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GS Paper: GS1

  • What is Atmospheric River?

    Why in the News?

    Earlier this month, severe weather in the United States, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms, was caused by an Atmospheric River.

    What is an Atmospheric River?

    • An atmospheric river is a narrow, fast-moving band of moisture and wind that transports large amounts of water vapor across vast distances.
    • They form when large-scale weather patterns align, creating channels of moisture transport from tropical oceans, guided by low-level jet streams toward the coast.
    • They typically span 402-606 km in width and can extend over 1600 km in length.
    • The most powerful atmospheric rivers transport moisture equivalent to the Mississippi River’s flow.
    • Example: The Pineapple Express, a well-known atmospheric river, transports moisture from Hawaii to the West Coasts of the U.S. and Canada.
    • The intense rainfall from atmospheric rivers leads to flooding, mudslides, and infrastructure damage, with wind speeds comparable to hurricanes.

    Impact and Climate Change:

    • Rising global temperatures cause more water to evaporate, and warmer air can hold more moisture.
    • For every 1°C increase, the atmosphere can hold 7% more moisture, leading to stronger storms.
    • Research indicates such events will likely grow longer and more intense.
    [UPSC 2023] With reference to the Earth’s atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct?

    (a) The total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about 10 times of that received at the poles.

    (b) Infrared waves are largely absorbed by carbon dioxide that is concentrated in the upper atmosphere.

    (c) Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere.  

    (d) Ultraviolet rays are absorbed by the ozone layer lying in the ionosphere.

     

  • [12th April 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The Beijing India Report as milestone and opportunity

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2019] What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space?

    Linkage: The challenges that women still face are a major concern under the Beijing Platform for Action and are likely to be reviewed in the Beijing India Report. Pointing out these ongoing issues shows how much more needs to be done to reach the goals of the Beijing Declaration.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  It’s been 30 years since the Beijing Declaration set a global plan for gender equality across areas like education, health, and politics. In India, it led to key laws like the Domestic Violence Act and the POSH Act, and encouraged women’s economic empowerment. However, poor implementation still creates a gap between legal rights and the real experiences of women.

    Today’s editorial discusses how gender inequality and climate change are interconnected. This topic is relevant for GS Paper 1 (Women’s Issues), GS Paper 2 (Policy Making), and GS Paper 3 (Impact of Climate Change). It highlights the challenges women face due to climate change and the need for better policies to address these issues.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The report lacks a strong link between climate and gender, and this needs to be fixed through policy improvements and changes at the grassroots level.

    Why does this report lack a strong link between climate and gender?

    • Limited Focus on Gender-Specific Impacts: The report fails to adequately highlight how climate change specifically affects women, especially in rural areas. Eg: It doesn’t emphasize the extra burden women face in collecting water or gathering fuel during droughts, which worsens due to climate change.
    • Insufficient Data on Gendered Vulnerabilities: The report lacks comprehensive data on the gendered impacts of climate change, leaving out how women are disproportionately affected by disasters and resource scarcity. Eg: It overlooks how climate-induced migration increases women’s vulnerability to gender-based violence.
    • Absence of Gender-Responsive Climate Policies: The report doesn’t propose clear actions for integrating gender into climate policies, limiting women’s participation in climate adaptation and decision-making. Eg: There are no specific recommendations for promoting women’s leadership in local climate action plans or agricultural adaptation strategies.

    What challenges do rural women face due to gender inequality and climate change?

