💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS1

  • In news: Durgadi Fort

    In news: Durgadi Fort

    Why in the News?

    • The Kalyan civil court ruled that Durgadi Fort is owned by the Maharashtra government, dismissing the claims of the Majlis-E-Mushawarat Trust.
      • The Trust first filed its claim in 1976, arguing that the fort houses a mosque and an idgah (prayer hall) alongside a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.

    Key facts about Durgadi Fort:

    Historical Significance  
    • It dates back to the 16th century, part of the Bijapur-based Adil Shahi Sultanate, located in Kalyan.
    • Mentioned in British documents since 1570, housing a tomb, prayer place, and other structures.
    • In 1760, after the Marathas captured Kalyan, they built a wooden temple dedicated to Durgadevi and renamed it Durgadi Killa.
    • After the British took control in 1818, the temple ceased to function, and by 1876, the image of the goddess was stolen.
    Geographical Location
    • Located in Kalyan (Thane district), about 50 km northeast of Mumbai it is situated on elevated ground and offers scenic views over the Ulhas River.
    Cultural and Religious Impact
    • The fort had a significant religious impact on both Hindus and Muslims.
    • It originally housed a mosque and was later modified to include a Durga temple by the Marathas.
    • The fort has been a site of communal tensions, reflecting the complex intersection of religious identity and historical heritage in Maharashtra.

  • [12th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The long and complex road to assisted dying

    PYQ Relevance:

    [2018] Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement? 
    (a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution.
    (b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV.
    (c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III.
    (d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution.

    Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on the ‘Right to Life and Personal Liberty’ (in 2018), and ‘scope of Fundamental Rights’ (in 2017).

    In the UK parliament, Ms Leadbeater shared a harrowing case of a music teacher’s agonizing death from bile duct cancer to highlight the suffering faced by terminally ill patients during the presentation of the bill. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25, allows terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to seek physician-assisted dying.

    Today’s editorial highlights the possible impacts of Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    While presenting the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25 (The Assisted Dying Law) to the British House of Commons, Member of Parliament Kim Leadbeater shared a harrowing account of an “agonising death.”

    What are the ethical implications of legalising assisted dying?

    • Autonomy and Personal Choice: It emphasizes the right of individuals to make decisions about their own bodies and lives, particularly in the context of terminal illness. Advocates argue that respecting personal autonomy is fundamental to human dignity.
    • Slippery Slope Concern: Critics warn that legalizing assisted dying could lead to broader interpretations of who qualifies for assistance, potentially endangering vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and disabled, who might feel pressured to choose death over being a burden.
    • Moral Conflict: The issue creates a moral dilemma between the sanctity of life and compassion for those suffering unbearable pain. Opponents often cite religious or philosophical beliefs that uphold the inviolability of life, while proponents argue for compassion and relief from suffering.

    How do current legislative proposals address concerns about patient safety and coercion?

    Current legislative proposals, such as the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25, incorporate several measures aimed at addressing concerns about patient safety and coercion:

    • Strict Eligibility Criteria: The law only permits assisted dying for terminally ill adults with a prognosis of less than six months to live, ensuring that only those facing imminent death can seek assistance.
    • Independent Assessments: Requests for assisted dying must be signed off by two independent doctors, which helps safeguard against coercion and ensures that patients are making informed decisions.
    • Reflection Period: A mandatory 14-day reflection period allows individuals to reconsider their decision, further protecting against impulsive choices made under distress.
    • Judicial Oversight: Final approval from a High Court judge is required before any assisted dying can occur, adding layer of scrutiny to prevent misuse.

    What is the public sentiment regarding assisted dying, and how does it influence policy?

    Public sentiment regarding assisted dying is increasingly supportive, influencing policy discussions in several ways:

    • Growing Acceptance: Surveys indicate a rising acceptance of assisted dying among the public, particularly in cases involving terminal illness. This shift reflects changing attitudes towards end-of-life choices and personal autonomy.
    • Impact on Lawmakers: As public opinion evolves, lawmakers may feel compelled to act by constituents’ views, leading to legislative proposals like the recent Bill. The release from party whips during voting indicates an acknowledgement of the issue’s complexity and the need for individual conscience in decision-making.
    • Influence of Personal Stories: Personal narratives shared by advocates, such as Kim Leadbeater’s account of a music teacher’s agonising death, resonate with the public and lawmakers alike, highlighting the real-life implications of assisted dying laws. These stories can sway opinions and catalyze legislative action.

