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  • 5 hr/day UPSC prep strategy for working IAS aspirants | FREE Webinar by Pravin Garje sir

    5 hr/day UPSC prep strategy for working IAS aspirants | FREE Webinar by Pravin Garje sir

    UPSC 5hr/day prep strategy Masterclass at 7 PM on Saturday, 16th March 2024

    First 100 will get personalized UPSC Studyplan designed by Pravin sir

    Register Now!

    In the world of UPSC CSE preparation, time is a luxury not everyone can afford.

    Especially for the working professionals who are preparing for UPSC.

    Gone are the days of dedicating 10-12 hours a day for UPSC prep.

    Today, it’s about making every hour count, efficiently.

    The 5-hour daily study strategy is the new reality for aspirants with a serious time crunch.

    Pravin Garje sir, the Head of Mentorship program at Civilsdaily will share this innovative approach with you.

    He will share the art of effective, time-constrained preparation.

    Why juggle aimlessly when you can strategize like a topper?

    It’s not about the hours you put in, but how you use them.

    Read what Pravin sir has to say about UPSC prep with serious time crunch

    “Hey guys, I am Pravin Garje, the mentor of 50+ UPSC rankers and head of UPSC Mentorship program at Civilsdaily. I’m here to let you in on how to effectively utilize a 5-hour daily study window for UPSC prep, crucial for those balancing work or college.

    The UPSC exam’s complexity has only increased over the years. It’s no longer just about the hours of study but about strategic and adaptive preparation.

    I will unveil strategies focusing on critical syllabus areas, analytical thinking, and effective time management.

    In my masterclass, I’ll dive into breaking down the syllabus into manageable chunks, prioritizing essential topics, efficiently navigating the vast terrain of current affairs, and mastering GS material.

    I’ll also discuss balancing UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation, tackling the Optional subject, and enhancing answer writing skills within a limited timeframe.

    Join me on this coming Saturday over Zoom (link will be emailed to you).

    See you there”

    Get 5-hour prep strategy for working UPSC aspirants

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    In this masterclass, you will get:

    1. 45 minutes of topic-by-topic deep dive 5hr/day UPSC preparation strategy for Working professionals and College aspirants.
    2. Masterclass on time management, designing your UPSC study plan and a target-based time table.
    3. Insider tips that only the top IAS and IPS rankers know and apply in every attempt

    UPSC 5hr/day prep strategy Masterclass at 7 PM on Saturday, 16th March 2024

    First 100 will get personalized UPSC Studyplan designed by Pravin sir

    Register Now!

    By the end, you’ll have razor-sharp clarity and a clear roadmap for UPSC preparation with a full time job or college

    Pravin Garje

    (Don’t wait—the next time management masterclass won’t be until June 24)

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  • Places in news: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

    rhino

    Why in the news? 

    • The Supreme Court halted the Assam government’s attempt to revoke a 26-year-old notification establishing the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a significant rhino population.

    What was the reason behind this decision?

    • The Supreme Court asserted that withdrawing a notification for a wildlife sanctuary required permission from the National Board of Wildlife, and clarified its order does not impede actions to protect forest dwellers’ rights.

    About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary 

    • Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary boasts the highest density of one-horned rhinos globally, second only to Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Often dubbed as ‘Mini Kaziranga,’ Pobitora shares a similar landscape and vegetation to its renowned counterpart.
    • The sanctuary shelters various endangered species, including one-horned rhinoceros, leopards, leopard cats, fishing cats, jungle cats, feral buffaloes, wild pigs, and Chinese pangolins.
    • Approximately 72% of Pobitora’s area comprises a wet savannah dominated by Arundo donax and Saccharum grasses, while the rest is covered by water bodies.

    About One-Horned Rhino:

    • IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable.
    • Habitat– Rhinos are mainly found in Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
      • Assam has an estimated 2,640 rhinos in four protected areas, i.e. Pabitora Wildlife Reserve, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and Manas National Park.
      • About 2,400 of them are in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR).

