PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2022] How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics?
Linkage: This question highlights a new grouping involving Israel and the USA, both central to the West Asia conflict described as the origin point for the “Axis of Upheaval”. The formation and impact of such new strategic groupings, particularly in the context of the Middle East, are directly relevant to the evolving power dynamics and strategic realignments that define the concept of the “Axis of Upheaval.” |
Mentor’s Comment: The recent U.S.-Israel attack on Iran’s nuclear sites and the weak ceasefire that followed have shown that today’s global alliances, often compared to Cold War groups, are not very strong or united. Even though Iran has close economic and political ties with Russia and China, neither country gave any military support. This clearly shows the limits of strategic partnerships when there is a real military threat. The so-called ‘Axis of Upheaval’ made up of Iran, Russia, and China is really just a loose group, without any formal military treaties like those in Western alliances such as NATO. This crisis breaks the idea of a bipolar world and highlights the unequal power dynamics in today’s global politics.
Today’s editorial discusses global power alliances in the context of the Israel-Iran war. This topic is helpful for GS Paper II (International Relations) in the UPSC mains exam.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The recent U.S.-Israel attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, followed by a weak ceasefire, has shown that today’s global alliances, often compared to Cold War blocs, are not as strong or united as they appear.
What are the new global power blocs?
New global power blocs refer to emerging alliances among countries like China, Russia, and Iran that seek to challenge the dominance of the Western-led global order. These blocs focus on economic cooperation, strategic alignment, and institutional alternatives such as BRICS and SCO, but lack formal military treaties like NATO. |
Why has the Israel-Iran conflict weakened the idea of new global power blocs?
- Lack of Military Support: Despite Iran’s close ties with Russia and China, neither provided military assistance during the conflict. Eg: Russia, engaged in the Ukraine war, offered only diplomatic mediation, while China limited itself to verbal condemnation.
- Absence of Binding Alliances: The so-called ‘Axis of Upheaval’ lacks formal military treaties that require collective defense. Eg: Iran’s strategic partnerships with Russia (2025) and China (2021) are primarily economic, not military.
- Diverging Strategic Interests: Russia and China used the conflict to advance their own interests, letting the U.S. get entangled in West Asia. Eg: The U.S. bombing of Iran may distract American focus from the Indo-Pacific and Europe, which suits Beijing and Moscow.
What are the strategic limits of Iran’s ties with Russia and China?
- No Binding Military Pact: Iran’s ties with Russia and China are largely economic and diplomatic, with no formal military alliance or commitment to joint defense.
- Conflicting Strategic Priorities: Russia is deeply engaged in the Ukraine war, and China is focused on maintaining its economic growth and regional stability, limiting their readiness to back Iran militarily. Eg: Russia has turned to North Korea for troops, showing its own resource constraints.
- Unequal Benefits: Iran is heavily dependent on these relationships, while Russia and China gain economic and geopolitical advantages without taking on direct strategic risks. For instance, China secures discounted Iranian oil under sanctions, while offering limited concrete support in return.
How have Russia and China responded to Iran’s crisis post-ceasefire?
- Diplomatic Support without Military Action: Russia offered to mediate the conflict through a call by President Putin, but this was ignored by the U.S., and no military support was extended.
Putin’s involvement reflected symbolic backing, not a commitment to defend Iran.
- Condemnation of Israeli Actions: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticised Israeli airstrikes as violations of international law, showing support through official statements while avoiding direct intervention. This response aimed to maintain China’s global diplomatic posture without escalating tensions.
- Strategic Caution for Self-Interest: Both countries used the conflict to their advantage by letting the U.S. get entangled in West Asia, potentially weakening its focus on the Indo-Pacific and Ukraine. The crisis served to advance Beijing and Moscow’s strategic space without direct involvement.
Where does Iran stand diplomatically and militarily after the recent conflict?
- Diplomatic Isolation and Limited Support: Despite having strategic partnerships with Russia and China, Iran received only verbal and symbolic backing, with no concrete military or institutional support.
Its regional alliances failed to activate, reflecting a gap between rhetoric and action.
- Military Weakening and Proxy Setback: Iran suffered a decapitation of leadership and capacity, while its key proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthiswere unable to respond effectively.
This has weakened Iran’s role as a regional power and exposed its dependence on non-state actors.
