Pali, Persian, Prakrit, and Farsi (Persian) as per the National Education Policy-2020.
Criteria for Classical Language Status
– High Antiquity: Recorded history of 1500-2000 years.
– Valuable Heritage: Possesses ancient literature and texts.
– Originality: Unique literary tradition, not borrowed from other languages.
– Distinctness: Language and literature distinct from modern forms.
Promotion of Classical Languages
– International Awards: Two major awards for scholars in classical Indian languages.
– Centre of Excellence: For studies in classical languages.
– Professional Chairs: UGC requested to create chairs in Central Universities.
The Eighth Schedule
Lists 22 official languages, governed by Articles 344(1) and 351 of the Constitution. Includes Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
PYQ Relevance: Q Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of a large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (UPSC IAS/2020) Q What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space? (UPSC IAS/2019) Q An apparel manufacturing company having a large number of women employees was losing sales due to various factors. The company hired a reputed marketing executive, who increased the volume of sales within a short span of time. However, some unconfirmed reports came up regarding his indulgence in sexual harassment at the work place. After sometime, a woman employee lodged a formal complaint to the management against the marketing executive about sexually harassing her. Faced with the company’s indifference in not taking cognizance of her grievance, she lodged an FIR with the Police. Realizing the sensitivity and gravity of the situation, the company called the women employee to negotiate. In that she was offered a hefty sum of money to withdraw the complaint and the FIR and also give in writing that the marketing executive is not involved in this case. Identify the ethical issues involved in this case: what options are available to the women employee? (UPSC IAS/2019)
Mentor comment: India faces significant challenges regarding sexual harassment and violence against women, deeply rooted in societal norms and systemic issues. Despite legislative measures like the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act of 2013, the prevalence of sexual violence remains alarmingly high. Justice K. Hema Committee report, released by the Kerala government on August 19, 2024, highlights severe issues of sexual exploitation and gender discrimination faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. Initially submitted in 2019, the report reveals a culture of harassment, including the “casting couch” phenomenon, where women are pressured to exchange sexual favors for roles. It also addresses inadequate facilities and the absence of basic rights for women in the industry.
Let’s learn!
__
Why in the news?
The Justice K. Hema Committee report has sparked significant public debate and led to calls for reforms, including the establishment of an Internal Complaints Committee to address issues of sexual exploitation and gender discrimination faced by women effectively.
What does the Report say on Culture of Assault?
On Sexual Assault and Consent: Instances of sexual assault are not isolated events but are rooted in societal practices that undermine women’s autonomy and consent.
The National Crime Records Bureau reported 31,516 cases of rape in India in 2022, indicating a significant prevalence of sexual violence against women.
The Justice Hema Committee report emphasizes that rape is a manifestation of a culture that views women as objects rather than individuals with rights.
On Workplace Harassment: The Vishaka guidelines established in 1997 aimed to protect women from workplace harassment, leading to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, which mandates the formation of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC).
The report argues that ICCs are inadequate for the film industry due to potential biases and influence from abusers, advocating for an independent government forum to address these issues.
Lack of registration of crimes vs. Question on the Principle of Survivor Anonymity:
Nipun Saxena vs Union Of India (2018): The SC explained the importance of penalization of the disclosure of the name and the identity of the survivors of sexual offenses as mandated in Section 228A of the IPC, which is now reiterated in Sect 72 and 73of the BNS.
The provision’s objective is to protect survivors from hostile discrimination and future harassment.
Puttaswamy Judgement (2017): The Right to Privacy is integral to the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution. Further, our criminal justice system initiates prosecution against the accused on behalf of the victim but it becomes quite difficult to prove a crime without the victim’s cooperation.
Right to Livelihood: Survivors fear potential retaliation from the abuser and the rest of society, in terms of refusal to give them work, and being branded as ‘problem-makers’.
CASE STUDY – #MeToo Movement:The accusations against Harvey Weinstein in 2017 sparked the global #MeToo movement, highlighting issues of sexual harassment and assault in various industries.
Need for Structural Reforms:
Acknowledgment of Challenges: The report aims to empower Indian women by raising awareness about workplace discrimination.