    Challenge Impact on Rural Women Example/Evidence
    Education Disruption Climate-induced migration and household burdens force girls to drop out of school. In Dhanelikanhar village, Chhattisgarh, girls are leaving school due to displacement caused by climate stress and migration.
    Unpaid Care Work Resource scarcity increases women’s burden of water, fuel collection, and caregiving, limiting their economic opportunities. Arsht-Rock report: Rural Indian women work over 8 hours daily, with 71% of their labor unpaid, deepening gender inequality.
    Health Vulnerability Malnutrition, anaemia, and reproductive health issues rise due to food insecurity and lack of healthcare access. Over 50% of pregnant women in India are anaemic; food-insecure women are 1.6x more likely to suffer from anaemia.
    Livelihood Loss Extreme weather reduces agricultural output and affects non-farm livelihoods where women are largely employed. Climate change causes up to 33% income loss in rural areas, with women in non-farm sectors most affected.
    Exposure to Violence and Safety Risks Climate stress and resource conflicts heighten risks of intimate partner violence and general insecurity. A study shows every 1°C rise in temperature leads to 8% more physical violence and 7.3% more sexual violence against women in India.

    Why is a gender-climate lens vital for India’s sustainable future, as per the Beijing India Report 2024?

    • Inclusive Policy Design: A gender-climate lens ensures that women’s specific vulnerabilities are addressed in climate policies. Eg: Only 6% of climate policies globally mention women, leading to gender-blind strategies in India’s rural development.
    • Strengthening Resilience: Recognizing women’s roles in natural resource management and agriculture strengthens community resilience to climate shocks. Eg: Rural and tribal women preserve climate-resilient seeds, essential for adaptive farming during droughts and floods.
    • Reducing Inequality: Targeted climate budgeting and gender audits help close gaps in access to resources, services, and decision-making power. Eg: Women’s unpaid work, like water and fuel collection, could rise to 8.3 hours/day by 2050 without gender-responsive policies.
    • Boosting Food Security: Closing the gender gap in agricultural resources increases productivity and national food security. Eg: Empowering women farmers can raise farm yields by 20%-30%, feeding up to 150 million more people.
    • Empowering Local Leadership: Women-led climate initiatives promote local innovation, disaster preparedness, and sustainability. Eg: Women’s self-help groups in climate-vulnerable areas act as first responders during disasters and promote eco-friendly practices.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian government?

    • Inclusion in National Climate Frameworks: The government has integrated gender concerns into major climate policies like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and State Action Plans (SAPCCs). Eg: Some SAPCCs include women’s role in sustainable agriculture and water management initiatives.
    • Legislative and Policy Support for Women’s Empowerment: Laws like the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and POSH Act strengthen the overall gender rights framework, which intersects with climate resilience. Eg: These laws provide safety nets that support women’s participation in community and environmental activities.
    • Promotion of Women-Led Livelihoods in Rural Missions: Schemes like the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) support women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to engage in sustainable practices. Eg: Women SHGs in Odisha and Chhattisgarh are trained in climate-resilient farming and forest produce collection.

    Where should policies and budgets focus to support gender-responsive climate action? (Way forward)

    • Gender-Responsive Climate Budgeting: Policies must ensure budgets address the specific climate vulnerabilities of women and prevent greenwashing. Eg: Creating separate budget lines for women’s disaster relief and climate-resilient livelihood schemes in rural areas.
    • Climate Education and Skill Building: Invest in capacity building for women to participate in climate action and green jobs. Eg: Training rural women in solar panel installation or eco-friendly farming techniques.
    • Support Hubs and Safety Services: Establish community hubs that offer healthcare, disaster relief, and protection from gender-based violence. Eg: Setting up women-centric climate support centers in flood-prone regions of Assam.
    • Non-Farm Livelihood Diversification: Promote alternative income sources for women affected by climate-related agricultural losses. Eg: Funding mushroom farming or tailoring units for women in drought-hit Bundelkhand.
    • Inclusion in Local Governance and Decision-Making: Ensure women’s representation in local climate planning and governance bodies. Eg: Mandating women’s participation in State and District Climate Action Committees in Madhya Pradesh.

  • Who was Mahatma Jyotiba Phule (1827-1890)?

    Why in the News?

    On April 11, 2025, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on his 199th birth anniversary.

    Who was Jyotiba Phule (1827-1890)?