    Prelims Question:

    Which wildlife sanctuary boasts the highest density of one-horned rhinos globally, second only to Kaziranga National Park in Assam?

    a) Manas National Park

    b) Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

    c) Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park

    d) Jim Corbett National Park

     

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”tqlc9hnh9p” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

     

  • UPSC Preparation Based On – Original Prep Content, Rigorous Mentorship & Result-Driven Programs

    UPSC Preparation Based On – Original Prep Content, Rigorous Mentorship & Result-Driven Programs

    Led by a team of experienced and rigorously trained (for the latest UPSC requirements and pattern) Faculties and Mentors, Civilsdaily is the first and only platform that introduced deeply researched UPSC-CSE content and programs led by real-time 1:1 Mentorship. 

    As a UPSC aspirant, you live in a world populated with infinite sources churning out countless content themes endlessly, adding only short-term value to your preparation, if at all. Giving you false hope that your preparation is moving forward. All this is in the name of FREE preparation content. We chose not to play that game.

    Instead, we create only limited content themes and programs every week. But content and program that is original, rigorously researched for UPSC requirements by trained faculties and led by Mentors. Just what is actually required to qualify CSE, it’s something we continue to do. 

    At Civilsdaily, we treat Mentorship as a specialization. Not every Mains or interview candidate can be a mentor. Most such mentors will suggest cosmetic changes and will only help you evolve slowly. It is easy to find comfort in sentences like ‘every topper is different’ and’ they have their own path’. Finding what’s different about you and then figuring out your own path is why Mentorship is essential. We walk the talk by helping you craft your own way of preparation. A method that enhances your probability of qualifying UPSC-CSE in a single attempt. We give you that near-perfect certainty. Delivering this consistently to hundreds of aspirants (now rankers) in the past was challenging. We still stick to it and keep getting better at it with each passing year. 

    Fill up This Mentorship Form (Free for the next 24 hours) to connect with our mentors.

    At CD, we understand the science and the art of everything UPSC. If you have a problem, we will sit with you and find a solution. If that doesn’t work, then we try solution 2. Eventually, we will make sure you end up making progress. What’s the point of any content, program and Mentorship without progress? This is precisely why aspirants trust they have the best shot at clearing the exam with Civilsdaily. 

    Part of this content and programs are free and completely accessible exclusively to our students(enrolled in mentorship programs). We put a lot of time, effort, and energy into creating lectures, notes, and tests and understanding your needs as an aspirant. We take it seriously because, after all, your future depends on it. 

    The heart of the Civilsdaily platform is the Foundation Program and Ultimate Assessment Program (UAP). For years, aspirants have enrolled here because they couldn’t find such depth and passion towards quality content and Mentorship anywhere. Their search inevitably ends at Civilsdaily. Enrollment in these programs and Mentorship also makes us accountable to aspirants for the value they get. 

    In the past few years, we’ve worked quietly in the background with hundreds of aspirants; many now serve as IAS, IPS, IFS and more. We are very proud of what we’ve achieved. Here are some of the recent rankers showing us gratitude.

    Fill up This Mentorship Form (Free for the next 24 hours) to connect with our mentors.

    Click Here

  • 13th March 2024 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    [WpProQuiz 1620]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 1620]

    UPSC 2024 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • [13 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Intra-group caste variances, equality and the Court’s gaze

    [13 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Intra-group caste variances, equality and the Court’s gaze

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains:
    1. Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine (2018)

    2. What are the two major legal initiatives by state since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (ST)? (2017)

    3. Why are the tribals in India referred to as ‘the Scheduled Tribes’? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. (2016)

    Prelims:
    Under the Indian Constitution, the Concentration of Wealth violates​ (2021)
    a) the Right to Equality​
    b) the Directive Principles of State Policy​
    c) the Right to Freedom​
    d) the Concept of Welfare
    From The Hindu

    Note4Students: 

    Mains: Minority sections of the society and their Empowerment; Judiciary; State government;

    Prelims: Fundamental rights; Important judgements by SC; State government;

    Mentor comments: Recently, the case of ‘State of Punjab vs Davinder Singh’ revolves around the question of whether State governments can make sub-classifications within Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for public employment. The Supreme Court is set to deliver a judgment on this matter, addressing the issue of intra-group variances and the power of States to recognize them. We need to analyze this issue as it is sub-classified SC reservations which are leading to legal challenges and subsequent legislative actions.