Way forward:
- Formalize Strategic Partnerships: Iran, Russia, and China should work toward institutionalising their ties through defense cooperation frameworks, joint military exercises, and security dialogues to build trust and operational coordination.
- Align Long-term Strategic Interests: The three nations need to develop a shared geopolitical vision that goes beyond transactional ties, ensuring mutual support mechanisms during crises while balancing individual regional priorities.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
A big controversy has started in Kerala after the Governor put up a picture of ‘Bharat Mata’ in an official room at the Raj Bhavan, leading to a clash between the Governor and the elected state government.
What is the origin and evolution of the Bharat Mata image?
- Origin in literary and artistic nationalism: The concept of Bharat Mata originated in the late 19th century through Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel Anandamath, which introduced the idea of Banga Mata (Mother Bengal). Later, Abanindranath Tagore painted a four-armed woman resembling a Hindu goddess in 1905, which was popularised by Sister Nivedita as Bharat Mata.
- Evolution into a political symbol: During the Indian freedom movement, Bharat Mata evolved into a powerful emotional symbol representing the nation’s collective identity. While the slogan ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ became widespread, no specific image was officially adopted. Post-independence, the concept remained cultural but was not recognised in any constitutional or legal form.
|
What is the Governor’s role in relation to decisions of the elected state government?
- Constitutional Head: The Governor is the nominal head of the state and must act based on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, as per Article 163 of the Constitution. For instance, decisions on official functions, such as placing portraits or symbols, must follow government directions.
- No Independent Decision-Making Power: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar clarified in the Constituent Assembly that the Governor has “no functions which he can discharge by himself.” In the Kerala case, the Governor unilaterally placing the Bharat Mata picture at state events goes against this principle.
- Bound by Constitutional Protocols: The Supreme Court has held in multiple judgments (e.g., Nabam Rebia case, 2016) that the Governor cannot act at his discretion in routine matters. Thus, any deviation from official protocol, such as conducting ceremonies with unauthorised symbols, breaches constitutional norms.
How does the Bharat Mata image controversy highlight tension between constitutional norms and cultural nationalism?
- Lack of Constitutional Recognition: The image of Bharat Mata is not recognised by the Constitution like the national flag, emblem, or anthem. Including it in official state functions challenges the principle of secularism and constitutional symbolism, which mandates state neutrality in public symbolism.
- Political and Ideological Association: The specific depiction used by the Governor—a woman in saffron with a lion—is commonly linked to“right-wing outfits”, making it a cultural nationalist representation rather than a universally accepted national symbol. Its use in state ceremonies risks the blurring of state and ideological lines.
- Violation of Democratic Protocol: The elected state government objected to the image’s presence, arguing that no unilateral decision can override collective democratic authority. This reflects the friction between constitutional propriety and the personal or ideological preferences of a constitutional functionary.
Can the Governor act independently in this case?
- No. The Constitution does not permit the Governor to act unilaterally in official matters. Any display of symbols or portraits during official functions must have the State government’s approval. The Governor’s conduct must adhere to constitutional discipline, not personal or ideological preferences.
|
How should officials balance personal beliefs with constitutional values? (Way forward)
- Adhere to constitutional obligations over personal ideology – Public officials must act in line with constitutional principles like secularism, equality, and neutrality while performing official duties. For instance, a Governor should follow government protocol during official functions rather than promoting symbols not recognised by the Constitution.
- Separate personal practices from public conduct – While officials are free to hold personal beliefs, they must not impose them in public institutions or state functions. Eg An officer may privately revere a religious symbol but should avoid displaying it in a government office to maintain inclusivity.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2022] Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer.
Linkage: The controversy surrounding the display of a specific picture of Bharat Mata highlights a tension with the “strong secular core” and “inclusive” nature of Indian nationalism. This question explores the principles of Indian secularism, which are central to understanding the debate over how such a concept should be represented and integrated into official functions in a diverse society.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
In 2022, liver disease rose to become the eighth leading cause of death in India, marking a serious public health issue that had not occurred in the previous five years.
What do sex- and age-wise trends reveal about liver disease deaths in India?
- Sex-wise trend: Male deaths due to digestive diseases (especially liver-related) were 3.5 times higher than female deaths in 2022.
- Liver diseases accounted for 70–75% of digestive disease deaths in men, while in women it ranged between 52–57%.
- Age-wise trend:
– For women, liver-related deaths increased with age, especially in the 65+ age group.