    About Mahatma Phule

    • Jyotirao Govindrao Phule, born on April 11, 1827, near Pune, was from the Mali caste.
    • His father was a vegetable vendor, and his mother died when he was young.
    • He pursued education at the Scottish Mission High School in Pune despite caste-based discrimination.
    • He was inspired by Western thinkers like Thomas Paine and John Stuart Mill, fuelling his social justice dedication.
    • At 13, he married Savitribai Phule, who became his partner in social reforms, particularly promoting education for women and marginalized communities.

    His Contributions as a Social Reformer:

    Educational Reforms:

    • In 1848, Phule and his wife established India’s first girls’ school in Pune.
    • He focused on educating Dalits and lower-caste groups, traditionally excluded from education.
    • He founded night schools for working-class individuals, especially women.

    Fighting Caste Discrimination:

    • Phule criticized the caste system, calling it a means of oppression.
    • In 1873, Phule’s book Gulamgiri condemned caste discrimination, comparing Dalits’ plight to slavery.
    • Phule coined the term ‘Dalit’ to describe those outside the caste system.

    Women’s Welfare and Empowerment:

    • Phule advocated for widow remarriage and provided a dignified life for widows.
    • In 1863, he opened homes to help pregnant widows.
    • He co-founded an infanticide prevention center, tackling the killing of female infants.

    Social Justice and Equality:

    • Phule founded Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873 to promote social equality, rational thinking, and religious reform.
    • The Samaj rejected idolatry and supported a more rational spiritual approach.
    • He broke the social stigma of untouchability by opening his house and water-well to the oppressed.

    Religious and Philosophical Contributions:

    • Phule was an advocate for critical thinking of religion, rejecting superstition and blind faith.
    • He believed in equality and justice across religions and cultures.
    • He was influenced by Bhakti saints like Sant Kabir and Sant Tukaram in his fight against social oppression.

    His Literary Contributions:

    • Gulamgiri (Slavery) (1873): Critiqued the caste system and called for Dalit liberation.
    • Shetkaryacha Asud (Farmer’s Whip) (1881): Addressed the exploitation of farmers and advocated for land reforms.
    • Sarvajanik Satya Dharma Poostak: Promoted rationalist thought and social justice.
    • Tritiya Ratna (1855): A significant work in advocating for social equality.
    • Brahmananche Kasab (1869): Criticized the exploitation by the Brahmin class.
    • Powada: Chatrapati Shivajiraje Bhosle Yancha (1869): A work celebrating the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj.
    • Satsar Ank (1885): Another rationalist work addressing societal issues.
    • Akhandadi Kavyarachana: A literary contribution reflecting Phule’s thoughts on social justice.
    [UPSC 2016] Satya Shodhak Samaj organized:

    (a) a movement for the upliftment of tribals in Bihar’

    (b) a temple-entry movement in Gujarat

    (c) an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra

    (d) a peasant movement in Punjab

     

  • Navkar Mahamantra Divas

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister has inaugurated and participated in Navkar Mahamantra Divas at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

    What is Vishwa Navkar Mahamantra Divas?

    • The event is observed annually on April 9 to promote peace, non-violence, and spiritual harmony globally by chanting the Navkar Mantra collectively.
    • The mantra venerates the 5 supreme beings:
      1. Arihants: Represent those who have attained “Keval Gyan” (perfect knowledge) and guide “Bhavya Jeevas” (souls destined for liberation). They possess twelve divine qualities.
      2. Siddhas: Those who have eradicated all karmas and attained Moksha. They are endowed with eight pure qualities.
      3. Acharyas: The leaders who follow Mahavrat and guide others on the spiritual path. They embody 36 virtues.
      4. Upadhyayas: Scholars who impart knowledge related to the path to Moksha, with 25 virtues.
      5. Sadhus: Renunciants who refine themselves through penance, with 27 significant qualities.

