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  • [pib] Cabinet confers Classical Language Status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved conferring the status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.

    Classical Languages in India:

    Details
    Objective To recognize and preserve Bharat’s profound cultural heritage embodied in these languages and their literary traditions.
    Criteria for Classical Language Status 2004 (when Tamil was declared a Classical Language):

    1. High Antiquity over a thousand years.
    2. A body of ancient literature valued by generations.
    3. Original literary tradition, not borrowed.

    2005 (when Sanskrit was declared a Classical Language):

    1. High Antiquity over 1500-2000 years.
    2. Ancient literature valued by generations.
    3. Original literary tradition, not borrowed.
    4. Distinct from modern forms, with possible discontinuity.

    2024 (as recommended by the Linguistic Experts Committee):

    1. High Antiquity over 1500-2000 years.
    2. Ancient literature valued by generations.
    3. Includes knowledge texts, prose, inscriptions.
    4. Distinct from current forms or may show discontinuity.
    Previously Conferred Status Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Telugu (2008), Kannada (2008), Malayalam (2013), Odia (2014)
    Implementation Strategy • Establishment of Central Universities for Sanskrit (2020)
    • Promotion of Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia through the Central Institute of Indian Languages (Mysuru)
    • National and International awards for Classical Languages
    Impact on Employment • Employment in academia, research, and archiving
    • Jobs in preservation, digitization, translation, and publishing of ancient texts
    States Involved Maharashtra (Marathi), Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh (Pali, Prakrit), West Bengal (Bengali), Assam (Assamese)
    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
    Chronological Additions to the Eighth Schedule • 1950: Initially included 14 languages
    • 1967: Sindhi added (21st Constitutional Amendment)
    • 1992: Konkani, Manipuri (Meitei), Nepali added (71st Constitutional Amendment)
    • 2003: Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santali added (92nd Constitutional Amendment)
    • 2011: “Oriya” replaced with “Odia” (96th Constitutional Amendment)

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] Which one of the following was given classical language status recently?

    (a) Odia

    (b) Konkani

    (c) Bhojpuri

    (d) Assamese

    [2014] Consider the following languages :

    1. Gujarati

    2. Kannada

    3. Telugu

    Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language / Languages’ by the Government?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • How India’s Temples are Run?

    Why in the News?

    As the Supreme Court hears petitions about the alleged adulteration of ghee in Lord Venkateswara’s Laddu Prasadam, many religious organizations have renewed their demand to free temples from government control.

    How are Religious Places managed in India?

    • Muslim and Christian places of worship are managed by community-run boards or trusts.
    • Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist temples are often under government control.
      • Hindu temples make up the majority of the 30 lakh places of worship in India (2011 census).
    • Under Article 25(2) of the Constitution, the government can regulate economic, financial, or secular activities associated with religious practices.
      • This allows the state to enact laws concerning the administration of Hindu religious institutions.

    Examples of Government Control:

    • Tamil Nadu: The state’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department manages temples.
    • Andhra Pradesh: The state controls the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), including the Tirupati Temple.
    • Jammu and Kashmir: Enacted the Jammu and Kashmir Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Act, 1988, specifically to manage the Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra, Jammu.
    • A portion of the income from offerings and donations is used for:
      • Temple administration
      • Maintenance of smaller temples
      • Welfare activities, including hospitals, schools, orphanages, and secular education.

    Historical Context of Government Control Over Temples

    • Ancient India: Temples have historically received land and wealth donations from kings and nobles, becoming centers of culture and economy. Larger temples often promoted agriculture and irrigation.
    • Medieval Period: Many temples were attacked and pillaged by invaders due to their immense wealth.
    • Colonial Era: Between 1810 and 1817, the East India Company enacted laws in Bengal, Madras, and Bombay to regulate temples and prevent the misuse of temple income and endowments.

    Colonial Laws:

    • Religious Endowments Act, 1863: Gave control of temples to committees, but the government maintained influence through judicial jurisdiction and other laws.
    • Madras Hindu Religious Endowments Act, 1925: Empowered provincial governments to oversee temple endowments and gave substantial powers to commissioners.

    Post-Independence Laws:

    • After Independence, many states enacted laws based on the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1951, which gave the government supervision over temples and allowed the appointment of an Executive Officer to manage temple affairs.
    • A similar law was passed in Bihar around the same time.