– For men, the highest death rates occurred in the 35–54 age group, pointing to middle-age vulnerability.
|
Why are liver disease deaths significantly higher among men than women?
- Higher Alcohol Consumption: A major reason is the wide gender gap in alcohol use—around 19% of men consume alcohol compared to just 1% of women. This significantly increases the risk of liver disease among men. In 2022, 75% of male deaths due to digestive diseases were liver-related, compared to 57.5% in women.
- Middle-Age Vulnerability: Most male deaths from liver disease occur in the 35–54 age group, indicating that lifestyle-related liver damage starts early. In contrast, among women, liver disease deaths are more common in the 65+ age group, often linked to age-related complications rather than lifestyle.
- Biological and Behavioural Differences: Men may be more prone to risk-prone behaviours, including excessive alcohol and meat consumption, both of which are linked to liver damage. Data also shows men consistently have 3 to 3.5 times higher death rates from digestive diseases than women over the last decade.
How do regional differences affect liver and digestive disease mortality?
- Higher Burden in North-Eastern States: Five North-Eastern states recorded over 10% of certified deaths due to digestive diseases in 2022, with Sikkim leading at nearly 20%. This indicates a regional concentration of liver and digestive health issues.
- Lifestyle Factors in the Region: The North-East has the highest combined prevalence of alcohol and meat consumption in India. This overlap may be a key factor contributing to the elevated liver disease burden in the region.
- State-Wise Variation Highlights Public Health Gaps: No other state outside the North-East showed a double-digit share of digestive disease deaths, pointing to geographic health disparities.
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs (NP-NCD): The government launched NP-NCD to tackle non-communicable diseases, including liver disorders, by promoting early diagnosis, screening, and health awareness at the primary healthcare level.
- National Action Plan and Monitoring Framework (NAP-NCD): Aims to reduce harmful alcohol use, improve dietary habits, and promote healthy lifestyles through public campaigns and community outreach, aligning with WHO targets.
- Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs): These centres provide comprehensive primary healthcare, including counselling on nutrition, lifestyle modification, and screening for liver and digestive diseases, especially in rural and underserved areas.
|
What measures can strengthen research on lifestyle-related liver diseases? (Way forward)
- Enhance Data Collection and Surveillance: Develop region-specific health databases that track alcohol and meat consumption, age, and liver disease trends. States like Sikkim and others in the North-East could benefit from focused public health monitoring to identify at-risk populations.
- Promote Longitudinal and Causal Research: Support long-term studies that move beyond correlation to establish causal links between lifestyle choices and liver disease.
- Encourage Community-Based Health Studies: Launch grassroots-level research programs involving local communities to understand dietary habits, alcohol use, and health-seeking behaviour.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system, the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level.
Linkage: The increasing deaths due to liver diseases in India, which accounted for a substantial share of digestive system diseases and became the eighth leading cause of death in 2022, highlight a significant public health challenge. This question directly addresses the role of the public healthcare system in containing adverse health impacts and enhancing its reach at the grassroots level.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Axiom-4 Mission
Why in the News?
The launch of Axiom-4 (Ax-4), a private mission to the International Space Station (ISS), has finally lifted-off after several postponements due to weather conditions.
About Axiom-4 Mission
- Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a private spaceflight organized by Axiom Space.
- It aims to transport a crew to the International Space Station (ISS) for a 14-day mission.
- This will be Axiom Space’s fourth mission to the ISS, following their previous missions (Ax-1, Ax-2, and Ax-3).
- The mission will launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
- The spacecraft for this mission is a SpaceX Crew Dragon, known for its advanced technology and safety features.
- This mission is organised in collaboration with NASA, highlighting a strong partnership between private space companies and government space agencies to further space exploration and research.
- Crew:
- Peggy Whitson: A veteran astronaut with extensive experience, having completed multiple missions to the ISS.
- Sławosz Uznanski: A Polish astronaut joining the mission, marking a significant milestone for Poland in space exploration.
- Tibor Kapu: A Hungarian astronaut, adding to the diversity of the mission crew.
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla: An Indian astronaut, making headlines as part of this international crew.
Significance of Ax-4 Mission for India
- The mission is a collaborative effort resulting from an agreement between ISRO and NASA.
- It provides ISRO with an early opportunity to test experiments in space, originally planned for Gaganyaan.
