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  • Farsi to be one of India’s nine Classical Languages

    Introduction

    • In a significant move to deepen cultural ties, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced that the Centre has decided to include Farsi (Persian) as one of the nine classical languages in India under the New Education Policy.

    Classical Languages in India

    • As of now, India recognizes six languages as classical, including Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014).
    • In addition to these classical languages Pali, Persian, and Prakrit and their works of literature are to be preserved according to India’s National Education Policy-2020.
    • The addition of Farsi (Persian) brings the total to nine classical languages (Needs more clarification).

    Criteria for Classical Language Status

    The Ministry of Culture in the Rajya Sabha outlined the criteria for declaring a language as ‘Classical’:

    • High Antiquity: The language must have a recorded history spanning 1500-2000 years.
    • Valuable Heritage: It should possess a body of ancient literature and texts cherished by generations.
    • Originality: The literary tradition must be unique and not borrowed from another linguistic community.
    • Distinctness: The classical language and its literature should be distinct from modern forms or offshoots.

    Promotion of Classical Languages

    Upon being recognized as a classical language, the HRD Ministry provides various benefits, including:

    • International Awards: Two major international awards for eminent scholars in classical Indian languages.
    • Centre of Excellence: Establishment of a Centre of Excellence for studies in Classical Languages.
    • Professional Chairs: Requesting the University Grants Commission (UGC) to create Professional Chairs for Classical Languages, initially in Central Universities.

    The Eighth Schedule

    The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution outlines the official languages of the Republic of India. It is governed by Articles 344(1) and 351 of the Constitution.

    • Purpose: Originally created to grant representation on the Official Languages Commission and enrich Hindi and English, the official languages of the Union.
    • Medium for Examinations: Candidates appearing for public service examinations have the privilege of using any language from the Eighth Schedule as a medium to answer exam papers.
    • Languages Included: Currently, the Eighth Schedule includes 22 languages, including Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

    Chronological Additions

    The chronological additions to the Eighth Schedule are as follows:

    • 1950: Initially included 14 languages.
    • 1967: Sindhi was added through the 21st Constitutional Amendment Act.
    • 1992: Konkani, Manipuri (Meitei), and Nepali were included through the 71st Constitutional Amendment Act.
    • 2003: Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santali were added through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act.
    • 2011: The spelling “Oriya” was replaced with “Odia” through the 96th Constitutional Amendment Act.

    Try this PYQ:

    Consider the following languages:

    1. Gujarati
    2. Kannada
    3. Telugu

    Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language / Languages’ by the Government?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Post your answers here.

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  • Atal Setu is bad for Mumbai — its people and ecology

    Atal Setu news: You will not be allowed on Mumbai Trans Harbour Link if you are on… | Mint

    Central Idea:

    The article discusses the recent inauguration of Mumbai’s Atal Setu, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link bridge, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, it critically analyzes this development within the context of outdated urban planning principles from the 1960s. The slow implementation of city plans is viewed positively, as it has preserved essential open spaces and ecological features crucial for climate mitigation and adaptation.

    Key Highlights:

    • Inauguration of Mumbai Trans Harbour Link bridge, Atal Setu, symbolizing development.
    • Critique of urban development rooted in 1960s planning ideologies.
    • Slow plan implementation seen as advantageous, preserving open spaces and ecological features.
    • Rapid infrastructure construction causing environmental problems and neglect of urban ecology.
    • Failure to account for the city’s dependence on ecology leading to air quality and water runoff issues.

    Key Challenges:

    • Adherence to outdated planning ideologies despite advancements in urban ecology.
    • Rapid concretization and infrastructure projects causing environmental problems.
    • Lack of consideration for the city’s dependence on ecology in current infrastructure development.
    • Slow and contentious realization of development plans in Mumbai.
    • Air quality crisis and increased rainwater runoff due to insufficient planning for urban ecology.

    Key Terms:

    • Urban ecology
    • Concretization
    • Infrastructure construction
    • Climate crisis
    • Development plans
    • Slow plan implementation
    • Open spaces
    • Wetlands
    • Rapid urbanization
    • Ecological context

    Key Phrases:

    • “Dated and problematic mode of city-making.”
    • “Failures to account for the city and its citizens’ dependence on ecology.”
    • “Preservation of open spaces, wetlands, and gardens for climate mitigation.”
    • “Toxic air quality levels and increasing rainwater runoff as evidence of planning failures.”
    • “Reimagine infrastructure planning for the climate-changed city of the present and future.”

