On the occasion of the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister will launch several healthcare projects valued at Rs 12,850 crore.
The focal theme for Ayurveda day-2024 has been decided as ‘Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health’.
About Ayurveda:
Details
Origins
• Rooted in four Vedas (5000–1000 BCE).
• References in Ramayana and Mahabharata epics.
• Fully developed by 1000 BCE with Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita.
Foundational Texts
• Brhattrayi (Three Major Treatises):
• Caraka Samhita (internal medicine)
• Susruta Samhita (surgery)
• Astanga Sangraha and Astanga Hrdaya (Vrddha Vagbhata and Vagbhata, 6th-7th century CE).
• Takshashila and Nalanda universities attracted foreign students.
Global Influence
• Spread through Buddhism to Tibetan and Chinese medicine.
• Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans adopted concepts via trade and interactions.
• 8th century CE saw Nagarjuna study medicinal use of metals.
Integration of Modern Techniques
• 16th century saw inclusion of modern diagnostics and treatment for new diseases.
Revival in India (19th-20th Cent.)
• 1827: First Ayurveda course at Government Sanskrit College, Calcutta.
• 20th Century: Ayurveda colleges spread under regional patronage.
• 1970s: Ayurveda revived, with academic research, publications, and global symposia.
Current Status
• Structured undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral education.
• Strong network of practitioners and manufacturers.
• Developed infrastructure for community outreach.
Global Influence
24 countries recognize Ayurveda legally.
Collaborative platforms include:
• SCO Expert Working Group on Traditional Medicine
• BIMSTEC Taskforce on Traditional Medicine
• BRICS High-Level Forum on Traditional Medicine.
• Ayurveda products exported to 100+ countries.
WHO Standards and Milestones
• ICD-11 Integration: WHO included Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani in ICD-11 TM Module 2.
• WHO set global standards for practice and training.
• GCTM, Jamnagar (Gujarat): Focuses on Ayurveda research, education, and practice.
Philosophical Foundations
• Historical evidence dates to the first millennium BCE.
• Knowledge passed from gods to sages and then to human physicians.
• Central concepts align with Samkhya, Vaisheshika, Buddhism, and Jainism.
• Emphasis on balance and maintaining natural urges.
Initiatives and Programs by the Govt.
National Ayush Mission (2014): Aimed at promoting the development and growth of Ayush systems (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) in the country, focusing on strengthening educational institutions and enhancing the quality of services.
Ayurveda Research Portal (2021): Promotes research in Ayurveda by providing a digital platform for researchers, practitioners, and institutions to access data, funding opportunities, and collaborative initiatives.
Ayush Grid (2020): A digital initiative aimed at enhancing the accessibility of Ayush services and information through online platforms, connecting practitioners, patients, and educational institutions.
PYQ:
[2019] How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies?
Why Raigad Fort is Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage?
Historical and Strategic Importance: Raigad Fort served as the capital of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, symbolizing Maratha resilience and independence.
Architectural Excellence: The fort showcases Maratha military architecture, with well-developed structures adapted to the hilly terrain.
Role in Maratha Legacy: As a hill fort, Raigad is emblematic of the Marathas’ unique fortification style, designed to withstand invasions and safeguard autonomy.
Icon of Maratha Heritage: Known as Durgaraj (King of Forts), Raigad stands as a tribute to Shivaji Maharaj’s leadership and legacy and has become a pilgrimage site for Shivbhakts.
Natural Defense and Innovation: The fort’s natural fortifications, steep escarpments, and strategic location atop an isolated hill embody military ingenuity and make it a model of Maratha defense architecture.
History of Raigad Fort:
Details
Location
• Situated in the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra, India.
• Elevation of approximately 2,700 feet above sea level.
• Surrounded by natural cliffs and 1,500-foot escarpments.
Background
• Originally known as Rairi.
• Captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1653 CE.
• Crowned Chhatrapati on June 6, 1674 CE.
• Served as the capital of the Maratha Empire until 1680 CE.
Significance
• Part of the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status.
• Referred to as the “Gibraltar of the East” by Grant Duff.
Architectural Highlights
• Includes the Royal Complex with key structures like Ranivasa and Rajsadar.
• Jagadishwar Mandir dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Samadhi (final resting place) of Shivaji Maharaj located nearby.
Features
• Accessible mainly through Naqqarkhana and Palkhi Darwaja.
