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Distribution: weekly

  • Festivals in news: Pulikkali

    pulikkali

    Central Idea

    • The culmination of Onam festivities witnessed the Pulikkali celebration, a traditional folk art form from Kerala, where humans dressed as tigers and leopards paraded through the streets.

    About Pulikkali

    • Pulikkali, also known as Tiger Dance, is a unique folk art of Kerala.
    • Celebrated on the fourth day of Onam, artists adorn themselves as tigers with distinctive yellow, red, and black stripes, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional percussion instruments like thakil, udukku, and chenda.
    • The central theme revolves around tiger hunting, with individuals playing the roles of both the tiger and the hunter.
    • It was introduced by Maharaja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, the former ruler of Cochin, Pulikkali reflects a rich cultural heritage.

    Onam Festival: Key Highlights

    • Onam, the most significant celebration in Kerala, holds great cultural importance.
    • Occurring at the onset of Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam Calendar, it’s a harvest festival celebrating prosperity.
    • The Onam Carnival extends for four to ten days, with Atham (first day) and Thiruonam (tenth day) as the most pivotal.
    • A popular belief holds that Onam welcomes King Mahabali’s spirit, who is believed to visit Kerala during this period.
    • The festival includes Vallamkali, a thrilling snake boat race ‘Vallamkali’ conducted on the Pampa River.
    • Onam showcases Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal, graceful dances performed by women, adding elegance to the celebrations.

  • Chandrayaan-3 Update: Pragyan put to Sleep Mode

    Central Idea

    • Chandrayaan-3 accomplished India’s historic achievement of soft landing on the Lunar South Pole.
    • Its mission success marked by several noteworthy observations since touchdown on August 23.

    Chandrayaan-3’s: Key Achievements

    • Pragyan rover’s Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument identified elements like aluminium, sulphur, calcium, iron, and more.
    • Vikram lander recorded a ‘moonquake’ and detected an ultra-thin layer of plasma in the lunar atmosphere.
    • These findings hint at distinct characteristics of the moon’s atmosphere compared to Earth.

    Significance of Observations

    • Sulphur discovery carries paramount importance in comprehending the moon’s origin and past surface (explosiveness) conditions.
    • The presence of significant sulphur amounts can provide insights into lunar volcanic activity, potentially indicating the presence of subterranean water.
    • Sulphur’s presence could offer clues about past lunar life support and constructing structures for human habitation.

    Exploring Lunar Water

    • Chandrayaan-3’s findings, particularly sulphur and oxygen on the moon’s surface, play a crucial role in narrowing down possible water sources.
    • The presence of sulphur and oxygen enhances the prospects of water detection.
    • ISRO was actively pursuing information about lunar hydrogen, another potential indicator of water.

    Other mission Lunar Discoveries

    • China’s Chang’e 5 mission unveiled a new lunar mineral, Changesite-(Y), and identified water in glass beads.
    • Chandrayaan-3’s sulphur detection aligns with the quest for similar glass beads.
    • NASA previously confirmed lunar water presence in shadowed craters and sunlit regions.

    Present status of Ch-3 Mission

    • Chandrayaan-3’s core objectives attained; Pragyan rover placed in ‘sleep’ mode.
    • The rover’s solar panels will recharge during the next lunar sunrise.
    • Plans to reactivate the rover for further observations remain underway.

  • Has the RTI been weakened over the years?

    Central Idea

    • Activists worry about the diminishing effectiveness Right to Information Act, 2005 in holding officials accountable.
    • The Act has exemptions for political parties, the judiciary, and intelligence agencies.
    • Recent amendments have sparked concerns, such as personal data protection provisions.

    The DPDP Act and RTI

    • The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, of 2023 prohibits personal data disclosure, even for social audits, reducing transparency.
    • Critics fear this blanket ban may hinder accountability and transparency efforts.

    About the Right to Information (RTI)

    Enactment June 15, 2005
    Objective Promote transparency and accountability
    Applicability All public authorities at central, state, local levels
    Scope Access to information on matters of public interest, government policies, budgets, etc.
    RTI Application Filed in writing with the concerned public authority
    Response Time Within 30 days (48 hours for life or liberty issues)
    Exemptions Some information exempted to protect national security, privacy, etc.