    Key Jain Principles Associated:

    • Ahimsa (Non-Violence): The Navkar Mantra embodies the principle of Ahimsa, advocating for peace and harmony by acknowledging the interconnectedness of all life forms, thus promoting Maitri (friendliness) towards all beings.
    • Anekantavada (Non-Absolutism) and Syadvada: This principle promotes appreciating diverse perspectives and truths, which was emphasized as a solution to global challenges like terrorism and environmental degradation, reflecting the Jain concept of Syadvada (conditional truth).
    • Tapas (Self-Discipline) and Vairagya (Detachment): The mantra is seen as a spiritual tool for self-realization, mental stability, and fostering inner peace, encouraging Tapas and Vairagya as means to achieve spiritual growth.
    • Samyak Darshana (Right Faith) and Samyak Jnana (Right Knowledge): The teachings of the Navkar Mantra were connected to building a developed India rooted in heritage while embracing progress without losing cultural values, emphasizing the importance of Samyak Darshana and Samyak Jnana.
    • Svadhyaya (Self-Study) and Sadhana (Spiritual Practice): The mantra encourages self-discipline and truth as guiding principles for personal growth and societal harmony, promoting Svadhyaya and Sadhana as essential practices.
    [UPSC 2011] The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by:

    (a) Universal Law (b) Universal Truth (c) Universal Faith (d) Universal Soul

     

  • What are Mesoscale Convective System (MCS)?

    Why in the News?

    A recent study in Nature Geoscience suggests that soil moisture levels could help predict severe thunderstorms, like mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), especially in regions like India.

    About Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCS):

    • MCSs are larger than individual thunderstorms but smaller than larger weather systems like cyclones.
    • They typically cover areas between 100 to 1,000 km in diameter.
    • They form when warm, moist air rises, creating storms that feed off each other, growing in size and intensity as they move across the region.
    • They can cause flash floods, damaging winds, and severe thunderstorms, and are often responsible for large-scale weather events.
    • In tropical regions, MCSs account for 50 to 90 % of total rainfall, making them a major cause of severe weather-related damage.
    • A notable example is the March 2024 thunderstorm in West Bengal, which caused significant property damage and loss of life.

    Soil Moisture’s Role in MCS as per the Study:

    • Shifts in soil moisture can be detected two to five days before the formation of storms, providing critical lead time for early warnings in vulnerable regions.
    • Contrasting soil moisture levels over large areas (hundreds of kilometers) lead to changes in atmospheric conditions, including A notable example is the March 2024 thunderstorm in West Bengal, which caused significant property damage and loss of life.
    • Larger contrasts in moisture content between dry and wet regions cause greater temperature differences, which in turn lead to changes in wind direction and speed.
    • These variations contribute to turbulence, making storms more intense and spreading rainfall over a wider area.
    [UPSC 2013] During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the

    1. meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky 2. lightning that separates the nimbus clouds 3. violent upward movement of air and water particles

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) None of the above produces the thunder

     

  • The crisis in India’s cotton production, and what can help

    Why in the News?

    India’s cotton production has dropped by 25% over the last 10 years because of the pink bollworm. Some seed companies have created new genetically modified cotton varieties that can resist this pest, but government rules are delaying their approval and use.

    Why has cotton output fallen despite Bt cotton’s earlier success?

    • Resistance Development in Pests: The pink bollworm (PBW), a monophagous pest, developed resistance to Bt cotton toxins (cry1Ac and cry2Ab) over time. Eg: A study published in Nature showed PBW resistance by 2014, just 12 years after Bt cotton’s introduction.
    • Pest Adaptability and Short Life Cycle: PBW’s short life cycle (25–35 days) allows multiple generations in one crop season, accelerating resistance buildup. Eg: In central India, PBW reached economic threshold levels by 2014, impacting yields.
    • Yield Stagnation and Decline: The national average lint yield rose to 566 kg/ha in 2013–14 but has fallen to around 436–437 kg/ha in recent years. Eg: This drop mirrors increased pest pressure and reduced effectiveness of Bt technology.
    • Increased Import Dependence: Falling domestic production has led to India importing more cotton than it exports. Eg: In 2024–25, imports are projected at 30 lakh bales vs exports of 17 lakh bales.
    • Lack of New GM Approvals: Regulatory and political hurdles have stalled the approval of next-gen GM cotton hybrids resistant to PBW. Eg: No new GM cotton hybrid has been commercialised since Bollgard-II in 2006.