     

    Demand for Freeing Temples from Government Control

    • 1959: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) passed its first resolution demanding that the Kashi Vishwanath Temple be returned to Hindus.
    • 1988: The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (ABKM) of the RSS called on state governments to hand over temples to representatives of Hindu devotees, arguing that government control was unfair and aimed at controlling temple funds.
    • 2021: The VHP passed a resolution in Faridabad demanding a central law to free temples from government control.

    Legal Position on Temple Control

    Courts have generally upheld government control over temples, although there have been arguments in favor of freeing temples.

    Key Judgments:

    • 1954 Shirur Mutt Case: The Supreme Court ruled that a law transferring control of religious institutions to another authority violates Article 26(d), which guarantees the right to manage religious property. However, the state can regulate the administration of religious or charitable institutions.
    • Ratilal Panachand Gandhi vs. The State of Bombay (1954): The Supreme Court affirmed that the right to manage religious institutions is fundamental, but the state can regulate trust properties through valid laws.
    • Pannalal Bansilal Pitti vs. State Of Andhra Pradesh (1996): The Supreme Court upheld a law abolishing hereditary rights over temple management and rejected the argument that such laws must apply equally to all religions.

    Recent Case:

    • In 2022, lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay filed a petition in the Supreme Court to free temples from government control. The SC remarked that under the current system, temples cater to broader social needs, and reversing this would return temples to their previous state as centers of wealth. Upadhyay withdrew his petition.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of Secularism?

    [2016] How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. 

  • Tea tribes marginalized in Assam despite their contribution to the economy

    Why in the News?

    Recently, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren urged Assam’s Himanta Biswa Sarma to grant ST status to tea tribes, he was also strategically countering the BJP’s campaign in election-bound Jharkhand.

    Demand for Scheduled Tribe Status

    • Recognition of Marginalization: The Jharkhand CM has emphasized that the tea tribes in Assam, numbering around 70 lakh, are marginalized despite their significant contributions to the state’s economy.
      • He has formally requested Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for these communities, which are currently classified as Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Assam, limiting their access to essential government benefits and protections associated with ST status.
    • ST Status: The tea tribes meet the criteria for ST status due to their distinct cultural identity, traditional way of life, and vulnerability to exploitation.
      • Many members of these tribes are indigenous to Jharkhand and have historical ties to Assam, having migrated there during colonial rule to work in tea plantations.

    Which are the Tea Tribes in Assam?

    • Munda: Originating from the Chotanagpur plateau, they are one of the most prominent groups among the tea tribes in Assam.
    • Santhal: They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their traditional music and dance.
    • Oraon: This group also hails from central India and has a strong presence in Assam’s tea gardens.
    • Gond: Primarily found in central India, Gonds are part of the tea tribes due to historical migration patterns.
    • Kurukh: This group is related to the Oraon and shares linguistic and cultural ties with them.
    • Bhumij: They were brought to Assam for labor in tea plantations.

    The criteria for a community to be recognized as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) in India:

    As established by the Lokur Committee and currently followed by the Office of the Registrar General of India (RGI), include:

    • Primitive Traits: Indications of a primitive lifestyle or cultural practices that are less developed compared to mainstream society.
    • Distinctive Culture: A unique cultural identity that differentiates the community from others, including language, traditions, and customs.
    • Geographical Isolation: Communities that are historically or currently isolated from the mainstream population, often residing in remote areas.
    • Shyness of Contact with the Community at Large: A tendency to avoid interaction with broader society, which may stem from historical marginalization.
    • Backwardness: Socio-economic disadvantages compared to the general population, including lower levels of education and economic development.

    How do the Tea Tribes contribute to the Economy?

    • Major Workforce: The tea tribes form the backbone of Assam’s tea industry, which is one of the largest in the world.
      • Approximately 53% of India’s total tea production comes from Assam, and a significant portion of this labor force comprises tea tribe members, particularly women.
    • Economic Dependence: It is estimated that around 20 lakh people (2 million) in Assam are directly or indirectly dependent on the tea industry for their livelihoods.
      • The wages earned by tea tribe workers are a primary source of income for many families within these communities.