    Judiciary
    Fees Nominal fee varies based on state and information requested
    First Appellate Authority Filed if dissatisfied with the response
    Second Appeal Filed with the relevant Information Commission
    Whistleblower Protection Safeguards against victimization for exposing corruption
    Impact Promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance

    Challenges in Implementation

    • Implementation issues undermine the transparency that the Act aims to achieve.
    • The Act’s effectiveness depends on subordinate rules set by the Union and State Governments.
    • Slow appointments to information commissions delay appeals and erode trust in the system.

    Barriers and Online Solutions

    • Payment methods for RTI applications vary among States, causing complications.
    • Online RTI portals remove barriers but are not widespread, hindering access.
    • The Union Government’s RTI portal has usability issues, impacting data retrieval.

    Growing Dissatisfaction

    • Rising first appeals indicate growing dissatisfaction with the information provided.
    • Structural problems in institutions and websites hinder RTI effectiveness.
    • Activists emphasize the importance of addressing broader institutional issues.

    Conclusion

    • The RTI Act’s efficacy is hampered by implementation challenges, amendments, and online barriers.
    • A holistic approach is needed to restore and enhance the Act’s effectiveness.
    • Addressing these issues will strengthen transparency, accountability, and citizens’ access to information.

  • What is the debate around ‘one nation, one election’?

    What’s the news?

    • The government forms a committee to explore the possibility of One Nation, One Election.

    Central idea

    • On September 1st, the Central government established a committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind to assess the viability of the ‘one nation, one election’ (ONOE) proposal. This concept revolves around synchronizing the timing of Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across all states to reduce the frequency of electoral processes across the country.

    What is the ONOE plan?

    • Concept: The ONOE plan aims to synchronize the timing of the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across all states in India to reduce the frequency of election cycles nationwide.
    • Historical Context:
      • After the enforcement of the Constitution on January 26, 1950, the first-ever general elections for both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies occurred simultaneously in 1951-1952.
      • This practice continued for the following three Lok Sabha elections until 1967, streamlining the election process.
    • Disruption:
      • In 1959, the cycle was disrupted as the Central government invoked Article 356 of the Constitution, leading to the dismissal of the Kerala government, due to a perceived failure of constitutional machinery.
      • Subsequent to 1960, defections and counter-defections among political parties led to the dissolution of several State Legislative Assemblies.
      • This fragmentation resulted in separate election cycles for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
    • Current Scenario: Presently, only specific States such as Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha conduct their assembly polls concurrently with the Lok Sabha elections.

    Reports and Perspectives on ONOE

    • Law Commission of India (LCI) Report – 2018:
    • The LCI, led by Justice B. S. Chauhan, issued a draft report in August 2018 that scrutinized simultaneous elections.
    • The report acknowledged the constitutional and legal complexities surrounding this proposal.
    • It emphasized that the current constitutional framework necessitates amendments for the plan to be realized.
    • The LCI also recommended seeking approval from at least 50% of the States for such an overhaul.
    • Despite feasibility challenges, the report recognized potential benefits, including cost savings, reduced administrative burden, timely policy execution, and focused governance.
    • Historical Context – LCI Report 1999:
    • Notably, the LCI, headed by Justice B. P. Jeevan Reddy, supported the concept of simultaneous elections as early as 1999.
    • This historical context underscores that the idea has been debated over time.
    • Balancing Perspectives:
    • The reports and perspectives reveal a dualistic landscape: ONOE offers advantages like efficient governance and reduced election strain, but it’s hampered by practical and constitutional complexities.
    • In assessing ONOE’s viability, the focus is on a well-rounded understanding that considers both the potential benefits and the intricate challenges.

    Concerns Regarding the One Nation, One Election Plan

    • Feasibility and Constitutional Implications:
      • The Constitution outlines fixed tenures (Article 83(2) and 172) for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, raising doubts about the feasibility of simultaneous elections.
      • The possibility of mid-term government collapse necessitates a clear mechanism for holding fresh elections or imposing the President’s rule.
    • Federalism and Conceptual Incompatibility:
      • ONOE seems to conflict with the federal structure, contradicting the idea of India as a Union of States (Article 1).
      • Altering this balance might affect the autonomy and authority of state governments.
    • Frequency, Accountability, and Blending of Issues:
      • Frequent elections allow citizens to address national and state issues separately, enhancing accountability.
      • ONOE’s merging of issues might dilute accountability mechanisms and lead to a less-focused governance approach.
    • Cost Misconceptions:
      • While the Central government highlights the substantial costs of frequent elections, critics argue that the actual expenses are not as massive.
      • The analysis questions whether the Election Commission’s expenditure of ₹8,000 crore over five years, amounting to ₹1,500 crore annually or ₹27 per voter per year, is a significant expense for maintaining India’s democratic pride.