The findings in the Hema Committee report should lead to significant structural reforms in the Malayalam film industry, with government leadership being crucial.
Comprehensive Solutions Required: Issues such as inadequate sanitation and workplace bias must be thoroughly studied and addressed to improve conditions for women.
The report emphasizes the unique difficulties faced by women in lower-tier roles in the film industry, beyond just lead actresses.
A yacht sank off the coast of Sicily, Italy after being hit by a Waterspout.
What are Waterspouts?
A waterspout is a rotating column of air and mist over a water body.
It is a weaker relative of tornadoes and typically lasts for about five minutes, although it can occasionally last up to 10 minutes.
Size and Strength:
Average diameter: Around 165 feet.
Wind speeds: Can reach up to 100 km/hr.
Waterspouts are more common in tropical waters but can form anywhere with high humidity and relatively warm water temperatures compared to the overlying air.
Types of Waterspouts:
Tornadic Waterspouts
These are actual tornadoes that either form over water or move from land to water.
They are associated with severe thunderstorms and can be accompanied by high winds, large hail, and dangerous lightning.
Fair-Weather Waterspouts:
These are more common and form only over water during fair weather.
They are generally smaller and less dangerous than tornadic waterspouts.
PYQ:
[2020] Consider the following statements:
1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.
3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10ºC lesser than that of the surroundings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q.1 Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (UPSC IAS/2021) Q.2 Can the strategy of regional-resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (UPSC IAS/2019)
Note4Students:
Prelims: Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC);
Mains:Challenges related to khadi industry;
Mentor comments: The khadi industry in India is a vital segment of the textile sector, known for its hand-spun and hand-woven fabrics made from cotton, silk, and wool. It plays a crucial role in generating employment, particularly in rural areas, with millions of artisans involved in its production. The industry has seen significant growth, with khadi production valued at ₹1,904.5 crore (USD 255.8 million) in FY21, up from ₹1,520.8 crore (USD 204.3 million) in FY17. Promoted by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), khadi symbolizes India’s heritage and commitment to sustainable practices.
Let’s learn —
Why in the News?
The Prime Minister’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign highlights moral contradiction, as machine-made polyester flags, often imported, overshadow the significance of our national flag.
The Flag Code of India has historically required the national flag to be made of “hand spun and hand-woven wool/cotton/silk khadi bunting”
Significance of Khadi Industries:
Second Largest Employer: After agriculture, the khadi industry is the second largest industry to provide employment opportunities to the unemployed and rural people
Preserving Heritage: Khadi is a national heritage fabric of India with a unique identity and a rich tradition dating back to ancient times.
Symbol of Freedom Struggle: Khadi was the fabric of the freedom struggle, with Mahatma Gandhi launching the movement of ‘spin your own cloth and buy hand-spun cloth’ in 1921
Eco-friendly Production: The production of khadi focuses on the environment right from the beginning, using locally manufactured raw materials without chemicals and energy resources.
The reason behind the Khadi procurement has fallen:
Neglect of Mandates: Government departments are reportedly ignoring or overruling mandates requiring them to procure khadi. For instance, many departments shifted to other materials, resulting in a drop in khadi purchases from ₹50-60 crore per year to ₹32 crore over a decade.
Amendment to the Flag Code: In 2022, the Government amended the Flag Code of India to allow for the use of machine-made polyester bunting for the national flag, which historically required khadi.
Tax Exemption for Polyester Flags: The government exempted polyester flags from the Goods and Services Tax (GST), placing them on the same tax footing as khadi flags.
Indefinite Strike by Khadi Producers: The Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS), the sole national flag manufacturing unit accredited by the Bureau of Indian Standards, resorted to an indefinite strike to protest the government’s actions, which they view as detrimental to the khadi industry.
Market Regulation Failures: The khadi market lacks effective regulation, leading to the sale of khadi produced from semi-mechanized charkhas alongside traditional hand-spun khadi. This situation creates confusion among consumers and undermines the authenticity of traditional khadi.
Lack of Global Promotion: The government has failed to establish a global audience for Indian handlooms, particularly khadi. For instance, khadi’s share remains very low, accounting for less than 0.22% of the total textile sector exports.
