💥Mains Ready By December. Smash Mains & Smash PYQ Admissions Open
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS1

  • Gyanvapi -Kashi Vishwanath Temple Complex Dispute

    gyanvapi

    The Varanasi District and Sessions Court has rejected the plea of the organization which manages the Gyanvapi mosque complex, challenging the maintainability of the civil suits filed by some women seeking the right to worship Goddesses on the outer wall of the complex.

    About Gyanvapi Mosque

    • The Gyanvapi Mosque was built in 1669 during the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who ordered the demolition of the existing Vishweshwar temple at the site, and its replacement by a mosque.
    • The plinth of the temple was left untouched, and served as the courtyard of the mosque.
    • One of the walls too was spared, and it became the qibla wall, the most important wall in a mosque that faces Mecca.
    • Material from the destroyed temple was used to build the mosque, evidence of which can be seen today.
    • The name of the mosque is said to have derived from an adjoining well, the Gyanvapi, or Well of Knowledge.
    • An old sculpture of the Nandi bull inside the compound of the present Kashi Vishwanath Temple faces the wall of the mosque instead of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
    • It is believed that Nandi is in fact, facing the sanctum sanctorum of the original Vishweshwar temple.

    The temple to Lord Shiva

    • For more than 100 years after the mosque was built, there was no temple at the site.
    • The present Kashi Vishwanath Temple was built in the 18th century by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, immediately to the south of the mosque.
    • Over the decades it emerged as one of the most prominent and revered centres of the Hindu religion.
    • Many Hindus have long believed that the original deity of the erstwhile Vishweshwar temple was hidden by the priests inside the Gyanvapi well during Aurangzeb’s raid.
    • This has fired the desire to conduct puja and rituals at the sacred place where the mosque now stands.

    Longstanding claims

    • From time to time, petitioners have laid claim to the mosque, saying it remains the original sacred place of Hindu worship.
    • The Ayodhya movement also aimed to “liberate” the Kashi-Vishwanath Temple-Gyanvapi mosque site and the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura as well.

    What laws restrict such acts?

    • The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 — which mandates that the nature of all places of worship, except the one in Ayodhya that was then under litigation, shall be maintained as it was on August 15, 1947.
    • It maintains that no encroachment of any such place prior to the date can be challenged in courts — applies to the disputed complex in Varanasi.

    What was the case before the Court?

    • The temple worshipers side had argued that the mosque was built on the site of an older temple, while the another side pleaded that the mosque was built on Wakf premises.
    • The plea also said that The Places of Worship Act of 1991 barred the changing of the character of the mosque.
    • The case was initially heard by the Civil Judge (Senior Division), Varanasi, but it was transferred by the Supreme Court to the District Judge on grounds of the “complexity of the issues involved in the civil suit”.
    • The Supreme Court said it would wait for the district court’s decision on the mosque committee’s application before intervening in the matter.

    Issue in Limelight

    • In April 2021, Fast Track Court Civil Judge ordered the Archaeological Survey of India to get a comprehensive archaeological physical survey” done of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple-Gyanvapi Mosque complex.
    • It was tasked to find out as to whether the religious structure standing at present at the disputed site is a superimposition, alteration or addition or there is a structural overlapping of any kind, with or over, any religious structure.
    • The mosque is not an ASI-protected site, and the ASI has no role in its maintenance or upkeep.

    What are the people seeking now?

    • Worshippers find the cut-off date of August 15, 1947, is “arbitrary, irrational and retrospective” and prohibits Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs from approaching courts to “reclaim” their places of worship.
    • Such places, they argue, were “invaded” and “encroached” upon by “fundamentalist barbaric invaders”.
    • Certain groups have opposed the law even when it was introduced, arguing that the Centre has no power to legislate on “pilgrimages” or “burial grounds” which are under the state list.

     

    UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Uniform Civil Code

    uniform civil code

    The expert committee formed by the Uttarakhand government to examine ways for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has launched a website, seeking public opinion on the plan.

    What is a Uniform Civil Code?

    • A Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is one that would provide for one personal civil law for the entire country.
    • This would be applicable to all religious communities in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption etc.

    Basis for Uniform Civil Code

    • Article 44, one of the Directive Principles of the Constitution lays down that the state shall endeavour to secure a UCC for the citizens throughout the territory of India.
    • These, as defined in Article 37, are not justiciable (not enforceable by any court) but the principles laid down therein are fundamental in governance.

    Personal Laws And Uniform Civil Code: Timeline

    # British period
    During the British Raj, Personal laws were first framed mainly for Hindu and Muslims citizens.

    # Start of 20th Century
    In the beginning of the twentieth century, the demand for a uniform civil code was first put forward by the women activists. The objective behind this demand was the women’s rights, equality and secularism.