    Way forward

    • Comprehensive Constitutional Review:
      • Engage legal experts to meticulously assess necessary constitutional amendments for ONOE.
      • Develop a contingency plan to handle midterm government collapses, ensuring stability and smooth transitions.
    • Balancing Federalism and Centralization:
      • Initiate dialogues with state governments to understand and address their concerns about centralization.
      • Craft a balanced framework that respects both federal principles and national electoral efficiency.
    • Hybrid Accountability Model:
      • Explore a hybrid approach that retains staggered elections for select states while implementing ONOE for others.
      • Maintain distinct accountability mechanisms for national and state issues, promoting effective governance.
    • Transparent Cost-Benefit Analysis:
      • Conduct an independent and transparent assessment of the costs and savings associated with ONOE.
      • Present factual data to address misconceptions and inform stakeholders about the financial implications.
    • Pilots and Gradual Implementation:
      • Begin ONOE implementation through pilot projects in a limited number of states.
      • Assess challenges, gather insights, and refine the approach before nationwide adoption.

    Conclusion

    • The proposal for one nation, one election envisions synchronizing Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections to curtail the frequency of polls. The Indian democracy’s complex dynamics and diverse contexts warrant a comprehensive assessment before implementing such a transformative change.

  • The State Hunger Index (SHI)

    What’s the news?

    • Despite boasting the world’s largest public distribution system and comprehensive food security schemes, India’s standing on the Global Hunger Index (GHI) remains alarming.

    Central idea

    • The 2022 GHI ranked India a staggering 107 out of 121 nations, trailing behind Nigeria (103) and Pakistan (99). The GHI, encompassing calorie undernourishment, child malnutrition, and under-five mortality dimensions, highlights India’s ongoing battle against these challenges.

    Extent of the Issue

    • The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report for 2022 reveals a staggering statistic – India is home to approximately 224.3 million undernourished individuals.
    • Alarming disparities surface among various states, prompting the utilization of subnational data to develop a more nuanced and localized hunger index.
    • By harnessing such data, India can assess the extent of undernourishment at the state and union territory level, a crucial step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals aimed at eradicating hunger and malnutrition.

    The State Hunger Index (SHI)

    • Indicators: The SHI is derived from the Global Hunger Index (GHI) framework, utilizing four main indicators:
      • Prevalence of stunting, wasting, and under-five mortality among children below five years of age.
      • Body Mass Index (BMI) undernourishment among the working-age population.
    • Calorie Undernourishment Replacement: Calorie undernourishment, a GHI indicator, is replaced by BMI undernourishment due to data unavailability post-2012.
    • Data Sources: SHI calculations involve data from various sources, including:
      • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5)
      • Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI)
    • Calculation: Normalized values of the indicators are combined using techniques recommended by the GHI.
    • Score Range and Categories:
      • SHI scores range from 0 to 100.
      • Higher scores indicate higher hunger levels.
      • The categories of SHI scores are as follows:
        • Below 10: Low hunger
        • 10-20: Moderate hunger
        • 20-30: Serious hunger
        • 30-40: Alarming hunger
        • 50 or above: Extremely alarming hunger

    Findings of the State Hunger Index (SHI)

    • Alarming Hunger Levels: States like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh have alarmingly high SHI scores of 35, indicating significant hunger levels.
    • Moderate Hunger Levels: States such as Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, Maharashtra, and West Bengal score above the national average (29), indicating moderate hunger levels.
    • Lower Hunger Levels: Chandigarh stands out with a notably low SHI score of 12, suggesting relatively lower hunger levels.
    • Moderate Hunger Category: States like Sikkim, Puducherry, and Kerala have SHI scores below 16, placing them in the ‘moderate hunger’ category.
    • Serious Hunger Concerns: Several states score below the national average but above 20, pointing to serious hunger challenges in these regions.