    How has the pink bollworm turned India into a net cotton importer?

    • Destruction of Cotton Bolls and Lint Quality: PBW larvae bore into cotton bolls, feeding on seeds and lint, reducing both yield and fibre quality. Eg: This led to a production drop from 398 lakh bales (2013–14) to just 294 lakh bales (2024–25 projected) — the lowest since 2008–09.
    • Resistance to Bt Cotton: PBW developed resistance to the Bt toxins (cry1Ac and cry2Ab) used in GM cotton, making current hybrids ineffective. Eg: Resistance was first noted in central India around 2014, eventually spreading to southern and northern zones.
    • Decline in Exports, Rise in Imports: As production fell and quality declined, exports dropped and imports surged. Eg: In 2024–25, India is expected to import 30 lakh bales but export only 17 lakh bales, reversing its earlier status as a net exporter.

    Which new genetic technologies are Indian seed companies using to combat PBW resistance in cotton crops?

    • Introduction of Novel Bt Genes: Companies are using Bt genes not previously deployed in India to overcome existing PBW resistance. Eg: Bioseed Research India is conducting trials with its ‘cry8Ea1’ gene-based hybrid under the proprietary BioCotX24A1 event.
    • Use of Synthetic Bt Genes: Synthetic versions of Bt genes are engineered to enhance toxicity and overcome pest resistance. Eg: Rasi Seeds has developed hybrids expressing a synthetic cry1c gene for improved resistance to PBW.
    • Deployment of Chimeric Bt Genes: Chimeric genes combine segments of multiple Bt genes to create a novel protein with broader insecticidal action.Eg: Ankur Seeds, in collaboration with NBRI, is trialing cotton hybrids using a chimeric Bt protein from Event 519.

    When did the pink bollworm start crossing the economic threshold level in various cotton-growing zones of India?

    • Central Zone (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh): PBW crossed the ETL around 2014, marking the beginning of widespread yield loss in the heartland of cotton production. Eg: Farmers in Maharashtra began reporting severe PBW damage post-2014 despite using Bt cotton.
    • Southern Zone (Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu): The pest breached the ETL by 2017, affecting the second major cotton belt in the country. Eg: Telangana experienced major crop losses during the 2017–18 season due to PBW infestation.
    • Northern Zone (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan): PBW reached ETL in the northern states by 2021, completing its spread across all major cotton-growing regions. Eg: In 2021, Haryana reported pink bollworm infestation even in previously unaffected areas.

    How are regulatory hurdles affecting the commercialisation of new GM cotton hybrids in India?

    • Lengthy Approval Process: Multi-stage field trials (event selection, BRL-1, BRL-2) take years before commercial approval is granted. Eg: Bioseed’s ‘cry8Ea1’ GM cotton is still in BRL-1 trial phase, needing further years of testing before release.
    • Lack of New GM Approvals Since 2006: No new GM cotton hybrid has been approved for commercial cultivation since Monsanto’s Bollgard-II in 2006. Eg: Despite several companies developing PBW-resistant varieties, commercialisation remains stalled.
    • Opposition from States and Activist Groups: State-level permissions and activist resistance delay or block field trials, affecting research and rollout. Eg: Rasi Seeds and Ankur Seeds await approvals for first-year trials amid regulatory scrutiny and local objections.

    What advantages does India have in cotton production and trade?

    • Favorable Climate and Large Cotton-Growing Area: India has a vast area suitable for cotton cultivation, with diverse agro-climatic zones supporting long growing seasons. Eg: India is the world’s largest cotton producer, with major states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana contributing significantly.
    • Low Export Duties Compared to Other Countries: India faces lower tariffs on its textile exports in key markets like the US, making its products more competitive. Eg: Under the US’s “reciprocal tariff” policy, Indian textile exports face only 27% duty, while China’s face 54% and Bangladesh’s 37%.