    # 1940 – The Idea of Uniform Civil Code is born
    The idea of Uniform Civil Code was tabled by the National Planning Commission (NPC) appointed by the Congress. There was a subcommittee who was to examine women’s status and recommends reforms of personal law for gender equality.

    # 1947 – Question of UCC as a Fundamental Right
    UCC was sought to be enshrined in the Constitution of India as a fundamental right by Minoo Masani, Hansa Mehta, Amrit Kaur and Dr. B.R Ambedkar.

    # 1948 – Constitution Assembly debated UCC
    Article 44 of the Indian Constitution i.e. Directive Principles of State Policy sets implementation of uniform civil laws which is the duty of the state under Part IV.

    # 1950 – Reformist Bill passed
    Reformist bills were passed which gave the Hindu women the right to divorce and inherit property. Bigamy and child marriages are outlawed. Such reforms were resisted by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

    # 1951 – Dr. Ambedkar Resigns
    Dr. Ambedkar resigned from the cabinet in 1951 when his draft of the Hindu Code Bill was stalled by the Parliament.

    # 1985 – Shah Bano Case
    In this case, a divorced Muslim woman was brought within the ambit of Section 125 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 by the Supreme Court in which it was declared by the Apex court that she was entitled for maintenance even after the completion ofiddatperiod.

    # 1995- Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India
    In this case, Justice Kuldip Singh reiterated the need for the Parliament to frame a Uniform Civil Code, which would help the cause of national integration by removing contradictions based on ideologies. Therefore, the responsibility entrusted on the State under Article 44 of the Constitution whereby a Uniform Civil Code must be secured has been urged by the Supreme Court repeatedly as a matter of urgency.

    # 2000 – Supreme Court advocates UCC
    The case of Lily Thomas v. Union of India (2000),where the Supreme Court said it could not direct the centre to introduce a UCC.

    # 2015 – The Debate lives through
    The apex court refused to direct the government to take a decision on having a UCC.

    # 2016 – Triple Talaq Debate
    When PM asked the Law Commission to examine the issue.

    # 2017 – Ruling of the Triple Talaq case
    Triple Talaq (Talaq -e- biddat) was declared unconstitutional on August 22, 2017.

    UCC vs. Right to Freedom of Religion

    1. Article 25 lays down an individual’s fundamental right to religion
    2. Article 26(b) upholds the right of each religious denomination or any section thereof to “manage its own affairs in matters of religion”
    3. Article 29 defines the right to conserve distinctive culture

    Reasonable restrictions on the Freedom of Religion

    • An individual’s freedom of religion under Article 25 is subject to “public order, health, morality” and other provisions relating to FRs, but a group’s freedom under Article 26 has not been subjected to other FRs.
    • In the Constituent Assembly, there was division on the issue of putting UCC in the fundamental rights chapter. The matter was settled by a vote.
    • By a 5:4 majority, the fundamental rights sub-committee headed by Sardar Patel held that the provision was outside the scope of FRs and therefore the UCC was made less important.

    Minority Opinion in the Constituent Assembly

    • Some members sought to immunize Muslim Personal Law from state regulation.
    • Mohammed Ismail, who thrice tried unsuccessfully to get Muslim Personal Law exempted from Article 44, said a secular state should not interfere with the personal law of people.
    • B Pocker Saheb said he had received representations against a common civil code from various organisations, including Hindu organisations.
    • Hussain Imam questioned whether there could ever be uniformity of personal laws in a diverse country like India.
    • B R Ambedkar said “no government can use its provisions in a way that would force the Muslims to revolt”.
    • Alladi Krishnaswami, who was in favour of a UCC, conceded that it would be unwise to enact UCC ignoring strong opposition from any community.
    • Gender justice was never discussed in these debates.

    Enacting and Enforcing UCC

    • Fundamental rights are enforceable in a court of law.
    • While Article 44 uses the words “state shall endeavour”, other Articles in the ‘Directive Principles’ chapter use words such as “in particular strive”; “shall in particular direct its policy”; “shall be obligation of the state” etc.
    • Article 43 mentions “state shall endeavour by suitable legislation” while the phrase “by suitable legislation” is absent in Article 44.
    • All this implies that the duty of the state is greater in other directive principles than in Article 44.

    What are more important — fundamental rights or directive principles?