    Key Quotes:

    • “Planners and engineers alike have simply not accounted for the fact that the city and all its citizens depend on an ecology to live.”
    • “Rather than rush to complete these outdated intentions of the past… this is a good time to reimagine infrastructure planning for the climate-changed city of the present and future.”

    Key Statements:

    • The bridge and coastal road represent a dated mode of city-making from the 1960s.
    • Slow plan implementation has preserved open spaces and ecological features vital for climate mitigation.
    • Rapid concretization and infrastructure construction have led to environmental problems in the city.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Inauguration of Mumbai Trans Harbour Link bridge, Atal Setu.
    • Mumbai CityLabs event on January 13 highlighting slow and contentious realization of development plans.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Completed 60 years after initial design, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link bridge is portrayed as a symbol of development.
    • Preservation of open spaces, wetlands, and gardens due to slow plan implementation.

    Critical Analysis:

    The article criticizes the persistence of outdated planning ideologies, emphasizing the need for a shift towards contemporary urban ecology principles. It highlights the negative environmental impacts of rapid infrastructure construction and calls for a reimagining of infrastructure planning to address current and future climate challenges.

    Way Forward:

    • Reimagine infrastructure planning in line with contemporary urban ecology principles.
    • Prioritize the preservation of open spaces, wetlands, and green areas for climate mitigation and adaptation.
    • Consider the urban social and ecological context of the 21st century in planning.
    • Learn from past failures and avoid rushing into completing outdated infrastructure projects.
    • Encourage sustainable and ecologically sensitive development in Mumbai.

  • India doesn’t need wolf warriors

    Maldives asks India to withdraw its military presence from island nation amid diplomatic row - India Today

    Central Idea:

    The article delves into recent diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives, triggered by social media campaigns and statements from Maldivian officials. It emphasizes the challenges India faces in maintaining regional relationships amid a shifting dynamic in the Maldives towards a pro-China stance.

    Key Highlights:

    • Social Media Campaign: Post-Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, a social media campaign to boycott the Maldives emerged, leading to negative reactions from some Maldivian officials.
    • Pro-China Shift: President Muizzu’s visit to China and his pro-China stand mark a significant departure from his predecessor’s policies. He seeks closer ties with China and challenges existing Indian influence in the region.
    • Diplomatic Fallout: Maldivian officials’ comments on India and Modi resulted in their suspension, with the Maldives clarifying that their views did not represent the government’s official stance.
    • India’s Regional Importance: India’s relationship with the Maldives is crucial due to geographical proximity, shared maritime interests, and historical ties. The Maldives has traditionally supported India in international forums.
    • India’s Foreign Policy Challenges: The article points out India’s diplomatic challenges, citing instances such as its stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, impacting its global standing.

    Key Challenges:

    • Shifting Alliances: The Maldives’ pivot towards China challenges India’s influence in the region, posing a diplomatic challenge and potential geopolitical consequences.
    • Domestic Sentiments: The article highlights the impact of populist rhetoric and social media campaigns on India’s foreign policy, especially in dealing with smaller neighbors.
    • Global Perception: India faces a challenge in projecting a harmonious image that aligns with both its national interests and the interests of its neighbors, as opposed to adopting a more confrontational approach seen in social media reactions.

    Key Phrases:

    • China’s wolf-warrior diplomacy:  An assertive and combative approach to foreign relations characterized by aggressive rhetoric and actions, aimed at defending China’s interests and countering perceived challenges or criticisms from the international community.
    • Neighbourhood First Policy: Refers to India’s approach emphasizing prioritizing relationships with its neighboring countries.

    Key Quotes:

    • “His election campaign in 2023 also contained anti-India rhetoric: he promised to remove Indian troops from the Maldives and balance trade relations, which he claimed were heavily tilted in India’s favour.”
    • “India has to make those hard choices and it must make them now.”

    Key Examples and References:

    • Maldivian President’s Visit to China: President Muizzu’s pro-China stance and the elevation of bilateral ties with China.
    • India’s G20 Summit Theme: The use of the theme ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ during the G20 summit.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Maldivian President’s Request: President Muizzu’s request for India to remove its military personnel from the Maldives by March 15.
    • China-Maldives Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership: An agreement indicating deepening ties between China and the Maldives.

