💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Search results for: “”

  • An Ageing India: The Magnitude and the Multitude 

    Why in the News?

    The phenomenon of ageing stands out as one of the most significant developments of this century, characterized by notable advancements in human longevity alongside historically low reproduction rates.

    About the Magnitude and Multiplication of the aged population

    • The magnitude of Aging Population: The 21st century is witnessing a significant demographic shift marked by a notable increase in human longevity.
      • Improved healthcare and living conditions have contributed to a rise in life expectancy, leading to a larger elderly population. By mid-century, India is projected to have around 319 million elderly people, growing at a rate of approximately 3% annually.
    • Multiplication of Aging Phenomenon: Despite longevity gains, there is a simultaneous decline in fertility rates, leading to an ageing population with a lower proportion of younger generations.
      • This demographic shift poses challenges related to healthcare, social security, and economic sustainability. The elderly population is becoming increasingly feminized, with a higher prevalence of elderly women due to longer life expectancy and higher widowhood rates.

    Aged Population as per the 2011 Census:

    • According to the 2011 Census of India, the population of people aged 60 and older in India was 104 million, which is 8.6% of the total population. This is an increase from 5.6% in 1961.
    • The census also found that 53 million of the elderly population were female and 51 million were male, with a sex ratio of 1033. 71% of the elderly population lived in rural areas and 29% lived in urban areas. Additionally, 5.18% of the elderly population, or 53,76,619 people, had some disability

    Issues and Challenges

    • Vulnerabilities of the Elderly: Many elderly individuals in India face significant vulnerabilities, including limitations in activities of daily living (ADL), multi-morbidity, poverty, and lack of financial security.
      • A substantial proportion of the elderly report poor health conditions, with a high prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
      • Mental health issues, particularly depression, are also prevalent among the elderly population.
    • Social and Economic Insecurities: Food insecurity affects a notable percentage of the elderly, with reports of reduced portions or skipped meals due to economic constraints.
    • Lack of legal protection: Awareness and access to welfare measures and legal protections for the elderly are low, with limited knowledge about schemes like IGNOAPS, IGNWPS, and Annapurna.
    • Abuse and Neglect: Elder abuse is a significant concern, especially for elderly women in rural areas who often experience neglect and mistreatment within their families and communities.
      • Social exclusion and limited opportunities for productive engagement exacerbate feelings of insecurity and marginalization among the elderly.

    Way Forward:

    • Enhancing Social Support and Welfare Measures: Strengthening awareness and accessibility of welfare schemes and legal protections for the elderly. Implementing social security measures to ensure financial stability and improve quality of life for ageing populations.
    • Healthcare and Mental Well-being: Prioritizing healthcare interventions tailored to the needs of the elderly, including preventive measures against chronic diseases and mental health support. Promoting healthy ageing through lifestyle interventions and healthcare policies that address the unique challenges of an ageing population.
    • Empowerment and Social Inclusion: Fostering social inclusion through community engagement and initiatives that empower the elderly to contribute actively to society. Developing innovative institutional frameworks that value the elderly as assets and promote their participation in societal development.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q. Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India. (UPSC IAS/2013)

  • EU Environmental Council adopts nature restoration law in historic win for continent’s environment

    Why in the news?

    On June 17, 2024, the EU Environmental Council approved the Nature Restoration Law (NRL), marking a significant victory for environmental conservation across the continent.

    Nature Restoration Law (NRL):

    • Objective and Scope: The NRL aims to restore and preserve biodiversity and ecosystem health across Europe. It targets a wide range of habitats including terrestrial, coastal, freshwater, forest, agricultural, and urban areas. Specific ecosystems such as wetlands, grasslands, forests, rivers, lakes, and marine environments like seagrass beds and coral reefs are covered.
    • Targets and Timelines: Member states are required to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030. This includes all ecosystems identified as in need of restoration. The law sets a longer-term goal for the complete restoration of all degraded ecosystems in Europe by 2050.

    About the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030

    Objective:

    • The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 aims to halt biodiversity loss and restore ecosystems across Europe. It sets ambitious targets to ensure that biodiversity is conserved, valued, and restored for its intrinsic value and for the benefits it provides to people and the planet.

