From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’
Mains level: Not Much
Introduction
The inaugural edition of the India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’ was commenced in Rajasthan.
Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’
It is a joint military exercise conducted between the armed forces of India and Saudi Arabia.
The exercise is designed to enhance the capabilities and interoperability of the troops from both nations in conducting joint operations in semi-desert terrains.
It focuses on tactical training and sharing best practices in conducting operations in a sub-conventional domain.
The primary objective is to strengthen the bond, cooperation, and camaraderie between the Indian and Saudi Arabian armed forces.
It also serves as a platform for achieving shared security objectives and fostering bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.
Key components of the Exercise
The exercise typically involves various military training activities such as establishing mobile vehicle checkposts, conducting cordon and search operations, house intervention drills, reflex shooting, slithering, and sniper firing.
These activities help in building the capacity of the troops to work together effectively in semi-desert terrains, which can be crucial for addressing security challenges.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: E Ink Displays
Mains level: Not Much
Introduction
E-readers like the Kindle offer an enjoyable reading experience with their paper-like E Ink displays.
Developed at MIT in the 1990s, E Ink technology is now owned by E Ink Corporation.
What is E Ink Displays?
Microcapsules and Charges: E Ink displays operate using microcapsules containing positively charged white particles and negatively charged black particles suspended in fluid. By applying electrical charges, these particles rise to the surface, creating text and images.
Reflective Light: Unlike LCD and LED displays that require backlighting, E Ink displays reflect ambient light, resembling paper and reducing eye strain during prolonged reading.
Energy Efficiency: E Ink’s lack of backlighting results in minimal power consumption, as energy is only used when the image changes. This makes it ideal for devices like e-readers and ensures a long battery life.
Outdoor Legibility: E Ink displays offer high contrast and readability even under bright lighting conditions, unlike LCD/LED displays that suffer under sunlight.
Differentiating E Ink from E Paper
While often used interchangeably, E Ink and E Paper represent distinct display technologies. E Paper encompasses any screen mimicking real paper.
Whereas E Ink specifically employs microcapsules with white and black particles in a clear fluid.
Applications of E Ink Displays
E Ink in E-Readers: E Ink gained popularity in early e-readers like the Amazon Kindle, offering clear text even in bright sunlight. It remains a feature in Kindle and Kobo e-readers today.
Brief Stint in Mobile Devices: E Ink briefly appeared in some early cell phones but was eventually replaced by more advanced displays.
Revival in Mobile Devices: Some startups are reintroducing E Ink in smartphones, emphasizing reduced screen time and enhanced focus on communication and productivity.
Beyond Mobile Devices: E Ink displays are expanding to various urban applications, including bus stop displays and walking direction signs. Restaurants are adopting E Ink menu boards for their matte, glare-free surfaces and readability in diverse lighting conditions.
Pros and Cons
Advantages: E Ink displays excel in low power consumption, making them suitable for devices requiring extended battery life. They also minimize eye strain due to their paper-like visual experience, matte surface, and outdoor readability.
Drawbacks: E Ink displays have slower refresh rates compared to LCD and OLED screens, rendering them unsuitable for video or animation. They also have limitations regarding color and resolution and remain relatively expensive for larger sizes.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Stamp Duty
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
Stamp duty, a tax levied for registering various documents, plays a significant role in India’s financial landscape.
However, the existing Indian Stamp Act, 1899, has faced challenges with redundancy and non-uniform application.
To address these issues, the Ministry of Finance has introduced the ‘Indian Stamp Bill, 2023,’ seeking to revamp and modernize the stamp duty regime.
Understanding Stamp Duty
Nature of Stamp Duty: Stamp duty is a government tax levied for the registration of various documents, such as agreements and transaction papers, with the registrar.
Tax Calculation: The amount is typically a fixed value based on the document’s nature or a percentage of the agreement’s stated value.
Scope of Stamp Duty
Applicable Documents: Stamp duties are imposed on a range of documents, including bills of exchange, cheques, promissory notes, bills of lading, letters of credit, insurance policies, share transfers, debentures, proxies, and receipts.
Jurisdiction: While levied by the Central government, stamp duty revenues are collected by individual states within their territories, as authorized by Article 268 of the Constitution.
Indian Stamp Act, 1899
Fiscal Legislation: The Indian Stamp Act, 1899, is a fiscal statute governing the imposition of taxes in the form of stamps on transaction-recording instruments.