Economic Pressures on Workers: Khadi spinners and weavers are facing economic hardships, with wages remaining low at ₹200-₹250 per day despite their labour-intensive work.
Impact of Policy Changes: Recent policy changes, such as the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), have placed additional burdens on handloom workers. The GST applies to both finished khadi products and raw materials, increasing costs for producers.
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
•Establishment: The KVIC was established in April 1957 by the Government of India under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act. It is a statutory body aimed at promoting and regulating the khadi and village industries in India. •Objectives: The KVIC has three main objectives: 1. Social Objective: To provide employment in rural areas. Economic Objective: To produce saleable articles. 2. Wider Objective: To create self-reliance among people and build a strong rural community spirit.
•Affiliation and Oversight: The KVIC oversees approximately 5,600 registered khadi institutions and 30,138 cooperative societies across India. It collaborates with 30 State Khadi and •Village Industry Boards (KVIBs) to implement its programs at the state level.
•Trademark Protection: KVIC holds exclusive rights to the “Khadi” and “Khadi India” trademarks, ensuring that the term is used correctly and protecting the integrity of khadi products in the market.
Way forward:
Revitalize Government Mandates & Incentivize Khadi Procurement: Reinforce mandates requiring government departments to prioritize khadi procurement and introduce subsidies or tax incentives for using traditional hand-spun khadi, ensuring fair competition against synthetic alternatives.
Global Promotion & Fair Wages: Launch targeted campaigns to promote khadi internationally, increasing its market share while ensuring that khadi spinners and weavers receive fair wages through direct government support and better pricing mechanisms.
A recent study by Thomas Pikettyand colleagues highlights a dramatic rise in wealth and income inequality in India over the past few decades, with a sharp increase particularly from 2014 to 2022.
The analysis from ” Gallup World Poll (GWP) Survey (2019-23)” for India
Note: The GWP measures corruption through individual perceptions, asking respondents whether they believe corruption is widespread.
Income Inequality: The survey data indicates a significant rise in income inequality, with the top 1% controlling over 40% of total wealth in India, a stark increase from 12.5% in 1980.
The top 1% of income earners now receive 22.6% of the country’s total pre-tax income, up from 7.3% in 1980.
Rent-Seeking Behavior: The persistence of rent-seeking behavior among wealthy investors, which diverts resources from productive uses to securing unwarranted gains from government entities.
Judicial Trust and Corruption: Trust in the judiciary can play a significant role in curbing corruption. Higher trust correlates with lower perceived corruption levels.
Mutual Fund vs Fixed deposits: Speculative investments, such as mutual funds, largely drive income inequality, while savings in fixed deposits and post offices help curb it.
Inequality promotes corruption: The study finds that higher income inequality causes widespread corruption, while greater confidence in the judiciary helps reduce it.
What is our present methodology for counting inequality?
Piketty’s Measure: Thomas Piketty’s measure compares the income share of the top 1% to that of the bottom 50%. This highlights the growing disparity in income distribution effectively.
Consumption vs Income Inequality: Inequality is traditionally measured using consumption expenditure surveys by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). However, consumption inequality tends to be lower than income inequality.
Use of Multiple Data Sources: Researchers often combine data from various sources, including national accounts, tax data, and recent surveys like the Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS) and Consumer Pyramid Household Survey (CPHS).
Gini Index and Other Metrics: The Gini index is frequently used to quantify inequality, but it has limitations, being less sensitive to changes at the income distribution extremes.
Issues Associated with measuring income inequality:
Data quality and availability: There has been a noted decline in the reliability of household surveys since 2011-12, making it difficult to obtain accurate and comparable data. For example, The 55th NSS round showed a dramatic decline in poverty estimates, which many experts deemed misleading due to the survey’s methodological flaws.
Underreporting of wealth: Surveys may underreport wealthier households’ consumption, leading to inaccurate inequality assessments. For example, the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23 reported a significant drop in rural and urban poverty levels. However, critics argue that these figures may not accurately reflect the reality of wealthier households
Comparability with other countries: India’s reliance on consumption data rather than income data can result in mischaracterization as a low-inequality country in international comparisons.