    Targets and Actions:

    • The strategy includes specific targets for 2030, such as protecting at least 30% of EU land and sea areas, with 10% under strict protection, restoring degraded ecosystems, and integrating biodiversity considerations into agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and urban planning.
    • It emphasizes the importance of promoting green infrastructure, sustainable land use, and enhancing ecosystem services to support biodiversity.

    Policy Instruments and Implementation:

    • The strategy integrates biodiversity considerations into key EU policies and sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, forestry, climate action, and regional development.
    • It encourages the use of innovative financing mechanisms, partnerships with stakeholders, and international cooperation to achieve its goals.

    Monitoring and Review:

    • The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 includes a robust monitoring framework to track progress towards its targets and assess the effectiveness of actions taken.
    • Regular reviews and updates are planned to ensure that the strategy remains relevant and adaptive to new challenges and scientific knowledge..

    Challenges in Nature Restoration Law (NRL)

    • Implementation Complexity: One of the primary challenges is the complexity of implementing the NRL across diverse ecosystems and landscapes within EU member states. Each country may have varying capacities, resources, and existing environmental conditions, making uniform implementation challenging.
    • Cost and Funding Requirements: Restoring 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 requires significant financial resources. The NRL involves costs related to restoration projects, monitoring, enforcement, and stakeholder engagement. Securing adequate funding and ensuring sustained financial support over the long term is crucial but challenging.

    Conclusion: Create dedicated funding mechanisms or expand existing EU funds specifically for biodiversity restoration under the NRL. This could include grants, subsidies, and low-interest loans tailored to support restoration projects across member states.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads. (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • [18th June 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Constitutional respect should not be reduced to optics

    [18th June 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Constitutional respect should not be reduced to optics

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q The size of the cabinet should be as big as governmental work justifies and as big as the Prime Minister can manage as a team. How far is the efficacy of a government then inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss.(UPSC IAS/2014)

    Q To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (UPSC IAS/2021)

    Mentor comment: In a parliamentary democracy, the Prime Minister (PM) is the head of government, responsible for running the country and implementing policies. Chosen from the majority party in parliament, the PM leads the executive branch, oversees the cabinet, and represents the government domestically and internationally. The PM must maintain the confidence of the parliament to remain in power.

    Why in the News?

    • On June 7, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi surprised the nation by paying his respects to the Constitution of India at the Alliance meeting.
    • This move was probably in response to the accusations by the opposition who alleged the threat of ‘changing’ the constitution.

    Role of the Prime Minister in a Parliamentary Democracy

    • Head of the Council of Ministers: The Prime Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers.
    • Constitutional Mandate: Article 74 of the Constitution mandates that the Prime Minister advises the President in their functions.
    • Choice of System: B.R. Ambedkar and the framers chose the parliamentary system over the presidential system to ensure greater responsibility of the executive to the Legislature and the electorate.

    Row over Immediate Actions

    • Oath of Office: On June 9, 2024, Mr Modi and his Cabinet Ministers took the oath of office administered by the President of India.
    • Pre-emptive Financial Sanction: On June 10, the Prime Minister pre-emptively cleared a significant financial sanction of PM-KISAN without the formal allocation of ministerial portfolios, raising questions about the constitutional validity of such actions.

    Optics over Procedure

    • Cabinet Meeting Decisions: The first cabinet meeting, without allocated portfolios, approved significant welfare measures like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
    • Procedural Concerns: Questions arise about the initiation, circulation, and approval process of these decisions, suggesting a focus on optics rather than constitutional procedure.
    • Extended Tenures: Mr. Modi extended the tenures of key officials without reconstituting the Cabinet Committee, relying on the old Appointments Committee, raising further procedural concerns.

    Coalition Dharma and Constitutional Morality

    • Disregard for Norms: These actions reflect a disregard for coalition principles and constitutional norms.
    • Dr. Ambedkar’s Emphasis: B.R. Ambedkar emphasized the need for constitutional morality and the cultivation of democratic sentiments, which appear to be lacking in the current scenario.
    • Article 77: It provides for the President to make rules for government business transactions, ensuring ministerial accountability, which seems undermined by the centralization of power in the PMO.