Instrument Definition: Under Section 2 of the Act, an “instrument” encompasses any document creating, transferring, limiting, extending, extinguishing, or recording any right or liability.
Stamp Characteristics: A “stamp” is defined as any mark, seal, or endorsement authorized by the State Government, including adhesive or impressed stamps, for the Act’s duty purposes.
Taxable Instruments: Section 3 of the 1899 Act specifies that certain instruments or documents are chargeable with amounts listed in Schedule 1 of the Act, including bills of exchange and promissory notes.
Reasons for the Indian Stamp Bill, 2023
Redundancy and Inoperability: The Ministry of Finance cites the redundancy and inoperability of several provisions within the Indian Stamp Act, 1899.
Lack of Uniformity: The absence of provisions for digital e-stamping and the lack of consistent stamp duty legislation across Indian states necessitate a new law.
Notable Provisions in the Draft Bill
Digital E-stamping: The draft Bill introduces provisions for digital e-stamping, enabling electronic payment of stamp duty.
Digital Signatures: It includes provisions for digital signatures, redefining “executed” and “execution” to mean “signed” and “signature,” incorporating electronic records and signatures as defined in the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Penalty Enhancements: The draft Bill proposes increased penalties, raising the maximum penalty from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 for contravention of the law and imposing a daily penalty of Rs 1,000 for repeated offenses.
Conclusion
The ‘Indian Stamp Bill, 2023’ represents a significant step towards modernizing stamp duty laws in India.
By addressing the shortcomings of the existing legislation and introducing digital-friendly provisions, the bill aims to streamline and enhance the stamp duty regime, facilitating smoother transactions and compliance in the country’s financial landscape.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Corruption Perception Index
Mains level: Not Much
Introduction
Transparency International has released its Corruption Perceptions Index for 2023, ranking countries based on their perceived levels of corruption in the public sector.
India’s position in the ranking has shifted, but the change is minimal.
About Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)
Details
Introduction
Introduced by Transparency International in 1995.
Frequency
Published annually.
Purpose
Ranks countries based on perceived corruption.
Data Sources
Expert assessments and surveys of business leaders and residents.
Global Impact
Widely recognized and used by governments, policymakers, businesses, and researchers.
Data Focus
Primarily assesses perceived corruption within government and bureaucracy.
India’s Corruption Scorecard
India’s Global Rank: In the 2023 index, India is placed 93rd out of 180 countries, a small decline from its 85th position in 2022.
Corruption Score: India’s overall corruption score for 2023 is 39, down slightly from the 40 it scored in 2022.
Limited Change: The report highlights that India’s score fluctuations are minor, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about any significant changes. However, it points out that there have been actions narrowing civic space in India, including the passage of a telecommunications bill that could threaten fundamental rights.
South Asia’s Corruption Landscape
Pakistan and Sri Lanka: In South Asia, Pakistan (133) and Sri Lanka (115) are grappling with debt burdens and political instability. Still, strong judicial oversight in these countries helps keep the government accountable. Pakistan’s Supreme Court expanded citizens’ right to information, while Sri Lanka continues to face a crackdown on the press.
Bangladesh: As Bangladesh (149) moves away from its least developed country status and experiences economic growth, it faces challenges in providing public sector information due to a crackdown on the press.
Regional Insights
China’s Anti-Corruption Efforts: China (76) has made headlines for its aggressive anti-corruption campaign, resulting in punishments for millions of public officials over the last decade. However, doubts linger about the long-term effectiveness of these measures, which heavily rely on punishment rather than institutional checks.
Asia Pacific Region: The report notes that the Asia Pacific region is gearing up for a significant election year in 2024, with several countries holding elections. However, the 2023 CPI suggests little to no meaningful progress in curbing corruption in the region.
Top and Bottom Performers
Top-Scoring Countries: Nations like New Zealand (3) and Singapore (5) maintain their positions at the top of the index due to robust corruption control mechanisms. Other countries in the region with strong control measures include Australia (14), Hong Kong (14), Japan (16), Bhutan (26), Taiwan (28), and South Korea (32).
Struggling States: The lower end of the index includes fragile states with authoritarian regimes, such as North Korea (172) and Myanmar (162). Afghanistan (162) continues to grapple with one of the worst humanitarian crises in history.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UNESCO World Heritage List
Mains level: Maratha Military Landscapes
Introduction
India’s nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2024-25 is the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India.”