- Key Indian Experiments on Axiom-4:
- Microgravity’s impact on muscle dysfunction.
- Use of computer screens in zero gravity and their effects on human cognition and vision.
- Growth of six varieties of crop seeds in space conditions.
- Tardigrade survival study—these microscopic creatures can endure extreme environments and may provide insight into life support systems in space.
Back2Basics: International Space Station (ISS)
- The ISS, orbiting 430 kilometres above Earth, completes 16 orbits daily, witnessing 16 sunrises and sunsets.
- It orbits Earth every 90 minutes at 8 km per second.
- Spanning 109 meters, it’s almost as long as an American football field.
- It includes 6 sleeping areas, 2 bathrooms, a gym, and a panoramic view bay window.
- Its solar array wingspan is 109 meters, and the station houses about 13 km of electrical wiring.
- Its journey began on November 20, 1998, with Russia’s Zarya Control Module.
- The US added the Unity Node 1 module on December 4, 1998, marking the start of a functional space lab.
- It evolved into its current form after 42 assembly flights.
|
PYQ:
[2019] What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
World ID is Sam Altman’s ambitious project to create a secure, biometric-based digital identity for everyone in the age of AI.
What is World ID?
- World ID is a digital identity system launched by Sam Altman’s company Tools for Humanity as part of the Worldcoin project in July 2023.
- It aims to verify that a person is a real, unique human being—especially in an age of AI-generated bots—using biometric iris scans.
- How Does It Work?
- The identity is created using a device called the Orb, which captures the iris pattern and generates a unique cryptographic code (not storing the image itself).
- This ID is then linked to the World App, and the user can access various services while proving they are human—without revealing their actual identity.
- The system is decentralized and uses blockchain technology to store identity proofs securely.
Key Features of World ID:
- Biometric Verification: Uses iris scanning through the Orb to establish a unique identity.
- Global Access: Users from over 160 countries have access to Worldcoin and World ID features.
- Decentralized Protocol: Built on open-source, privacy-preserving cryptography, such as zero-knowledge proofs.
- World App Integration: Enables users to locate Orbs, receive Worldcoins, and use the digital ID across apps.
- World Chain: A blockchain linked to World ID that supports apps and services tied to identity.
- Crypto Incentive: Users may receive Worldcoin (WLD) tokens for enrolling.
- Privacy Controls: Promises anonymity, non-surveillance use, and code transparency.
- Hardware Dependency: Requires a physical Orb or the new Orb Mini to generate IDs.
How it differs from Aadhaar?
|
World ID |
Aadhaar |
| Ownership |
Private project by Tools for Humanity |
Government of India |
| Launch Year |
2023 |
2009 |
| Technology Used |
Iris scan via Orb; Blockchain-based ID |
Biometric + Demographic data via central database |
| Legal Framework |
No national law backing it yet |
Aadhaar Act, 2016 |
| Purpose |
Global ID to prove human uniqueness |
National ID for accessing services & welfare |
| Data Privacy |
Claims privacy via zero-knowledge cryptography |
Data regulated by UIDAI under Indian law |
| Adoption Level |
12 million users globally |
Over 1.3 billion users in India |
| Hardware Needed |
Orb device |
Fingerprint/iris scanners at enrollment centers |
| Verification Use |
AI-bot detection, global ID use |
Government subsidies, banking, KYC, etc. |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
India is planning to establish six new Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) sites to boost energy security amid rising global oil risks.
About Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR):
- Overview: SPRs are emergency stockpiles of crude oil maintained by the government to manage supply disruptions caused by events like wars, embargoes, or price shocks.
- Purpose: To ensure national energy security and reduce vulnerability to external supply shocks.
- Historical Context: India realised the need for SPRs after the 1990 Gulf War, which caused supply cuts and spiking oil prices and ultimately the Balance of Payment (BoP) Crisis.
- Foundation: The SPR project began in the early 2000s based on advice from the Planning Commission’s Integrated Energy Policy.
- Governing Body: In 2004, the government set up Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) as a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB).
- India’s three-pronged oil security framework:
-
- Commercial oil stocks by public and private oil marketing companies (OMCs).
- Strategic reserves by ISPRL for emergencies.
- Equity oil assets abroad through companies like ONGC Videsh Ltd. (OVL).
- Storage: Unlike commercial stocks, SPRs are stored in underground rock caverns, which are safer, more secure, and suited for long-term preservation.