    Cultural Heritage and Historical Injustices

    • Due to Cultural Displacement: The tea tribes face challenges in preserving their cultural heritage due to their classification as OBCs. This status affects their land rights and access to employment opportunities, leading to a loss of cultural identity.
    • Due to Socio-economic Challenges: Despite contributing significantly to Assam’s tea industry, the tea tribes suffer from poor living conditions, lack of educational facilities, and inadequate healthcare. 
      • They often live in poverty and face systemic barriers that prevent them from accessing government programs designed for marginalized communities. This situation reflects historical injustices stemming from colonial labor practices that uprooted them from their ancestral lands.

    Way forward: 

    • Granting ST Status: Expedite the process of granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the tea tribes, which would provide them with legal recognition and access to special protections, reservations, and welfare schemes aimed at uplifting marginalized communities.
    • Improving Living Conditions: Implement targeted government programs to improve the living conditions of tea tribe communities, focusing on access to education, healthcare, and better infrastructure in tea plantation areas.

  • Annular Solar Eclipse

    Why in the News?

    An annular solar eclipse will be visible in parts of South America on October 2, 2023.  It, however, will not be visible from India.

    What is a Solar Eclipse?

    • A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun’s light either fully or partially, casting a shadow on certain parts of the Earth.
    • There are four types of solar eclipses:
      1. Total Solar Eclipse: When the Moon completely blocks the Sun, turning the sky dark. People in the path of a total solar eclipse can witness the Sun’s corona (its outer atmosphere), which is normally hidden by the bright sunlight.
      2. Annular Solar Eclipse: Occurs when the Moon is at or near its farthest point from Earth. The Moon does not fully cover the Sun, leaving a visible ring of fire around the Moon. This is what people in parts of South America will witness on October 2, 2023.
      3. Partial Solar Eclipse: Happens when the Moon blocks only a part of the Sun, giving it a crescent shape. During both partial and annular eclipses, areas outside the Moon’s umbra (the darkest part of its shadow) experience a partial eclipse. It is the most common type of solar eclipse.
      4. Hybrid Solar Eclipse: The rarest type, where the eclipse shifts between total and annular as the Moon’s shadow moves across the Earth. Some places see a total solar eclipse, while others see an annular one.

    Frequency of Solar Eclipses

    • A solar eclipse can only occur during the new moon, when the Moon and Sun are aligned on the same side of the Earth.
    • A new moon happens approximately every 29.5 days because that is the time it takes for the Moon to orbit the Earth.
    • However, solar eclipses don’t happen every month. They occur two to five times annually, but not every new moon results in an eclipse.
    • Why don’t they occur every month:
      • The Moon’s orbit around the Earth is tilted by about 5 degrees compared to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
      • This means the Moon’s shadow usually misses the Earth.
      • A solar eclipse only occur when the Moon crosses specific points in its orbit, called nodes, where the Moon’s orbit intersects the plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
      • When a new moon occurs at one of these nodes, a solar eclipse is possible.

    PYQ:

    [2019] On 21st June, the Sun

    (a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle

    (b) does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle

    (c) shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator

    (d) shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn

  • Dadasaheb Phalke Award

    Why in the News?

    Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty will be conferred with the 2022 Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

    Mithun Chakraborty to Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award 

    • Mithun Chakraborty has played a wide range of roles throughout his career, from a tribal in ‘Mrigayaa’ (1976) to an action hero and a dancing star, becoming one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema.
    • His performance in ‘Disco Dancer’ (1982) made him an international sensation, with the movie being a massive hit across Asia, then Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and other regions after Raj Kapoor.
    • He has worked in more than 350 films across multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Odia, Bhojpuri, Tamil, and Punjabi, demonstrating his wide-ranging influence.
    • Mithun has won three National Film Awards for his outstanding performances in films like ‘Mrigayaa’ (1976), ‘Tahader Katha’ (1992), and ‘Swami Vivekananda’ (1998).
    • He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, in 2023, recognizing his contributions to the arts.
    • As the chairperson of the Film Studios Setting & Allied Mazdoor Union (FSSAMU) for three decades, Mithun has been actively involved in improving the welfare of film industry workers.

