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GS Paper: GS2

  • Delhi vs. Centre: Key takeaways of SC’s verdict

    Central Idea

    Key takeaways

    (1) Disagreement with Justice Bhushan’s Judgment

    • The Supreme Court stated that it does not agree with Justice Ashok Bhushan’s judgment that the Delhi government has no power over services.

    (2) Article 239A and Legislative Assembly for NCT

    • The Supreme Court highlighted that Article 239A establishes a legislative assembly for the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
    • The members of the legislative assembly are elected by the electorate of Delhi, and the interpretation of Article 239A should support representative democracy.

    (3) Limits of Power

    • The court clarified that the control over services does not extend to areas related to public order, police, and land.

    (4) Delhi Government Represents Representative Form of Government

    • According to the Supreme Court, the Delhi government, like other states, represents the representative form of government.
    • Any expansion of the central government’s power would contradict the Constitutional scheme.

    (5) Impact on Ministers’ Control

    • The court noted that if administrative services are excluded from the legislative and executive domains, ministers would be excluded from controlling civil servants responsible for implementing executive decisions.

    (6) Executive Power and Existing Law

    • The court clarified that the executive power of the state is subject to existing union laws.

    (7) Principle of Collective Responsibility

    • The Supreme Court emphasized that if officers do not report to ministers or fail to follow their instructions, the principle of collective responsibility will be affected.

    (8) Triple Chain of Accountability

    • Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud highlighted that denying democratically elected governments the power to control officers would render the principle of the triple chain of accountability redundant.

    Back2Basics: Article 239AA

    • Article 239AA granted Special Status to Delhi among Union Territories (UTs) in the year 1991 through the 69th Constitutional Amendment.
    • It provided a Legislative Assembly and a Council of Ministers responsible to such Assembly with appropriate powers.
    • That’s when Delhi was named as the National Capital Region (NCT) of Delhi.
    • As per this article – Public Order, Police & Land in NCT of Delhi fall within the domain and control of Central Government which shall have the power to make laws on these matters.
    • For remaining matters of State List or Concurrent List, in so far as any such matter is applicable to UTs, the Legislative Assembly shall have the power to make laws for NCT of Delhi.

     

     

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  • Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)

    indian

    Central Idea: The sixth edition of the International Indian Ocean Conference is scheduled to take place in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, starting from May 12. (Note: This should not be confused with Indian Ocean Commission.)

    Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), 2023

    • The IOC has been held annually since 2016 and has become a key platform for regional countries to discuss regional affairs.
    • It focuses on fostering regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), bringing together critical states and maritime partners in the region.

    Theme:

    • The theme of this year’s conference is “Peace, Prosperity, and Partnership for a Resilient Future,” focusing on the post-Covid situation and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

    Participants:

    • The conference primarily targets coastal countries of the Indian Ocean but has expanded its scope to discuss important and relevant issues in the changing global context.
    • Dignitaries attending the conference include the President of Mauritius, Vice President of Maldives, and the Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
    • Foreign Ministers from Bhutan, Nepal, Bahrain, and Singapore, along with ministerial representatives from Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar, will also participate.
    • Around 150 foreign guests, including representatives from D8, SAARC, and BIMSTEC, are expected to attend.

    Organizers:

    • The conference is being organized by the India Foundation in collaboration with the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Significance of the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)

    • The conference aims to strengthen partnerships with Indian Ocean countries, enhance regional political engagement, and facilitate decision-making in crisis situations.
    • It provides an opportunity for participating countries to discuss ongoing global events and make informed decisions for future actions.

     

     

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  • Early Childhood Care and Education through Anganwadis

    Central Idea: The Centre is planning to promote ‘Early Childhood Care and Education’ through anganwadi centres as part of the ‘Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi’ slogan announced by the Women and Child Development Minister.

    What is Anganwadi scheme?

    • The scheme was started in 1975 and aims at the holistic development of children and empowerment of mother.
    • It is a Centrally-Sponsored scheme. The scheme primarily runs through the Anganwadi centre.
    • The scheme is under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

    Moto: Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi

    • The focus will be on both nutrition and early learning for children under 6 years, with a particular emphasis on those under 3 years.
    • Early learning has been neglected in the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and seen as secondary to nutrition.
    • Anganwadi centres will be repositioned as pre-schools to provide early learning access to socially and educationally backward communities.