    • There is no doubt that fundamental rights are more important.
    • The Supreme Court held in Minerva Mills (1980): Indian Constitution is founded on the bed-rock of the balance between Parts III (Fundamental Rights) and IV (Directive Principles).
    • To give absolute primacy to one over the other is to disturb the harmony of the Constitution.
    • Article 31C inserted by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, however, lays down that if a law is made to implement any directive principle, it cannot be challenged on the ground of being violative of the FRs under Articles 14 and 19.

    What about Personal Laws?

    • Citizens belonging to different religions and denominations follow different property and matrimonial laws which are an affront to the nation’s unity.
    • If the framers of the Constitution had intended to have a UCC, they would have given exclusive jurisdiction to Parliament in respect of personal laws, by including this subject in the Union List.
    • “Personal Laws” are mentioned in the Concurrent List.

    Various customary laws

    • All Hindus of the country are not governed by one law, nor are all Muslims or all Christians.
    • Muslims of Kashmir were governed by a customary law, which in many ways was at variance with Muslim Personal Law in the rest of the country and was, in fact, closer to Hindu law.
    • Even on the registration of marriage among Muslims, laws differ from place to place.
    • In the Northeast, there are more than 200 tribes with their own varied customary laws.
    • The Constitution itself protects local customs in Nagaland. Similar protections are enjoyed by Meghalaya and Mizoram.
    • Even reformed Hindu law, in spite of codification, protects customary practices.

     Why need UCC?

    • UCC would provide equal status to all citizens
    • It would promote gender parity in Indian society.
    • UCC would accommodate the aspirations of the young population who imbibe liberal ideology.
    • Its implementation would thus support the national integration.

    Hurdles to UCC implementation

    • There are practical difficulties due to religious and cultural diversity in India.
    • The UCC is often perceived by minorities as an encroachment of religious freedom.
    • It is often regarded as interference of the state in personal matters of the minorities.
    • Experts often argue that the time is not ripe for Indian society to embrace such UCC.

    These questions need to be addressed which are being completely ignored in the present din around UCC.

    1. Firstly, how can uniformity in personal laws are brought without disturbing the distinct essence of each and every component of the society.
    2. Secondly, what makes us believe that practices of one community are backward and unjust?
    3. Thirdly, has other uniformities been able to eradicate inequalities that diminish the status of our society as a whole?

    Way forward

    • It should be the duty of the religious intelligentia to educate the community about its rights and obligations based on modern liberal interpretations.
    • A good environment for the UCC must be prepared by the government by explaining the contents and significance of Article 44 taking all into confidence.
    • Social reforms are not overnight but gradual phenomena. They are often vulnerable to media evils such as fake news and disinformation.
    • Social harmony and the cultural fabric of our nation must be the priority.

     

    UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Why Cloudbursts forecast in India still remains elusive?

    cloudbursts

    The characteristics of cloud burst events remain elusive, and our efforts in monitoring and forecasting them is at an embryonic stage.

    Cyclones can be predicted about one week in advance. However, cloudburst forecasts still remain elusive.

    What is Cloudbursts?

    • A cloudburst is a localised but intense rainfall activity.
    • Short spells of very heavy rainfall over a small geographical area can cause widespread destruction, especially in hilly regions where this phenomenon is the most common.
    • Not all instances of very heavy rainfall, however, are cloudbursts.
    • A cloudburst has a very specific definition: Rainfall of 10 cm or more in an hour over a roughly 10 km x 10-km area is classified as a cloudburst event.
    • By this definition, 5 cm of rainfall in a half-hour period over the same area would also be categorized as a cloudburst.

    Which clouds do burst?

    • Cloudburst events are often associated with cumulonimbus clouds that cause thunderstorms and occasionally due to monsoon wind surges and other weather phenomena.
    • Cumulonimbus clouds can grow up to 12-15 km in height through the entire troposphere (occasionally up to 21 km) and can hold huge amounts of water.
    • Tall cumulonimbus clouds can develop in about half an hour as the moisture updraft happens rapidly, at a pace of 60 to 120 km/hr.
    • A single-cell cloud may last for an hour and dump all the rain in the last 20 to 30 minutes, while some of these clouds merge to form multi-cell storms and last for several hours.
    • However, cloudbursts are not defined based on cloud characteristics and do not indicate clouds exploding. Cloudbursts are defined by the amount of rainfall.

    How is it different from normal rainfall?

    • According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), 100 mm of rain in an hour is called a cloudburst.
    • Usually, cloudbursts occur over a small geographical region of 20 to 30 sq. km.

    When do they occur?