    Current Government’s functioning

    • Shift in Power: There is a noticeable shift towards an extraordinary accumulation of power in the Prime Minister’s Office, contrary to the principles of collective responsibility.
    • Business Rules: The Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules designate business to specific ministries and departments, not the PMO.
    • Cabinet Secretariat: The Cabinet Secretariat’s role is to provide secretarial assistance, but recent actions suggest a breakdown of this framework.

    Role of opposition in parliamentary democracy

    • Accountability and Oversight: The opposition scrutinizes government actions and policies, ensuring transparency and preventing abuses of power.
    • Alternative Policies: It offers constructive criticism and proposes alternative solutions to address national issues and improve legislation.
    • Representation of Diverse Interests: The opposition voices the concerns and interests of various segments of society, ensuring a balanced and inclusive democratic process.

    Way forward

    • Strengthen Institutional Checks: Implement stricter enforcement of constitutional mandates and parliamentary procedures to ensure balanced power distribution and prevent centralization in the PMO.
    • Enhance Opposition Collaboration: Foster a cooperative environment where the opposition can effectively scrutinize government actions, propose constructive alternatives, and represent diverse societal interests, promoting a more transparent and accountable government.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/constitutional-respect-should-not-be-reduced-to-optics/article68301227.ece

  • Valentina Tereshkova: The First Woman in Space

    Why in the News?

    On June 16, 1963, Valentina Tereshkova made history as the first woman to venture into space. Her achievement marked a significant milestone in the Space Race between the USA and the USSR during the Cold War.

    About Valentina Tereshkova’s Space Journey

    • In 1962, Tereshkova was selected among five women for the Soviet space program, aiming to achieve ‘gender equality’ in space exploration.
    • The USSR’s decision to send a woman into space was partly influenced by the success of Yuri Gagarin’s mission in 1961 and the desire to surpass the US in space achievements.
    • Tereshkova’s affiliation with the Communist Party and her skills as a parachutist were factors in her selection for the Vostok 6 mission.

    The Mission – Vostok 6

    • On June 16, 1963, Tereshkova piloted Vostok 6, becoming the first woman to orbit the Earth.
    • She spent 71 hours in space, completing 48 orbits around the Earth during her mission.

    Impact and Legacy

    • Tereshkova’s mission boosted Soviet prestige in the Space Race, following earlier successes like launching Sputnik-1 in 1957 and Yuri Gagarin’s historic flight in 1961.
    • Despite her pioneering role, the USA would later achieve milestones like the Apollo moon landings, surpassing Soviet achievements in manned space missions.
    • Tereshkova continued to advocate for women’s participation in space exploration and held prominent positions in Soviet politics and the Air Force.

    Indian Women in Space 

    Indian women have made significant contributions to space exploration, marking milestones and inspiring future generations. Here are notable Indian women who have ventured into space:

    • Kalpana Chawla: Born in Karnal, Haryana, Kalpana Chawla was the first woman of Indian origin in space. She flew on two Space Shuttle missions, including STS-87 in 1997. Tragically, she lost her life during the re-entry of the Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003.
    • Sunita Williams: An American astronaut of Indian-Slovenian descent, Sunita Williams has set records for spacewalks and served as a flight engineer on the International Space Station (ISS). She has logged over 322 days in space across multiple missions.
    • Sirisha Bandla: An aeronautical engineer and Vice President at Virgin Galactic, Sirisha Bandla became the second India-born woman to travel to space on the Virgin Galactic Unity 22 mission in 2021.

    Women Pioneers of ISRO:

    • Lalitha Ramachandran: Joined ISRO in 1969 as a technical assistant at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), becoming one of the first female chemical engineers recruited by ISRO. She retired as associate project director of the Cryogenic Upper Stage Project.
    • J Geetha: Joined ISRO in 1972 after working at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. She reminisces about the challenges of data gathering in the pre-internet era and the mentorship she received from stalwarts like Satish Dhawan and Vasant R Gowarikar.
    • Radhika Ramachandran: Joined ISRO in 1984 and served in various roles, including technical liaison officer at ISRO’s New Delhi office and director of the Space Physics Laboratory. She highlights the merit-based culture and the support for open discussions and suggestions.
    • T S Ramadevi: Joined ISRO in 1970 after completing her BTech from CET, Thiruvananthapuram. She was part of the communications unit and contributed to the growth of ISRO’s transmission technologies. She retired as deputy director of management systems.
    • Athula Devi: Joined ISRO in 1987 and retired in January, having been part of the team that developed base software systems for the Gaganyaan launch. She emphasizes ISRO’s growth through failures and the team’s dedication to projects above personal recognition.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space missions. What are the main obstacles to launching a manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Examine critically. (10)

  • Quantum Physics Behind Diapers: How they absorb so much Liquid?