    Why such move?

    • Two emerging trends are noted: young children shifting to private pre-schools and under-age children being admitted to Class 1 in some states.
    • The quality of services provided at Anganwadi centres is perceived as inferior, leading to the shift to private nursery schools.

    Task Force and Recommendations

    • Rebranding anganwadis: The task force recommends a “mission-mode approach” to rebranding anganwadis, including infrastructure upgrades, materials, play equipment, etc.
    • Focus on volunteer support: It suggests involving panchayat raj institutions, women’s self-help groups, local NGOs, and college volunteers to enhance the learning environment.
    • Boost to Anganwadi sisters: The task force proposes re-designating anganwadi workers as anganwadi teachers and helpers as childcare workers.
    • Nutrition boost: Infrastructure improvements, additional nutrition supplements (such as eggs and milk), extended timings, creches, and day care services are recommended.
    • MGNREGS liasion: The task force suggests leveraging funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

    Major target: Improve Child Nutrition

    • The task force highlights that over 35% of young children in India are stunted, according to the latest NFHS data.
    • Although there has been a reduction, India still has the largest population of stunted children globally.
    • Child stunting affects developmental outcomes and the ability to learn at school.
    • NFHS-5 reveals that only 11.3% of children below 2 years receive an adequate diet.
    • The task force recommends introducing eggs as an effective intervention for nutrition.

     

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  • Indian Sludge Shows High Fertilizer Potential: First Study Reveals

    Central Idea: The article discusses the results of an analysis of the sludge found in Indian sewage treatment plants (STP) that were set up to treat polluted water from the Ganga under National Mission for Clean Ganga.

    About National Mission for Clean Ganga

    Description
    Launch 2014
    Aim Cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga river
    Interventions Development of sewage treatment infrastructure, riverfront development, and public awareness campaigns
    Approach River basin approach, identifying pollution hotspots and implementing targeted interventions
    Implementing Agency NMCG
    Responsibilities Coordinating efforts across stakeholders, including state governments, municipalities, and civil society organizations
    Objective Improve water quality and ensure ecological and socio-economic sustainability of the Ganga river

     

    Sludge classification

    • India doesn’t yet have standards classifying sludge as class A or B.
    • Treated sludge can be classified as class A or class B, as per the standards of the United States Environment Protection Agency.
    1. Class A sludge: It is safe to be disposed of in the open and useful as organic fertilizer.
    2. Class B sludge: It can be used in restricted agricultural applications, with the edible parts of the crop not exposed to the sludge-mixed soil, and animals and people not come into extensive contact.

    Current sludge disposal practices

    • Currently, those awarded contracts for developing and maintaining STPs under the Namami Ganga Mission are also apportioned land for disposing off sludge.
    • However, the sludge is rarely treated, and during rains, it often makes its way back into rivers and local water sources.

    Study’s findings

    • The sludge analysed after drying fell into the class B category.
    • Nitrogen and phosphorus levels were higher than those recommended by India’s fertilizer standards, but potassium levels of some sludges were less than recommended.
    • The degree of pathogens, as well as heavy metal contamination, was above the recommended fertilizer standards.
    • The calorific value of sludge ranged from 1,000-3,500 kcal/kg, which is lower than the average calorific value of Indian coal.

    Recommendations to improve sludge quality

    • The report recommends storing the sludge for at least three months to kill pathogens and blending it with cattle manure and husk or local soil to reduce heavy metal.
    • However, this would still put it in class B, and converting it into grade A sludge would require far more extensive treatment.

     

     

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  • India-Gulf Partnership: Opportunities and Challenges

    Gulf

    Central Idea

    • The recent meeting in Riyadh between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the national security advisers of the US, UAE, and India highlights India’s new possibilities in the Arabian Peninsula. The growing strategic convergence between India and USA in the Gulf and the opportunities and challenges for India in the emerging.