    • In India, cloudbursts often occur during the monsoon season, when the southwesterly monsoon winds bring in copious amounts of moisture inland.
    • The moist air that converges over land gets lifted as they encounter the hills.
    • The moist air reaches an altitude and gets saturated, and the water starts condensing out of the air forming clouds.
    • This is how clouds usually form, but such an orographic lifting together with a strong moisture convergence can lead to intense cumulonimbus clouds taking in huge volumes of moisture that is dumped during cloudbursts.

    How common are cloudbursts?

    • Cloudbursts are not uncommon events, particularly during the monsoon months.
    • Most of these happen in the Himalayan states where the local topology, wind systems, and temperature gradients between the lower and upper atmosphere facilitate the occurrence of such events.
    • However, not every event that is described as a cloudburst is actually, by definition, a cloudburst.
    • That is because these events are highly localized.
    • They take place in very small areas which are often devoid of rainfall measuring instruments.

    Climate change and cloudbursts: How are they related?

    • Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of cloudbursts worldwide.
    • As the air gets warmer, it can hold more moisture and for a longer time. We call this the Clausius Clapeyron relationship.
    • A 1-degree Celsius rise in temperature may correspond to a 7-10% increase in moisture and rainfall.
    • This increase in rainfall amount does not get spread moderately throughout the season.
    • As the moisture holding capacity of air increases, it results in prolonged dry periods intermittent with short spells of extreme rains.
    • Deeper cumulonimbus clouds will form and the chances of cloudbursts also increase.

    Why are they so destructive?

    • The consequences of these events, however, are not confined to small areas.
    • Because of the nature of terrain, the heavy rainfall events often trigger landslides and flash floods, causing extensive destruction downstream.
    • This is the reason why every sudden downpour that leads to destruction of life and property in the hilly areas gets described as a “cloudburst”, irrespective of whether the amount of rainfall meets the defining criteria.
    • At the same time, it is also possible that actual cloudburst events in remote locations aren’t recorded.

    Detecting cloudbursts

    • Satellites are extensively useful in detecting large-scale monsoon weather systems.
    • However the resolution of the precipitation radars of these satellites can be much smaller than the area of individual cloudburst events, and hence they go undetected.
    • Weather forecast models also face a similar challenge in simulating the clouds at a high resolution.
    • The skillful forecasting of rainfall in hilly regions remains challenging due to the uncertainties in the interaction between the moisture convergence and the hilly terrain.
    • There also involves the cloud microphysics, and the heating-cooling mechanisms at different atmospheric levels.
    • Multiple radars can be a quick measure for providing warnings, but radars are an expensive affair, and installing them across the country may not be practically feasible.

    Solutions to cloudbursts forecast

    • Multiple doppler weather radars can be used to monitor moving cloud droplets and help to provide nowcasts (forecasts for the next three hours).
    • A long-term measure would be mapping the cloudburst-prone regions using automatic rain gauges.
    • If cloudburst-prone regions are co-located with landslide-prone regions, these locations can be designated as hazardous.

     

    UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Kashmiri pandits

    Kashmiri panditsContext

    • Recent events of targeted killings of Kashmiri pandits and other Hindus by the militants in the valley lead to the protests which once again brought forward the question of their right to return and the safety of minorities living in the valley

    Who are the Kashmiri pandits?

    • The Kashmiri Pandits are one of the highest ranked Brahman castes who are the natives of the valley, locally known as pundits.
    • They were the minority in the valley comprising only 5% of the total population.
    • Traditionally dependent on agriculture and small-scale business and one of the favored sections in the administration.

    What is the conflict?

    • Radical Islamists and militants started targeting the Kashmiri pundits putting in front the option of either of conversion or persecution.
    • The Growth of militancy in the 1990s forced Kashmiri pandits to leave the valley in greater numbers. They started migrating to the other states, leaving every belonging behind and seeking refuge in other parts.
    • While many of them started migrating some decided to stay back in their homeland.
    • Conflict arose between radical Islamists organization and the Hindus leading to the mass killings of the Kashmiri Hindus in waves which is termed as exodus.

    kashmiri panditWhat has been done so far?

    • After the Pandit exodus from the Valley in the 1990s, the first few years of this century saw government efforts to send Pandits back to the Valley.
    • Under the Prime Minister’s return and rehabilitation of Kashmir migrants scheme, created government postings in the Valley for Kashmiri Pandit “migrant” youth.
    • Mostly, teachers and these government employees have lived in protected high security enclaves, but their work requires them to leave these enclaves and mingle with the rest of the population. Another segment, known as “non-migrant” Pandits because they never left the Valley, has lived in their own homes, without state-provided protection.

    What is CDR?