    Calorie Undernourishment: A Critical Challenge

    • Deteriorating GHI Score: Over the past few years, India’s Global Hunger Index (GHI) score has worsened primarily due to the increasing prevalence of calorie undernourishment. This underscores the urgent need to address this challenge effectively.
    • Escalating Proportions: Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization reveals that the proportion of calorie undernourishment has been on the rise since 2017, reaching a concerning 16.3% in 2020. This trend mirrors statistics from over a decade ago, such as those from 2009.
    • Government Disputes and Data Concerns: Despite these alarming figures, the Indian government has raised doubts about the accuracy of the data and methodologies employed in calculating the GHI. However, the absence of empirical evidence to support these disputes leaves room for further clarity.
    • Data Limitations: Notably, a challenge in understanding the scale of calorie undernourishment stems from the lack of recent National Sample Survey (NSS) rounds on nutritional intake since 2011-12. This survey previously offered insights into the prevalence of undernourishment at both national and subnational levels.
    • Impact on Health and Development: Calorie undernourishment directly affects health and development, leading to weakened immune systems, stunted growth, impaired cognitive development, and increased susceptibility to diseases.
    • Economic and Social Implications: The persistence of calorie undernourishment has far-reaching socio-economic consequences, hindering productivity, reducing human capital potential, and perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

    Way forward

    • Urgent Focus on Calorie Undernourishment: Recognize the urgent need to address calorie undernourishment, which has contributed to India’s declining GHI score.
    • Reviving NSS Rounds: Prioritize conducting new National Sample Survey (NSS) rounds on nutritional intake to obtain updated and accurate data on undernourishment levels.
    • Evidence-Based Approach: Encourage the Indian government to substantiate their concerns about GHI data accuracy with empirical evidence.
    • Collaborative Efforts: Collaborate between government agencies, NGOs, researchers, and communities to formulate and implement targeted strategies.
    • Alignment with SDGs: Align efforts with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 2 focused on eradicating hunger and malnutrition.

    Conclusion

    • While the GHI is not immune to criticism regarding its methodology and aggregation techniques, it remains a critical tool for gauging undernourishment and child nutrition. Despite strides in reducing extreme poverty, disparities persist in addressing food insecurity, hunger, and child malnutrition. India must prioritize targeted interventions to overcome these challenges and fulfill its commitment to sustainable development.

  • Progress track: National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

    Central Idea

    • The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) aims to clean the Ganga River by treating sewage generated in five major states through sewage treatment plants (STPs) and sewerage networks.
    • Over seven years, NMCG has achieved 20% sewage treatment capacity, with a target of 60% by December 2026.

    About National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

    Objective Restore and rejuvenate the Ganga River and its tributaries, ensuring their ecological and geological health
    Formation Year 2014
    Nodal Agency Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India
    Coverage Encompasses Ganga and its major tributaries
    Key Areas Pollution control, riverfront development, biodiversity conservation, afforestation, and public awareness
    Projects Ghat and crematoria development, sewage treatment plants, river surface cleaning, and more
    Holistic Approach Integrates various government initiatives, stakeholders, and public participation
    Collaborations Partnerships with state governments, NGOs, international agencies, and private sector
    Legal Measures National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) established for river protection
    Significance Addresses ecological, social, and cultural aspects while ensuring sustainable water quality

    Current and Future Sewage Treatment Capacity

    • As of now, NMCG treats about 20% of sewage generated in the Ganga river basin.
    • The treatment capacity is projected to reach 33% by 2024 and 60% by December 2026.
    • Sewage generation is estimated at 11,765 million litres per day (MLD) across five states: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

    Role of NMCG

    • NMCG aims to prevent untreated sewage from flowing into the Ganga River.
    • The 11,765 MLD projection includes sewage generated within the states but not necessarily flowing into the river.
    • NMCG’s plan includes setting up 7,000 MLD sewage treatment capacity by 2026.

    Projects and Progress

    • STPs and sewerage networks constitute about 80% of the NMCG project.
    • By July 2023, functional STPs treat 2,665 MLD, with 1,455 MLD added in the last financial year.
    • Delayed projects resulted from land acquisition issues and revisions in Detailed Project Reports.

    State-wise Distribution

    • Most STPs are in Uttarakhand (36), followed by Uttar Pradesh (35) and West Bengal (11).
    • Despite NMCG’s ₹20,000 crore budget, in-principle approval has been given for projects worth ₹37,396 crore, with ₹14,745 crore released for infrastructure work by June 2023.

    Conclusion

    • NMCG’s progress signifies a positive trajectory in Ganga River restoration, reflected in improved water quality and enhanced aquatic life.
    • The mission’s efforts continue to tackle sewage treatment challenges and promote cleaner water resources.