    India-US Gulf Partnership: Departure from Traditional Approaches

    • Shedding the Anti-Western Lens: The Nehruvian foreign policy of keeping a distance from the US in the Middle East is being discarded, and India is working with the US in the Gulf region.
    • Building New Partnerships: The formation of a four-nation grouping called I2U2, comprising the US, India, Israel, and the UAE, highlights the growing strategic convergence between Delhi and Washington in the Gulf.
    • Rejection of Ideological Taboo: India is shedding its ideological taboo of keeping its distance from Israel, and transforming its relations with the two Arabian kingdoms, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, into solid strategic partnerships.
    • Expansion of Partnerships: In addition to the US, India is beginning to work with France in the Gulf and the Western Indian Ocean.
    • Change in Perception: The US is leading the West to discard its pro-Pakistan bias and rethink the relationship between the Subcontinent and the Gulf.

    New Strategic Opportunities for India in the Gulf

    • Economic growth: The emerging Arabian Peninsula presents enormous new possibilities for India’s economic growth, given the massive financial capital and ambitious economic transformation of Gulf kingdoms like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
    • Connectivity and security: India can play a productive role in promoting connectivity and security within Arabia and between it and abutting regions, including Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean, and the Subcontinent.
    • Overcoming extremism: The engagement with the Gulf can also help India overcome the dangerous forces of violent religious extremism within the Subcontinent.
    • Elevating India’s standing: The new opportunities in Arabia and the emerging possibilities for partnership with the US and the West position India to rapidly elevate its own standing in the region.

    Challenges that India may face in pursuing strategic opportunities in the Gulf

    • Regional instability: The Gulf region is prone to political and security instability due to ongoing conflicts, political tensions, and the presence of non-state actors. This can pose a challenge for India in pursuing its interests in the region.
    • Dependence on hydrocarbons: India is heavily dependent on hydrocarbon imports from the Gulf, which makes it vulnerable to supply disruptions and price volatility. The shift towards renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on hydrocarbons may take time and require significant investments.
    • Competition with other powers: India faces competition from other major powers such as China, the United States, and European countries, who are also seeking to expand their strategic presence in the Gulf region.
    • Cultural differences: There may be cultural differences between India and some Gulf countries, which could pose challenges in developing strong partnerships and cooperation in areas such as security and counter-terrorism.
    • Domestic political constraints: Domestic political constraints, such as political opposition to closer ties with certain Gulf countries, could hinder India’s efforts to deepen its strategic engagement in the region.

    Way ahead: Steps is to continue building on the momentum

    • Strengthening economic ties: India should focus on deepening its economic relations with the Gulf countries, including diversifying its trade and investment portfolio, exploring opportunities in non-oil sectors, and leveraging its expertise in areas such as technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.
    • Enhancing security cooperation: India should work with its Gulf partners to enhance security cooperation, including counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing, and contribute to regional stability and security.
    • Promoting people-to-people ties: India should encourage greater people-to-people exchanges with the Gulf countries, including through cultural and educational exchanges, tourism, and sports.
    • Supporting regional initiatives: India should support regional initiatives aimed at promoting stability, connectivity, and development in the Gulf and the wider Middle East region.
    • Balancing relations with various actors: India should strive to balance its relations with various actors in the region, including the US, France, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran, and avoid getting embroiled in regional rivalries.

    Conclusion

    • The emerging India-US partnership in the Gulf region presents a new era of cooperation that has the potential to promote economic growth, connectivity, and security within the region. The partnership marks a departure from traditional approaches to the Middle East and has the potential to elevate India’s standing in the Gulf.

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    Also Read:

    India and Saudi Arabia: Strengthening the Bond

     

  • Rebuilding the Idea and Reality of Manipur

    Manipur

    Central Idea

    • The recent communal riots in Manipur have led to unprecedented human displacement, loss of lives and property, and destruction of the geopolitical foundations of Manipur beyond any immediate repair. To secure future stability and peace, there is a need to confront the truth about the nature of these riots and their principal cause and take adequate measures to ensure institutional accountability, recognition, and accommodation of distinctive rights and identities.