This nomination encompasses twelve distinct components, each holding a unique place in history and culture.
Together, they illuminate the strategic military prowess of the Maratha rulers during the 17th to 19th centuries.
Maratha Military Landscapes
Selecting the Twelve: Maharashtra boasts more than 390 forts, with only twelve chosen for the Maratha Military Landscapes. Among them, eight are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, including Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee. Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, and Pratapgarh are safeguarded by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra.
Diverse Fort Types: These forts encompass hill forts, hill-forest forts, hill-plateau forts, coastal forts, and island forts, each with its distinct historical and geographical significance.
Historical Significance: These forts, scattered across varied geographical and physiographic regions, exemplify the Maratha rulers’ exceptional fortification and military strategies.
Maratha Military Ideology
The origins of Maratha Military ideology can be traced back to the 17th century during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (circa 1670 CE).
This enduring legacy continued through subsequent rules, including the Peshwa rule until 1818 CE.
Nomination and Criteria
The Maratha Military Landscapes of India is nominated in the category of cultural criteria, specifically under:
Criterion (iii): Bearing exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or civilization.
Criterion (iv): Exemplifying outstanding architectural or technological ensembles representing significant stages in human history.
Criterion (vi): Tangibly associated with events, traditions, beliefs, and works of universal significance.
India’s Rich UNESCO Heritage
Existing World Heritage Sites: India currently boasts 42 World Heritage Sites, comprising 34 cultural sites, seven natural sites, and one mixed site.
Maharashtra’s Contribution: Maharashtra contributes significantly to India’s heritage with six World Heritage Sites, including Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, and the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala (in the natural category).
A Cultural Gem: The Maratha Military Landscapes of India, included in the Tentative List of World Heritage sites in 2021, stands as Maharashtra’s sixth cultural property nominated for inclusion in the prestigious World Heritage List.
Back2Basics: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Description
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Landmarks or areas selected by UNESCO for their cultural, historical, scientific, or other significant value, legally protected by international treaties.
Importance
World Heritage Sites represent collective and preservative interests of humanity, signifying remarkable accomplishments and intellectual history.
Selection Criteria
Sites must be already-classified landmarks, unique and significant culturally or physically, such as ancient ruins, historical structures, cities, monuments, etc.
Conservation
World Heritage Sites require practical conservation to protect them from risks like trespassing, uncontrolled access, or administrative negligence.
World Heritage Committee
Selects and monitors World Heritage Sites, manages the World Heritage Fund, and provides financial assistance. Composed of 21 states parties elected for a four-year term.
Membership
India is not a member of the World Heritage Committee.
Note: “States parties” refer to the countries that have ratified the World Heritage Convention and participate in the decision-making process.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Northern White Rhino
Mains level: Not Much
Introduction
The northern white rhino, once on the brink of extinction, saw its last male member pass away in 2018, leaving the subspecies on the verge of being lost forever.
However, a pioneering initiative was launched in 2015 by a group of international scientists known as BioRescue, to resurrect the northern white rhino through in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
About Northern White Rhino
Details
Scientific Name
Ceratotherium simum cottoni
Geographic Range
Eastern and Central Africa
Population Status
Critically Endangered (Only 2 individuals alive) in 2024
Physical Characteristics
Grayish-white color, two horns, hump on the neck
Social Behavior
Solitary, occasionally seen in small groups
Diet
Herbivorous, primarily grazers
Conservation Efforts
Extensive efforts to save from extinction
IUCN Red List Status
Critically Endangered
White Rhino Resurrection IVF Project
Project: BioRescue, a team of scientists from around the world, embarked on a mission to revive the northern white rhino through IVF in 2015.
Historic Breakthrough: In a remarkable achievement, scientists announced the first-ever rhino pregnancy via the transfer of a lab-made rhino embryo into a surrogate mother.
Persistence and Dedication: The breakthrough with a southern white rhino, a close relative, followed 13 attempts, showcasing the dedication of the scientists.
Challenges on Road to Revival
Unique Challenge: Northern white rhinos face an unusual predicament due to the infertility of the last two surviving females, Najin and Fatu.
Surrogacy Complexity: Preparing a southern white female as a surrogate mother involves isolation, infection prevention protocols, and precise identification of the fertile window.
Genetic Viability: Even with successful IVF and surrogacy, the limited gene pool from eggs and sperm of deceased zoo rhinos poses a challenge.