    Why in the News?

    Understanding the absorbency of diapers through the Quantum physics of water absorption and contrasting materials that do or do not absorb water.

    Absorption in Diapers: How it works?

    • Absorption depends on Microscopic forces and Material properties. Water molecules are attracted to materials like cotton due to their structure.
    • Cotton, a network of polymers with ions, absorbs water effectively by attracting water molecules.
    • For large fluid absorption like in diapers, Super-Absorbent Polymers (SAP) are crucial.

    What are Super-Absorbent Polymers (SAP)?

    • SAPs are synthetic materials with the ability to absorb and retain large amounts of liquid relative to their own mass.
    • They are commonly used in products like diapers, sanitary napkins, and other absorbent hygiene products.
    • SAPs are typically cross-linked polymers, meaning their molecules are bonded in a way that creates a network capable of absorbing water molecules.

    Examples:

    1. Sodium Polyacrylate: This is one of the most common types of SAP used in diapers. It forms a gel-like substance when it absorbs liquid.
    2. Polyacrylamide: Another type of SAP used in various applications, including agriculture and wastewater treatment, due to its high water-absorbing capacity.

    Quantum Physics Insight of SAP

    Quantum physics plays a fundamental role in understanding the behaviour of super-absorbent polymers (SAPs), particularly in how they interact with water molecules at the atomic level:

    1. Electron Sharing: SAPs contain ions like sodium, which have a strong affinity for water molecules. This attraction is based on the principles of quantum physics, where atoms like sodium and oxygen prefer to share electrons to achieve stability. This shared electron arrangement allows water molecules to bond with the ions in SAPs, facilitating the absorption process.
    2. Quantum Mechanical Properties: At the quantum level, electrons behave as waves and can exist in shared states between atoms. This phenomenon allows for the formation of stable bonds between water molecules and SAP ions, enhancing the SAP’s ability to absorb large amounts of liquid.
    3. Energy States: Quantum physics explains how SAPs manage energy states during absorption. As water enters the SAP, energy is released due to changes in the electron configurations and bonding energies of the ions involved. This process is crucial for maintaining the gel-like structure of the SAP and preventing leakage.

    PYQ:

    [2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?

    (a) Cloud Services

    (b) Quantum Computing

    (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies

    (d) Wireless Communication Technologies

  • Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary: India’s New Cheetah Habitat

    Why in the News?

    • Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary will become the second home for cheetahs in India, after Kuno National Park. The final decision on importing cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa will be made after the monsoon season to avoid infection risks.

    Cheetah Reintroduction in India:

    • In India, cheetahs disappeared in the early 1950s due to hunting and the loss of their habitat.
    • The ‘Action Plan for Reintroduction of Cheetah in India /Project Cheetah (2022)’ aims to bring cheetahs from African countries to various national parks.
    • It is spearheaded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
    • Recently, cheetahs from Namibia were reintroduced in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh.

    About Cheetah:

    • The cheetah is a fast-running big cat native to Africa and central Iran, capable of speeds up to 80 to 128 km/h.
    • They live in various habitats like savannahs, arid mountains, and hilly deserts.
    • Cheetahs live in three main groups: females with cubs, male coalitions, and solitary males.
    • They hunt during the day, preferring dawn and dusk.
    • The global cheetah population was 6,500 mature individuals, according to the most recent IUCN assessment in 2021.
    • They are listed as VULNERABLE by the IUCN.
    • The Asiatic Cheetah is one of the five subspecies of cheetah, critically endangered and found only in Iran.