    • Centre for dialogue and reconciliation (CDR) is a Delhi-based think-tank incorporated in March 2001, aims to be a catalyst for peace in South Asia.
    • CDR working for the peace-building process in Jammu Kashmir, supported the initiative of dialogue between the two communities as a part of self-assessment, acknowledging the mistakes.

    kashmiri panditsWhat did CDR do in Kashmir?

    • CDR supported the initiative for a dialogue proposed by two prominent young Kashmiris one a Muslim and the other a Pandit both who have witnessed the violence of 1990 and the subsequent years.
    • They believe in the principle of talking could lead to healing.
    • It led to CDR’s ‘Shared Witness’, a Pandit-Muslim dialogue series, in December 2010.
    • Public intellectuals and other influential persons from both communities were participants

    Observations of the dialogue

    • The dialogue series coincided with the launching of the Prime Minister’s job scheme.
    • Dialogues created a social environment that enabled Kashmiri Pandits to take up government postings in the Valley.
    • They focused on the events in and around 1990, and the incidents that triggered the displacement of the Pandit community.
    • By the third dialogue, participants were sharing individual experiences that did not fit into the narrative that each community had built about the other.
    • The process of the conversation lead them to think on the actual reason behind the conflict, was it communal differences, or was it only religion?

    From the eyes of the pandits

    • Pandits were aggrieved that the Muslims did not protest the Pandit killings, not even when the killers claimed them. That greater responsibility lay with the Muslims as they were the majority.
    • If some social organizations had acted quickly, the exodus could have been stopped.
    • They observed that the Pandit community too had suffered from a lack of leadership.
    • They demand an apology and to set up of possible “Truth commission”

    What do the Muslims say?

    • The Muslim participants felt the Pandits were in denial of the struggle of the Muslims in the Valley, who were facing violence from the system.
    • The Kashmiri Muslim was always portrayed as being misguided, aided, and abetted by Pakistan.
    • The protest in Kashmir was not against religion but against structures of power and oppression.

    What is the Current situation?

    • The fresh spate of targeted killings of Kashmir pandits created an environment of fear and provided a major setback to their rehabilitation in the Kashmir valley.

    Way ahead:

    • We need urgent civil society engagement between communities in Kashmir once again.
    • The government can enable it, but individuals and civil society will need to create conditions on the ground. They will have to encourage people to give up the blame game.

     

    Mains question

    Q. Dialogue can bring peace in Kashmir valley. Critically examine.

     

    UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • What is Karoo-Ferrar Large Igneous Province?

    karoo

    A new study shows that a decline in continental plate movement likely controlled the onset and duration of many of the major volcanic events throughout Earth’s history.

    Why is the news?

    • Previous studies have linked major volcanic eruptions with past mass extinctions and disturbances in the global climatic, environmental and the carbon cycle.
    • Large igneous province volcanism, formations due to major volcanic eruptions occurring throughout Earth’s history, released large quantities of greenhouse gasses and toxic compounds into the atmosphere.
    • The sea warmed up by 4°C to 10°C, even at low- to mid-latitudes, the study noted.
    • Increased acidic levels and a lack of oxygen drove major ocean extinctions.
    • Large-scale volcanism took place in southern Africa, Antarctica and Australia. This is known as the Karoo-Ferrar Large Igneous Province.

    About Karoo-Ferrar Large Igneous Province

    • The Karoo and Ferrar Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) are two large igneous provinces in Southern Africa and Antarctica respectively, collectively known as the Karoo-Ferrar, Gondwana, or Southeast African LIP associated with the initial break-up of the Gondwana supercontinent.
    • Its flood basalt mostly covers South Africa and Antarctica but portions extend further into southern Africa and into South America, India, Australia and New Zealand.
    • Karoo-Ferrar formed just prior to the breakup of Gondwana in the Lower Jurassic epoch, about 183 million years ago.
    • This time corresponds to the early Toarcian anoxic event and the Pliensbachian-Toarcian extinction.

     

    UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Who was Dara Shikoh?

    dara shikoh

    The Vice President has released the Arabic Version of “Majma Ul-Bahrain” of Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh.

    The course of the history of the Indian subcontinent, had Dara Shikoh prevailed over Aurangzeb, has been a matter of some conjecture among historians. Critically analyse.

    Who was Dara Shikoh?

    • Dara Shikoh, who was Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s son and expected heir, was killed on the orders of his brother Aurangzeb in 1659 after losing the war of succession.
    • He was the eldest son and heir-apparent of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
    • Dara was designated with the title Padshahzada-i-Buzurg Martaba (Prince of High Rank) and was favored as a successor by his father and his older sister, Princess Jahanara Begum.
    • In the war of succession which ensued after Shah Jahan’s illness in 1657, Dara was defeated by his younger brother Prince Muhiuddin (Aurangzeb).
    • He was executed in 1659 on Aurangzeb’s orders in a bitter struggle for the imperial throne.