    Critical Analysis:

    The article critically examines India’s foreign policy challenges, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach and the potential repercussions of adopting a confrontational stance, drawing parallels with China’s diplomacy.

    Way Forward:

    The article suggests that India needs to navigate its foreign policy with a globalist perspective, taking into account the complexities of regional relationships, avoiding populist rhetoric, and making strategic decisions that align with its long-term interests.

  • Judicial contradiction in Delhi Chief Secretary’s extension

    Robert H. Jackson quote: There is danger that, if the Court does not temper...

    Central Idea:

    The article criticizes the Supreme Court of India’s November 2023 judgment allowing a six-month extension to Delhi’s Chief Secretary despite serious corruption allegations. It highlights the Court’s perceived inconsistency in upholding constitutional principles, particularly concerning the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2023, and expresses concerns about the erosion of constitutional logic and past judicial wisdom.

    Key Highlights:

    • The Supreme Court’s decision to permit the extension of Delhi’s Chief Secretary’s tenure is viewed as an instance of judicial self-abnegation.
    • The article questions the Court’s reversal of its own earlier Services judgment, which emphasized the elected government’s control over services in Delhi.
    • Serious corruption charges against the Chief Secretary and the Delhi Chief Minister’s recommendation for his removal create a conflict of interest.
    • The Court’s reliance on the 2023 amendment and the interpretation of the Chief Secretary’s role is criticized for being inconsistent with past rulings, including Royappa.
    • The article points out the Court’s failure to acknowledge that the 2023 amendment did not exclude the application of the Royappa case.

    Key Challenges:

    • The Supreme Court’s perceived inconsistency in interpreting constitutional principles, especially regarding the Chief Secretary’s extension and the 2023 amendment.
    • Addressing the conflict of interest posed by serious allegations against the Chief Secretary and the breakdown of trust between the elected government and bureaucracy.
    • The Court’s deviation from its past rulings, particularly the Services judgment and Royappa case, creates a challenge in maintaining a coherent judicial stance.

    Key Terms/Phrases:

    • Judicial self-abnegation
    • Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2023
    • Constitutional logic
    • Chief Secretary’s extension
    • Services judgment
    • Royappa case
    • Conflict of interest
    • Constitutional interpretation
    • Erosion of trust
    • Unilateral extension

    Key Quotes:

    • “The Court’s judgments become ‘writ in water’ when it reverses its own reasoning for the government’s convenience.”
    • “The Court has lost sight of constitutional logic and past wisdom that attributed great value to constitutional interpretation.”

    Key Statements:

    • “The article questions the Court’s deviation from its earlier stance, leading to a perceived erosion of constitutional principles and inconsistency.”
    • “The conflict of interest arising from serious charges against the Chief Secretary and the breakdown of trust between the elected government and bureaucracy is a significant concern.”

    Key Examples/References:

    • The Supreme Court’s November 2023 judgment permitting the Chief Secretary’s extension and its reliance on the 2023 amendment.
    • The Services judgment emphasizing the elected government’s control over services and the Royappa case defining the role of the Chief Secretary.

    Key Facts/Data:

    • The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2023 had been challenged by the Delhi government but was not stayed by the courts.
    • Serious allegations of corruption against the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister’s recommendation for immediate removal.

    Critical Analysis:

    The article critically examines the Supreme Court’s handling of the Chief Secretary’s extension, highlighting perceived inconsistencies, conflicts with past judgments, and a departure from established constitutional principles. It raises concerns about the erosion of trust between the elected government and bureaucracy.

    Way Forward:

    • The Supreme Court needs to revisit and reconcile its past judgments, especially the Services and Royappa cases, to ensure a coherent judicial stance.
    • Addressing conflicts of interest and corruption allegations in bureaucratic appointments is crucial for maintaining public trust.
    • The Court should uphold constitutional principles consistently, considering the broader impact on governance and accountability.
    • Future decisions related to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2023 should be made with a clear understanding of constitutional logic and democratic principles.

  • Punganur Cows: The Rare Dwarf Breed Making Waves

    Punganur Cows

    Introduction to Punganur Cattle

    • On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Prime Minister made headlines by feeding Mini Punganur cows at his residence in New Delhi.
    • His gesture not only symbolized a cultural tradition but also shed light on this unique cattle breed.