     

    About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

    • Located in western Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 368.62 sq km.
    • It spans the Mandsaur (187.12 sq km) and Neemuch (181.5 sq km) districts, bordering Rajasthan.
    • Situated on a flat rocky plateau characterized by shallow topsoil and exposed sheetrock.
    • It is divided by the Chambal River, with the Gandhi Sagar dam and reservoir within its boundaries.
    • Flora and Fauna:
      • Flora: The sanctuary features a savannah ecosystem with open grasslands interspersed with dry deciduous trees. Riverine valleys within the sanctuary support evergreen vegetation.
      • Fauna: The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including species like leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, grey wolves, golden jackals, jungle cats, Indian foxes, and marsh crocodiles.

    Habitat Suitability for Cheetahs

    • Officials cite Gandhi Sagar as having an ideal habitat parallel to Maasai Mara (a National Park) in Kenya, suitable for cheetahs.
    • Plans include expanding the cheetah habitat to around 2,000 sq km, contingent upon cooperation with Rajasthan’s Bhainsrodgarh sanctuary.

    PYQ:

    [2024]  Consider the following statements:

    1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.

    2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.

    3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [2012]  Consider the following: (2012)

    1. Black-necked crane
    2. Cheetah
    3. Flying squirrel
    4. Snow leopard

    Which of the above are naturally found in India?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
    (c) 2 and 4 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • Formula for Flapping Frequency across Flying and Swimming Animals

     

    Why in the news?

    • Researchers at Roskilde University in Denmark discovered a formula that correlates the flapping frequency of winged and swimming animals to their mass and wing/fins size.
      • The formula applies universally across a diverse range of species, from insects to birds, bats, penguins, whales, and even robotic ornithopters.

    Formula for Flapping Frequency

    • The formula was derived from Newton’s second law (F= mass x acceleration) applied to animals flapping wings to stay airborne.
    • Factors considered in the derivation included air density, wing size, and the forces generated by wing movements.

    Research Methodology

    • The researchers derived the formula theoretically from Newton’s second law, relating the force needed to stay airborne or submerged to the wing/fins’ motion, air/water dynamics, and animal mass.
    • They incorporated empirical observations into a constant C to account for specific shape and flight kinematics variations.

    Application and Validity

    • The formula’s validity was tested across various animals:
      • 176 insect data points (e.g., bees, moths, dragonflies)
      • 212 bird data points (from hummingbirds to swans)
      • 25 bat data points

    Formula Extension to Swimming Animals

    • The formula also predicts the frequency of fin/fluke movements in swimming animals.
    • Adjustments are made for water density and buoyancy effects, excluding fish with swim bladders.

    Limitations and Modifications

    • The formula applies well in conditions with high Reynolds numbers (Re), where fluid flow is streamlined.
    • At low Re values, where viscosity dominates, modifications are needed.
    • The equation holds as long as animal density variations do not exceed a factor of ten.

    Insights and Future Research

    • Insights from the formula include understanding flight efficiency and potential evolutionary pathways for winged animals.
    • Future research aims to explore further insights hidden within the C constant, potentially revealing deeper principles governing animal flight and swimming dynamics.

    PYQ:

    [2024] The organisms “Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater are:

    (a) Birds

    (b) Fish

    (c) Insects

    (d) Reptiles

  • Foreign Travellers in Ancient and Medieval India

     
    17th June 2024

    Travellers Visited India

    Contemporary Rulers

    Contribution.

    Deimachos

    Period: (320-273 BC)

    Who: Greek Ambassador

    Came India in the reign of Bindusara.

    –

    Megasthenes

    Period: (302-298 B.C.)

    Who: Greek ethnographer & ambassador.

    Ambassador of Seleucus Nicator, who visited in the court of Chandragupta Maurya.

    Wrote an interesting book Indica.

    Ptolemy

    Period: 130 A.D.

    Who: From Greece and Geographer.

    –

    Wrote “Geography of India” which gives the description of Ancient India.

    Fa-Hien

    Period: (405-411 A.D.)

    Who: Chinese Buddhist Monk

    Came to India in the reign of Chandragupta II Vikramaditya.

    –          Visited the birth place of Buddha, Lumbini.

    –          His Travelogue “Records of Buddhist Kingdoms”.

    –          Wrote Fo-Kyo-Ki.

    Hiuen-Tsang

    Period: (630-645 A.D.)

    Who: Chinese Buddhist Monk

    Visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana.

    –          Came through Tashkent and Swat Valley.