    His legacy

    • Dara was a liberal-minded unorthodox Muslim as opposed to the orthodox Aurangzeb.
    • He authored the work Majma Ul-Bahrain (The Confluence of the Two Seas), which argues for the harmony of Sufi philosophy in Islam and Vedanta philosophy in Hinduism.
    • It was Dara Shikoh who was responsible for making the Upanishads available to the West as he had them translated.
    • He had commissioned a translation of Yoga Vasistha.
    • A great patron of the arts, he was also more inclined towards philosophy and mysticism rather than military pursuits.
    • He translated the Upanishads and other important works from Sanskrit to Persian. He was convinced that the Upanishads are what the Qur’an calls ‘Al-Kitab Al-Maknoun’ (The Hidden book).

    Try this PYQ:

    Q.Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?

    (a) Humayun

    (b) Akbar

    (c) Jahangir

    (d) Shah Jahan

     

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”jb3lwwrul0″ question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

     

    UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Three Indian Cities are now in UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities

    unesco

    Warangal, Nilambur, and Thrissur have joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC).

    What does UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities mean?

    • An international policy-oriented network, the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities is a network of inspiration, know-how and best practices.
    • It is coordinated by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL).
    • The Network has member cities that it supports in aspects like promoting policy dialogue and peer learning, documenting effective strategies and best practices; building partnerships; capacity development; and more.

    What is a learning city?

    • According to UNESCO, a learning city is one that
    1. effectively mobilizes its resources in every sector to promote inclusive learning from basic to higher education
    2. revitalizes learning in families and communities
    3. facilitates learning for and in the workplace
    4. extends the use of modern learning technologies
    5. enhances quality and excellence in learning
    6. fosters a culture of learning throughout life
    • In doing so, the city enhances individual empowerment and social inclusion, economic development and cultural prosperity, and sustainable development

    Inclusion of Indian cities

    • The Indian cities, Nilambur and Thrissur in Kerala, and Warangal in Telangana became the nation’s first entrants in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.
    • As per UNESCO, 77 cities from 44 countries across the globe have joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.
    • The group of global cities also includes cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Hamburg, Athens, Incheon, Bristol, and Dublin.
    • The inclusion will foster sharing of ideas with other cities, provide already applied solutions to issues and much more.

    About the cities

    (1) Thrissur – the cultural capital of Kerala

    • Popularly known as the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur is home to academic and research institutions.
    • It is also known for its jewellery industry, especially gold.
    • As a member of the UNESCOI GNLC, Thrissur hopes to contribute to the intellectual and peer learning processes, focusing on equitable access to learning for all, digital learning ecosystems and skills for sustainability.
    • Thrissur ticked UNESCO’s check boxes in aspects of good practices, equity and inclusion among other factors.
    • For e.g., the presence of a MSME-Development Institute of India regional centre in Thrissur offers institutional support in promoting decent work and entrepreneurship through upskilling.

    (2) Nilambur, Kerala’s eco-tourism destination

    • Nilambur is an eco-tourism destination in the Kerala.
    • It is a city with various socio-economic patterns marked by an urban and rural mix.
    • The majority of the population depends on agriculture and allied industries.
    • The city offers free healthcare facilities to all citizens and utilizes health volunteers to provide door-to-door treatment for bedded patients.
    • It also promotes first-aid training for students and young citizens.
    • Nilambur aims to promote sustainable development, gender equality, inclusivity and democracy through community ownership.
    • Nilambur also aspires to become a women-friendly city by ensuring equal opportunities in all sectors, promoting capacity-building and reducing harassment.
    • As a learning city, Nilambur aims to work to innovate in agriculture and handicrafts, promote eco-tourism and improve water management.

    (3) Warangal, the tourism spot

    • Warangal has a rich cultural heritage. The city is a major tourism venue, welcoming 3.2 million tourists every year.
    • Warangal’s economy is primarily composed of agricultural, industrial and service sectors.
    • The city promotes equity and inclusion, for which it has implemented several strategies, including Women and Child Welfare policy, Urban Policy etc.
    • Further, it also provides free training to the transgender community which helps in employment opportunities.

     

     

    UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Positive Secularism is allowed: Student to SC in hijab case

    India believes in ‘positive secularism’ based on tolerance of all religious faiths and not ‘negative secularism’ followed in countries like France which holds that display of religion in public is offensive, said a student from Karnataka who has challenged the ban on wearing hijab to school.