    Let’s learn. 

    —

    Why in the News?

    The SC is set to deliver a judgment on whether State governments can make sub-classifications within SCs and STs, addressing the varying levels of development and discrimination within these groups. 

    Context:

    • The ongoing case of State of Punjab v Davinder Singh has brought to light the complexities surrounding sub-classification within reserved categories.
    • The central question revolves around whether a group within a reserved category can be further sub-classified and granted reservations.
    • Proponents argue that sub-classification is necessary to ensure adequate representation of the most disadvantaged groups, addressing the issue of backwardness within backwardness.
    • On the other hand, opponents contend that the existing reservation scheme already ensures adequate representation for historically disadvantaged groups, making sub-classification unnecessary.
    JUDICIARY ON SUB-CATEGORIZATION WITHIN RESERVED CATEGORIES:

    1) State of Punjab vs Davinder Singh case (1975):

    – In 1975, the Government of Punjab issued a circular that reserved 50% of SC seats for Balmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs, leading to legal challenges culminating in the Supreme Court’s involvement.

    – The case questions whether sub-classifications are constitutionally permissible within SCs and STs, challenging the notion that these groups are homogenous.

    – The debate involves revisiting past judgments like E.V. Chinnaiah vs State of Andhra Pradesh, which prohibited sub-classifications within SCs but recognized such distinctions within Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

    2) Indra Sawhney vs Union of India Case (1992):

    – The SC cited its judgment which arose out of the Mandal Commission’s report. There, a nine-judge Bench had held that sub-classifications within socially and educationally backward classes (OBCs) for services under the government was permissible.

    – The case introduced the concept of the “creamy layer,” excluding affluent sections within backward classes (limited it to not exceed 50%) from reservation benefits.

    – The genesis of this debate dates back to 1980 when the Second Backward Classes Committee, chaired by BP Mandal, recommended 27% reservation for OBCs and 22.5% for Scheduled Castes.

    3) About E.V. Chinnaiah vs State of Andhra Pradesh Case (2004):

    – A five-judge Bench quashed the Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes (Rationalization of Reservations) Act, 2000. The Act was challenged before the High Court and later the Supreme Court, which declared it ‘ultra vires the Constitution’ as it offended Article 341 of the Constitution.

    – This provision allows the President of India to notify a list of SCs for each State, and stipulates that the list can only be modified by Parliament.

    – The case prohibited sub-classifications within SCs as it was found to violate constitutional provisions but recognized such distinctions within Other Backward Classes (OBCs). It emphasized that SCs and STs are homogeneous groups incapable of further regrouping or classification.

    – The Court found that the State government had no power to tinker with the list because it was clear on a bare reading of Article 341 that such authority vested only with Parliament.

    What is the difference between a homogenous class and a sub-classification within reserved categories?

    • A homogenous class refers to a group that is considered uniform or undifferentiated, where all individuals within the group are treated equally.
    • The Sub-classification within reserved categories involves categorizing a larger group into smaller sub-groups based on specific criteria, allowing for differential treatment or preferences within the overall category.
    • The distinction lies in how individuals within a larger reserved category are treated – either uniformly as a single homogenous group or with differentiated preferences based on sub-classifications.

    What are the arguments for and against sub-classification within reserved categories?

    Arguments for Sub-classification:

    • Ensuring Adequate Representation: Proponents argue that sub-classification is necessary to ensure adequate representation of the most disadvantaged groups within reserved categories.
    • Tailoring Criteria for Sub-classification: The court needs to tailor criteria for sub-classification to prevent leaving out certain groups while granting benefits to the most backward.
    • State’s Ability to Identify Backwardness: The states needs to be best positioned to judge the backwardness of communities and should have the authority to create sub-classifications within reserved categories without violating constitutional provisions.