    Way forward: 

    • Accelerate Regulatory Approvals for Next-Gen GM Cotton: The government should streamline and fast-track the approval process for new GM hybrids with novel, synthetic, or chimeric Bt genes to restore cotton productivity and pest control efficacy. Eg: Timely clearance of Bioseed’s cry8Ea1 and Rasi’s synthetic cry1c cotton hybrids can help tackle PBW resistance.
    • Promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Farmer Awareness: Combine genetic solutions with IPM strategies—crop rotation, pheromone traps, and timely pesticide use—to delay resistance buildup. Launch nationwide farmer education programs on early detection and field hygiene. Eg: Maharashtra’s IPM pilot schemes have shown promise in reducing PBW infestations when practiced consistently.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2021] What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification?

    Linkage:  Vulnerability of a monoculture system relying heavily on Bt cotton, crop diversification could be a strategy to reduce dependence on a single crop and potentially break pest cycles, although the article focuses on technological solutions within cotton itself.

  • Hadean Protocrust

    Why in the News?

    A study from Macquarie University, Australia, suggests that plate tectonics may have started earlier than previously thought, with signs of it possibly existing in the Hadean protocrust even before the plates began to move.

    What is Hadean Protocrust?

    • The Hadean protocrust is the Earth’s first crust, formed within the first 200 million years of the planet’s creation.
    • During this time, the surface was mostly molten and constantly hit by space rocks, making it very hot and unstable.
    • Over time, parts of the molten surface began to cool and solidify, creating the first crust.

    Hadean Protocrust

    Back2Basics: Hadean Aeon

    • The Hadean Aeon is the earliest geological eon in Earth’s history, lasting from about 4.6 billion to 4 billion years ago.
    • The surface was incredibly hot and volcanic activity was widespread, often described as “hellish.”
    • It was followed by the Archean Eon (about 4 billion to 2.5 billion years ago), characterized by the formation of Earth’s first stable crust, the beginning of plate tectonics, and the earliest known forms of life.
    • As the surface cooled, the thick parts of the crust formed the first continents, which moved on the hot, semi-fluid layer beneath them called the asthenosphere.

    Key Findings of the Recent Study:

    • The researchers found that the chemical signatures linked to plate tectonics might have appeared earlier, even when the Earth’s crust was still forming in the Hadean protocrust.
    • This discovery suggests that early movements of the Earth’s crust, similar to plate tectonics, could have happened before plates began to move as we know them today.
    • The study used models and experiments to support these ideas, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.
    [UPSC 2013] Which of the following are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth?

    1. Electromagnetic radiation 2. Geothermal energy 3. Gravitational force 4. Plate movements 5. Rotation of the earth 6. Revolution of the earth

    Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth?

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2, 4 and 6 only (d) 2 and 4 only

     

  • PM Modi at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

    Why in the News?

    PM Narendra Modi recently visited the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in the historic city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

    About the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree

    • The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree is considered the oldest living cultivated plant globally.
    • It is believed to have grown from a branch of the original Bodhi Vruksha in Bodhgaya under which Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.
      • This branch was carried to Sri Lanka by Sanghamitra, eldest daughter of Emperor Ashoka and his first wife, Queen Devi.
      • The original tree under which Buddha meditated was reportedly destroyed, possibly by Ashoka’s wife Tishyarakshita in some legends.
    • Sanghamitra’s arrival in Sri Lanka with the tree is commemorated during the Uduvapa Poya, a festival observed annually on a full moon night in December.