    What is Positive Secularism?

    • Secularism is most commonly defined as the separation of religion from civic affairs and the state.
    • It may be broadened to a similar position seeking to remove or to minimize the role of religion in any public sphere.
    • Positive secularism is where the state plays an enabler role in the exercise of fundamental rights and the religious freedoms of all communities.

    What did the petitioner argue?

    • The petitioner replied that the Constitution itself says that all religions have to be treated with equal respect.
    • It said that the Supreme Court has also held in the Aruna Roy Judgment that there should be no discrimination on the ground of any religion.
    • It went on to say that the State should show ‘reasonable accommodation’ of Muslim students’ right to wear hijab to school as a part of her right to expression, religion and dignity.

    Circumstances where hijab can be prohibited in school

    The State can only restrict her right in three circumstances, the petition highlighted.

    1. One, to protect public order, morality and health.
    2. Two, to protect another fundamental right.
    3. Three, if such a restriction is authorised by a law made to regulate or restrict any economic, financial, political or secular activity which may be associated with religious practice or to provide for social welfare and reform.

    What was the judgment announced by Karnataka HC?

    • The HC held that wearing hijab is not an essential religious practice in Islam and is not, therefore, protected under by the right to freedom of religion guaranteed by Article 25 of the Constitution.
    • The court said it was a reasonable restriction that was constitutionally permissible.
    • The Bench also upheld the legality of the order prescribing guidelines for uniforms in schools and pre-university colleges under the provisions of the Karnataka Education Act, 1983.
    • The court said that school uniform will cease to be a uniform if hijab is also allowed.

    Also read

    [Burning Issue] Freedom of religion and attire

     

     

    UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Subash Chandra Bose

    boseContext

    • In the year of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, the nation pays tribute to Subhas Bose on September 8 as his statue rises tall next to India Gate.

    Crux of this article in simple words

    • The transfer of power to India took place on August 15, 1947. Had Bose and his Indian National Army (INA) succeeded, India would have attained freedom, not inherited it through a transfer of power.

    Brief of historical account of his career

    • Bose was the ninth child in 14 and the sixth son to Janakinath Bose, a lawyer from the Kayasth caste.
    • He passed matriculation in 1913 from Cuttack and joined the Presidency College in Kolkata (then Calcutta).
    • The teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramhansa led to a spiritual awakening in Bose at the young age of 15.
    • Subhash Chandra Bose reached Singapore on July 2, 1943, at the invitation of Rash Behari Bose. He took charge as the President of the Indian Independence League and took over as the leader for East Asia.
    • On October 23 1943, with the help of the Japanese Army, Netaji declared war on the United States and Britain.
    • He was fondly called Netaji and was arrested 11 times in his freedom struggle and died under mysterious circumstances in an air crash over Taipei.

    boseHis vision for INA march in India

    • Creating revolutionary conditions: Bose had hoped to capture Imphal. That would give the INA a large number of Indian soldiers. Once this was achieved, fighting in India would create revolutionary conditions.
    • Organization of INA divisions at border: When the fighting commenced, the INA had only one division stationed on India’s borders. Another was on the move towards Burma. And the third was in the process of formation. All three divisions were expected to be in Burma by the time Imphal fell.
    • Rapid invasion from north east: Bose was confident of raising three more divisions from among the Indian troops that would fall to him after the capture of Imphal. With six divisions, the INA would be the single largest force in the region. The rapid advance into India would create the right conditions for the Indian army to switch sides along with the people of the Northeast.

    His famous quotes for value addition

    “It is our duty to pay for our liberty with our own blood.”

    “No great change in history has ever been achieved by discussions”

    boseAzad Hind Radio

    • This radio station was created to encourage countrymen to fight for freedom under the leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose.
    • The radio station used to broadcast news at weekly intervals in various languages like English, Hindi, Tamil, Punjabi, Urdu, etc.
    • The main aim for the formation of the Azad Hind Radio was to counter the broadcast of allied radio stations and to fill Indian nationals with pride and motivation to fight for freedom.

    The Rani Jhansi Regiment

    • Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a firm believer of women’s power and women were also greatly inspired by his words.
    • He had always wanted to form an only women’s regiment and his dream came to fruition with the formation of the Rani Jhansi Regiment on 12th July 1943.
    • About 170 women cadets joined the force and their training camp was set in Singapore.
    • They were given ranks according to their educational background.
    • By November of 1943, this unit had more than 300 cadets as camps were also established in Rangoon and Bangkok.
    • The women cadets were given military and combat training, weapons training, and route marches. Some of them were also chosen for advanced training and some were also chosen for training as a nurse.
    • The Rani Jhansi Regiment mainly worked as care and relief givers.
    • The unit later disbanded after the fall of Rangoon and the withdrawal of the Azad Hind Government.