     

    About Dadasaheb Phalke Award

    Details
    Organized by
    • Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
    • Presented by the President of India.
    First Presented 1969
    Purpose To honor individuals (filmmakers, actors, singers etc.) for their “great and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema”
    Named After
    • Dadasaheb (Dhundiraj Govind) Phalke, “Father of Indian Cinema”.
    • He directed and produced India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913.
    • This landmark film is considered the starting point of the Indian cinema.
    Notable Recipients Devika Rani (1969), Prithviraj Kapoor (1971), Satyajit Ray (1985), Raj Kapoor (1987), Lata Mangeshkar (1989), Asha Bhosle (2000), Yash Chopra (2001), Rajinikanth (2019), Amitabh Bachchan (2018) , Waheeda Rehman (2021).
    Components of the Award
    • ₹1,000,000 (US$12,000) cash prize;
    • Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl.
    Selection Criteria Awarded to individuals for their “great and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema”.
    Selection Committee A committee consisting of eminent personalities from the Indian film industry.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.

  • 92% of workers cleaning urban sewers, septic tanks from SC, ST, OBC groups: survey

    Why in the News?

    Government data from over 3,000 urban local bodies across 29 States and Union Territories shows that 91.9% of the 38,000 sewer and septic tank cleaners profiles belong to SC, ST, or OBC communities.

    What are the socio-economic conditions of workers engaged in sewer and septic tank cleaning?

    • Demographics: A significant majority (91.9%) of the 38,000 profiled workers belong to marginalized communities: 68.9% Scheduled Castes (SC), 14.7% Other Backward Classes (OBC), 8.3% Scheduled Tribes (ST), and 8% from the general category.
    • Employment Status: The workforce largely comprises low-income individuals engaged in hazardous, low-status jobs, reflecting persistent caste-based disparities.
    • Capital Subsidies support: Since the launch of the NAMASTE program, ₹2.26 crore in capital subsidies have been distributed to 191 beneficiaries, indicating some financial support for transitioning into self-employment.

    How effective are current policies and rehabilitation schemes for sanitation workers?

    • NAMASTE Programme: Aimed at mechanizing sewer cleaning and providing safety training and equipment, the program is a replacement for the Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS).
    • Enumeration Process: Over 3,326 urban local bodies (ULBs) are involved, with 38,000 workers profiled so far. However, 283 ULBs reported zero workers, suggesting that the profiling might not be comprehensive or that many workers are unrecognized.
    • Rehabilitation Success: Out of 58,098 identified manual scavengers under the previous SRMS scheme, 97.2% were from SC communities. While cash transfers of ₹40,000 were provided, only a fraction pursued skills training or loans for alternative livelihoods.

    What are the challenges?

    • Social Stigma: Predominantly from marginalized communities (SC, ST, OBC), these workers face discrimination, limiting their access to better job opportunities and social mobility.
    • Health Risks: Exposure to hazardous working conditions leads to significant health risks, with a high mortality rate (377 deaths from 2019 to 2023) due to unsafe practices.
    • Ineffective Rehabilitation: Current policies and support programs lack comprehensive coverage, leaving many workers unrecognized and limiting the effectiveness of financial assistance and training initiatives.

    What are the health risks and safety measures for workers in hazardous cleaning roles?

    • Hazardous Working Conditions: Between 2019 and 2023, 377 workers died from hazardous cleaning activities, highlighting the extreme risks associated with sewer and septic tank cleaning.
    • Safety Training: The NAMASTE program aims to provide safety training for workers to minimize health risks, but the effectiveness of such training needs further evaluation.
    • Equipment and Mechanization: The goal is to transition workers from manual cleaning to mechanized processes, reducing their exposure to dangerous conditions and improving overall safety.

    Way forward: 

    • Comprehensive Training and Support Programs: Enhance the effectiveness of the NAMASTE program by providing robust safety training and resources for workers, coupled with extensive outreach to ensure all workers are identified and supported, including those currently unrecognized.
    • Promotion of Mechanization and Safety Standards: Accelerate the mechanization of sewer cleaning operations to reduce health risks, and establish strict safety standards and regulations to protect workers, ensuring regular monitoring and enforcement of these standards.

  • Keep the fire of the self-respect movement going

    Why in the News?