    Legend of Sanghamitra’s Journey to Sri Lanka

    • Sanghamitra, originally named Ayapali, lived from 282 BC to 203 BC.
    • Following the Third Buddhist Council (held in 250 BC in Pataliputra) during Ashoka’s reign, it was decided to send missionaries to various regions, including Sri Lanka, to spread Buddhism.
    • The mission to Sri Lanka was led by Mahinda (Mahendra), Ashoka’s son, who converted King Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura to Buddhism.
    • After several royal ladies expressed interest in joining the Buddhist monastic order, Mahinda sent for his sister, Sanghamitra, to initiate them.
      • Both siblings lived in Anuradhapura for the rest of their lives.
    • She played a pivotal role in establishing the Order of Nuns (Bhikkhuni Sangha or Meheini Sasna) in Sri Lanka, which later spread to other Theravada Buddhist countries like Burma, China, and Thailand.
    [UPSC 2020] With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

    1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism. 2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism. 3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • A people still waiting to move out of the margins

    Why in the News?

    International Transgender Day of Visibility, held on March 31, brings attention to the problems transgender people still face, like unfair treatment in schools, jobs, and healthcare.

    What challenges do transgender individuals face despite the 2019 Transgender Rights Act?

    • Delays in Legal Recognition and ID Issuance: The certification process for transgender identity is slow and bureaucratic. e.g. As of December 2023, over 3,200 applications on the National Portal were pending beyond the 30-day limit.
    • Lack of Self-Determination in Identity Recognition: The Act mandates a certification process rather than allowing self-identification, unlike global best practices. e.g. Transgender persons must get approval from a district magistrate instead of simply self-declaring their identity.
    • Poor Implementation of Welfare Schemes: Many government schemes meant for transgender individuals are poorly implemented or inaccessible. e.g. In Delhi, out of about 4,200 transgender people (2011 Census), only 23 ID cards were issued by April 2022.
    • No Provisions for Protection from Family Rejection or Police Harassment: The Act does not address key social challenges like violence, rejection, or abuse. e.g. Transgender persons facing domestic violence or harassment by authorities have little legal recourse under the Act.
    • Continued Social Exclusion and Stigma: Despite legal recognition, social acceptance remains low, leading to discrimination in daily life. e.g. Many transgender individuals are still denied housing, employment, and public services due to prejudice.

    Why does economic exclusion persist for the transgender community in India?

    • Hiring Discrimination and Workplace Bias: Transgender individuals face exclusion during recruitment and hostility at work. e.g. A 2022 study reported a 48% unemployment rate among transgender people, far higher than the national average of 7-8%.
    • Limited Industry Adoption of Inclusive Policies: Only a few companies have adopted transgender-inclusive hiring and workplace practices. e.g. while Tata Steel hired over 100 transgender employees, such initiatives are not widely adopted across industries.
    • Barriers to Financial Inclusion: Many transgender individuals face hurdles in opening bank accounts or accessing credit. e.g. Despite a 2024 clarification allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to open joint bank accounts, broader financial exclusion still persists.

    How do barriers in education and healthcare impact transgender inclusion?

    • High Dropout Rates Due to Bullying and Harassment: Discrimination in schools leads to low retention and poor educational outcomes. e.g. In Kerala, 58% of transgender students dropped out due to bullying and lack of support.
    • Low Literacy Levels Limit Opportunities: Inadequate access to quality education restricts upward mobility. e.g. The 2011 Census reported a transgender literacy rate of 56.1%, compared to the national average of 74.04%.
    • Lack of Gender-Sensitive Infrastructure in Schools and Colleges: The absence of gender-neutral toilets and inclusive curricula creates an unwelcoming environment. e.g. Few institutions offer facilities like separate hostel rooms or transgender cells; Maharashtra is among the few states addressing this.
    • Denial of Basic Healthcare Services: Transgender individuals are often refused treatment or face discrimination in hospitals. e.g. A National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) survey found that 27% were denied healthcare due to their gender identity.
    • Limited Access to Gender-Affirming Treatments: High costs and lack of insurance make crucial medical procedures unaffordable. e.g. Gender-affirming surgeries cost between ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh, and despite the launch of Ayushman Bharat TG Plus, implementation is patchy.

    Which state-level initiatives support transgender students in education?