    What is the principal cause?

    • The principal cause of the riots in Manipur is the failure of the state government to recognize and accommodate the territorial rights and identities of the different communities in the state.
    • The state’s aggressive integrationist project, which seeks to dissolve tribal land rights in the valley areas, has been a major source of tension between the Meitei and tribal communities.
    • Additionally, the lack of functional sub-state asymmetrical institutions and the weakness of the state-society model have contributed to the instability and ethnic security dilemma in the state.

    Who are the Meiteis?

    • Largest community: The Meiteis are the largest community in Manipur.
    • Community’s Language: They speak the Meitei language (officially called Manipuri), one of the 22 official languages of India and the sole official language of Manipur State.
    • Geographical Distribution: Manipur is geographically divided into the Imphal Valley and the surrounding hills. The Imphal Valley is dominated by the Meitei community, which accounts for more than 64% of the population. The hills, which comprise 90% of Manipur’s geographical area, are inhabited by more than 35% recognized tribes, which are largely Christians.
    • Major Festivals: festivals of meiteis are Lai Haraoba, Cheiraoba, Yaosang among others. Also, The Manipuri martial art Thang-ta had its origin in the Meitei knights during the king’s rule.

    Need for recognition and accommodation: Illustration

    • Recognition of territorial rights: The stability and integrity of a pillarized society like Manipur can only be secured through recognition of territorial rights and identities of all communities. This means recognizing the land rights and heritage of the Meiteis and the tribals in the hills.
    • Substantive accommodation: In addition to recognition, it is necessary to provide substantive accommodation to different communities. This can involve granting tribal communities more autonomy in decision-making and representation in government.
    • Genuine dialogue: Accommodation requires genuine dialogue between communities that is based on mutual respect and a willingness to compromise. This is crucial for building trust and reducing tensions.
    • End of aggressive integrationist projects: The idea that one community should dominate others must be replaced with a more inclusive approach that values diversity and recognizes the rights of all communities.
    • Working institutions: Accommodation requires that institutions function effectively and equitably. The weak state-society model in Manipur needs to be strengthened and institutional trust and legitimacy must be restored.
    • Respect for differences: Recognition and accommodation require a respect for differences and a commitment to finding common ground. This can be facilitated by an appreciation of the historical pedigree of extant sub-State constitutional asymmetry and a willingness to address the concerns of all communities.

    Way ahead: Steps to promote State-building

    • Strengthening state institutions: The state government should focus on building strong and effective institutions that can deliver basic services to citizens, maintain law and order, and protect the rights of all communities. This could involve reforming the police force, improving the efficiency of the bureaucracy, and strengthening the judiciary.
    • Promoting inclusivity: The state government should ensure that all communities, including tribal and non-tribal groups, have equal access to government services and are included in the political process. This could involve implementing affirmative action policies and promoting dialogue between different communities.
    • Improving infrastructure: The state government should invest in improving infrastructure, including roads, water supply, and electricity, to promote economic growth and development. This could help reduce poverty and inequality and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
    • Addressing grievances: The state government should address the grievances of different communities, including land rights issues, to build trust and promote peace. This could involve setting up a judicial commission to investigate past violence and ensure accountability for those responsible.
    • Building regional partnerships: The state government should work with other states in the region and the central government to promote regional cooperation and address common challenges. This could involve promoting trade and investment, sharing resources, and collaborating on regional security issues.

    Facts for prelims: Major tribes of Manipur

    • Naga Tribes: The Nagas are one of the largest and most prominent tribes in Manipur. They are primarily concentrated in the hill areas of the state, and are known for their distinct culture and traditions.
    • Kuki Tribes: The Kukis are another major tribe in Manipur, and are also primarily concentrated in the hill areas. They are known for their love of music and dance, and have a rich cultural heritage.
    • Meitei Tribe: The Meitei are the dominant community in the valley areas of Manipur, and have their own distinct language and culture. They are known for their love of traditional sports such as Thang Ta (a form of martial arts) and Sagol Kangjei (a game similar to polo).
    • Hmar Tribe: The Hmars are a smaller tribe in Manipur, but are still an important part of the state’s cultural fabric. They are known for their traditional dance forms, such as the Cheraw and Chheihlam
    • Zomi Tribe: The Zomis are another smaller tribe in Manipur, but are spread across several states in Northeast India. They are known for their love of music and dance, and have a rich cultural heritage.
    • Pangal Tribe: The Pangal tribe, also known as the Manipuri Muslims, is a minority community in Manipur. They have a distinct culture and language and are primarily concentrated in the valley region.
    • Anal Tribe: The Anal tribe is a smaller ethnic group in Manipur and is primarily concentrated in the hill areas. They have a unique culture and are known for their traditional dress, dance, and music.

