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Adopt a Heritage project and Monument Mitras: The Scrutiny
Central Idea
- Businesses that enter agreements with ASI to adopt sites are going to be known as Monument Mitras. The tenfold increase in the number of sites being brought under the ambit of the controversial ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme of 2017 raises concerns. Unless the ‘revamped’ scheme is suspended, the nation’s precious pluralistic heritage stands at the threshold of obliteration.
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All you need to know about Adopt a Heritage project
- Initiative of Ministry of Tourism: The ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme was launched by the Indian government in September 2017 under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- Objective: The main objective of the scheme is to provide world class tourist facilities at the various natural/cultural heritage sites, monuments and other tourist sites to make them tourist friendly, enhance their tourist potential and cultural importance in a planned and phased manner across the country.
- Primary focus: The project primarily focuses on providing basic amenities that include cleanliness, public convenience, drinking water, ease of access for tourists, signage etc. and advanced amenities like TFC, Souvenir shop, Cafeteria etc.
- Monument Mitra: The public, private sector companies and individuals will develop tourist amenities at heritage sites. They would become ‘Monument Mitra’ and adopt the sites essentially under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity.
What are the concerns?
- Current plan side-lines the ASI mandate: The current plan also side-lines the mandate of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and abandons The Sarnath Initiative, guidelines devised by the ASI, the Getty Trust, U.S., the British Museum, and National Culture Fund to safe keep excavated objects and present them to visitors in an engaging manner.
- Undermine local communities and their relationships with historical sites: Guided tours led by employees of large businesses who have received permission to adopt a monument may endanger livelihoods of those who have lived near the site and made a living by regaling visitors with stories of its colourful past.
- Excessive wear and tear: The potential of big businesses to underwrite a monument’s illumination is also troubling. Night tourism will also pull electricity away from rural homesteads and hospitals.
- It may alter historical character of monuments which are not under ASI: There are some monuments selected for the scheme that are not protected by the ASI and are in States without Archaeology Directorates. One fears that businesses that sign agreements with the Union Ministry of Culture to adopt these monuments will be able to alter their historical character without much opposition.
What might Corporate India instead do to look after the nation’s-built heritage?
- Businesses can help citizens understand why monuments matter: This can be done by earmarking CSR funds for grants for researching, writing, and publishing high quality textbooks, and developing imaginative and effective ways of teaching history.
- For instance: Corporates might also follow the lead taken by Sudha Murthy and N.R. Narayana Murthy in giving gifts to organizations such as the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in Pune to continue their missions of writing history by rationally coordinating the textual record and the archaeological evidence.
- Skillful conservation: Industrial houses can support the meaningful conservation of heritage buildings by looking within. Their CSR funds can be used to purchase new equipment that release fewer noxious gases that darken and corrode marble buildings and discharge fewer effluents into rivers, thus making these water bodies less likely to serve as breeding grounds of microbes that gather on the walls of ancient buildings erected on riverbanks and cause their decay.
- For instance: In the past, Tata Sons, ONGC, and other companies have regularly contributed funds to organisations training individuals in much needed restoration skills and creating jobs for them.
- Collaborative efforts: The private sector’s resources and expertise may also help the ASI and State Archaeology Directorates to secure monuments from dams, mining projects, defacement, and looting.
Climate change: Significant threat to India’s historical monuments
- Sanchi Stupa: The 3rd-century BC Buddhist monument in Madhya Pradesh is facing a threat from increasing rainfall and humidity. The stone is deteriorating due to the changes in weather patterns, leading to the loss of carvings and sculptures.
- Mahabalipuram Monuments: The 7th-century rock-cut monuments in Tamil Nadu are facing a threat from sea-level rise and erosion. The monuments, which are located close to the shore, are being battered by the waves, leading to the loss of sculptures and carvings.
- Sun Temple, Konark: The 13th-century temple, made of Khondalite stone, is facing a threat from rising temperatures and humidity. The stone is expanding and contracting due to the changes in temperature, leading to cracks and erosion.
- Hampi Monuments: The 14th-century monuments in Karnataka are facing a threat from heavy rainfall and flooding. The monuments, which are made of granite, are being eroded by the rainwater, leading to the loss of carvings and sculptures.
- Rajasthan’s Shekhawati’s murals: Shekhawati is known for its beautifully painted havelis with intricate frescoes and murals. Greater fluctuations in temperature are peeling away Shekhawati’s murals.
- Ladakh’s stucco houses: Higher rainfall is leading Ladakh’s stucco houses to crumble. The traditional way of building houses in Ladakh is under threat due to climate change, which is affecting the durability of the structures.
- Taj Mahal: The monument built in the 17th century, is facing a threat from rising pollution and changing weather patterns. The white marble is turning yellow due to air pollution.
- Sea forts in Maharashtra: Rising sea levels are leading to water percolation into forts along Maharashtra’s coast. Salination is eating into their foundations.
Conclusion
- Currently, India’s progress in diverse fields is being projected at G-20 events across the nation. By embracing forward-thinking principles of historical preservation, businesses, government agencies, and civil society groups can showcase India’s genuine progress in this arena. Maybe their efforts will inspire more citizens to participate in the pressing task of safeguarding India’s pluralistic heritage.
Mains Question