  • Mercy Petitions in Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023

    Central Idea

    • The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 seeks to replace the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and introduces significant changes to the mercy petition process for death sentence cases.
    • These changes impact core aspects like justiciability, time limits, and the execution process.

    Background on Mercy Petitions

    • The Constitution granted the President (Article 72) and Governor (Article 161) the power to grant pardons or commute sentences.
    • In the Supreme Court’s ruling in Maru Ram vs. Union of India (1981), it was established that the President must act based on the Council of Ministers’ advice in mercy petitions.

    New Mercy Petition Provision in BNSS

    • Under BNSS Section 473(1), convicts can file mercy petitions within 30 days after specific events.
    • Convicts can petition the President or Governor based on dismissal of appeals or confirmation of sentences.
    • For cases with multiple convicts, they all must file petitions within 60 days.

    Centre’s Role in Mercy Petitions

    • The Centre seeks the state government’s comments, reviews the case, and makes recommendations to the President within 60 days.
    • No time limit is specified for the President’s decision.

    Exclusion of Appeals against President’s Decision

    • BNSS Section 473(7) states that the President’s decisions on mercy petitions are final.
    • Courts cannot question or review the grounds for President’s pardons or commutations.
    • Unlike the Shatrughan Chauhan vs. Union of India (2014) ruling that mandated a 14-day gap between the rejection of mercy petitions and execution, BNSS doesn’t mention such a provision.

    Delay in Mercy Petition Disposal

    • The Shatrughan Chauhan case highlighted the need to avoid undue delay in mercy petition disposal.
    • BNSS lacks a time limit for the President to decide mercy pleas.

    Conclusion

    • The proposed BNSS’s alterations to mercy petitions raise concerns about transparency, judicial review, and the protection of prisoners’ rights.
    • Balancing constitutional powers with timely justice remains a challenge in these proposed changes.

  • In news: Mitakshara Law of Succession

    Central Idea

    • The Supreme Court clarified that children born from void or voidable marriages can inherit the parent’s share in a joint Hindu family property governed by Mitakshara law.
    • However, the inheritance rights are limited to the parent’s share and do not extend to other family members’ properties.

    Mitakshara School of Law

    History Originated in ancient India; attributed to Vijnaneshvara, a 12th-century scholar
    Focus Interpretation of Yajnavalkya Smriti in matters of family, property, and inheritance law
    Ancestral Property Emphasis on joint family property and ancestral property rights
    Inheritance Defines rules for succession and inheritance within Hindu families
    Variations Different regional interpretations, including the “Dayabhaga” School
    Regional Influence Widespread influence on Hindu legal practices, especially in property law
    Development Evolved over time and influenced by legal reforms and societal changes
    Modern Context Coexists with contemporary legal frameworks and personal laws
    Significance Played a significant role in shaping Hindu family and property law

    Nature of Marriages and Law

    • A voidable marriage is made invalid by the husband or wife through a decree.
    • A void marriage is invalid from the beginning.
    • Mitakshara Law of Succession applies to Hindu Undivided Families across India, except West Bengal and Assam.

    Ruling Details

    • The Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, clarified that the child from a void or voidable marriage cannot claim rights to other family members’ properties.
    • The child’s inheritance rights pertain only to the parent’s share in the ancestral property.
    • A “notional partition” is conducted to ascertain the parent’s share immediately before their death.

    Inheritance Calculation

    • The law assumes a partition of the ancestral property between the deceased parent and other family members before the parent’s death.
    • The child’s inheritance is based on the share the parent would have received through this notional partition.

    Legal Basis

    • Section 16 of the Hindu Marriage Act grants legitimacy to children born from void or voidable marriages.
    • The court held that these children have the right to their parents’ property.
    • The intent of granting legitimacy to such children in the Hindu Marriage Act is reflected in the Hindu Succession Act.

    Impact of Amendment

    • The Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005, allows a deceased person’s share in a joint Hindu family property to devolve to heirs by testamentary or intestate succession.
    • Before the amendment, devolution occurred only through survivorship.
    • Equal rights of succession are now granted to women as well as men.

    Background and Precedents

    • The case was centered on Section 16(3) of the Hindu Marriage Act.
    • In 2011, a Division Bench of the Supreme Court championed the rights of children born from illegitimate marriages to inherit their parents’ properties.
    • The Division Bench emphasized that these children deserve the same rights as those born from valid marriages.