    –          Book is “Si-Yu-Ki or the records of western world”.

    I-tsing

    Period: ( 671- 695 A.D.)

    Who: Chinese traveller

    Visited India in connection with Buddhism.

    –          His works are Biographies of Eminent Monks.

    –          Gives useful information about the social, religious and cultural life of the people of this country.

    Al-Masudi

    Period: (957 A.D.)

    Who: Arab Traveller

    –

    Gives an extensive account of India in his work “Muruj-ul-Zahab”.

    Al- Beruni or Abu Rehan Mahamud

    Period: (1024-1030 A.D.)

    Who: Muslim Scholar and Polymath

    Came along with Mahmud Ghazni during one of his Indian raids.

    –          First Muslim Scholar to study India also known as founder of Indology.

    –          Wrote “ Tahqiq-i-Hind/Kitab-ul-Hind.

    Marco Polo

    Period: (1292-1294 AD)

    Who: Venetian Traveller

    Visited South India in 1294 A.D during the reign of Pandyan ruler of Madurai, Madverman, Kulshekhara (1272-1311)

    His work “The Book of Sir Marco Polo” which gives an invaluable account of the economic history of India.

    Ibn Batuta

    Period: (1333-1347 A.D.)

    Who: Morrish traveller

    Visited India during the reign of Muhammad-Bin-Tughlaq.

    His book “ Rehla” (the travelogue)

    Shihabuddin al-Umari

    Period: (1348 A.D.)

    Who: Came from Damascus

    –

    He gives a vivid account of India in his book “ Masalik albsar fi-mamalik al-amsar”

    Nicolo Conti

    Period: (1420-1421 A.D.)

    Who: Venetian traveller

    Came during the rule of Devraya I of Sangam Dynasty of Vijayanagar empire.

    Given a graphic account of Vijayanagaras capital.

    Abdur Razzaq

    Period: (1443-1444 A.D.)

    Who: Persian traveller, Ambassador of Shahrukh of Timurid dynasty.

    –          Came during the rule of Devraya II of Sangam dynasty of Vijaynagar Empire.

    –          Came in India at Zamorin’s Calicut.

    Given a brief account of this countryside, in his Matla us Saddin wa Majuma ul Baharain.

    Athanasius Nikitin

    Period: (1470- 1474 A.D.)

    Who: Russian merchant

    Visited South India in 1470.

    -He describes the condition of the Bahmani kingdom under Muhammad III (1463-82).

    – His narrative “ The journey beyond 3 seas”

    Duarte Barbosa

    Period: (1500-1516 A.D.)

    Who: Portuguese traveller

    –

    He has given a brief description of the government and the people of Vijayanagar Empire.

    Domingo Paes

    Period: (1520-1522 A.D.)

    Who: Portuguese traveller

    Visited the court of Krishnadeva Raya of Vijayanagar Empire.

    –

    Fernao Nuniz

    Period: (1535-1537 A.D.)

    Who: Portuguese merchant

    Came during the rule of Achyutdeva Raya of Tuluv dynasty of vijayanagar Empire.

    Wrote history of the empire from its earliest times of the closing years of Achyutdeva Raya’s reign.

    John Hughen Von Linschotten

    Period: (1583 A.D.)

    Who: Dutch traveller

    –

    Given a valuable account of the social and economic life of South India.

    William Hawkins

    Period: (1608-1611 A.D.)

    Who: Ambassador of James I, king of England.

    Came in India at the reign of Jahangir,the great Mughal Emperor. William finch came with him.

    –

    Sir Thomas Roe

    Period: (1615-1619 A.D.)

    Who: Ambassador of James I, king of England.

    Came in India at the reign of Jahangir,the great Mughal Emperor.

    –

    Edward Terry

    Period: (1616 A.D.)

    Who: Ambassador of Thomas Roe.

    –

    Describe about Indian social (Gujarat) behaviour.

    Franciso Palsaert

    Period: (1620-1627 A.D.)

    Who: Dutch traveller stayed at Agra.

    –

    Gave a vivid account of the flourishing trade at Surat, Ahmadabad, Broach, Cambay, Lahore, Multan etc.

    Peter Mundy

    Period: (1630-34 A.D.)