Q. What is Adopt a Heritage project? Why there needs a scrutiny of such project, highlight the concerns and suggest what else can be done?

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March 7, 2023
Climate Change: Role of International Courts
Central Idea
- A group of 16 countries has launched a gallant effort to fight the problem of climate change an existential threat to human civilization at the United Nations (UN). Led by Vanuatu an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, the group seeks an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the issue of climate change.
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What is International Court of Justice (ICJ)?
- The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). It was established in 1945 and is located in The Hague, Netherlands.
- It has the authority to settle legal disputes between states and to provide advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by the UN General Assembly, the Security Council, and other authorized UN bodies.
- The ICJ is composed of 15 judges elected for nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council.
- Its decisions are binding and final, and the court’s role is to settle legal disputes in accordance with international law.
ICJ has two types of jurisdictions: Contentious and Advisory
- Contentious: Contentious jurisdiction refers to the ICJ’s authority to resolve legal disputes between consenting states. Decisions made under contentious jurisdiction are binding
- Advisory:
- Advisory jurisdiction allows the UN General Assembly (UNGA), the Security Council (SC), and other specialized bodies of the organization to request the ICJ’s opinion on a legal question.
- The ICJ’s advisory opinions are non-binding. However, they hold significant normative weight and serve to clarify international law on relevant issues.
- The ICJ’s advisory opinion on climate change can be useful in climate-related litigation at the national level.
Emergence of Vanuatu’s initiative
- Failure to deliver concrete solutions to Climate Change: Notwithstanding the presence of several international legal instruments on climate change such as the UNFCC, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, the international community has fallen short of delivering concrete solutions to the problem of climate change.
- COP-27 Fails to Resolve Differences: The recently concluded 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP-27) where countries failed to narrow their differences on critical issues such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Countries were unable to reach a consensus on meaningful action.
- Vulnerability of Small Island Developing (SID) states:
- SID states such as Vanuatu are most vulnerable to rising temperatures and sea levels.
- Accordingly, in September 2021, Vanuatu launched an initiative, through the UNGA, to seek an advisory opinion from the ICJ to clarify the legal obligations of all countries to prevent and redress the adverse effects of climate change.
- Since then, the initiative has gathered momentum with more than 100 countries backing the idea. Specifically, the draft resolution piloted by Vanuatu seeks answers to the following questions from the ICJ.
The Legal questions
1. What are the international law obligations of countries toward the protection of the climate system from anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases for the present and future generations?
- Answer: The ICJ will interpret existing climate change law and use customary international law to fill gaps, including the ‘no-harm’ (states are under an obligation that activities within their jurisdiction do not damage other countries) principle, to clarify the Paris Agreement.
1. What are the legal consequences for states that have caused significant harm to the climate system, the SID states and other people of the present and future generations?
- Answer: Demands for climate reparations are made as part of climate justice, where historically high-emitting rich countries compensate developing countries affected by climate change. The ICJ can provide legal principles for the ‘loss and damage’ fund.
Confusion over loss and damage fund
- Little clarity on funding: At COP-27, it was agreed to establish a loss and damage fund to financially assist vulnerable developing countries. However, there is little clarity on which countries will provide the funding.
- Historical responsibility yet to be determined: Moreover, the connection between funding and the historical responsibility of developed countries in emissions is yet to be determined.
Role of International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)
- It is not just the ICJ whose advisory opinion is being sought: The Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law, comprising countries like Antigua and Barbuda and Tuvalu, has sought the advisory opinion of the Hamburg-based ITLOS.
- To determine obligations under UNCLOS: ITLOS has been asked to determine countries’ obligations under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea regarding marine pollution, which is linked to ocean warming, sea level rise, and acidification.
Conclusion
- As part of a multi-pronged approach to saving our planet, one should welcome the role of international courts. Developed countries and groupings like the G-20 should support these laudable initiatives of the SID states. Environment and climate sustainability are important themes of G-20. India, as the president of the G-20, should take a lead given its relentless emphasis on LiFE (developing environment-friendly lifestyle) campaign.
Mains Question