• Features well-designed drainage systems and secret chambers.
Ecology
• Surrounded by valleys shaped by the Kal and Gandhari rivers.
• Supported limited agriculture and had a self-sustained ecosystem.
Cultural Significance
• Known as the Durgaraj (King of Forts), symbolizing Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.
• Hosts annual celebrations for Shivrajyabhishek and Punyatithi.
PYQ:
[2010] What was the immediate reason for Ahmad Shah Abdali to invade India and fight the Third Battle of Panipat?
(a) He wanted to avenge the expulsion by Marathas of his viceroy Timur Shah from Lahore
(b) The frustrated governor of Jullundhar Adina Beg Khan invited him to invade Punjab
(c) He wanted to punish Mughal administration for non-payment of the revenues of the Chahar Mahal (Gujarat, Aurangabad, Sialkot & Pasrur)
(d) He wanted to annex all the fertile plains of Punjab up to the borders of Delhi to his kingdom
The ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day) the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, will be held on 31st October.
About National Unity Day
National Unity Day is celebrated every year in India on 31 October since 2014.
It marks the birth anniversary of Vallabhbhai Patel who had a major role in the political integration of India.
31 October is also celebrated as Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas or National Pledge Day as it marks the day of assassination of Indira Gandhi.
Contributions made by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:
Details
Who Was He?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31 October 1875 – 15 December 1950) was an Indian independence activist, lawyer, and a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress.
He served as India’s first Deputy PM and Home Minister.
Role in the Freedom Struggle
• Kheda Satyagraha (1918): Led a non-violent campaign against unjust land revenue tax during a famine.
• Bardoli Satyagraha (1928): Organized protests against increased land revenue, earning the title “Sardar.”
Integration of Princely States
Played a crucial role in integrating over 565 princely states into the Indian Union post-independence using diplomatic skills and firm leadership.
Establishment of All India Services
Advocated for a unified administrative framework, establishing the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), known as India’s “steel frame.”
Leadership in the Indian National Congress
Served as President during the Karachi session in 1931, where significant resolutions on Fundamental Rights were passed.
Constitutional Contributions
Headed committees of the Constituent Assembly on Fundamental Rights and minority rights, contributing to the framing of the Indian Constitution.
Promotion of National Unity
Advocated “Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat” (One India, Great India), emphasizing unity in diversity to build a cohesive nation.
Social Reforms
Worked against caste discrimination, untouchability, and alcohol consumption, promoting social justice and women’s rights.
PYQ:
[2011] What was the reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organize a satyagraha on behalf of the peasants of Kheda?
1. The Administration did not suspend the land revenue collection in spite of a drought.
2. The Administration proposed to introduce Permanent Settlement in Gujarat.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
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 again 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):
Formed in 2003 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
It is managed by the National Archives of India.
Objective:
To document, conserve, digitize, and disseminate India’s manuscript heritage.
The mission has set up over 100 Manuscripts Resource Centres and Manuscripts Conservation Centres across India.
India has an estimated 10 million manuscripts, covering a range of themes, languages, scripts, and illustrations.
What is a Manuscript?
A manuscript is a handwritten document on materials like paper, bark, cloth, metal, or palm leaf.
These documents are at least 75 years old and hold scientific, historical, or aesthetic value.
Manuscripts primarily contain knowledge content, unlike historical records that provide direct historical information.
Achievements and Challenges:
The NMM has documented metadata for 5.2 million manuscripts and digitized 300,000 titles, though only a third have been uploaded.
Concerns were raised over mismatches between digitized data and original manuscripts, requiring correction.
Of the 130,000 manuscripts uploaded, only 70,000 are accessible for viewing due to the absence of an access policy, which limits public availability, especially since 80% of manuscripts are privately owned.
NMM has conducted preventive and curative conservation of 9 crore folios over the past 21 years.
PYQ:
[2008]Recently, the manuscripts of which one of the following have been included in the UNESCO’s Memory of World Register?
The Supreme Court’s move to block the NCPCR’s recommendations to stop funding madrasas that don’t follow the RTE Act, 2009, and conduct inspections, along with related actions by the Centre and states, has brought some relief to minorities and secular-minded people.
What reforms are necessary to modernize madrasa education and address public perceptions?
Curriculum Integration: Need to introduce a balanced curriculum that combines religious studies with modern subjects like science, mathematics, and social studies to make madrasa education more holistic and aligned with mainstream education standards.