    Arguments against Sub-classification:

    • Presumption of Backwardness: Opponents argue that while there is a presumption of backwardness with Scheduled Castes (SCs), individual castes within SCs cannot be considered separate classes under Article 16(4), suggesting that making laws for specific castes within SC lists could violate Article 16(2).
    • Violation of Equality Principle: Critics assert that sub-classification would violate the right to equality by treating communities within the category differently, potentially leading to discrimination based on caste, which is prohibited under Article 16(2).
    • Stigma and Exclusion: Those against sub-classification argue that if certain Scheduled Castes do not receive reservation benefits, they may be left with the stigma of being a Scheduled Caste without access to affirmative action measures, highlighting concerns about exclusion and inequality.

    What are the challenges faced by Sub-Classifications within Reserved Categories in India?

    • Lack of Equal Opportunities: Articles 14 to 16 of the Constitution promises of substantive equality. The absence of sub-classification perpetuates inequality within reserved categories, hinders the framing of appropriate government policies.
    • Legal and Constitutional Complexities: The states face challenges as they lack legislative competence to create sub-classifications within reserved categories, raising questions about the constitutionality of such measures.
    • Addressing Backwardness: The issue of “backwardness within backwardness” has been acknowledged, emphasizing the need to address the most disadvantaged communities effectively.

    Way Forward

    Considering the above challenges, they highlight the complexities and nuances involved in addressing sub-classifications within reserved categories in India. Hence it is necessary to emphasize on careful consideration and legal clarity in policy-making and implementation. The SC’s decision in cases like ‘State of Punjab vs Davinder Singh’ will play a crucial role in shaping affirmative action discourse and addressing issues of social justice within reserved categories

  • Unpacking the CAA Rules

    caa rules

    In the news

    • The long-awaited Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has been set into motion by the Centre, marking a significant step forward in India’s legislative landscape.
    • Enacted in December 2019, the CAA aims to provide citizenship to certain migrants from neighboring countries, sparking debates and controversies nationwide.

    Making of the CAA, 2019: A Timeline

     

    2002: Initial efforts were made to address the challenges faced by Pakistani Hindus seeking Indian visas and citizenship.

    2004: Amendments to Citizenship Rules empowered district magistrates to grant Long Term Visas (LTVs) and citizenship to migrants in border districts.

    2010: The Ministry of Home Affairs eased restrictions on LTV extensions for certain categories of Pakistani nationals.

    2014: Notification allowed citizenship for select migrant communities, excluding Jains and Parsis.

    2018: Government extended LTV eligibility to communities seeking Indian citizenship, offering various benefits.

    New Citizenship Law: Eligibility and Required Documentation

    • Beneficiaries: The CAA primarily benefits Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who entered India before December 31, 2014.
    • Documentation: Applicants need to provide proof of their country of origin, religion, date of entry into India, and knowledge of an Indian language.
    • Proof of Country of Origin: Acceptable documents include birth certificates, educational institution certificates, identity documents, licenses, certificates, or any other document issued by Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Afghanistan.
    • Establishing Date of Entry: Applicants can provide a range of documents such as visas, residential permits, census slips, driving licenses, Aadhaar cards, ration cards, or any letter issued by the government or court to prove their entry date.
    • Generational Proof: Applicants can also provide documents indicating familial ties to these countries, such as those showing ancestry, expanding the scope of eligibility.

    Application Processing Mechanism

    [A] Empowered Committees

    • Role of Empowered Committee: This committee is tasked with overseeing the entire process, from receiving to processing applications. It ensures that all procedures are followed diligently and efficiently.
    • Membership: The Empowered Committee is headed by a Director (Census Operations) and comprises representatives from various government bodies, including the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau, the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO), the National Informatics Centre (NIC), and the Postmaster General.
    • Responsibilities: The committee members are responsible for verifying the authenticity of documents submitted by applicants, conducting background checks, and making final decisions on citizenship applications.

    [B] District Level Committees (DLC)

    • Composition: The DLC consists of the District Informatics Officer or District Informatics Assistant and a nominee of the central government.
    • Functions: DLCs serve as the initial point of contact for applicants, receiving their submissions and ensuring they are complete and accurate before forwarding them to the Empowered Committee for further processing.
    • Oversight: While DLCs handle the initial stages of application processing, they operate under the supervision and guidance of the Empowered Committee. This hierarchical structure ensures uniformity and consistency in decision-making across different regions.