    About Punganur Cows

    • Origin: Punganur cows hail from the Punganur municipality in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district.
    • Dwarf Stature: These mini cows are exceptionally small, measuring just 70-90 cm in height, with an average weight ranging from 115-200 kg.
    • Distinctive Features: They are known for their broad foreheads, short horns, and are ideal for small-scale dairy and organic farming.
    • Milk Capacity: Punganur cows are recognized for their rich milk production, yielding 3 to 5 liters of milk daily.
    • Temple Use: Many temples in Andhra Pradesh, including the renowned Tirupati Thirumala Temple, use the milk of Punganur cows for Ksheeraabhishekam (milk offerings to deities).
    • Varied Costs: The Punganur Cow cost ranges from Rs 1 lakh to 10 lakhs, depending on factors like purity and health.

    Nutrition in Punganur Cow’s Milk

    • Presence of Gold: Notably, the milk from Punganur cows contains an element identified as ‘Au’, the chemical symbol for gold.
    • High-Fat Content: Punganur cow’s milk boasts a high-fat content of eight percent, in contrast to 3 to 4 percent in other indigenous breeds.
    • Nutrient-Rich: This milk is rich in Omega fatty acids, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, offering significant nutritional benefits.
    • Medicinal Value: The milk is believed to possess medicinal properties, contributing to overall health.

    Resilience and Adaptability

    • Drought-Resistant: Punganur cows exhibit remarkable resilience, with the ability to thrive on dry fodder like grass, straw, and hay.
    • Docile Temperament: They have a calm and manageable temperament, making them easy to handle.
    • Disease Resistance: These cows are resistant to common diseases and parasites, adding to their appeal.

    Breed Protection Measures

    • Threat of Extinction: At one point, Punganur cattle faced extinction due to a shift towards hybrid cattle for higher milk production.
    • Mission Punganur: In 2020, the Andhra Pradesh government initiated ‘Mission Punganur’ with an allocation of Rs 69.36 crore to boost the cattle population using IVF technology.
    • Enhancing Reproduction: The mission aimed to enhance reproductive efficiency, with plans to produce 8.5 offspring from each cow within five years.
    • PMO’s Involvement: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is also part of the conservation efforts, rearing a group of Punganur cattle.

  • Shree Mandira Parikrama Project in Puri

    puri

    Introduction

    • In a bid to elevate the spiritual experience of devotees and bolster the infrastructure for pilgrims, the Odisha government is all set to inaugurate the grand Shree Mandira Parikrama project.

    What is Shree Mandira Parikrama Project?

    • This Rs 800-crore heritage corridor, encircling the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri, is a pivotal part of a broader initiative aimed at rejuvenating this holy city.
    • It entails the creation of a 75-meter corridor that encircles the revered Jagannath Temple complex.
    • This designed corridor aims to provide pilgrims with a “visual connect” to the temple, enriching their spiritual journey.

    About Jagannath Puri Temple

    puri

    • The Jagannath Temple is an important Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Sri Krishna in Puri in Odisha.
    • The present temple was rebuilt from the 10th century onwards, on the site of an earlier temple, and begun by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, the first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
    • The Puri temple is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three principal deities are pulled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars.

    Its architecture

    • With its sculptural richness and fluidity of the Oriya style of temple architecture, it is one of the most magnificent monuments of India.
    • The huge temple complex covers an area of over 400,000 square feet and is surrounded by a high fortified wall.
    • This 20 feet high wall is known as Meghanada Pacheri.
    • Another wall known as kurma bedha surrounds the main temple.

    The temple has four distinct sectional structures, namely:

    1. Deula, Vimana or Garba griha (Sanctum sanctorum) where the triad deities are lodged on the ratnavedi (Throne of Pearls). In Rekha Deula style;
    2. Mukhashala (Frontal porch);
    3. Nata mandir/Natamandapa, which is also known as the Jagamohan (Audience Hall/Dancing Hall), and
    4. Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall)

  • 16th Jan 24 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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  • World Economic Forum (WEF) Summit at Davos

    Introduction

    • The World Economic Forum (WEF) has begun its annual summit in Davos, Switzerland.

    World Economic Forum (WEF)

    • Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, WEF is an international not-for-profit organization, focused on bringing the public and private sectors together to address the global political, social, and economic issues.
    • It was founded in 1971 by Swiss-German economist and Professor Klaus Schwab in a bid to promote global cooperation on these most pressing problems.
    • The first meeting of WEF was held more than five decades ago in Davos, which has been the home of the annual gathering almost ever since, also becoming the shorthand for the event.