    Conclusion

    • Serious and concerted inter-community reconciliation efforts must be initiated immediately if Manipur as an inclusive idea and a geopolitical space of accommodation were to be revived. Any prolonged conflagrations will be mutually destructive and self-defeating. The government must adopt even-handedness in its dealing with diverse communities and must not cave into the pressure of the majority in the future.

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    Also Read:

    Private: Manipur Ethnic Violence

  • Exemptions under Surrogacy Law

    The govt in the Supreme Court has said that same-sex couples and live-in partners are not included in surrogacy and assisted reproduction laws to avoid ‘misuse’ and provide children a ‘complete family’.

    Government’s stance

    • Same-sex couples and live-in partners are excluded from surrogacy and assisted reproduction laws to avoid ‘misuse.’
    • The welfare of the child should be prioritized over any notions of equality among prospective parents or couples.
    • No special provisions or additional rights have been granted to same-sex couples and live-in partners despite the decriminalization of their relationships.

    Why in news?

    • The government’s perspective is not in tune with several Supreme Court judgments that long live-in relationships “presume” marriage.
    • Live-in partners are not bound by law, and the safety of the child born through surrogacy cannot be guaranteed.

    Judiciary in support

    • Same-sex couples are fighting for their right to marry and raise a family as equal parents.
    • CJI heading the Constitution Bench, has remarked that same-sex couples could offer as stable and loving a home, if not better, to children as heterosexual married parents.

    Distinct features of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021

    • Definition of surrogacy: It defines surrogacy as a practice where a woman gives birth to a child for an intending couple with the intention to hand over the child after the birth to the intending couple.
    • Regulation of surrogacy: It prohibits commercial surrogacy, but allows altruistic surrogacy which involves no monetary compensation to the surrogate mother other than the medical expenses and insurance.
    • Purposes for which surrogacy is permitted: Surrogacy is permitted when it is: (i) for intending couples who suffer from proven infertility; (ii) altruistic; (iii) not for commercial purposes; (iv) not for producing children for sale, prostitution or other forms of exploitation; and (v) for any condition or disease specified through regulations.
    • Eligibility criteria: The intending couple should have a ‘certificate of essentiality’ and a ‘certificate of eligibility’ issued by the appropriate authority ex. District Medical Board.

    Eligibility criteria for surrogate mother:

    • To obtain a certificate of eligibility from the appropriate authority, the surrogate mother has to be:
    1. A close relative of the intending couple;
    2. A married woman having a child of her own;
    3. 25 to 35 years old;
    4. A surrogate only once in her lifetime; and
    5. Possess a certificate of medical and psychological fitness for surrogacy.
    • Further, the surrogate mother cannot provide her own gametes for surrogacy.

    Basis of the Petition: Right to Reproductive Autonomy

    • The personal decision of a single person about the birth of a baby through surrogacy, i.e., the right of reproductive autonomy is a facet of the right to privacy guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
    • Thus, the right to privacy of every citizen or person affecting a decision to bear or beget a child through surrogacy cannot be taken away.

    Other issues with Surrogacy Law

    • Medical issue necessity: Married women can only avail surrogacy services if they are unable to produce a child due to medical conditions.
    • Widow/Divorced: Otherwise, for women to avail of surrogacy services, they must be aged between 35 and 45 and widowed or divorced.
    • One child obligation: Women can only offer surrogacy if they are aged between 25 and 35 and married with at least one biological child.
    • Genetic relation obligation: The laws also require a surrogate to be genetically related to the couple who intend to have a child through this method.