    [C] Electronic Submission and Processing

    • Digital Platform: To streamline operations and minimize paperwork, the application process is conducted electronically. Applicants submit their documents and forms through an online portal managed by the government.
    • Efficiency: Electronic submission allows for faster processing times and reduces the risk of errors associated with manual data entry. It also enables real-time tracking of application status, providing transparency to applicants throughout the process.
    • Data Security: The government ensures robust cybersecurity measures to protect the sensitive information submitted by applicants. Encryption protocols and secure servers safeguard data integrity and confidentiality.

    Conclusion

    • The implementation of the CAA signifies a significant policy shift aimed at addressing the plight of persecuted minorities in neighbouring countries.
    • While the rules have sparked debates and opposition, they also represent India’s commitment to humanitarian values and providing refuge to those in need.
    • As the citizenship application process unfolds, it will be crucial to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to legal procedures to uphold the principles of justice and inclusivity.

  • India ‘one of the Worst Autocratisers’: V-Dem Democracy Report

    In the news

    • India, previously categorized as an “electoral autocracy” in 2018, has further declined to become one of the “worst autocratizers,” according to the ‘Democracy Report 2024’ by the Gothenburg-based V-Dem (or Varieties of Democracy) Institute.

    Key highlights on India

    • Deteriorating Status: India, previously downgraded to an electoral autocracy in 2018, has further declined to become “one of the worst autocratizers.”
    • Historical Comparison: India’s level of “liberal democracy” has regressed significantly, reaching levels last seen in 1975 during the state of emergency declared by Indira Gandhi.
    • Regime Classification: India falls into the category of electoral autocracy, characterized by multiparty elections alongside insufficient levels of freedom of expression and fair elections.
    • Erosion of Democratic Freedoms: The report highlights the gradual deterioration of freedom of expression, media independence, and attacks on civil society under the current government.

    About the V-Dem Democracy Report

    • Publication: The V-Dem Institute releases the Democracy Report annually, offering insights into the state of democracy worldwide, focusing on democratization and autocratization.
    • Regime Classification: Countries are categorized into four regime types based on their scores in the Liberal Democratic Index (LDI), encompassing a spectrum from liberal democracy to closed autocracy.

    What is Liberal Democratic Index (LDI)?

    • Comprehensive Assessment: The LDI evaluates both liberal (individual and minority rights) and electoral aspects (free and fair elections) of democracy.
    • Indicators: It comprises 71 indicators, encompassing the Liberal Component Index (LCI) and the Electoral Democracy Index (EDI), capturing various dimensions of democratic governance.
      1. LCI: Measures aspects like protection of individual liberties and legislative constraints on the executive.
      2. EDI: Considers indicators ensuring free and fair elections such as freedom of expression and association.
    • Components of the LDI include:
    1. Egalitarian Component Index: Assesses the extent of equality among different social groups within a democracy.
    2. Participatory Component Index: Evaluates the health of citizen groups and civil society organizations, indicating the degree of citizen engagement.
    3. Deliberative Component Index: Gauges whether political decisions are driven by public reasoning focused on the common good or influenced by emotional appeals, solidarity attachments, or coercion.
    4. Publication Schedule: The Democracy Report is typically published annually in March, presenting a comprehensive analysis of global democratic trends.

    Key Findings from the Democracy Report 2024:

    • Collaborative Effort: The report is a collaborative endeavour involving 4,200 scholars from 180 countries, leveraging 31 million datasets spanning from 1789 to 2023 to assess the democratic status of 202 countries.
    • Global Trends:
    1. Autocratization: In 2023, 42 countries, representing 35% of the world’s population, were undergoing autocratization.
    2. Population in Autocracies: Currently, 71% of the world’s population, amounting to 5.7 billion people, resides in autocracies, marking a significant increase from 48% a decade ago.
    3. Decline in Democracy: The level of democracy experienced by the average individual globally has regressed to 1985 levels, with Eastern Europe, South, and Central Asia experiencing the sharpest declines.