    Purpose and Essence of the WEF

    • Bringing Stakeholders Together: The WEF gathers leaders from business, government, and civil society to address global challenges and brainstorm solutions.
    • Scope Expansion: Initially focusing on European firms catching up with US management practices, the WEF’s scope broadened to encompass economic and social issues.

    Annual Meeting in Davos

    • Membership: In 1975, the WEF introduced a membership system for the world’s top 1,000 companies.
    • Global Diplomacy: Davos serves as a backdrop for international diplomacy, offering leaders a conducive environment to defuse tensions and engage in critical discussions.
    • Historic Meetings: Notable meetings in Davos have included North and South Korea’s first ministerial-level talks and discussions on German reunification.
    • Birth of the G20: The idea for the G20, comprising 20 countries and initially focusing on global finance, emerged from discussions at the WEF in 1998.

    Funding and Davos’s Serene Environment

    • WEF Funding: The WEF is primarily funded by partnering corporations, typically global enterprises with annual turnover exceeding $5 billion.
    • Davos Setting: Davos’s tranquil surroundings provide an ideal backdrop for the WEF’s mission to foster a more prosperous global economy.

    Beyond Discussions: WEF’s Impact

    • Global Rankings: The WEF publishes influential global rankings and indices, such as the Global Competitiveness Report and the Global Gender Gap Report.
    • Significance: WEF Summit serves as a dynamic platform where leaders and stakeholders converge to address pressing global issues, fostering cooperation and innovation on a grand scale.

  • Global Surgery: Why access to essential Surgery is important?

    Global Surgery

    Introduction

    • Global surgery, despite its critical importance, often remains in the shadows of global health initiatives.
    • This is particularly evident in South Asia, where the world’s largest population lacking access to essential surgery resides.

    Why discuss this?

    • Global surgery aims to address this disparity by focusing on equitable access to emergency and essential surgical care, encompassing a range of procedures.
    • While 2015 marked a turning point in recognizing the significance of global surgery, this field’s history goes back several decades.

    What is Global Surgery?

    • Equitable Access: Global surgery prioritizes providing equitable access to emergency and essential surgical care, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but also in under-served populations within high-income countries (HICs).
    • Scope of Surgery: It encompasses essential and emergency surgeries, including surgery, obstetrics, trauma, and anaesthesia (SOTA).

    Emergence of Global Surgery

    • Annus Mirabilis of 2015: This year marked a pivotal moment in recognizing the global significance of surgical care.
    • Influential Reports: The Disease Control Priorities Network (DCPN) report sponsored by the World Bank and The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery (LCoGS) played key roles.
    • WHO Resolution 68.15: The World Health Organization Declaration on Safe Surgery highlighted the essential role of surgical systems in achieving universal health coverage.

    Magnitude of the Problem

    • Access Disparities: Over 70% of the global population, around five billion people, lack timely access to safe and affordable surgical care.
    • Regional Disparities: Access gaps are most severe in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs), with 99% and 96% of people facing disparities, compared to 24% in HICs.
    • South Asia’s Challenge: Over 1.6 billion people, over 98% of South Asia’s population, lack access to safe and affordable SOTA care.
    • Disease Burden: In 2010, surgically treatable conditions caused around 17 million deaths, surpassing the combined mortality burden of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
    • Economic Impact: The cumulative projected loss to global GDP due to insufficient surgical care could reach $20.7 trillion by 2030.

    Current Efforts and Neglect

    • Neglect in Policies: Surgical care often receives little attention in international and national policies.
    • Limited Research Focus: Research in global surgery is underrepresented compared to global health.
    • Funding Neglect: Funding for surgery is significantly lower than for other health sectors.
    • Research Funding Disparity: Research funding for surgery-related projects is scarce compared to other health fields.

    Way Forward

    • Cost-Effectiveness: Global surgery has demonstrated that emergency and essential surgical care is cost-effective and cost-beneficial.
    • Policy Commitment: Many countries have initiated National Surgical, Obstetrics, and Anaesthesia Plans (NSOAPs), demonstrating political and policy commitment.
    • Positive Initiatives: Several South Asian countries have launched initiatives to expand surgical access.
    • Research and Innovation: Prioritizing research, policy support, and sustainable financing are key to addressing global surgery challenges.

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