Stem Cell Possibilities: Exploring stem cell techniques to broaden the gene pool shows promise but is experimental and challenging to implement in rhinos.
Lessons from Conservation
Wild Resilience: Conservation efforts saved the southern white rhino from near-extinction, with their numbers rebounding from a mere 20 in the 19th century to over 17,000.
Crossbreeding Dilemma: Crossbreeding northern and southern subspecies is not a viable solution due to the loss of unique attributes.
Behavioral Legacy: Restoring a species requires more than genetic revival; it necessitates the transmission of behavioral traits learned from adults of the same species.
The Race against Time
Critical Window: To preserve the northern white rhino’s unique behavioral traits, the first IVF calves must learn from the last two surviving females, Najin and Fatu.
Looming Deadline: With Najin at 35 and Fatu at 24, the window for this crucial interaction is closing, as northern white rhinos rarely live beyond 40 in captivity.
A Costly Endeavor: BioRescue, funded by the German government and donors, has invested millions in this project, raising questions about resource allocation and prioritization.
The Bigger Picture
A Noble Cause: The effort to revive the northern white rhino stems from a sense of responsibility to counteract human-driven extinction.
Conservation Imperative: While the project is ambitious, critics raise concerns about neglecting other endangered species and the need to protect natural habitats.
Broader Crisis: Rhino populations across species face grave threats, including poaching, with one rhino poached every 16 hours in Africa.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Neutron Stars
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
In the field of astronomy, astronomers sometimes stumble upon celestial objects that leave them scratching their heads.
In a recent study published in Science, a discovery was reported that is likely to get scientists talking and asking questions.
Neutron Stars: Exceptionally Dense
Incredibly Dense Objects: Neutron stars are some of the densest things in the universe. They’re as compact as an atomic nucleus but as big as a city, pushing our understanding of super-dense matter to the limit.
A Weighty Matter: The heavier a neutron star is, the more likely it is to eventually collapse and become something even denser, like a black hole.
Puzzling the Boundary
A Cosmic Mystery: To understand what happens when neutron stars turn into black holes, objects that are in-between need to be found. These objects also need to be studied very carefully over a long time.
A New Discovery: A cosmic system has been found in the NGC 1851 star cluster that doesn’t fit neatly into the categories of neutron stars or black holes.
NGC 1851E: The Revelation
Seeing Something New: Inside NGC 1851, a pair of stars has been spotted that provides fresh insights into the extreme matter in the universe. This system has a millisecond pulsar, a fast-spinning neutron star that sends out beams of radio light, and a massive, dark companion that can’t be seen at any wavelength of light.
The Pulsar’s Role: Millisecond pulsars are like cosmic clocks. They spin steadily, and any changes in their spin can tell important things about what’s around them.
Unveiling the Weight of Secrets
Very Precise Measurements: The MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa was used to closely watch the NGC 1851E system.
What Was Found: Observations allowed figuring out exactly how the two objects move around each other and how heavy they are together. The system’s mass is almost four times that of the Sun, and the invisible companion is denser than a regular star but not as heavy as a black hole.
A Strange Mass Gap: The companion’s mass falls in a range that’s puzzling to scientists, between the heaviest neutron stars and the lightest black holes. Understanding objects in this range is a big mystery in astrophysics.
A Stellar Dance: Cosmic Partnerships
A Fascinating Idea: One intriguing possibility is that a pulsar is circling around what’s left after two neutron stars collided, something made possible because there are many stars packed closely together in NGC 1851.
Starry Dance Floor: In this crowded group of stars, they twirl around each other, changing partners as they go. If two neutron stars get too close, they collide, creating a black hole. This black hole can then disturb the dance of other stars in the cluster.
Still Many Questions: The work isn’t finished. Research is continuing to figure out exactly what the companion is. Is it the lightest black hole, the heaviest neutron star, or something completely different?
Exploring New Frontiers: When at the border between neutron stars and black holes, there’s a chance of discovering completely new types of objects.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India
Mains level: urgent need for increased legal protection and a dedicated conservation approach
Central Idea:
The report on the status of snow leopards in India, released by the Government of India and non-profit organizations, reveals that only 34% of the snow leopard habitat is legally protected. With snow leopards present in the country, the report emphasizes the need for a dedicated Snow Leopard Cell at the Wildlife Institute of India for long-term population monitoring and conservation efforts.