    Way forward: 

    • Promote Palliative Care and Awareness: Simultaneously invest in accessible and quality palliative care services to provide comprehensive support for terminally ill patients, while fostering public awareness about end-of-life options to ensure informed and compassionate decision-making.
    • Strengthen Safeguards and Monitoring: Implement robust mechanisms to prevent misuse, including regular audits, transparent reporting, and enhanced judicial and medical oversight, ensuring the law remains strictly within its intended scope.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-long-and-complex-road-to-assisted-dying/article68974096.ece

  • Vaikom- two States, two leaders and a tale of reform

    Why in the News?

    Over a century ago, the Vaikom Struggle broke caste barriers in Travancore, sparking mass movements for religious reform, inspiring Periyar’s Dravidian Movement, and advancing egalitarian principles within Hindu society.

    What were the key motivations and outcomes of the Vaikom Satyagraha?

    Motivations:

    • Social Inequality: The primary motivation was to challenge the caste-based discrimination that prohibited backward caste Hindus from accessing streets near the Vaikom Mahadeva temple.
    • Demand for Equal Rights: A call for equality and dignity for all castes within the Hindu religion.
    • Religious Reform: The movement sought to highlight the need for social justice through religious reform and temple entry rights.
    • Political Awareness: It aimed to bring political attention to caste discrimination and mobilize support for broader social changes.

    Outcomes:

    • Immediate Impact: The restrictions on backward castes from walking near the temple were lifted in 1925, marking a significant social reform milestone.
    • Mass Mobilization: It became one of the first large-scale movements in South India that united people across caste and class lines.
    • Precedent for Temple Entry Movements: The success of Vaikom inspired subsequent movements across India, including protests led by B.R. Ambedkar.
    • Legislative Reforms: It influenced the introduction of laws like the Madras Temple Entry Authorization Act (1947), allowing all Hindus to enter temples.
    • Foundation for Social Justice Policies: The movement set the stage for government interventions in temple management and appointments of priests from backward castes.

    How did the leadership of the movement influence its success?

    • The success of the Vaikom Satyagraha can be attributed largely to its leadership. Key figures included Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, who played a crucial role in mobilising support across various social strata and employing nonviolent methods of protest. His involvement transformed the movement into a mass agitation that attracted participants from all classes.
    • The support from Mahatma Gandhi, who visited Vaikom in March 1925 and engaged with various caste groups, further amplified its impact. The collaboration among leaders from different backgrounds, including local leaders like T.K. Madhavan and K.P. Kesava Menon, was instrumental in broadening the movement’s appeal and sustaining momentum against state repression.

    What lessons can contemporary society learn from the Vaikom Satyagraha regarding caste and social justice?

    The Vaikom Satyagraha offers several important lessons for contemporary society regarding caste and social justice:

    • Collective Action: The movement exemplifies how collective action can effectively challenge systemic injustices. It highlights the importance of unity among diverse groups in advocating for social change.
    • Nonviolent Protest: The use of nonviolent methods remains a powerful tool for social movements today. The Gandhian approach adopted during the Vaikom Satyagraha serves as a model for contemporary struggles against discrimination and inequality.
    • State Intervention: The eventual recognition of rights for marginalised communities underscores that government intervention can be necessary to dismantle entrenched social hierarchies. This raises discussions about how modern states can balance secularism with equitable access to public resources.
    • Continuous Struggle: The resistance faced by reformers during and after the Vaikom Satyagraha illustrates that societal change is often met with opposition. This calls for sustained efforts in advocating for equality and justice in today’s context.

    Conclusion: The Vaikom Satyagraha was a landmark movement for caste and social justice, showcasing the power of collective action, nonviolence, and reformist leadership. Its legacy inspires continued efforts toward equality, challenging entrenched discrimination, and fostering inclusive societies.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • Indians need the right to disconnect

    Why in the News?