     

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  • CPEC to be extended to Afghanistan

    cpec

    Central Idea: Pakistan, China and Afghanistan have agreed to extending the Beijing-backed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan to fully harness the country’s potential as a hub for regional connectivity.

    What is CPEC?

    • The CPEC, one of the most ambitious components of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), was announced to great fanfare in 2015.
    • CPEC is a collection of infrastructure projects that are under construction throughout Pakistan beginning in 2013.
    • Originally valued at $47 billion, the value of CPEC projects is worth $62 billion as of 2020.
    • It is intended to rapidly upgrade Pakistan’s required infrastructure and strengthen its economy by the construction of modern transportation networks, numerous energy projects, and SEZs.
    • On 13 November 2016, CPEC became partly operational when Chinese cargo was transported overland to Gwadar Port for onward maritime shipment to Africa and West Asia.

    India’s reservation against CPEC

    Ans. Sovereignty breach

    • India which shares tense relations with Pakistan, objects to the CPEC project as upgrade works to the Karakoram Highway are taking place in Gilgit-Baltistan.
    • This is the territory illicitly occupied by Pakistan in 1947-48.
    • During the visit of Indian PM Modi to China in 2015, the Indian FM, Sushma Swaraj reportedly told the Chinese.
    • India did not object to the Chinese construction of the Karakoram Highway which was built between 1959 and 1979.

    Why CPEC?

    • Economic push for Pak: CPEC has consistently been held up as a “gamechanger” for Pakistan’s economy.
    • Debt trap diplomacy: At the same time, China is the only country that is heavily investing in Pakistan.

    Progress status

    • Slow pace: Gwadar, despite being the epicenter of multibillion-dollar projects, lacks basic necessities like reliable access to water and electricity, let alone other facilities.
    • At standstill: But the road to completion has proved long and winding. Reports indicate that the pace of CPEC projects has been slowing down in Pakistan in recent years.
    • Baloch freedom movement: This is another impediment to the stalled project where Chinese officials are targeted and killed.
    • Consistent security threat: China is also seeking to deploy its Army in the CPEC projects, to which Pakistan has contested.

     

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  • All India Survey on Higher Education: A Wake-up Call for the Muslim Community

    Higher

    Central Idea

    • The recently released All India Survey on Higher Education 2020–21 has shown some alarming trends. While there have been improvements in the enrollment of certain communities in higher education, there has been a drastic drop in the enrollment of Muslim students. The survey provides a grim picture of the marginalisation of the Muslim community in higher education and the need for the government to take action to address.

    Findings of the survey

    1. Enrollment overview:
    • Enrollment of Dalits, Adivasis and OBCs in higher education increased by 4.2%, 11.9%, and 4% respectively compared to 2019-20.
    • The upper castes showed the highest growth rate of 13.6%, after declining with the implementation of Mandal II in the late 2000s.
    1. Enrollment of Muslim students:
    • The enrollment of Muslim students dropped by 8% from 2019-20, by 1,79,147 students. This level of absolute decline has never happened in the recent past for any group.
    • UP accounts for 36% of the total decline in Muslim enrollment, followed by Jammu and Kashmir (26%), Maharashtra (8.5%), Tamil Nadu (8.1%), Gujarat (6.1%), Bihar (5.7%) and Karnataka (3.7%).
    • Muslims constitute about 4.6% of total enrollment in higher education while they represent about 15% of society.
    • Among major states, in 2020-21, Muslims did not do better than Dalits except in Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Delhi. Kerala tops in the percentage of Muslim youth (43%) who are currently attending higher education.

    Factors behind declining enrollment of Muslim students

    • Lack of job opportunities: Muslim students face a high unemployment rate, which means that they may not see higher education as a path to a good job.
    • Discrimination: There is discrimination in the job market against Muslim candidates. Studies have shown that Muslim candidates are less likely to be invited to job interviews compared to candidates with Brahmin or Dalit names.
    • Economic factors: Muslim students may not have the financial means to pursue higher education, and may have to work to support themselves and their families. This can lead to a high dropout rate.
    • Violence and ghettoization: Violence against Muslims has increased, which has led to a sense of fear and insecurity, and has restricted their mobility. This has resulted in a trend towards ghettoization.
    • Discriminatory policies: Some state governments have stopped providing financial support to Muslim students pursuing higher education. This has made it more difficult for them to access higher education opportunities.