Current SPR Infrastructure:
- SPR Locations: India has three active SPR sites:
- Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
- Mangaluru (Karnataka)
- Padur (Karnataka)
- Total Capacity: The combined SPR capacity is 5.33 MMT or roughly 39 million barrels.
- Coverage Duration: This reserve can meet about 9.5 days of India’s daily oil requirement (≈5.5 million barrels/day).
- Distinction from OMC Stocks: These strategic stocks are separate from commercial stocks held by companies like IOCL, HPCL, and BPCL.
Planned Expansion of SPRs in India:
- Goal: India aims to double SPR capacity due to rising geopolitical risks and import dependence.
- New Facilities Planned:
- Chandikhol (Odisha) – 4 MMT (in two phases)
- Padur Phase II (Karnataka) – 2.5 MMT
- 6 new SPR locations are being planned at various sites, including Mangalore SEZ (Karnataka) and salt caverns in Bikaner (Rajasthan).
- Future Capacity: After expansion, India’s total SPR stock will be 11.83 MMT, covering around 22 days of national demand.
- Strategic Vision: The long-term objective is to build up 90 days of oil reserves, in line with International Energy Agency (IEA) guidelines.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
The Union Ministry of Agriculture has approved the procurement of Moong and Urad in Madhya Pradesh and Urad in Uttar Pradesh under the Price Support Scheme (PSS).
Back2Basics:
Moong (Green Gram):
- Moong is a high-protein pulse grown mainly in the Kharif season (June–July) and also in summer (March–April) and limited Rabi areas.
- It thrives in well-drained loamy to sandy-loam soils with a temperatures of 25–35°C.
- Fits well into crop rotations like Moong–Wheat or Summer Moong–Kharif Moong–Raya due to its short duration (60–75 days).
- Major producers are Rajasthan, Maharashtra, MP, Andhra Pradesh, and UP.
Urad (Black Gram):
- Urad is grown mainly in the Kharif season (June–July) and also as a Rabi crop in southern India, needing a warm, humid climate.
- Prefers well-drained loamy soils, unsuitable for waterlogged or saline areas; ideal temperature is 25–35°C.
- Often sown in rotations with cereals like rice or wheat and widely used in intercropping/mixed cropping systems.
- Key producing states include UP, MP, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
|
About Price Support Scheme (PSS):
- Overview: PSS is a component of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA), launched in 2018 to ensure remunerative prices for farmers.
- Objective: It ensures procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for oilseeds, pulses, and cotton when market prices fall below MSP.
- Nodal Agency: It is implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation through:
- National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) (Central nodal agency)
- Food Corporation of India (FCI) (in specific cases)
-
- MSPs are announced before each cropping season based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
- If the market price falls below MSP, central and state nodal agencies procure the produce directly from farmers.
- Only crops meeting the Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards are procured.
- Procurement continues until market prices stabilise at or above MSP.
-
- All farmers cultivating notified crops are eligible to benefit under PSS.
- They must sell their produce at designated procurement centres, such as APMCs.
- Government employees are typically excluded from the scheme’s benefits.
What is the PM-AASHA Scheme?
- Launch: PM-AASHA, launched in September 2018, is an umbrella scheme by the Government of India designed to ensure fair prices for farmers’ produce, specifically for pulses, oilseeds, and copra.
- Goal: It complements the government’s policy of setting MSP at 1.5 times the cost of production.
- Components: The scheme aims to translate increased MSPs into actual income gains through three implementation pathways:
-
- Price Support Scheme (PSS): Physical procurement at MSP by central agencies like NAFED.
- Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS): Farmers receive the difference between MSP and actual selling price directly into their bank accounts; no physical procurement.
- Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme (PPSS): Pilot scheme allowing private players to procure at MSP to supplement government efforts.
- Nodal Agency: It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, with procurement agencies operating at both central and state levels.
|
| [UPSC 2020] With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:
1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop. 2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production. 3. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only * (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
A fresh political and inter-state water dispute has erupted between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh over the proposed Banakacherla Reservoir Project.
About the Banakacherla Project:
- About: Also known as the Godavari-Banakacherla or Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project, it is an ambitious interlinking plan proposed by the Andhra Pradesh government.
- Objective: It aims to divert surplus Godavari River water via the Polavaram Project, through the Krishna basin, to reach the Banakacherla regulator in Kurnool district.