    Who: Italian traveller

    Came in the reign of the Mughal Emperor, Shahjahan.

    Gives valuable information about the living standard of the common people in the Mughal Empire.

    John Albert de Mandesto

    Period: (1638 A.D.)

    Who: German traveller

    Reached Surat in 1638 A.D.

    –

    Jeen Baptiste Tavernier

    Period: (1638-1663 A.D.)

    Who: French traveller

    Visited India 6 times in the reign of Shahjahan and Aurangzeb.

    –

    Nicolao Manucci

    Period: (1653-1708 A.D.)

    Who: Italian traveller

    He got service at the court of Dara Shikoh.

    –

    Francois Bernier

    Period: (1656- 1717 A.D.)

    Who: French physician and Philosopher.

    Danishamand Khan, a noble of Aurangzeb was his patron.

    –

    Jean de Thevenot

    Period: (1666 A.D.)

    Who: French traveller

    –

    Given an account of cities like Ahmadabad, Cambay, Aurangabad and Golconda.

    John Fryer

    Period: (1672-1681 A.D.)

    Who: English traveller

     

    Given a vivid account of Surat and Bombay.

    Gemelli Careri

    Period: (1695 A.D.)

    Who: Italian traveller who landed at Daman.

    –

    His remarks on the Mughal emperor’s military organisation and administration are important.
     
     

  • [17th June 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: High Court’s take on Marriage Act, an erosion of rights

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizen a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy. (UPSC IAS/2015)

    Q  Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (UPSC IAS/2020)

    Mentor comment: Interfaith marriages in India face legal and societal challenges despite protections under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. Recent judicial interventions have raised concerns about misinterpretations, impacting couples’ rights to choose partners freely. Such marriages often encounter opposition from families and communities, leading to social tensions. Efforts to protect couples through legal frameworks are crucial amid ongoing debates on religious and cultural sensitivities.

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    • A recent order from the Madhya Pradesh High Court has raised concerns about the interpretation of the law regarding inter-faith marriages and the scope of the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
    About Special Marriage Act, 1954:

    •The SMA was passed by the Parliament on October 9, 1954.
    •It governs a civil marriage where the state sanctions the marriage rather than the religion.
    •The minimum age to get married under the SMA is 21 years for males and 18 years for females.
    Need for SMA:
    •Issues of personal law such as marriage, divorce, and adoption are governed by religious laws that are codified.
    •These laws, such as the Muslim Marriage Act,1954, and the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, require either spouse to convert to the religion of the other before marriage.
    •However, the SMA enables marriage between inter-faith or inter-caste couples without them giving up their religious identity or resorting to conversion.

    Erroneous Considerations

    • Typical Assessment Under Article 226: When a petition for police protection is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution, the High Court usually assesses the violation of the petitioners’ rights and the threat they face.
    • Extended Protection Examples:
    • The Madras High Court granted protection to a lesbian couple, recognizing the dangers they faced.
    • The Punjab and Haryana High Court provided protection to a live-in couple, emphasizing the protection of their fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution.
    • Contrasting Focus of Madhya Pradesh HC: Instead of focusing on the threats faced by the couple, the HC focused on the validity of the couple’s impending marriage, disregarding their right to life and liberty.
    What is Article 226 of the Constitution?: 
    Article 226 grants the High Courts of Indian states the power to issue writs. These writs are primarily meant for the enforcement of fundamental rights guaranteed under Part III of the Constitution or for any other legal purpose. The High Courts have the authority to issue writs such as habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari.

    Dilution of the Special Marriage Act

    • Contradictory Order: The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s order contradicts the core principles of the Special Marriage Act.
    • Irrelevant Supreme Court Precedent: The court erroneously relied on a Supreme Court precedent related to property succession under Mohammedan Laws, which is irrelevant to the validity of inter-faith marriages under the Special Marriage Act.
    • Misinterpretation of Section 4: The court misinterpreted Section 4 of the Act, which excludes marriages between close relatives, not inter-faith marriages.
    • Act’s Purpose: The Act is designed to facilitate marriage between any two Indian nationals, regardless of their faith.