    After an EY employee’s death allegedly linked to work pressure, a report highlights Indian women in professions like IT and auditing exceeding 55-hour workweeks, with marginalized unorganized sector workers facing varied hours.

    What are the present issues arising at Workplaces in India?

    • Long Working Hours: Many Indian professionals, especially women in sectors like auditing and IT, work over 55 hours per week, contributing to high levels of stress and burnout.
    • Mental Health Impact: A significant percentage (49%) of Indian workers report that workplace stress negatively affects their mental health, highlighting the urgent need for better work-life balance.
    • Lack of Legal Protections: Unlike several countries that have implemented laws to protect employees’ right to disconnect from work outside official hours, India lacks specific legislation addressing this issue.
    • Cultural Attitudes: There is a pervasive workaholic culture where employees feel compelled to remain available outside working hours, often leading to a blurring of boundaries between personal and professional life.

    What benefits and challenges would India face in enforcing a ‘right to disconnect’ law?

    Benefits:

    • Improved Employee Well-Being: Enforcing a right to disconnect could help mitigate stress and improve mental health among employees, leading to a healthier workforce.
    • Enhanced Productivity: Research indicates that allowing employees to disconnect can lead to increased productivity during working hours as they can focus better without after-hours distractions.
    • Work-Life Balance: Such legislation would promote a more balanced approach to work, allowing employees to prioritize personal time and family life.

    Challenges:

    • Economic Concerns: Implementing a right to disconnect may b e seen as detrimental to economic growth in a competitive landscape like India, where companies often push for extended working hours.
    • Resistance from Employers: Many employers may resist such regulations, fearing it could hinder their operational flexibility and responsiveness.
    • Cultural Shift Required: There would need to be a significant cultural shift within organizations to embrace the right to disconnect, moving away from the expectation of constant availability.

    How does the concept align with India’s economic growth and competitive landscape?

    • Boosting Productivity: Recognizing the right to disconnect could enhance overall productivity by fostering a healthier work environment. This aligns with India’s goal of becoming the third-largest economy by 2030.
    • Attracting Talent: A commitment to employee well-being through such legislation could make Indian companies more attractive to skilled professionals, particularly in competitive sectors like technology.
    • Global Competitiveness: As global standards for employee rights evolve, India risks falling behind if it does not adapt its labor laws. Implementing a right to disconnect could position India favorably in the global market.

    Way forward: 

    • Legislative Framework: Introduce comprehensive laws recognizing the right to disconnect, ensuring strict enforcement mechanisms and sector-specific guidelines to accommodate diverse workplace needs while safeguarding employee well-being.
    • Cultural Transformation: Promote awareness campaigns and organizational policies to shift workplace culture towards respecting personal time, emphasizing the long-term benefits of work-life balance for productivity and economic growth.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space? (UPSC IAS/2019)

  • [pib] New National Manuscripts Mission

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Culture is planning to revive and relaunch the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) and is considering the formation of an autonomous body to help preserve India’s ancient texts.

    Why Center is re-evolving this scheme?

    • Currently, the NMM operates as part of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
    • The new entity, expected to be named the National Manuscripts Authority, will likely function as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

    About the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM):

    Aims and Objectives
    • To document, conserve, digitize, and disseminate India’s manuscript heritage.
    • Set up over 100 Manuscripts Resource Centres and Manuscripts Conservation Centres across India.
    • Manuscripts are often on materials like paper, bark, cloth, metal, or palm leaf, and are at least 75 years old, with significant scientific, historical, or aesthetic value.
    • India has an estimated 10 million manuscripts covering various themes, languages, scripts, and illustrations.
    • Manuscripts primarily contain knowledge content, unlike historical records.
    • 80% of manuscripts are privately owned, limiting public availability.
    Structural Mandate
    • Formed in 2003 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
    • Managed by the National Archives of India.
    • Currently operates as part of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
    Features and Programs under the Mission
    • Documented metadata for 5.2 million manuscripts and digitized 300,000 titles, though only a third of them have been uploaded.
    • Only 70,000 of the 130,000 manuscripts uploaded are accessible for viewing due to the absence of an access policy.
    • Preventive and curative conservation of 9 crore folios has been conducted over 21 years.