- Reservoirs: The project involves construction of a new Bollapalli reservoir in Guntur district, enhancement of canal capacities (e.g., Polavaram canal from 17,500 to 38,000 cusecs), and a network of lift stations and tunnels through the Nallamala forest.
- Water Pathway: It begins at Polavaram dam, moves to Bollapalli, and ends at Banakacherla, integrating Godavari, Krishna, and Penna River basins.
Issues with the Project:
- Violation of the AP Reorganisation Act (2014): Telangana claims that Andhra’s project infringes upon legal frameworks laid out during the bifurcation of the state.
- Lack of Clearances: Telangana argues the project has not received mandatory approvals from:
- Apex Council (Krishna River Management Board and Godavari River Management Board).
- Central Water Commission (CWC).
- Water Sharing: Telangana cites the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal, which allocated 968 TMC to Telangana and 518 TMC to Andhra but did not quantify surplus water, making the legality of Andhra’s claim ambiguous.
- Political Sensitivity: Water-sharing has historically been central to Telangana’s statehood movement; any diversion is seen as a betrayal of regional interests.
- Ecological Concerns: The tunnel under the Nallamala forest may have environmental repercussions that have not been assessed or cleared.
| [UPSC 2012] Which of the following are included in the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court? 1. A dispute between the Government of India and one or more States 2. A dispute regarding elections to either House of the Parliament or that of Legislature of a State 3. A dispute between the Government of India and a Union Territory 4. A dispute between two or more States
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 4 only* (d) 3 and 4 only |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the news?
The Prime Minister recently addressed a commemorative event marking 100 years of the historic conversation between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi.
About Sree Narayana Guru:
- Early Life: Sree Narayana Guru was born on 22 August 1856 in Chempazhanthy, Kerala, into the Ezhava community, considered the so-called ‘avarna’ or outside the caste system.
- Social Reform: He led a peaceful revolution against caste discrimination and promoted social equality and spiritual upliftment in Kerala.
- Famous Slogan: Guru gave the powerful message — “One Caste, One Religion, One God for All”, calling for unity beyond caste or creed.
- Spiritual Philosophy: A follower of Advaita Vedanta, he reinterpreted it to assert that divinity exists in every individual, regardless of caste.
- Death and Legacy: He passed away on 20 September 1928, and his birth and death anniversaries are now observed as public holidays in Kerala and other states.
His Contributions:
- Temple Reform: In 1888, he consecrated a Shiva idol at Aruvippuram, challenging Brahminical control over temples.
- Organisational Impact: He founded the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam in 1903, with Kumaran Asan as its first general secretary.
- Social Movements: He supported the Vaikom Satyagraha (1924–25) against untouchability in public spaces.
- Spiritual Centres: Guru established the Sivagiri Mutt (1904), which became the heart of the Sivagiri Pilgrimage (Theerthadanam).
- Writings: His works, like Advaitha Deepika, Atmavilasam, Daiva Dasakam, and Brahmavidya Panchakam, reflect a spiritual and reformist vision.
- Holistic Upliftment: He promoted education, cleanliness, agriculture, and handicrafts for self-reliance.
- Against Conversions: Guru opposed religious conversion as a caste solution, favouring internal reform within Hindu society.
His Conversations with Gandhiji (1925):
- Historic Meeting: Mahatma Gandhi met Guru on 13 March 1925 at Sivagiri Mutt during the Vaikom Satyagraha.
- On Scriptures: Guru clarified that Hindu texts do not support untouchability and backed the Vaikom movement fully.
- On Salvation: He believed that all religions lead to moksha but stressed that material freedom is key to dignity.
- Inclusive Ashrams: He shared that his ashrams welcomed all castes, with children studying and praying together.
- View on Caste: While Gandhi defended varna in principle, Guru critiqued caste as rigid, anti-freedom, and regressive.
- Mutual Respect: Gandhi was deeply moved and later praised Guru as a “holy soul”, calling Sivagiri a model of harmony.
- Enduring Legacy: The meeting symbolised a blend of spiritual wisdom and social reform, with lasting national impact.
| [UPSC 2019] Consider the following pairs:
Movement/Organization Leader
1. All India Anti-Untouchability League Mahatma Gandhi 2. All India Kisan Sabha Swami Sahajanand Saraswati 3. Self-Respect Movement E. V. Ramaswami Naicker
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Options: (a) 1 only* (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now