  • Nuclear Waste Management and India

    nuclear waste

    In the news

    • India recently achieved a significant milestone in its nuclear program with the loading of the core of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR).
    • However, as India progresses towards energy independence, it faces the complex challenge of managing nuclear waste.

    What is Nuclear Waste?

    • Composition: Nuclear waste comprises radioactive by-products generated during the fission process in nuclear reactors.
    • Radioactive Elements: These by-products include elements such as barium-144, krypton-89, and various isotopes of uranium and plutonium.

    Nuclear Waste Handling Techniques

    • Spent Fuel Storage: Spent fuel, initially stored underwater for cooling, is later transferred to dry casks for long-term storage. This process is critical due to the high radioactivity of spent fuel. Ex.: The U.S. had 69,682 tonnes of spent fuel (as of 2015), Canada had 54,000 tonnes (2016), and Russia had 21,362 tonnes (2014).
    • Liquid Waste Treatment: Nuclear power plants have facilities to treat liquid waste, with some waste being discharged into the environment after treatment.
    • Vitrification: Liquid high-level waste is vitrified to form a stable glass for long-term storage.
    • Reprocessing: Reprocessing separates fissile material from non-fissile elements in spent fuel, allowing for the reuse of valuable materials. Ex.: India operates reprocessing plants in Trombay, Tarapur, and Kalpakkam.
    • Geological Disposal: Some experts advocate for burying nuclear waste deep underground in stable geological formations. Waste is sealed in containers and buried in granite or clay formations, away from human activity.

    Challenges and Concerns

    • Environmental Risks: Improper waste management can lead to contamination of water resources and surrounding areas.
      • Ex.: The Asse II salt mine in Germany faced contamination concerns due to nuclear waste storage.
    • Safety Concerns: Accidents at nuclear waste storage sites highlight the need for stringent safety measures.
      • Ex.: The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in the U.S. experienced an accident in 2014, releasing radioactive materials.
    • Cost Implications: Waste management accounts for a significant portion of the overall cost of nuclear energy production.
      • Cost Estimate: Waste management imposes a cost of $1.6-7.1 per MWh of nuclear energy.

    India’s Nuclear Waste Management

    • On-Site Storage: Low and intermediate-level nuclear waste generated at power stations is treated and stored on-site. India’s PFBR project aims to address waste management challenges by utilizing fast breeder reactor technology.
    • IAEA Safeguards: India adheres to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, ensuring the safe and secure handling of nuclear materials and waste.
    • Challenges Ahead: The delayed commissioning of the PFBR suggests potential complications in managing spent fuel with different compositions.

    Way Forward

    • Investment in Research: Continued investment in research and development of advanced waste treatment technologies can enhance efficiency and safety in nuclear waste management.
    • International Collaboration: Collaborating with international organizations and sharing best practices can provide valuable insights and expertise in addressing nuclear waste challenges.
    • Public Engagement: Engaging with stakeholders and the public to raise awareness about nuclear waste management and address concerns regarding safety and environmental impact is crucial.
    • Regulatory Framework: Strengthening regulatory frameworks and implementing robust safety standards can ensure compliance with international guidelines and safeguard against potential hazards.

    Conclusion

    • As India advances its nuclear program, effective waste management strategies are crucial to mitigate environmental and safety risks.

    Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2018:

    Q.In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional Protocol’ with the `International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’?

    (a) The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.

    (b) The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.

    (c) The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

    (d) The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.

  • In news: Sabarmati Ashram

    sabarmati

    In the news

    • Prime Minister’s recent activities, commemorating the 94th anniversary of the Dandi March at the Sabarmati Ashram, mark a significant step towards the redevelopment and expansion of this historic site.

    Ashrams Built by Mahatma Gandhi

     

    Gandhi set up five settlements during his lifetime — two in South Africa (Phoenix Settlement in Natal, and Tolstoy Farm outside Johannesburg), where he lived from 1893 to 1914, and three in India, where he arrived in January 1915.