Q. What is Loss and damage fund? Discuss the legal questions that Vanuatu seeks to clarify through the ICJ.

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March 7, 2023
7th Mar 23 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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March 7, 2023
Nikaalo Prelims Spotlight || Important Constitutional Amendements, Recent Acts passed
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This Spotlight is a part of our Mission Nikaalo Prelims-2023.

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7h Mar 2023

Important Constitutional amendments

Following Are The Major Amendments Made In The Constitution

First Amendment Act, 1951
1. It empowers the states to make socio-economic justice with socially and economically backward classes.
2. It was aimed at land reforms and Zamindari abolition.
3. Added the ninth schedule to protect anti-zamindari laws from judicial review.
4. Added public order, friendly relations with foreign states, and incitement to an offense as the additional grounds for reasonable restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression. It also made it justiciable.
5. It provided that state trading and nationalization of any business would not be considered against the right to trade or business.
Fourth Amendment Act, 1955
1. Empowered state to nationalize any trade.
2. Provided that the compensation amount given by the state for the acquisition of property, can not be challenged in court on the grounds of insufficiency.
3. Added more laws in the ninth schedule and expanded the scope of article 31 (C).
Seventh Amendment Act, 1956
1. Reorganized the Indian states as 14 states and 6 UTs. Abolished the old A, B, C, and D categorization of states.
2. Provided the common high court for two or more states, and extended the jurisdiction of HC to UTs. Also provided additional acting judges to HC
Ninth Amendment Act, 1960
1. Provided for the cession of the Indian territory named Berubari Union ( West Bengal) to Pakistan as a commitment made under the Indo-Pakistan Agreement (1958). (The amendment was made for the reason that, under article 3, the parliament can alter the area of a state, however, it does not include the cession of Indian territory to a foreign state. It can only be done by amending the constitution itself.)
Tenth Amendment Act, 1961

Acquired the Dadra, Nagar and Haveli as a Union Territory from Portugal.

Eleventh Amendment Act, 1961
1. Provided the new procedure of election for the vice president by introducing an electoral college.
2. Also clear that any vacancy in the appropriate electoral college would not be the reason to challenge the election of the President or vice president.
Twelfth Amendment Act, 1962

Added Goa, Daman and Diu to the Indian Union.

Thirteenth Amendment Act, 1962

Made Nagaland a state and provided special provisions for it.