    Conclusion

    • The concept of legitimacy evolves with changing social norms.
    • The court observed that what was considered illegitimate in the past may be legitimate today.
    • Children born from void or voidable marriages should not be denied inheritance rights based on evolving social consensus.

  • Tibetan Democracy Day: A Legacy of Struggle and Resilience

    tibet

    Central Idea

    • Tibetan Democracy Day on September 2 marks the founding of the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamshala.
    • It signifies the establishment of Tibetan democracy after forced displacement.

    Tibetan Govt in Exile: Historical Genesis

    • In 1960, a year after Tibetans were displaced, the first elected representatives of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile were sworn in.
    • His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s influence led to the enactment of the Tibetan constitution in 1963, emphasizing democracy.

    Role of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA)

    • The CTA, based in Dharamshala, manages over 100,000 Tibetan refugees globally.
    • It is the heart of Tibetan self-governance and resilience.
    • CTA’s Evolution:
    1. The first women representatives were elected in 1963 under the Tibetan constitution.
    2. In 1975, the CTA declared September 2 as the founding day of Tibetan democracy.
    3. The Charter of the Tibetans in exile was adopted in 1991, followed by the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission in 1992.

    CTA’s Functioning

    • The CTA, led by the President (Sikyong), operates through departments: Religion and Culture, Home, Finance, Education, Security, Information and International Relations, and Health.
    • The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile has 45 members representing various aspects of the Tibetan community.

    Leadership Transition

    • The Dalai Lama’s shift to semi-retirement led to direct elections of the executive head, Kalön Tripa.
    • In 2011, His Holiness delegated political authority to Sikyong, the President of the CTA.

    Bodh Gaya’s Role

    • In 1960, the first elected Tibetan representatives took their oaths in Bodh Gaya, marking the inception of the democratic system.
    • Bodh Gaya played a pivotal role in the early days of Tibetan democracy.

    India’s perception of Tibet

    • India respects the Dalai Lama as a spiritual leader but does not officially recognize the CTA as a government.
    • It balances diplomatic considerations while supporting Tibetan refugees.

    Global Recognition

    • The US stands as a vocal supporter, with bipartisan backing and specialized coordinators for Tibet.
    • While global recognition is limited, Tibetans value India’s consistent support.

    Back2Basics: Tibetan Buddhism

    Description
    Origin and Development Form of Vajrayana Buddhism; emerged in Tibetan Plateau and Himalayan regions
    Tantric Practices Emphasizes rapid spiritual awakening through rituals, visualizations, and energy transformation
    Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) is spiritual leader; Panchen Lama is also significant
    Monastic Traditions Strong monastic presence; monks and nuns preserve teachings and meditate
    Deity Pantheon Diverse deities representing enlightenment qualities; depicted in mandalas and thangkas
    Prayer Flags and Wheels Flags convey prayers; wheels accumulate merit and blessings
    Reincarnation and Tulku System Belief in reincarnation; system to identify tulkus (reincarnated lamas)

     

  • Armenia and Azerbaijan Conflict

    Central Idea

    • Three Armenian soldiers have been killed in firing from Azerbaijan as tensions between the two countries persist.

    Consider this PYQ:

    Q.The area is known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events related to: (CSP 2015)

    a) Central Asia
    b) Middle East
    c) South-East Asia
    d) Central Africa

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”ppzqldwmt2″ question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

    What is the dispute?

    • Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway region that is inside Azerbaijan but is run by ethnic Armenians, declared martial law and mobilized their male populations.
    • Armenia said Azerbaijan had carried out an air and artillery attack on Nagorno-Karabakh.

    Epicentre: The Nagorno-Karabakh region

    • Nagorno-Karabakh broke away from Azerbaijan in a conflict that broke out as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.
    • A ceasefire was agreed in 1994 after thousands of people were killed and many more displaced.
    • Azerbaijan and Armenia frequently accuse each other of attacks around Nagorno-Karabakh and along the separate Azeri-Armenian frontier.

    Economics behind the clashes

    • The clashes prompted a flurry of diplomacy to prevent a new flare-up of a decades-old conflict between majority Christian Armenia and mainly Muslim Azerbaijan.
    • Pipelines shipping Caspian oil and natural gas from Azerbaijan to the world pass close to Nagorno-Karabakh.
    • The clashes have raised concerns about instability in the South Caucasus, a corridor for pipelines transporting oil and gas to world markets.