    Conclusion

    • Bose maintained that the Congress leaders wanted freedom in their lifetime. He believed that no revolutionary leader had the right to expect that. A movement, a fight, had to be passed on. Expecting freedom in one’s lifetime was bound to lead to compromises.

     

    Mains question

    Q. Netaji Subhas Bose was an exceptional leader who turned his vision into action. Critically analyse.

     

    UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

     

  • What is the idea of Climate Reparation?

    Facing the worst flooding disaster in its history, Pakistan has begun demanding reparations, or compensation, from the rich countries that are mainly responsible for causing climate change.

    Why in news?

    • On the face of it, Pakistan’s demand for reparations appears to be a long shot, but the principles being invoked are fairly well-established in environmental jurisprudence.
    • In fact, Pakistan is not alone in making this demand.
    • Almost the entire developing world has for years been insisting on setting up an international mechanism for financial reparation for loss and damage caused by climate disasters.
    • The issue has come up repeatedly at international negotiations for climate change, and on other platforms.

    What is Climate Reparation?

    • At its heart, the demand for compensation for loss and damage from climate disasters is an extension of the universally acknowledged “Polluter Pays” principle.
    • This makes the polluter liable for paying not just for the cost of remedial action, but also for compensating the victims of environmental damage caused by their actions.
    • Climate justice is based on the notion of not being punished for someone else’s bad behaviour, but it does not sanction additional bad behaviour.

    Who are responsible for climate change?

    • In the climate change framework, the burden of responsibility falls on those rich countries that have contributed most of the greenhouse gas emissions since 1850, generally considered to be the beginning of the industrial age.
    • The United States and the European Union, including the UK, account for over 50% of all emissions during this time.
    • If Russia, Canada, Japan, and Australia too are included, the combined contribution goes past 65%, or almost two-thirds of all emissions.
    • Historical responsibility is important because carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for hundreds of years, and it is the cumulative accumulation of carbon dioxide that causes global warming.

    What about developing countries?

    • A country like India, currently the third largest emitter, accounts for only 3% of historical emissions.
    • China, which is the world’s biggest emitter for over 15 years now, has contributed about 11% to total emissions since 1850.

    Why need climate reparations?

    • While the impact of climate change is global, it is much more severe on the poorer nations because of their geographical locations and weaker capacity to cope.
    • Countries that have had negligible contributions to historical emissions and have severe limitations of resources are the ones that face the most devastating impacts of climate change.

    Institutional mechanism for Climate Reparations

    (1) United Nations

    • The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the 1994 international agreement that lays down the broad principles of the global effort to fight climate change.
    • It explicitly acknowledges this differentiated responsibility of nations.
    • It makes it very clear that rich countries must provide both the finance and the technology to the developing nations to help them tackle climate change.
    • It is this mandate that later evolved into the $100 billion amount that the rich countries agreed to provide every year to the developing world.
    • While this promise is yet to be met, this $100 billion per year amount is not meant for loss and damage.
    • Climate disasters were not a regular occurrence in 1994, and as such the UNFCCC does not make a mention of loss and damage.
    • This particular demand emerged much later, and faced stiff resistance from the developed nations.

    (2) Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM)

    • The WIM for Loss and Damages, set up in 2013, was the first formal acknowledgment of the need to compensate developing countries struck by climate disasters.
    • However, the progress on this front has been painfully slow.
    • No funding mechanism, or even a promise to provide funds, has come about.

    Pushback from Developed Countries

    • It is not hard to understand why the developed countries are dead against compensation claims.
    • They are struggling to put together even the $100 billion per year flow that they had reluctantly agreed to provide.
    • Further, loss and damage claims can easily spiral into billions of dollars, or even more.
    • The report said that the United States alone is estimated to have “inflicted more than $1.9 trillion in damages to other countries” due to its emissions.

    Issues with loss assessment

    • There are practical difficulties in estimating how much a country has actually suffered due to the actions of others.
    • To begin with, it has to be established that the disaster was caused by climate change.
    • Then there are non-economic losses as well, including loss of lives, displacement and migration, health impacts, and damage to cultural heritage.
    • Then there is this other step about assessing how much of the losses are due to the event itself, and what could be attributed to misgovernance.

    Conclusion

    • A lot of background work is going on to create the framework in which it would be possible to quantify the compensation due to an affected country.
    • What Pakistan has done, through its demands for reparations, is to call attention to this often neglected aspect.

     

    UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)