Teacher Training and Certification: Ensure that madrasa teachers receive proper training in contemporary pedagogy and modern subjects.
Infrastructure Development: Improve madrasa facilities to provide a conducive learning environment. This includes better classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and access to technology for digital learning.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a framework to regularly assess and monitor the quality of education in madrasas.
Vocational and Skill-Based Training: Incorporate vocational courses and skill development programs to equip students with practical skills that can improve their employability.
Awareness Programs: Need to run awareness campaigns to inform the community about the value of modernizing madrasa education.
How do political narratives and policies affect the perception of madrasas among the Muslim community?
Communal Narratives and Stereotyping: Political narratives often portray madrasas as breeding grounds for extremism, which affects the public’s perception, especially among non-Muslims.
Legislative and Policy Decisions: Policies such as withdrawing government funding or enforcing stringent regulations can create a perception of bias against Muslim educational institutions.
Historical Reason and Islamophobia: Historical events like the U.S.-Taliban conflict have influenced perceptions of madrasas, linking them to extremism. Political rhetoric often builds on these associations to foster Islamophobic sentiments.
Social Justice versus Appeasement: There is a debate on whether supporting madrasas financially is an act of social justice (ensuring access to education) or appeasement.
What role can madrasas play in promoting social cohesion and countering extremism?
Interfaith Learning and Dialogue: Madrasas can include teachings that promote understanding and respect for other religions.
Combating Radicalization: By modernizing curricula to include secular education and critical thinking, madrasas can counter extremist narratives. An informed and educated student body is more resilient to radical ideologies.
Community Engagement Programs: Madrasas can play a role in community service and outreach, helping bridge the gap between Muslim communities and others. This engagement can dispel misconceptions and build mutual trust.
Promoting National Values and Secular Ideals: Incorporating national education standards in madrasas can help in promoting the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution, such as secularism, social justice, and equality.
Way forward:
Comprehensive Policy Reforms: Develop a national framework that integrates modern subjects into madrasa education, provides teacher training, and ensures quality monitoring.
Community and Interfaith Initiatives: Launch awareness programs to highlight the benefits of modernizing madrasa education while encouraging interfaith dialogue and community engagement.
Mains PYQ:
Q The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting an incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. (UPSC IAS/2016)
West Bengal and Odisha experienced heavy rainfall as Tropical Cyclone Dana is anticipated to make landfall later tonight.
What are Cyclones?
Cyclones are wind systems rotating inwardly towards an area of low atmospheric pressure. They are categorised into Tropical (Temperature-induced) and Temperate (extra-tropical) cyclones (airmass-induced).
Formation Conditions: Tropical cyclones originate in warm regions, requiring conditions such as
Warm sea surface (> 27°C),
Coriolis Force,
Pre-existing low-pressure systems,
Small vertical wind speed differences, and
Upper air divergence.
Characteristics of Tropical Cyclones:
Theyform over warm water bodies due to energy derived from the condensation of warm water within cumulonimbus clouds.
Wind rotation is influenced by the Coriolis force, resulting in anti-clockwise rotation in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.
By 30° latitude, the diminished warmth halts cyclone activity.
What is the “Landfall” of a Cyclone?
Landfall occurs when a tropical cyclone moves from the sea onto the land.
As per the IMD, a cyclone makes landfall when the centre of the storm, or its eye, crosses the coast.
Landfall should not be confused with a “direct hit”, where the eyewall (area of high winds) hits land but the eye of the cyclone remains offshore.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a cyclone’s strongest winds may still impact land even if the centre of the storm does not reach the coast.
How long does a Cyclone Landfall last?
The duration of landfall typically lasts a few hours, depending on the wind speed and size of the storm.
For cyclone Dana, the landfall process is expected to last five to six hours with wind speeds around 125 km/h, impacting a wide region.
Cyclones usually weaken after landfall as they lose their moisture supply and experience increased surface friction.
While landfall is often the most destructive phase of a cyclone, it also signals the beginning of the cyclone’s dissipation.
PYQ:
[2015] In the South Atlantic and South Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the main reason behind this?
A commemorative postage stamp was released at the historic Kittur Rani Channamma Stage within the Kittur Fort premises to mark the 200th anniversary of Kittur Vijayotsava.
