of Vaishnavism
    Acknowledgment of Supremacy Acknowledged as supreme by various factions, including Arabs of Sindh, Chandalas, and Kalachuris
    Notable Feats Triumph over Pala king Devapala and Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha
    Legacy Renowned for his wisdom, military prowess, and patronage of Vaishnavism
    Historical Significance Marked the zenith of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, leaving a lasting impact on Indian history

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:​

    1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.​
    2. It is the only circular temple built in India.​
    3. I was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.​
    4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building. ​

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 4 only

    (d) 2, 3 and 4 only

  • [18 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Great Indian Bustard and Climate Action Verdict

    Mains PYQ Relevance: 
    Q “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (UPSC IAS/2022)
    Q Does the right to a clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and judgments of the apex in this regard. (UPSC IAS/2015)

    Prelims:

    With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? (UPSC CSE 2020)
    1. It is spread over two districts.
    2. There is no human habitation inside the Park.
    3. It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c) 1 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: Recent Supreme Court judgments;

    Mains: Environmental Governance;

    Mentor comments: Mrs. Indira Gandhi once in her Stockholm Conference speech which was derived from ‘Atharva Veda’ to outline the need for maintaining Ecological Balance, concluded “What of thee I dig out, let that quickly grow over. Let me not hit thy vitals or thy heart. ” On similar lines, the efforts made by the Supreme Court of India in the Constitutionalization of Environmental Problems can be very much attributed when it Constitutionalized the subject of Environmental Governance by adding Article 48(A) and 51-A (g) through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976.  Further, in the M C Mehta vs Union of India case (1985), the Supreme Court introduced the ‘Doctrine of Absolute Liability’ which undermines the hazardous industries liable for harming the ecological balance by their industrial activities.  This time too (in April 2024), the Apex Court said the Rights to Life (Article 14) and Right to Equality (Article 21) cannot be fully realized without a clean, stable environment.

    Let’s learn

    —

    Why in the News?

    In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court of India recognized the existence of a fundamental right to be free from the adverse impacts of climate change (hereinafter ‘the right’). The judgment has garnered significant attention from environmentalists, mostly focusing only on its impacts on the protection of the Great Indian Bustard.  

    The Right

    • Great Indian Bustard Conservation vs. Renewable Energy Development: Rajasthan and Gujarat are home to the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, but also have significant potential for solar and wind power. A public interest litigation sought conservation of the bustard and a ban on further construction of solar and wind energy infrastructure due to the hazard posed by power lines to the bustards.
    • Supreme Court’s Initial Order: The Supreme Court imposed a blanket ban on the laying of overhead power lines in a large area, including priority and potential bustard conservation areas. It also ordered the undergrounding of existing power lines.
    • Government’s Challenge the order: The government challenged the order citing international climate commitments, stating the ban covered a larger area than necessary and undergrounding power lines was impractical. It attributed the bustard decline to factors like poaching and habitat destruction.
    • Supreme Court’s Modification: The Court modified the initial order, recalling the blanket prohibition on transmission lines and tasked a committee to assess the feasibility of undergrounding power lines and identifying conservation measures. The committee’s report is expected by July 2024.
    • Recognition of Right Against Climate Change: The Supreme Court recognized a right against the adverse impacts of climate change, rooted in Articles 14 (right to equality) and 21 (right to life) of the Indian Constitution, along with India’s climate change actions and scientific consensus.
    •  Non-binding Recognition: The Court’s recognition of the right isn’t in the operative part of the judgment, hence not binding. Its influence on future climate action remains to be seen.

    Just transition framework

    • Transition Framework: Conservationist Debadityo Sinha suggests adopting the just transition framework, aiming to make transitions to a low carbon economy more equitable and inclusive. This approach considers the interests of workers, vulnerable communities, and small and medium-sized enterprises affected by slow carbon transition projects like solar energy.

    Advantages of the Just Transition Framework:

    • Precludes adversarial choices: It avoids pitting climate action against biodiversity protection, advocating for inclusive climate action sensitive to varied rights and interests.
    • Expanding the concept to include non-human interests.: If used in the final decision, this case could become a frontrunner in just transition litigation, contributing to expanding the concept to include non-human interests.

    A ‘shared burden’

    • Shared Responsibility: The burden of articulating and enforcing the right falls not only on the state but also on activists, litigants, and academics. They contribute to the process of recognition, articulation, and enforcement of rights, indirectly or directly.
    • Inclusivity and Effectiveness: The focus is on making the right against climate change inclusive and effective, ensuring that it considers diverse perspectives and addresses the needs of all stakeholders, including marginalized communities and non-human interests.
    • Importance of Participation: Active participation from various stakeholders is crucial in shaping the content and implementation of the right against climate change, fostering collaboration between the judiciary, state, activists, litigants, and academics.

    Conclusion 

    The Supreme Court’s recognition of a right against climate change underscores the need for inclusive climate action. Embracing the just transition framework and fostering shared responsibility and participation are crucial for effective implementation.

    BACK2BASICS:
    About Great Indian Bustard (GIB):

    The GIB is the State bird of Rajasthan. It is also considered India’s most critically endangered bird and is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act.
    Its population of about 150 in Rajasthan accounts for 95% of its total world population. However, GIBs have been facing a threat to their survival because of intensive agricultural practices, the laying of power lines, and industrialization.