    This year marks the beginning of the centenary of the “Self-Respect Movement”, a transformative movement with a unique mission to empower individuals and communities to challenge and dismantle the oppressive hierarchical structures that had subjugated them.

    What is the significance of the Self-Respect Movement?

    • Empowerment Against Hierarchical Structures: The Self-Respect Movement, founded by Periyar in 1925, aimed to dismantle the caste-based hierarchy that oppressed lower castes, especially in the Madras Presidency.
    • Social Reform Beyond Political Representation: The movement went beyond advocating for communal representation, focusing on equal rights for women, caste abolition, and the upliftment of the depressed classes.
      • It introduced radical reforms like self-respecting marriages and supported women’s rights such as property ownership, divorce, and widow remarriage.
    • Kudi Arasu’s Role: The Tamil weekly, Kudi Arasu (The Republic), served as a platform to spread Periyar’s critiques of Brahminism and the caste hierarchy, expanding the reach of the Self-Respect Movement.
    • Federalism and Political Autonomy: Periyar and the movement contributed to the evolution of federalism in India by advocating for regional autonomy and opposing the dominance of elite caste groups in politics.

    How can the principles of the self-respect movement be sustained and promoted?

    • Adaptation to Contemporary Issues: The movement must address modern complexities like the intersectionality of caste with class, religion, gender, and sexuality. Expanding the movement’s scope to include LGBTQIA+ rights and evolving gender norms will keep it relevant.
    • Counter-fack news on social media: Active communication with younger generations, particularly in countering right-wing narratives and caste biases on social media, is vital for promoting the movement’s ideals of equality and rationalism.
    • Reframing Social Justice in a Global Context: Sustaining the Self-Respect Movement’s legacy requires integrating its principles with global discussions on social justice, identity politics, and human rights.
    • Advocacy for Policy Reforms: Continuous advocacy for policies that address caste and gender inequalities, such as reservations and legal protection for self-respect marriages, can strengthen the movement’s impact.

    What challenges does the self-respect movement face in the current socio-political climate?

    • Cultural Homogenisation: The rise of Hindutva and right-wing ideologies seeks to homogenise India’s diverse cultures, undermining regional, linguistic, caste, and gender identities that the movement has historically sought to protect.
    • Evolving Caste Dynamics: While traditional caste practices may have declined in some areas, caste-based discrimination persists subtly in other forms, which the movement must continue to confront.
    • Digital Misinformation: The rise of social media has led to the spread of falsehoods that reinforce caste and group prejudices. The movement must actively engage in digital spaces to counter these narratives.
    • Caste-based politics: In states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, many regional political parties engage in caste-based politics, which indirectly obstructs the principles and application of the Self-Respect Movement.

    Way forward: 

    • Promote Inclusive Policy Reforms: The Indian government should enhance policies that target caste and gender inequalities, such as expanding legal protections for self-respect marriages and enforcing anti-discrimination laws, while ensuring marginalized communities have equitable access to resources and opportunities.
    • Strengthen Digital Literacy and Anti-Misinformation Efforts: The government should initiate programs to combat digital misinformation, particularly caste-based narratives, by promoting digital literacy, fact-checking, and inclusive content on social media platforms to foster equality and social harmony.

  • Kolkata Tram

    Why in the News?

    West Bengal has announced the discontinuation of the iconic 150 year old Kolkata trams, India’s last functioning tram system.

    About Kolkata Tram

    • Introduced in 1873 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), the first trams were horse-drawn and operated along a 3.8 km route between Sealdah and Armenian Ghat Street.
    • In 1874, horse-drawn trams reached Bombay (now Mumbai), followed by their introduction in Nashik and Patna.
    • However, their dependency on horse labor made them unsustainable.

    Revival and Modernization of Kolkata’s Trams

    • Lord Ripon revived trams in Calcutta in 1880 by experimenting with steam locomotives.
    • While the steam-powered trams improved speed, they introduced issues like pollution, which discouraged other states from adopting this technology.
    • In 1895, Madras (now Chennai) launched the country’s first electric tramcars, reducing noise and pollution.
    • Following this, Calcutta also transitioned to electric-powered trams by 1902, with routes between Esplanade and Kidderpore, and Esplanade and Kalighat.