About Kittur Rani Chennamma
Rani Chennamma was born in 1778 in Kakati, Belgaum (now Karnataka).
She was trained in horse riding, sword fighting, and archery from an early age.
She married Mallasarja Desai, the ruler of Kittur, a small principality in Karnataka.
The Kittur Uprising (1824):
The British East India Company refused to recognize her adopted son, Shivalingappa, as the rightful successor under the Doctrine of Lapse.
She declared war on the British in response to their annexation attempt.
In October 1824, she led the Kittur army against 20,000 British soldiers stationed near the Kittur Fort.
During the battle, British official John Thackery was killed, and the Company forces faced significant losses.
After initial resistance, British forces returned in December 1824 with a larger army.
Despite her courageous efforts, Rani Chennamma was captured along with her forces and imprisoned.
She was held captive in Bailhongal Fort, where she spent her remaining years. She died in captivity in 1829.
Legacy and Significance
Rani Chennamma is celebrated as one of the first women in Indian history to lead an anti-colonial uprising.
She is revered as a symbol of courage, patriotism, and resistance against colonial oppression.
She is honored in Kannada folklore, particularly through lavani (folk songs) that celebrate her bravery and sacrifice.
Statues have been erected across Karnataka, including a prominent one in Bengaluru’s Parliament House.
Doctrine of Lapse
Introduced by Lord Dalhousie in 1848, the Doctrine aimed at expanding British territories in India.
The policy was based on the principle that a princely state without a suitable heir should become part of the British Empire.
Applied to princely states where the ruler died without a natural or legally adopted male heir, enabling the British to annex those states.
The policy was seen as illegitimate by many Indian rulers and played a role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Several states annexed due to this Doctrine, include Satara (1848), Jaitpur (1849), Sambalpur (1849), Udaipur (1850), Jhansi (1853), and Nagpur (1854).
Prior to the Doctrine of Lapse, princely states had a traditional practice of selecting an heir from a group of candidates known as bhajans.
The policy was abandoned in 1859, two years after the end of the Company Rule in India.
PYQ:
[2013] Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.
[2014] What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)?
To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States
To place the Indian administration under the British Crown
To regulate East India Company’s trade with India
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
On September 9-10, 2023, New Delhi hosted the G-20 Summit, where participants committed to enhancing the implementation of the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
How effectively is India progressing towards achieving the SDGs by 2030?
Current Status: India is classified in the “medium human development” category, with an HDI value of 0.644 and a rank of 134 out of 193 countries.
Improvement Over Time: India saw an increase of 48.4% in HDI value from 1990 (0.434) to 2022 (0.644), indicating positive long-term trends despite recent stagnation and slight declines due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
SDG Interconnections: India’s HDI dimensions directly align with several SDGs, including SDG-3 (good health), SDG-4 (quality education), and SDG-5 (gender equality). Progress in these areas is critical for achieving broader SDG targets.
Rank Improvements: From 2015 to 2022, India improved its HDI ranking by four places, while neighboring countries such as Bangladesh and Bhutan improved their rankings by 12 and 10 places, respectively, highlighting the need for India to enhance its efforts.
What are the key human development challenges that India faces?
Gender Inequality: India has one of the largest gender gaps in the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR), with a stark difference of 47.8 percentage points between women (28.3%) and men (76.1%). The GDI indicates significant disparities in HDI achievements between genders, which undermines development.
Income Inequality: India experiences high income inequality, with the richest 1% holding 21.7% of total income, significantly higher than many neighboring countries and above global averages. This poses a barrier to sustainable development and equitable growth.
Education and Health: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected education and health sectors, leading to increased vulnerabilities among poorer and marginalized populations.
Urban-Rural Divide: There is a notable disparity in female labour force participation between rural (41.5%) and urban areas (25.4%), suggesting that urban policy initiatives may not adequately support women’s employment.
What strategies can be implemented? (Way forward)
Strengthening Gender Equality: Implement gender-transformative approaches to enhance women’s participation in the labour force and address systemic barriers. This includes policies promoting work-life balance, flexible work arrangements, and targeted skill development programs.
Enhancing Education and Skill Development: Invest in quality education, vocational training, and lifelong learning opportunities that cater to both genders, particularly in rural areas.
Promoting Social Protection: Expand social safety nets and anticipatory social protection programs that target vulnerable populations, particularly women and marginalized groups.
Reducing Income Inequality: Implement progressive taxation and wealth redistribution policies to address the concentration of income.
Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: Foster collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector to implement sustainable development initiatives.
Mains PYQ:
Q National Education Policy 2020 isin conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC IAS/2020)
Q) “An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation.” Substantiate this statement with suitable examples. (UPSC CSE 2016) Q) ‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons. (UPSC CSE 2018) Q) “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Mentor’s Comment: According to the World Bank, India significantly reduced extreme poverty from 22.5% in 2011 to about 10.2% in 2019. However, ongoing challenges necessitate sustained efforts and targeted interventions to ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach all segments of society.
Universal Basic Income (UBI) has emerged as a prominent topic in India’s socio-economic discourse, especially after the discussions initiated during the Economic Survey of 2016-17. NITI Aayog’s reports have also emphasize a multi-sectoral approach to poverty alleviation, focusing on improving access to education, healthcare, sanitation, and housing.
Today’s editorial delves into the complexities surrounding the implementation of UBI in India, highlighting both its potential benefits and the challenges that must be addressed for effective execution.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
There are ongoing discussions and debates surrounding the implementation of Universal Basic Income (UBI) in India.
The main reasons for this are – existing economic disparities and job losses during the COVID pandemic, secondly the political concerns regarding funding in India, and thirdly, various countries have experimented with UBI, providing valuable insights
What is ‘Universal Basic Income’? • UBI is a financial transfer policy that proposes providing all citizens with a regular, unconditional cash payment to ensure a minimum standard of living. • The concept aims to alleviate poverty, reduce inequality, and simplify the welfare system by replacing subsidies with direct cash transfers. • However, implementing UBI in a country like India, with its vast population and diverse economic conditions, presents significant hurdles.
What are the significant hurdles to implementing UBI in India?
Fiscal Constraints: Providing a basic income to all citizens would require substantial financial resources, estimated to be around 4.9% of GDP, which could strain the government’s budget and limit funding for other essential services.
A sudden influx of cash into the economy could also lead to inflation.
Universal vs. Targeted Approach: A universal UBI could lead to inefficiencies, where wealthier individuals also receive benefits, wasting resources intended for the poor. This raises questions about how to effectively target those who need assistance the most.
Implementation and Infrastructure Challenges: The lack of infrastructure for banking in remote areas can hinder effective cash transfers and program implementation.
Political and Federal Landscape: Building consensus among diverse political parties and interest groups from various states can be challenging in India’s multifaceted political environment.
Behavioral and Social Concerns: UBI might reduce the incentive for individuals to seek employment, potentially leading to a decrease in labor force participation and productivity. This dependency could undermine the goal of fostering self-sufficiency among citizens.
What modifications are necessary to make UBI financially feasible in India?
Targeted Implementation: Instead of universal payments to all citizens, prioritize UBI for low-income and vulnerable households to reduce overall costs. For example, a semi-UBI model that provides basic income to specific demographics can be used.
Funding Mechanisms: Redirect funds from existing welfare schemes and subsidies that are inefficient or prone to leakage into the UBI program. Implement progressive taxation to increase government revenue, ensuring that higher-income groups contribute more to fund UBI.
Incremental Rollout: India needs to start with pilot projects in select regions to assess the impact and effectiveness of UBI before a nationwide rollout. This allows for adjustments based on real-world data.
Administrative Efficiency: The Govt needs to leverage current Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) systems to minimize administrative costs and then enhance digital banking infrastructure and mobile connectivity, especially in rural areas, to facilitate access to UBI payments.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing the mechanisms for tracking the distribution and impact of UBI payments to ensure transparency and accountability could help. We also need to incorporate beneficiary feedback into program design and implementation to adapt UBI according to the needs of recipients.
Public Awareness and Support: Conduct awareness programs through all stakeholders to educate citizens about UBI’s benefits and address misconceptions.
What are the potential social and economic impacts of implementing UBI in India?
1) Economic Impacts:
Poverty Alleviation: UBI could lift millions out of poverty by providing a basic income floor, addressing the needs of approximately 3.44 crore people living in extreme poverty in India.
Increased Consumer Spending: By putting cash directly into people’s hands, UBI could boost disposable income, leading to increased consumption. This is particularly important as private consumption accounts for nearly 60% of India’s GDP.
Economic Growth: Enhanced consumer demand could stimulate economic growth, especially in rural areas, benefiting sectors like agriculture and fast-moving consumer goods.