Fourteenth Amendment Act, 1962
1. Added Puducherry to the Indian Union.
2. The Union Territories of Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Goa, Daman and Diu, and Puducherry are provided with legislatures and a council of ministers.
Seventeenth Amendment Act, 1964
1. Made fair compensation (based on market value) compulsory for the state for the acquisition of privately cultivated land.
2. Added 44 other Acts in the Ninth Schedule.
Eighteenth Amendment Act, 1966
1. provided that the Parliament can form a new state by uniting a part of a state or a union territory to another state or union territory.
2. Created Punjab and Haryana as new states.
Twenty-First Amendment Act, 1967

Added Sindhi as the 15th language in the Eighth Schedule.

Twenty Fourth Amendment Act, 1971

This Amendment Act was brought in the aftermath of the Golaknath case (1967) in which the Supreme Court held that the Parliament could not take away any fundamental rights through the constitutional amendment.
1. It made it clear that the parliament has the power to amend any part of the constitution including article 13 by using article 368.
2. Made it obligatory for the President to give assent to a Constitutional Amendment Bill.
Twenty-Fifth Amendment Act, 1971
1. Curtailed the fundamental right to property.
2. It made it clear that a law made to fulfill the provisions of the Directive Principles contained under Article 39 (b) or (c) cannot be challenged on the ground it violates the fundamental rights given in Articles 14, 19, and 31.
Twenty-Sixth Amendment Act, 1971

It removes the privy purses and privileges of the former monarchical rulers of princely states.

Thirty First Amendment Act, 1973

Reason for the Amendment:
1. An increase in the population of India was revealed in the Census of 1971.
2. Increased the number of Lok Sabha seats from 525 to 545.
Thirty-Third Amendment Act, 1974

It changed Articles 101 and 190 and provided that The Chairman/Speaker of the house can reject the resignation of MP if he found it ingenuine or non-voluntary.

Thirty-Fifth Amendment Act, 1974
1. It changed the protectorate status of Sikkim and assigned it a status of an associate state of the Indian Union.
2. The Tenth Schedule was added to fix the terms and conditions of such engagement of Sikkim with the Indian Union.
Thirty-Sixth Amendment Act, 1975

Gave a full-fledged State status to Sikkim and repealed the Tenth Schedule.

Thirty-Eighth Amendment Act, 1975
1. Provided that the declaration of emergency by the President can not be challenged in a court of law.
2. Provided that the promulgation of ordinances by the President, governors, and administrators of Union territories can not be challenged in a court of law.
3. Provided that the President could declare different proclamations of national emergency on different grounds simultaneously.
Forty-second Amendment Act, 1976

It is also known as the ‘ Mini-constitution’, as it made very comprehensive changes to the constitution of India.
1. It amended the preamble and added the words – socialist, secular, and integrity.
2. Added Fundamental Duties for the citizens by including new Part IV A.
3. Exclusively made cabinet advice binding on the president.
4. By adding Part XIV A, it provided for administrative tribunals and tribunals for other matters
5. It froze the seats for the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies census till 2001, on the basis of 1971.
6. Restricted the judicial review for the constitutional amendment act.
7. Limited the power of judicial review and writ jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and high courts.
8. Increased the tenure of Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies from 5 to 6 years.
9. Included new Directive Principles – (a) equal justice and free legal aid, (b) participation of workers in the management of industries, and (c) protection of the environment, forests, and wildlife.
10. Provided the proclamation of national emergency now for a part of the territory of India.
11. Raised the one-time duration of the President’s rule in a state from earlier 6 months to one year.
12. Created the All-India Judicial Service.
Forty-four Amendment Act, 1978

This was also the comprehensive amendment which was mainly brought to undo the actions of the 42nd amendment. It also introduced some important provisions.
1. Changed the term of the Lok Sabha and the state legislative assemblies again to the original 5 years.
2. Provided the president can send back the advice of the cabinet for reconsideration.
3. changed the phrase “internal disturbance” with “armed rebellion” as a ground to proclaim a national emergency.
4. Removed the right to property from the list of Fundamental Rights and provided it only as a legal right.
5. Provided that fundamental rights under articles 20-21 can not be suspended during a national emergency.
Fifty-second Amendment Act, 1985

The Tenth schedule was added as a measure to the anti-defection issues.