    Significance of Trams

    • Kolkata’s trams hold historical significance as India’s oldest running tram system, symbolizing the city’s colonial past and cultural identity.
    • They provide an environmentally friendly and affordable mode of transport, making them relevant even today.
    • As a symbol of resilience, Kolkata’s trams have survived while other cities phased them out.
    • They also serve as a unique tourist attraction, offering a nostalgic glimpse of the city.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?

    (a) Indian handicrafts were ruined.

    (b) Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.

    (c) Railway line were laid in many parts of the country.

    (d) Heavy duties were imposed on the import of British manufactures.

  • Bhagat Singh (1907-1931)

    Why in the News?

    September 28th marks 117th birth anniversary of the legendary freedom fighter “Bhagat Singh”.

    Who was Bhagat Singh?

    Details
    Birth  September 28, 1907; Banga, Punjab (now in Pakistan)
    Family  Came from a family involved in anticolonial activities; his father Kishan Singh and uncle Ajit Singh were active freedom fighters.
    Affiliations • Hindustan Republican Association (1924)
    • Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (1928)
    • Naujawan Bharat Sabha (1926)
    Revolutionary Actions • Played a key role in the Lahore Conspiracy Case (1928) by avenging Lala Lajpat Rai’s death and mistakenly killing J.P. Saunders
    • Threw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly on April 8, 1929, with B.K. Dutt, to protest oppressive British laws.
    Ideologies and Principles • Advocated Marxist and socialist ideologies
    • Rejected religion in his essay Why I Am an Atheist
    • Emphasized rationalism, equality, and justice.
    Arrest and Trial
    • Arrested in 1929 for throwing a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly; later rearrested for the Lahore Conspiracy Case (murder of J.P. Saunders).
    • Jinnah opposed a 1929 Bill allowing trials in absentia, delivering a strong speech in the Central Assembly.
    Execution
    • Hanged on March 23, 1931, along with Sukhdev and Rajguru, in Lahore for his revolutionary activities.
    • Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose visited Bhagat Singh in prison.
    Literary Works
    • Bhagat Singh was fluent in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, and English, and familiar with Sanskrit.
    • His jail notebook referenced thinkers like Karl Marx, Thomas Jefferson, Mark Twain, and others, reflecting his intellectual diversity.
    • At 17, he wrote Vishwa Prem (Universal Love), advocating for universal brotherhood and equality.
    • He urged the oppressed classes to rebel against the social order and spoke about the philosophy of revolution in his writings, such as What is Revolution? (1929).
    • In his series What is Anarchism? he described organized religion and the state as forms of mental and physical slavery.
    • He wrote about the power of love in a 1929 letter to Sukhdev, emphasizing its role in personal and political strength.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.

  • Places in News: Neom Megacity Project

    Why in the News?

    The Wall Street Journal has highlighted controversies surrounding the Neom Megacity Project, a key project of Saudi Arabia and world’s largest construction real-estate project.

    About Neom Megacity Project:

    Details
    Location Northwestern Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia, along the Red Sea
    Launched
    • 2017 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
    • Part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
    Objective To diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and reduce its reliance on oil.
    Size
    • 26,500 sq km
    • Initially $500 billion, now estimated at $1.5 trillion
    Completion Year Expected by 2039
    Key Projects
    • The Line: 170-km long linear city for 9 million residents
    • Oxagon: Octagonal industrial city
    • Trojena: Mountain resort for 2029 Asian Winter Games
    • Magna: Luxury coastal city
    • Sindalah: Luxury island, opening in 2024
    Technological Focus
    • Renewable energy (solar, wind)
    • AI and robotics
    • Green hydrogen production
    Environmental Goals
    • Powered by 95% renewable energy
    • Focus on sustainable development

    Controversies surrounding the Project:

    • Displacement of Indigenous Tribes: The Huwaitat tribe has been forcibly displaced, leading to human rights concerns.
    • Slow Progress: Construction is behind schedule, with only 1.4 km of The Line expected to be completed by 2030.
    • Workplace Misconduct: Reports of toxic culture and unethical leadership, including neglect of worker safety.
    • Surveillance Concerns: Critics worry about the project’s use of real-time monitoring, raising privacy concerns.
    • Cost Overruns: The project’s budget has ballooned from $500 billion to $1.5 trillion, leading to scaled-down plans.