Focus on labor income: Some reports focus only on labor income, ignoring other income sources and skewing the understanding of overall inequality. For example, studies have shown that the income share of the top 10% in India has grown significantly, while labour income alone does not reflect this concentration adequately
Complexity of income dynamics: Accurately assessing inequality is challenging due to the influence of economic policies, globalization, and market forces. For instance, Researchers have noted that the absence of comprehensive tax data beyond 2017-18 adds uncertainty to the analysis of income inequality trends
Way forward:
Improve Data Collection and Methodologies: There is an urgent need to enhance the quality and reliability of household surveys and other data sources.
Broadening Income Metrics Beyond Labor Income: To better capture the full spectrum of income inequality, it’s essential to include non-labor income sources, such as capital gains, property income, and speculative investments.
Mains PYQ:
Q It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objective of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement. (UPSC IAS/2019)
The Prime Minister has paid homage to the great Maharaja of Tripura Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur on his birth anniversary.
Who wasMaharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur?
Details
Reign
1923 – 1947
Birth
August 19, 1908
Contributions to Tripura
– Modernized Tripura with infrastructure and educational reforms.
– Planned and designed the city of Agartala, earning the title “Architect of Modern Tripura.”-He took initiatives to explore tea cultivation and established several tea estates in Tripura.
Education and Infrastructure
– Established schools, colleges, and hospitals.
– He was instrumental in establishing the first airport in Tripura, the Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, which greatly improved connectivity and facilitated economic growth
Social Reforms
Introduced land reforms, granted land rights to indigenous people, and worked to abolish untouchability.
Maharaja Bir Bikram was a patron of the arts and culture, supporting various cultural activities and institutions.
Military Role
Supported the British during World War II.
Legacy
Died on May 17, 1947
Remembered as a visionary ruler who played a crucial role in shaping modern Tripura.
PYQ:
[2022] The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (250 words, 15 marks)
[2007] Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the formation of the following states as full states of the Indian Union?
Migrant workers from various parts of India are gradually becoming a noticeable presence in the agricultural fields of Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery delta, often called the granary of South India.
Migrants in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery Delta
Labour Shortage in Agriculture: The Cauvery Delta, known as the granary of South India, is experiencing a significant shortage of farmhands as the younger generation moves away from agriculture. This has led to a reliance on migrant workers, particularly from states like West Bengal and Bihar, who are skilled in paddy transplanting and harvesting.
Economic Dynamics: Migrant labourers are filling the labour gap during agricultural seasons, working in groups and completing tasks more quickly than local labourers. They charge around ₹4,500 to ₹5,000 per acre, compared to local workers who earn ₹600 per day.
Sociocultural Integration: While there hasn’t been significant tension between migrant workers and local labourers, the integration of migrants into the agricultural workforce is still evolving.
Local labour unions acknowledge the presence of migrant workers but do not see it as a widespread issue yet, partly due to the ongoing mechanization of agriculture and changing job preferences among the local youth.
Dependence on Migrant Workers in Kerala
Shift in Labor Sources: Kerala has seen a growing dependence on migrant workers from northern and eastern states, including West Bengal and Bihar, to fill labour shortages in various sectors, including agriculture.
A recent study by the Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation estimated the number of inter-state migrant workers in Kerala at 2.5 million, equivalent to 7% of the state’s population.
Economic Factors: High wage differentials between Kerala and the migrants’ home states, along with a robust urban economy, have made Kerala an attractive destination for migrant labourers.
External Migration from Uttar Pradesh to Maharashtra
High Migration Rate: Uttar Pradesh tops the list for inter-state job-related migration to Maharashtra, with over 5.7% of migrants moving for employment purposes between 2020 and 2021.
Concentration of Migrants: Within Maharashtra, districts such as Mumbai and Thane have the highest concentrations of migrants from Uttar Pradesh.
How does the proposed ‘quota-for-local’ Bill impact migrant workers?
uction in the already precarious employment options available to migrants, who often fill lower-skilled positions.
Increased Competition: The migrant workers might face intensified competition for fewer available roles, particularly in sectors where they have traditionally been employed, such as delivery services and hospitality.
Economic Migration: The bill could lead to a demographic shift in the labor market. Migrants may choose to relocate to states with more inclusive hiring practices, impacting the state’s economy and workforce diversity.