    Present status of Special Marriages:

    • Significance of the Order: The Madhya Pradesh High Court order is significant given the current social and political climate, where inter-faith and inter-caste marriages face vigilantism and right-wing propaganda.
    • Ongoing Petitions: There are ongoing petitions challenging unconstitutional provisions within the Special Marriage Act, such as the prior notice requirement, pending before the Supreme Court.
    • Supreme Court’s Ruling in Shafin Jahan Case:
    • Emphasized the protection of personal liberty and the right to choose a life partner, regardless of faith or caste.
    • Justice D.Y. Chandrachud’s judgment highlighted that intimate personal decisions do not require social approval and are protected by the Constitution.

    Way forward

    • Disregard of Shafin Jahan Judgment: The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s order disregards the spirit of the Shafin Jahan judgment, which prioritizes individual autonomy, privacy, and liberty.
    • Courts’ Responsibility: Constitutional courts must remember that jurisprudence favours autonomy and personal liberty.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/high-courts-take-on-marriage-act-an-erosion-of-rights/article68297655.ece

  • [UPSC’25 Beginner’s Webinar]: On PYQs, Current Affairs & Time management | 19th June, 2:00 PM

    [UPSC’25 Beginner’s Webinar]: On PYQs, Current Affairs & Time management | 19th June, 2:00 PM

    Integrated UPSC Strategy for IAS Beginner

    Join Saloni Vats, AIR 129, UPSC’23 Mam’s FREE webinar on 19th June, 2:00 PM.

    Register Now!

    In the last 3 years, a lot of things have changed about UPSC CSE

    This includes Exam Patterns & trends, Prelims, CSAT, Mains, and Preparation strategy

    Standard resources and mocks can’t make you feel prepared anymore

    Now, Every ranker who qualifies Mains crafts a process for it, painstakingly

    Civilsdaily Masterclasses allow you to access the real work from those who have done it before

    All rankers built their own preparation system. What’s stopping you?

    Let us help you develop your system

    Never start from scratch on your UPSC preparation

    Start like a Topper.

    Read what Saloni Vats, Rank 129, UPSC’23, has to say about UPSC preparation and approach.

    “I genuinely believe std. Resources and mock tests are not enough now to get a rank in UPSC CSE.

    With approximately 12 months to go for UPSC Prelims 2025, one has to consider the overall preparation strategy and how he/she will approach the exam.

    Now, you need to define the exact plan.

    This thinking gives you an edge over others in the exam. You become relaxed and confident throughout the journey, which is otherwise filled with lots of daily anxiety, fear, and uncertainty.

    And this Wednesday, I am coming to help you create your own preparation plan, especially if you are a beginner; you must attend this.

    My masterclass will be a reality check on modern-day UPSC prep. Not just book list and strategy but also my inputs on your current strategy shared with you over our private Zoom meeting.”

    Attend the FREE Webinar on Integrated UPSC 2025 Prelims and Mains Strategy

    Register Now!

    In this masterclass, you will get:

    1. A 60-minute deep dive on how to plan your UPSC preparation if this is going to be your serious UPSC attempt. 
    2. Understanding UPSC 2023 & 24’s trend and strategy for the next 12 months for integrated UPSC Prelims, Mains and CSAT preparation.
    3. Insider tips that only the top IAS and IPS rankers know and apply in every attempt

    Join Saloni Vats, AIR 129, UPSC’23 Mam’s FREE webinar on 19th June, 2:00 PM.

    Register Now!

    By the end, you’ll have razor-sharp clarity and a clear roadmap for approaching and qualifying your UPSC 2024-25 exam with confidence and near-perfect certainty. 

    Saloni Vats, AIR 129, UPSC’23

    Registration open! Join now to attend the webinar for FREE

    Register here

    (Don’t wait—the next webinar won’t be until July’24)

    These masterclasses are packed with value. They are conducted in private with a closed community. We rarely open these webinars for everyone for free. This time we are keeping it for 300 seats only.

    Ready to attend the UPSC Webinar?

    Register Now!

    Not sure yet?

    We recommend you register here. It takes less than 10 seconds to register.

    • No spam! Once in a while, we’ll only send you high-quality exam-related content. 
    • We will inform you about the upcoming Masterclasses that might benefit you.
    • You can demand one free mentorship call from verified Civilsdaily mentors. 
    • You can always choose to unsubscribe. 

More posts