Sixty-First Amendment Act, 1989

The legal voting age changed from 21 to 18 years for Lok Sabha as well as Legislative Assemblies.

Sixty-ninth Amendment Act 1991
1. It provided a special status to Delhi as the ‘National Capital Territory of Delhi.’
2. Provided a legislative assembly and the council of ministers for Delhi.
Seventy-first Amendment Act 1992

Added Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali languages in the Eighth Schedule.

Seventy-Third Amendment Act 1992
1. Provided constitutional status for the Panchayati Raj institutions.
2. Added Part-IX and 11th Schedule
Seventy-fourth Amendment Act 1992
1. Provided constitutional status for the Urban local bodies.
2. Part IX-A and the 12th Schedule were added.
Eighty-sixth Amendment Act 2002
1. Provided the Right to Education as a fundamental right (part III of the Constitution).
2. The new article inserted Article 21A which made free and compulsory education for children between 6-14 years.
3. Added a new Fundamental Duty under Article 51 A.
Eighty-eighth Amendment Act 2003

Provided Service Tax under Article 268-A – which was levied by Union and collected and appropriated by the Union as well as the States.

Ninety-second Amendment Act 2003

Added Bodo, Dogri (Dongri), Maithili, and Santhali in the Eighth schedule

Ninety-fifth Amendment Act 2009

Provided for the extended reservation for the SCs and STs and special representation to the Anglo-Indian community in the Lok Sabha and the state legislative assemblies for ten more years (Article 334).

Ninety-seventh Amendment Act 2011
1. Part IX-B added to the constitution for cooperative societies and made it a constitutional right.
2. The right to form cooperative societies became a fundamental right under Article 19.
3. Article 43-B was inserted as a DPSP to promote cooperative societies.
101st Amendment Act, 2016

Provided for Goods and Service Tax (GST).

102nd Amendment Act, 2018

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) became a constitutional body.

103rd Amendment Act, 2019

Granted 10% Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections of citizens of classes other than the classes mentioned in clauses (4) and (5) of Article 15

104th Amendment Act, 2020

Changed the reservation of seats for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies from Seventy years to Eighty.

Ended the reservation of seats for the Anglo-Indian community in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

Recent Acts passed

1. New Delhi International Arbitration Centre
(Amendment) Act, 2022

2. Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022

3. Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022

4. Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Second
Amendment) Act, 2022

5. Central Universities (Amendment) Act, 2022

6. Delhi Municipal Corporation (Amendment)
Act, 2022

7. Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022

8. Chartered Accountants, the Cost and Works
Accountants and the Company Secretaries (Amendment) Act, 2022

9. Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment)
Act, 2022

10. National Anti-Doping Act, 2022

11. Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Amendment Act, 2022

12. Indian Antarctic Act, 2022

13. Family Courts (Amendment) Act, 2022

14. Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes)
Orders (Amendment) Act, 2022

15. Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fourth
Amendment) Act, 2022.

Refer website https://prsindia.org/acts/parliament?title=&year=2022 to read more about the acts passed in 2022 and 2023.

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March 7, 2023
(Get recorded videos) 3-Day UPSC workshop: 5-phased UPSC schedule management, Methodical Prelims MCQ analysis, and Mains Answer writing from Level ‘0’ | Register 1-1 LIVE With UPSC ranker and Senior IAS mentors | FREE Strategic Package on registration
3-Day UPSC Workshop for UPSC 2023 & 2024 | Make your UPSC Prep effective and result oriented

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UPSC aspirants, gear up for the MEGA session this coming weekend. We have 3-Day UPSC Workshop in which we will have senior IAS mentors and Rankers to help you learn essential UPSC skills.