Key Highlights:
Snow Leopard Population: India is home to snow leopards, and their habitat covers square kilometers.
Legal Protection: Only a third of the snow leopard habitat in India is legally protected, posing a significant threat to the species.
Unprotected Areas: Nearly 70% of the crucial snow leopard habitat remains unprotected, highlighting the need for conservation measures.
Population Assessment: The four-year assessment conducted by SPAI using camera traps identified unique individuals.
Hotspots: Ladakh has the highest number of snow leopards, followed by Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
Key Challenges:
Limited Legal Protection: The majority of snow leopard habitat lacks legal safeguards, exposing them to potential threats.
Undefined Range: The absence of an extensive nationwide analysis has left the snow leopard range in India undefined.
Population Estimate: The need for a revised estimate arises, challenging the previous range of snow leopards in India.
Key Terms and Phrases:
Snow Leopard Cell: Proposed dedicated unit for long-term monitoring and conservation efforts.
SPAI: The Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India, coordinating the assessment.
Camera Traps: Utilized for capturing images of snow leopards at locations.
Vulnerable: Snow leopards are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.
Key Quotes:
“The snow leopard range in India remained undefined due to lack of an extensive nationwide analysis.”
“Regular assessments will offer valuable insights for identifying challenges, addressing threats, and formulating effective conservation strategies.”
Key Statements:
The report emphasizes the necessity of a Snow Leopard Cell for effective conservation strategies.
Regular population assessments are crucial for understanding challenges and threats to snow leopards.
Key Examples and References:
The report cites Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh as hotspots for snow leopards.
SPAI, with partners like the Wildlife Institute of India, conducted the assessment using camera traps.
Key Facts and Data:
Snow leopard occupancy was recorded in square kilometers, with an estimated presence in square kilometers.
Critical Analysis:
The report underscores the urgent need for increased legal protection and a dedicated conservation approach, citing the inadequacy of the previous population estimate and the undefined snow leopard range. The increased coverage of the region compared to 2016 is noted, but challenges persist, requiring immediate attention.
Way Forward:
Establish Snow Leopard Cell: Create the proposed Snow Leopard Cell for consistent monitoring and organized studies.
Regular Assessments: Adopt a periodic population estimation approach every fourth year for continuous insights.
Legal Safeguards: Increase legal protection for the remaining unprotected snow leopard habitat.
Revised Population Estimate: Conduct a revised assessment to accurately determine the snow leopard population in India.
Public Awareness: Increase public awareness to garner support for snow leopard conservation efforts.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
Mains level: There is little dialogue surrounding female migrant issues
Central Idea:
The article highlights the often overlooked and underreported aspects of female migration in India, particularly in the context of internal migration. It emphasizes the need for a more accurate understanding of the challenges faced by migrant women, their motivations, and employment status, ultimately advocating for better-informed policies to address their specific needs.
Key Highlights:
Migrant women in India are a significant but marginalized group, with national surveys providing an inaccurate portrayal of their motivations and employment status.
Existing data underestimates the number of migrant women engaged in casual or informal employment due to definitional issues and societal beliefs.
The article argues that the entry of women into the formal labor force is hindered by factors such as low education levels, lack of social networks post-migration, and the need for more human and social capital.
Despite a 101% increase in female migration for labor/employment between 2001 and 2011, there is a lack of targeted policies and political attention for this demographic.
The article suggests that policy-making needs to be more informed about the specific needs, motivations, and conditions of female migrants.
Key Challenges:
Inaccurate representation in national surveys leading to a lack of understanding of the secondary motivations for migration among women.
Underreporting of employment status due to definitional issues and societal beliefs about women’s roles.
Barriers to entry into the formal labor force, including low education levels, lack of social networks, and the need for more human and social capital.
Marginalization of female migrant issues in policy-making due to their limited influence as a vote bank.
Key Terms:
Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR)
Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
Casual labor
Human and social capital
One Nation One ration card
e-Shram
Affordable rental housing complexes
Key Phrases:
“Female migration for labor/employment increased by 101% between 2001 and 2011.”
“Migrant women are proportionally less employed than non-migrant women.”
“Entry to the formal labor force is challenging for migrant women due to the need for more human and social capital.”
“Dismal recovery of women’s labor activity after the pandemic.”
“Policy-making poorly informed about the needs, motivations, and conditions of female migrants.”
Key Quotes:
“There is little dialogue surrounding female migrant issues.”