    All you need to know about Sachar Committee report, 2006

    • The Sachar Committee was commissioned by the Indian government in response to concerns about the social and economic status of Muslims in India.
    • The committee surveyed the status of Muslims across various parameters, including education, employment, and access to social services.
    • The report found that Muslims in India were disproportionately affected by poverty, illiteracy, and lack of access to basic services such as healthcare and sanitation.
    • The report highlighted the need for affirmative action policies to address the marginalization of Muslims, such as reservations in education and employment.
    • The report also recommended the establishment of an Equal Opportunities Commission to address discrimination against Muslims and other minority communities in India.
    • The Sachar Committee Report sparked a national debate about the social and economic status of Muslims in India and led to increased attention on the issue of affirmative action for marginalized communities.

    Policy recommendations to address low Muslim students enrollment

    • Initiate positive discrimination policies: The government could implement policies such as sub-quotas for Muslims within the OBC quota to improve their access to higher education opportunities.
    • Provide scholarships and fellowships: The government could provide greater financial support to minority students pursuing higher education, such as scholarships and fellowships, to help them overcome economic barriers.
    • Address discrimination in the job market: The government could work to create more job opportunities for Muslims and address discrimination in the job market to help improve their economic prospects.
    • Promote social and economic equality: The overall goal should be to promote greater social and economic equality for Muslims in India, which could involve a range of policies and initiatives focused on education, employment, and other areas.

    Conclusion

    • The All-India Survey on Higher Education highlights the deepening marginalisation of the Muslim community in higher education and the need for the government to take action to address the situation. Positive discrimination in favour of Muslims, as recommended by the Sachar Committee Report, is the need of the hour to ensure equitable access to higher education for all communities. Without such efforts, India will not be able to realise its potential and contribute to the harmonious development of society.

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    Also read:

    SC quota for Dalit Muslims and Christians

  • India’s Buddhist Diplomacy: Promoting Soft Power and Regional Cohesion

    Buddhist

    Central Idea

    • India’s recent two-day global Buddhist summit in New Delhi was a significant opportunity for India to strengthen its soft power and connect with the global Buddhist community. India has been investing in Buddhist diplomacy efforts, with a focus on promoting tourism through the development of the Buddhist tourist circuit and by visiting Buddhist sites during Southeast and East Asian visits.

    What is global Buddhist summit?

    • A global Buddhist summit is a high-level gathering of key figures from the global Buddhist community, including prominent scholars, sangha leaders, dharma practitioners, and government officials, to discuss and promote the teachings and values of Buddhism, as well as to strengthen ties within the global Buddhist community.
    • The summit provides an opportunity to exchange ideas and explore ways to address contemporary challenges faced by society, guided by the principles of Buddhism.
    • These summits also provide a platform for countries with strong historical and cultural ties to Buddhism, such as India, to project and connect with the global Buddhist population, thereby strengthening their soft power.

    Facts for prelims: Global Buddhist summit, New Delhi

    Organized by Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation
    Attendees 171 foreign delegates from South Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, Japan, and Taiwan, along with 150 delegates from Indian Buddhist organizations
    Key Figures The Dalai Lama, prominent scholars, sangha leaders, and dharma practitioners
    Theme “Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis”
    Emphasis Continuing relevance of Buddha’s teachings in today’s world and India’s commitment to preserving and promoting Buddhist culture and heritage
    Focus Promotion of tourism through the development of the “Buddhist tourist circuit” and strengthening ties with the global Buddhist community
    Highlighted Efforts India’s Buddhist diplomacy and cultural exchange, promoting regional cohesion
    Objectives To shape the discourse around Buddhist issues on the global stage, to reinforce India’s soft power, and to maintain its edge over China in promoting Buddhist heritage
    Importance A valuable opportunity for cultural exchange, sharing of ideas, and strengthening ties within the global Buddhist community