     

    South Africa Settlements:

    1. Phoenix Settlement in Natal: Founded in 1904, the Phoenix Settlement was established by Gandhi as a communal living space and center for social and political activism. It served as a hub for his Satyagraha campaigns against racial discrimination and injustice in South Africa.
    2. Tolstoy Farm outside Johannesburg: Gandhi established Tolstoy Farm in 1910 as a self-sustaining community inspired by the teachings of Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. It served as a refuge for Indian immigrants and a base for organizing resistance against discriminatory laws.

     

    Indian Settlements:

    1. Ahmedabad Ashram (Kocharab Ashram): Gandhi’s first ashram in India was established in Kocharab, Ahmedabad, in 1915. It was initially a rented space and was later moved to a larger site on the banks of the Sabarmati River, becoming the Sabarmati Ashram.
    2. Sabarmati Ashram:  Read the article below.
    3. Sevagram Ashram: Established in 1936 near Wardha in Maharashtra, Sevagram Ashram was Gandhi’s final residence in India. It was intended to be a model village based on principles of self-reliance, sustainability, and nonviolence. Gandhi spent the last years of his life here, engaging in various constructive programs and campaigns.

     

    Try this PYQ from CSE Mains 2019:

    Q. Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian Phase. Elaborate.

    About Sabarmati Ashram

    • Founded in 1917 by Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram holds immense historical significance in India’s struggle for independence and Gandhian philosophy.
    • Situated on the western bank of the Sabarmati River, north of the village of Juna Vadaj in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the ashram became a focal point for various movements and experiments led by Gandhi.

    Key Movements and Initiatives

    1. Champaran Satyagraha (1917): The ashram served as a base for Gandhi’s involvement in the Champaran Satyagraha, a movement against oppressive indigo planters in Bihar.
    2. Khadi Movement (1918): Gandhi initiated the Khadi movement from Sabarmati Ashram, promoting the use of hand-spun cloth as a means to boycott foreign goods and promote self-reliance.
    3. Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918) and Kheda Satyagraha: Gandhi led the workers’ strike in Ahmedabad and the peasants’ movement in Kheda, both of which were pivotal in India’s struggle for independence.
    4. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): The ashram played a crucial role in Gandhi’s call for non-cooperation with British authorities, urging Indians to boycott British goods and institutions.
    5. Dandi March (1930): One of the most iconic events in India’s freedom struggle, the Dandi March, commenced from Sabarmati Ashram. Gandhi, along with his followers, marched to Dandi to protest against the salt tax imposed by the British.

    Philosophy and Ideals

    • Gandhi envisioned Sabarmati Ashram as a community based on principles of simplicity, self-reliance, and communal living.
    • He emphasized the importance of truth, non-violence (Ahimsa), and Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) as tools for social and political change.

    Activities and Structures

    The ashram housed various facilities and structures, including:

    1. Hriday Kunj: Gandhi’s residence at the ashram, where he lived with his wife Kasturba.
    2. Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya: A museum dedicated to Gandhi’s life, showcasing his personal belongings, letters, and photographs.
    3. Magan Niwas: A guesthouse for visitors and volunteers.
    4. Vinoba-Mira Kutir: Residence of Vinoba Bhave and Mira Behn, Gandhian disciples.

  • 11 African countries sign ‘Yaounde Declaration’

    In the news

    • Health ministers from 11 African nations grappling with the heaviest malaria burdens have recently signed the Yaounde Declaration.

    What is Yaounde Declaration?

    Details
    Signed at Yaoundé conference, hosted by WHO and the Government of Cameroon in Yaoundé, Cameroon (capital).
    Participants Ministers of Health, global malaria partners, funding agencies, scientists, civil society organizations, and other malaria stakeholders.
    Signatory countries
    • Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania.
    • These countries collectively account for over 70% of the global malaria burden.
    Pledges
    • Effective tackling of malaria threat in Africa, leading better and investing more money in fighting malaria, using new technology for data, etc.
    • Investing more in health infrastructure, personnel, and programs, collaborating across sectors, forming partnerships for funding, research, and innovation.
    • Showing strong commitment to quickly reducing malaria deaths and holding each other and their countries accountable for the commitments.

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