“Despite recent polls, political parties do not campaign to gain migrant women’s votes.”
“Women choose forms of employment that allow them to handle domestic duties while contributing to the household’s production or finances.”
“A change in narrative is required, starting with increased collection of female-specific data.”
Anecdotes:
Anecdotal evidence suggests that migrant women often engage in casual employment, indicating underestimation of their involvement in various sectors.
Women may view unpaid family work or self-employment as an extension of domestic commitment, leading to misreporting of employment status.
Key Statements:
“National surveys convey an inaccurate picture of female migration, especially regarding motivations and employment status.”
“Entry to the formal labor force is hindered by factors such as low education levels and lack of social networks.”
“Female migrants remain largely invisible, facing significant hurdles and marginalization.”
“Political parties do not address the needs of female migrants, resulting in poorly informed policy-making.”
Way Forward:
Compile more information in national surveys regarding socio-economic conditions post-migration, including access to social security benefits.
Advocate for the collection of time-use data for migrants to better understand the employment patterns of female migrants.
Increase awareness about the challenges faced by female migrants to encourage progressive policymaking.
Address barriers to entry into the formal labor force by focusing on education, social networks, and human and social capital.
Encourage a change in narrative and prioritize the needs of female migrants in policy-making.
The article discusses a significant event in Manipur where Meitei legislators, through a public oath at Kangla Fort, endorsed a six-point agenda with communal overtones, targeting the ‘Kuki’ community. This act, influenced by an armed militia called Arambai Tenggol, reflects a departure from constitutional duties and raises concerns about the legitimacy of elected representatives in a democratic state. The piece warns against the dangers of a radical agenda and highlights the potential parallels with historical incidents like the Bhindranwale episode in Punjab.
Key Highlights:
Meitei legislators endorse a six-point agenda with communal overtones, targeting the ‘Kuki.’
The oath-taking event at Kangla Fort is orchestrated by the armed militia, Arambai Tenggol.
The agenda includes abrogating agreements, implementing NRC with 1951 as the base year, constructing a border fence, replacing Assam Rifles, removing ‘Kuki’ from Scheduled Tribe list, and relocating ‘Kuki refugees.’
The omission of ‘disarmament’ from the agenda raises concerns about the armed militia’s influence.
Key Challenges:
The event reflects a departure from constitutional duties by elected representatives.
The influence of an armed militia on democratic processes raises questions about the legitimacy of the Indian state.
The communal overtones in the agenda may deepen the emotional, demographic, and territorial divide.
Key Terms/Phrases:
Shumang Leela: Traditional form of theatre in Manipur.
Kangla Fort: The symbolic and traditional seat of power in Manipur.
Arambai Tenggol: An armed militia influencing Meitei legislators and pushing a radical agenda.
Bhindranwale Moment: Reference to the radicalization and armed conflict in Punjab during the 1980s.
Key Quotes:
“Legislators lost Tagore’s dream of ‘clear stream of reason’ and a fearless mind.”
“Elected representatives…pliable and can be blackmailed under duress.”
“Armed militia chose Kangla Fort to revive Meitei indigenous tradition, culture, and religion.”
Key Examples/References:
The six-point agenda and its potential impact on the vulnerable Kuki-Zomi-Hmar groups.
The involvement of Arambais in violent attacks against Kuki-Zomi-Hmar villages.
The parallels drawn with the radicalization of youth in Punjab under Bhindranwale.
Key Facts/Data:
The Arambai Tenggol retains control over a significant amount of arms and ammunition.
The communal agenda may lead to increased tensions between communities.
The armed militia’s influence raises concerns about the democratic process in Manipur.
Critical Analysis:
The legislators’ omission of ‘disarmament’ suggests a compromise with the armed militia’s agenda.
The article warns against the potential consequences of allowing an armed militia to influence state decisions.
The communal overtones in the agenda are criticized for undermining democratic and constitutional principles.
Way Forward:
Emphasize the need for elected representatives to uphold constitutional duties.
Advocate for dialogue and peaceful resolution to address the concerns of different communities.
Strengthen mechanisms to prevent the influence of armed militias on democratic processes.
In conclusion, the article highlights the concerning events in Manipur, where elected representatives endorse a communal agenda influenced by an armed militia. It urges a recommitment to constitutional duties, warns against radicalization, and suggests a path forward through dialogue and democratic principles.