    The Panchamrit: Current Indian government’s guiding principles for foreign policy

    1. Samman (Respect): To build a foreign policy based on mutual respect and recognition of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
    2. Samvad (Dialogue): To promote dialogue and engagement with all nations to resolve disputes and build understanding.
    3. Sahyog (Cooperation): To promote cooperation and collaboration with other nations to achieve common goals and address shared challenges.
    4. Shanti (Peace): To promote peace and stability in the region and beyond, and to work towards global disarmament and non-proliferation.
    5. Sanskriti Evam Sabhyata (Culture and Civilization): To promote cultural and civilizational links with other nations, and to work towards the preservation and promotion of India’s rich cultural heritage.

    How China used Buddhist diplomacy during the Cold War?

    • During the Cold War, China used Buddhist diplomacy as a tool to engage with neighboring countries and gain influence in the region.
    • Sponsoring exchanges: China sponsored exchanges between Chinese Buddhist leaders and their counterparts in other countries, which often involved the exchange of gifts and the establishment of cultural centers to promote Chinese culture and Buddhism abroad.
    • Offering scholarships: China offered scholarships to foreign students to study Buddhism in China, which helped promote Chinese culture and build goodwill among the international community.
    • Sending Buddhist delegations: China sent Buddhist delegations to participate in international events, which helped promote Chinese culture and enhance China’s image as a responsible global power.
    • Promoting regional cooperation and peace: China promoted Buddhism as a source of common values and cultural heritage, which helped foster a vision of regional cooperation and peace that would serve China’s interests in the region.
    • Using Buddhism to promote domestic policies: During the Cultural Revolution, China promoted its own brand of Buddhism, which was heavily influenced by Marxist-Leninist ideology. This version of Buddhism promoted the idea of a Buddhist socialist state and was used to promote loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party.

    How India can leverage its Buddhist diplomacy?

    • India can leverage its Buddhist diplomacy in several ways to promote its interests and reinforce its soft power. Here are some of the ways in which India can do this:
    • Promote Buddhism at the highest levels of government: India can continue to promote Buddhism and its rich cultural heritage at the highest levels of government, by organizing high-profile events and promoting cultural exchanges.
    • Organize cultural events: India can organize cultural events that showcase its Buddhist history and heritage, and promote cultural exchange between India and other countries.
    • Strengthen ties with key Buddhist institutions and leaders: India can work to strengthen its ties with key Buddhist institutions and leaders around the world, to build stronger relationships and promote greater cooperation.
    • Utilize Bollywood to promote Buddhist heritage: India can utilize the reach of Bollywood to promote its Buddhist heritage, by producing films and television shows that highlight the importance of Buddhism and its role in Indian history and culture.
    • Collaborate with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR): The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) can play a significant role in promoting cultural events within and outside India, and India can collaborate with ICCR to promote its Buddhist diplomacy efforts.
    • Develop the Buddhist tourist circuit: India can continue to develop the Buddhist tourist circuit to promote tourism and cultural exchange, by investing in infrastructure and promoting Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
    • Strengthen ties with the global Buddhist community: India can continue to strengthen its ties with the global Buddhist community, by participating in international events and promoting greater understanding and cooperation between nations.

    Facts for prelims: Quick revision box from civils daily

    Council Timeline Location Sponsor Outcome
    First Buddhist Council 483 BCE Rajagriha King Ajatashatru Compilation of the Tripitaka scriptures
    Second Buddhist Council 4th BCE Vaishali Unknown Established two separate sects of Buddhism
    Third Buddhist Council 3rd BCE Pataliputra Emperor Ashoka Compilation of the Abhidhamma Pitaka
    Fourth Buddhist Council 1st century CE Kundalavana, Kashmir Emperor Kanishka Compilation of the Mahayana Buddhist scriptures

    Conclusion

    • India must act to ensure that it remains a key player in the global Buddhist community. As Buddha was the first diplomat of peace, his teachings of peace and cooperation can become the guiding light of Indian diplomacy on the world stage, especially in these tough times.

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