    • Maharashtra – Transgender Cells in Colleges: The state has established dedicated support cells in colleges to address the needs of transgender students. e.g. These cells help create a more inclusive academic environment by offering counseling and redressal mechanisms.
    • Kerala – Reservation and Hostel Facilities: Kerala has introduced reserved seats for transgender students in universities and provided separate hostel facilities. e.g. The University of Kerala reserves seats for transgender individuals in postgraduate courses and provides dedicated accommodations.
    • Tamil Nadu – Scholarships and Welfare Schemes: Tamil Nadu provides scholarships and educational assistance specifically for transgender students. e.g. The Third Gender Welfare Board supports education, skill training, and financial aid for transgender persons.

    What measures can ensure genuine inclusion beyond symbolic visibility days?

    • Enforce Anti-Discrimination Laws and Policies: Strong legal enforcement is needed to protect transgender rights in workplaces, schools, and public spaces. e.g. Implementing mandatory anti-discrimination clauses in employment policies can reduce workplace bias and ensure accountability.
    • Promote Gender Sensitisation in Institutions: Regular awareness and training programs in schools, universities, and offices can change attitudes. e.g. Including transgender awareness in school curricula and conducting sensitisation workshops in workplaces helps reduce stigma and foster inclusion.
    • Support Transgender Economic Empowerment: Inclusive hiring, access to credit, and government-backed entrepreneurship programs can boost livelihoods. e.g. Initiatives like targeted financial schemes and diversity hiring programs can help transgender entrepreneurs start businesses and gain financial independence.

     

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment.

    Linkage: Lack of progress for underprivileged sections despite policy efforts.

  • Ramakien Murals of the Grand Palace of Bangkok

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister has highlighted the release of iStamp depicting Ramakien mural paintings by Thai Government.

    Ramakien mural

    About the Ramakien Murals:

    • The murals were first painted in 1783 during the reign of King Rama I, who commissioned the adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana into the Thai version called the Ramakien.
      • The Ramakien holds a vital role in Thai culture, influencing literature, dance, and art, and the murals serve as a visual representation of this national epic.
    • The murals are predominantly displayed in the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in the Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
    • It illustrates episodes from the Ramakien, highlighting the eternal battle between good and evil.
    • It is located in the Phra Rabiang gallery, a two-kilometer corridor surrounding the temple, with 178 panels depicting scenes from the epic.

    India-Thailand Cultural Connect

    Historical and Cultural Ties:

    • Thailand, part of the Suvarnabhumi territory, is mentioned in the Ramayana.
    • Ancient trade links with South India, and kingdoms like Dvaravati and Khmer had strong ties with India.
    • Brahmanism coexisted with Buddhism, and Thai worship includes Indian deities like Ganesha, Shiva, and Vishnu.
      • Emperor Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to Thailand in the 3rd century BCE, deeply influencing Thai culture and religion.
    • The Thai language includes Sanskrit and Pali words, while Thai art and architecture exhibit Indian influences, particularly in temples.
    • Association with Lord Rama:
      • The Ramakien, the Thai version of the Ramayana, is central to Thai culture, with murals depicting episodes in temples.
      • The title Rama has been adopted by all the monarchs of Thailand’s Chakri Dynasty, which began with King Rama I in 1782.
      • Ayutthaya city was the capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1350–1767) in present-day Thailand, and it is thought that the name is derived from the Indian city of Ayodhya.

    Modern Diplomatic and Cultural Relations:

    • Diplomatic Ties were established in 1947, the two countries celebrated 75 years of relations in 2022.
    • Thai-Bharat Cultural Lodge (1940) promotes educational and cultural exchanges. Thai citizens visit India for religious and cultural purposes, especially Buddhist sites.

    Recent Initiatives:

    • Exhibitions like “Indo-Siam Connect” showcase shared heritage.
    • Joint research and academic exchanges continue to deepen mutual understanding.

     

    [UPSC 2010] There are only two known examples of cave paintings of the Gupta period in ancient India. One of these is paintings of Ajanta Caves. Where is the other surviving example of Gupta paintings?

    (a) Bagh Caves (b) Ellora Caves (c) Lomas Rishi caves (d) Nasik Caves