     

    PYQ:

    [2008] Recently, the manuscripts of which one of the following have been included in the UNESCO’s Memory of World Register?

    (a) Abhidhamma Pitaka

    (b) Mahabharata

    (c) Ramayana

    (d) Rig-Veda

  • What is the Turner Prize?

    Why in the News?

    • Jasleen Kaur, an Indian-origin artist, was awarded the Turner Prize for her exhibit that pays tribute to her family’s history of migration to Scotland.

    What is the Turner Prize?

    About
    • Named after JMW Turner (1775-1851), known for his dramatic seascapes and innovative use of color and light, it was first awarded in 1984 by Patrons of New Art.
    • It aims to promote interest in contemporary art and assist the Tate Gallery in acquiring new works.
    What makes it special?
    • One of the most prestigious awards in contemporary art, awarded annually by the Tate Gallery to an outstanding British artist.
    • Spotlights new talent and helps lesser-known artists gain international recognition.
    • The winner receives £25,000, and shortlisted artists receive £10,000 each.
    Significance in British Culture
    • A major cultural event in the UK, attracting wide media coverage and public attention.
    • Its controversial nature fuels discussions about the definition of art and the role of contemporary artists.
    • Winning the Prize often defines an artist’s place in British culture, establishing them as a significant figure in the art world.

  • Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival

    Why in the News?

    This year’s edition of the Hornbill Festival has sparked a significant public debate regarding the relaxation of Nagaland’s liquor prohibition law, a subject that has been contentious for over three decades.

    What is Hornbill Festival?

    • The Hornbill Festival is a celebration held every year from 1 – 10 December, in Kohima, Nagaland.
    • The festival was first held in the year 2000.
    • It is named after Indian hornbill (Buceros bicornis), the large and colourful forest bird which is displayed in the folklore of most of the state’s tribes.
    • Festival highlights include the traditional Naga Morungs exhibition and the sale of arts and crafts, food stalls, herbal medicine stalls, flower shows and sales, cultural medley – songs and dances, fashion shows etc.
    • It is a platform for showcasing the major cultural festivals of 14 recognised Naga tribes, each with its unique traditions and practices.
    • About Great Indian Hornbill:
      • IUCN Status: Vulnerable (upgraded from Near Threatened in 2018), CITES: Appendix I
      • Known as great pied hornbill, it is one of the largest hornbill species.
      • Can live up to 50 years in captivity.
      • Primarily fruit-eating, but also preys on small mammals, reptiles, and birds.
      • Revered in many tribal cultures and rituals due to its size and colour.
      • Found mainly in India, especially in the Western Ghats and Nilgiris.
      • Nilgiris North Eastern Range supports some of the highest densities of nesting birds.
      • Known as ‘forest engineers’ or ‘farmers of the forest’, they play a key role in seed dispersal of tropical trees, indicating the health and balance of their forest ecosystems.

    What is the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act 1989?

    • The NLTP Act is a law enacted by the Government of Nagaland that prohibits the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol in the state.
    • The Act is one of the most stringent liquor prohibition laws in India, and its core features are as follows:
    • Key Features of NLTP Act 1989:
      • Complete Ban on Alcohol: The NLTP Act bans the production, sale, and consumption of all forms of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits. This includes both local (like rice beer) and commercial alcohol.
      • Exceptions: There are some exceptions under the law, such as alcohol being allowed for medical or scientific purposes and in certain regulated settings, like special licenses for non-local tourists during specific events (e.g., the Hornbill Festival).
      • Support from Religious Groups: The Act has received strong support from Christian church bodies, which constitute a majority in the state, as they view alcohol consumption as morally unacceptable and harmful to community life.

    Role of Alcohol in the Hornbill Festival:

    • The Hornbill Festival is often seen as an exception to the state’s liquor prohibition.
    • Thutse (local rice beer) is traditionally consumed during the festival, and according to academic Theyiesinuo Keditsu, the Hornbill Festival is the only time in the year when the state permits the open sale and consumption of alcohol, including Thutse.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the ‘Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat?