It is not the lack of resources or time but a glaring gap in the ability to apply the resources to your prep. Doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a veteran, this is a session you can’t afford to miss.

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This 3-day Workshop is for both UPSC 2023 and 2024 candidates. It’s a special workshop to focus on introspecting & improving that lead to progress.
Day 1: Mastering the science of METHODICAL PYQ ANALYSIS to predict UPSC Prelims questions

By Zeeshan Hashmi, Senior IAS mentor, Civilsdaily

10th March 2023 (Friday), 7:30 P.M

Zeeshan sir will demonstrate LIVE how he used the power of METHODICAL PYQ ANALYSIS to predict around 45 questions in UPSC Prelims 2023. And Mastering these techniques, you can predict even more questions for the UPSC Prelims 2024.

Zeeshan sir will also discuss with a LIVE example for 2024 candidates how to start PYQ analysis just after the first reading of static subjects.

What you should expect on Day 1?
- What is the science of METHODICAL PYQ ANALYSIS to predict UPSC Prelims questions and What 10 things you must master to secure prelims 2023?
- How to start analyzing PYQ just after understanding the syllabus and 1st reading of static subjects for UPSC-CSE 2024?
- Most Authenticate and important UPSC Prelims Hack.
- How to fill critical gaps in your Prelims preparation?
- Avoiding pitfalls in your preparation, especially 2.5 months before prelims.
- Solve Prelims MCQs with elimination techniques
- How and what topics of current affairs you must revise before the very eve Prelims?
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Day 2: How to start answer writing FROM SCRATCH for UPSC Mains 2024?

By Sukanya Rana, Mains Program Head, Civilsdaily

11th March 2023 (Saturday), 7:30 P.M

Sukanya Ma’am will demonstrate LIVE How to start answer writing FROM SCRATCH for UPSC Mains 2024. She will also discuss, how to enjoy and learn answers writing for the UPSC Mains examination when it can be very confusing and stressful for other candidates.

What you should expect on Day 2?
- What are the 10 best practices my ranker students follow when they start from scratch?
- Why it’s the very right time to start answer writing for UPSC mains 2024?
- How to connect current affairs and how to insert examples, and illustrations in your answers?
- How to approach current affairs charged questions in UPSC Mains?
- How frequently should you practice answer writing for UPSC Mains to become mains writing savvy in a very short time?
- What are the 753 Rules for Mains answer writing that every topper follows in their preparation phase?
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Day 3: How to divide your UPSC 2024 prep into 5 phases?

By Prabhat sir, IRPS, Super Mentor of Civilsdaily

12th March 2023 (Sunday), 7:30 P.M

Prabhat sir will discuss what do UPSC Preparation phases mean. And how all UPSC rankers divide their Preparation into 7 different phases to break the syllabus into small chunks and simplify dealing with Prelims IQ, Notes making and answer writing for mains, and grasping the current affairs.

The session is extremely important for all, especially who are starting for UPSC 2024 and have almost 1.3 months in their hand.

What you should expect on Day 3?
- If you divide your preparation into small chunks, it will be as simple as water to tackle the syllabus connecting with current affairs. So, how to do it?
- How to start preparing for Prelims from scratch if you haven’t started yet?
- What are the 5 different phases of UPSC Preparation?
- How does every Preparation phase help you get an extra edge and extra marks in UPSC Prelims, Mains, and Interviews?
CLICK & Register: 5 phased UPSC timetable and targets for UPSC 2024 | Get recorded sessions

The workshop will be an opportunity for UPSC aspirants for UPSC Prelims 2023 exam and UPSC 2024, who want to clear the exam in just one attempt, to learn from the best and gain a competitive edge in their preparation for the exam.

The workshop will focus on the importance of strategy, covering a wide range of topics such as time management, effective study techniques, and methods for developing a winning strategy to clear the UPSC exam.