Human Capital Development: With increased financial stability, families may invest more in education and healthcare, improving overall human capital and productivity in the long run
2) Social Impacts:
Empowerment of Women: UBI could enhance financial independence for women, allowing them greater decision-making power within households and potentially leading to better outcomes for families.
Reduction in Inequality: UBI has the potential to narrow income inequality by redistributing wealth more equitably across society, addressing the disproportionate wealth held by the top 10.
Potential Behavioral Changes: Critics argue that providing income without work may lead to decreased motivation to seek employment, potentially fostering a culture of dependency among some recipients.
Way Forward: While UBI presents promising avenues for economic growth and social empowerment in India, careful consideration is needed regarding its design and implementation. Addressing potential drawbacks such as inflationary pressures and labor market distortions will ensure that UBI achieves its intended goals.
Q) Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? (UPSC CSE 2016)
Q) What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space? (UPSC CSE 2019)
Q) “Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (UPSC CSE 2021)
Q) To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment:“Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana” – This shloka (Bhagavad Gita 2.47) emphasizes duty and accountability, reminding leaders that their actions should serve the public good without selfish motives.
The Kolkata rape case has ignited a significant justice movement, centered around the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The tragic incident occurred on August 14, 2024, leading to widespread public outrage.
On September 5, thousands switched off their lights from 9 PM to 10 PM as a symbolic gesture of frustration over the government’s inaction. Protesters formed human chains along major roads, uniting diverse groups including doctors, nurses, and students under a common cause reflecting a collective demand for justice and safety. Prominent figures from different fields have joined the movement, amplifying its visibility and urgency.
Is this the first time in India that we are facing such an issue?
In today’s editorial, we will be studying how one cause can impact the overall social being of humans.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The brutal rape and murder of a young doctor in Kolkata has ignited widespread protests, revealing deep-seated anger and frustration among citizens regarding safety and justice for women in the city.
Kolkata, known as the “City of Joy,” has recently transformed into a battleground for justice following a tragic incident that shook the community from the core.
Ongoing People-Government Dynamics in Kolkata:
• Junior doctors are on a hunger strike demanding “Justice for RG Kar” with a 10-point charter. Thousands demonstrated during cultural festivals like ‘Durga Pooja’, showing solidarity with the doctors. • The movement largely involves middle and upper-middle-class citizens grown without political party leadership, highlighting fears about safety and educational aspirations. • Despite recent support for the state government, citizens are now demanding accountability from the government.
What are the Socio-economic impacts of such movements?
Socio-economic Decline: The state’s investment and GDP share has steadily decreased, with a precarious employment situation worsened by corruption.
The movement reflects growing discontent over economic decline and threats to upward mobility in West Bengal.
Corruption: Allegations of corruption in R. G Case linked to the murder case suggest a corrupt syndicate within the health system. There is also evidence that the state and localgovernment schemes are manipulated to maintain loyalty to the ruling party.
Public Sentiment and Trust issues: People don’t need political parties to intervene now, they just need justice and freedom to move independently and access education securely.
Even the minority sections of Muslims are also victims of the corrupt practices of state government, but the powerful secular alternative is still lagging.
Question on Recruitment process: Rampant corruption has eroded fairness in government job recruitment, highlighted by the arrest of the former Education Minister in a scam.
Question on Justice System: The concept of justice has become a focal point for citizens expressing their grievances against systemic corruption and unfairness.
Initiatives taken by the Judiciary:
The Supreme Court initiated proceedings on its suo-moto cognizance due to the gravity of the incident, despite the case being under the Calcutta High Court’s jurisdiction.
On Governance: The Court expressed dissatisfaction with the West Bengal government’s “tardy” progress in implementing safety measures.
A 10-member National Task Force was established to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals across India.
On Privacy: It reiterated that no intermediary should disclose the victim’s information, aiming to protect her family’s privacy.
On Accountability: The Court highlighted concerns over police procedural delays, questioning why the post-mortem was conducted before an FIR was registered and calling for accountability in handling such serious cases.
Way Forward: The nexus between social issues and justice in Kolkata underscores a critical moment where public outcry against systemic failures is challenging state governance. The ongoing protests reflect a broader demand for accountability, safety, and social justice, signaling potential shifts in both public sentiment and political dynamics.
![[pib] Raigad Fort](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/raigad.jpg)