    (a) Sand deserts of northwest India

    (b) Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir

    (c) Salt marshes of western Gujarat

    (d) Western Ghats

  • [pib] National Library Mission

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism has provided information regarding the National Mission on Libraries (NML) Scheme in Rajya Sabha.

    About National Mission on Libraries (NML):

    Establishment Launched in 2012 by the Ministry of Culture to implement National Knowledge Commission (NKC, 2005) recommendations on library and information sciences development.
    Objectives To modernize public libraries, create a digital database, enhance library staff competence, and promote equitable library access, especially in backward areas.
    Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), Kolkata to oversee and coordinate efforts. (It is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture.)

    Key Components:

    1. National Virtual Library of India (NVLI): Digital resources, census of libraries, and reading habit studies.
    2. Model Libraries: 6 Ministry libraries, 35 state central libraries, 35 district libraries, and 629 district libraries with network connectivity.
    3. Library Survey: A survey of 5,000 libraries for infrastructure, resources, and usage data.
    4. Capacity Building: Training programs for improving skills and knowledge of library staff.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pro and cons of making the database available publicly available under open source licensing.

  • [pib] National Mission on Cultural Mapping  

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism has provided details of the National Mission on Cultural Mapping in the Rajya Sabha.

    About National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM):

    Details
    • Launched by: Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
    • Implemented by: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).
    Aims and Objectives
    • Document India’s cultural heritage, including art forms, artists, crafts, and performing arts.
    • Mapping of 6.5 lakh villages across India; Initial stages will focus on Bihar.
    • IT-enabled platform to store and manage cultural data. Web portal and mobile app (Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar).
    Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD):

    • Part of NMCM, by the Ministry of Culture and IGNCA.
    • Purpose: Documents India’s villages, focusing on culture, history, and traditions.
    • 7 Categories: Covers Arts & Crafts, Ecology, Scholastic Traditions, Epics, History, Architecture, and unique features.
    Features
    • Raise awareness about cultural heritage’s role in economic development and national unity.
    • Create National Register of Artists and Art Practices.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Safeguarding the Indian Art Heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.

  • [pib] Maha Kumbh Mela, 2025

    Why in the News?

    The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela will take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26.

    [pib] Maha Kumbh Mela, 2025

    About Kumbh Mela

    Details A major pilgrimage and festival in Hinduism, occurring four times in twelve years at different locations in India. It attracts millions of pilgrims for spiritual purification.

    Types of Kumbh Mela:

      1. Kumbh Mela: Regular festival, celebrated every 12 years at one of the four locations.
      2. Maha Kumbh Mela: The largest, celebrated once every 12 years at Prayagraj (confluence of Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati).
      3. Ardh Kumbh Mela: Held every 6 years in Prayagraj (half of the full Kumbh Mela).
    • Purna Kumbh Mela: Held when a complete 12-year cycle is completed.

    Locations:  Kumbh Mela rotates between four cities:

      1. Haridwar (on the banks of the Ganges),
      2. Prayagraj (confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati river),
      3. Ujjain (on the banks of the Shipra River),
    • Nashik (on the banks of the Godavari River).

    Key Rituals:

    • Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) – A ritual where pilgrims in Akharas (processions) bathe in the holy river.
    • Worship and Prayers – Pilgrims offer prayers along riverbanks, attend spiritual discourses, and perform fire rituals.
    • Religious Processions – Several religious processions involving saints, gurus, and devotees take place.
    • Community Prayers and Spiritual Discourses – Saints and religious leaders conduct spiritual teachings for the devotees.
    Significance and Features  
    • Spiritual Significance: Considered a sacred event for Hindus, aimed at spiritual cleansing, salvation, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth (Moksha).
    • Cultural Unity: It is a remarkable event showcasing India’s unity and diversity, where millions of people from across the world come together.
    • Mass Gathering: It holds the Guinness World Record for the largest peaceful gathering, with millions of pilgrims attending the event. In 2019, Kumbh Mela witnessed the largest peaceful public gathering ever recorded, with around 120 million people.
    • Pilgrimage Tourism – The Kumbh Mela also significantly boosts local tourism, with a major influx of national and international pilgrims, contributing to local and national economies.

    UNESCO Recognition – Kumbh Mela was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2017.