Exploitation Risks: The present Bill could make migrants more vulnerable to exploitation, as companies may feel less inclined to hire them, leading to further marginalization of these workers.
Industry Concerns: Business leaders and industry representatives have expressed concerns that the bill could deter investment and talent from flowing into Karnataka, potentially leading to job losses and reduced economic growth. The focus should be on skills rather than reservations.
What measures can be taken to protect migrant workers from exploitation?
Right to Change Employers: States need to ensure that migrant workers have the freedom to change employers without facing penalties, which can reduce their vulnerability to abuse and exploitation.
Empower Migrant workers: The government/ Private sector needs to provide comprehensive information regarding workers’ rights, including recruitment processes, legal protections, and avenues for reporting abuse.
Strengthening labor laws and legal assistance with counseling services that protect migrant workers and ensure strict enforcement through regular inspections of workplaces is a need of the hour.
Social Security and Housing Access: States need to ensure that migrant workers have access to social services, housing, and healthcare, which can help mitigate their vulnerabilities.
NITI Aayog in its report”India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy”has said that fiscal incentives such as tax breaks or startup grants may be provided for businesses that provide livelihood opportunities where women constitute a substantial portion of their workers.
International Cooperation: Encourage countries to adopt and implement international standards and conventions that protect the rights of migrant workers, promoting safe and ethical recruitment practices.
Lack of Proper Data and Registration
Historical Data Gaps: The last comprehensive survey on internal migration was conducted as part of the National Sample Survey in 2007-08, with the Census 2011 data only partially released in 2020.
Absence of Real-Time Data: During the COVID-19 lockdown, the Indian government did not collect data on the deaths or job losses of internal migrants. The Ministry of Labour and Employment confirmed that it maintained no records of migrant workers who lost their jobs or lives during this period.
Legislation:
The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 was enacted to protect the rights and regulate the conditions of service for migrant workers who move between states in India for employment.
Implementation Challenges
Lack of Awareness: Many migrant workers are unaware of their rights under the Act, leading to exploitation and poor working conditions.
Inadequate Enforcement: There is often insufficient enforcement of the Act by state governments, resulting in widespread violations and the continued presence of migrant workers in informal and unregulated sectors.
Data Gaps: The absence of accurate data on the number of inter-state migrant workers complicates enforcement and the provision of services.
Way forward:
Promote Sustainable Employment and Skill Development in Source Regions: To reduce the over-reliance on migrant labour and address labour shortages in sectors like agriculture, the government should focus on creating sustainable employment opportunities in the migrants’ home states.
Promote Sustainable Employment and Skill Development in Source Regions: The government should create a real-time migrant data system linked with Aadhaar, enabling targeted policies, social security, and effective crisis response for internal migrants.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. (UPSC IAS/2015)
Recently, followers of the two rival groups within the Namdhari religious sect clashed violently in Haryana.
About Namdhari Sect
Details
Founder
Satguru Ram Singh in 1857 (on Baisakhi)
Also known as Kuka Movement
Primary Beliefs
– Belief in a living human Guru; Also known as Kuka/Kukaism
– Guru Granth Sahib is considered the Supreme Gurbani
– Strict vegetarianism and teetotalism (alcohol is forbidden)
Key Practices
– Wearing white attire as a sign of mourning
– Rejection of caste distinctions
– Promotion of widow remarriage
– Non-violent resistance– Cow is the sacred animal
Headquarters
Bhaini Sahib, Ludhiana, Punjab
Global Presence
– Deras across Punjab and Haryana
– Presence in countries such as the UK, Canada, and Kenya
Role in Independence
– Early opposition to British rule
– Adoption of non-cooperation and boycott of British goods
– Victims of severe British reprisals
Notable Historical Event
Malerkotla Massacre (1872) – 66 Namdharis executed by the British
Leadership Succession
– After Ram Singh: His brother Satguru Hari Singh
– Later Successors: Satguru Partap Singh, Satguru Jagjit Singh
– Current leaders: Uday Singh and Dalip Singh (factional dispute)
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following Bhakti Saints :
1. Dadu Dayal
2. Guru Nanak
3. Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?
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