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Other than this a strategy package will be emailed to you.

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March 6, 2023
India close to Hindu Rate of Growth: Raghuram Rajan
Central idea: Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has warned that India is “dangerously close to the Hindu rate of growth”.

What is Hindu Rate of Growth?
- The “Hindu Rate of Growth” is a term used to describe the slow growth rate of the Indian economy between the 1950s and the 1980s.
- It was coined by the Indian economist Raj Krishna in the 1970s.
- During this period, the Indian economy grew at an average rate of around 3.5% per year, which was much lower than other developing countries like South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
- The term is considered controversial as it suggests that the slow growth rate was a result of cultural or religious factors rather than economic policies and structural issues.
- However, the term is still used in academic and policy discussions to refer to the slow growth of the Indian economy during this period.
Features of Hindu Rate of Growth

The then features which led to the coining of this term were-
- Low GDP growth rate: The term refers to the period from the 1950s to the 1980s when India’s economy grew at an average rate of around 3.5% per year, which was much lower than other developing countries.
- Slow Industrialization: The industrial sector was dominated by a few public sector companies, and the private sector was heavily regulated.
- Stagnant Agriculture: There was little investment in agriculture, and the sector was not given much priority in government policies.
- License Raj: India had a socialist economic model with heavy government regulation. The License Raj system required permits and licenses for businesses, creating a bureaucratic and corrupt system that hindered innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Import Substitution: India followed a policy of import substitution, where the government tried to develop domestic industries by protecting them from foreign competition. This led to a lack of competition, low quality of products, and high prices.
- Inefficient Public Sector: The public sector dominated the economy, but it was inefficient, unproductive, and plagued by corruption. Public sector companies were often overstaffed and poorly managed, resulting in low productivity.
- Lack of Foreign Investment: India was not attractive to foreign investors during this period, and there was little foreign investment in the economy. The government imposed strict controls on foreign investment, and the regulatory environment was not conducive to foreign investment.
Concerns flagged by Rajan

Rajan noted that India’s economic growth rate had been declining even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country.

(a) Decline in GDP growth rate
- India’s economic growth rate had fallen to 4.5% in the September quarter of 2019, before the pandemic hit in early 2020.
- During the pandemic, the Indian economy contracted sharply, with GDP falling by 7.7% in the 2020-21 fiscal year.
- The economy has rebounded somewhat, with the IMF forecasting GDP growth of 9.5% for the current fiscal year.
(b) Lower growth potential than hyped
- However, Rajan noted that India’s potential growth rate is likely to be lower than in the past, due to factors such as an aging population, a decline in the working-age population, and sluggish investment.
- He also cited the country’s poor performance on human development indicators, such as education and health, as a constraint on growth.
Key suggestions
- Rajan called for measures to address the structural factors that are holding back growth, such as investment in infrastructure and education, and improving the ease of doing business in India.
- He also emphasized the importance of macroeconomic stability and maintaining fiscal discipline, to avoid inflation and currency depreciation.
- He also called for measures to address inequality, such as better targeting of subsidies to those who need them most.
Conclusion
- Overall, Rajan’s remarks suggest that India faces significant challenges in maintaining high levels of economic growth, and that structural reforms will be needed to address these challenges.
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March 6, 2023
6th Mar 23 | Mini test 4 (Judgements and Important Provisions/Articles/Schedules of the Indian Constitution)

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March 6, 2023
Ayurveda Practice: Significant Challenges
Central Idea
- Ayurveda graduates face significant challenges in pursuing a career in Ayurvedic practice due to widespread scepticism about the efficacy of Ayurvedic theories and practices. Despite the publicity campaigns to promote Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH), the fact is that there is a trust-deficit in these systems.
What is National AYUSH Mission?
- Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has launched National AYUSH Mission (NAM) during 12th Plan for implementing through States/UTs.
- The basic objective of NAM is to promote AYUSH medical systems through cost effective AYUSH services, strengthening of educational systems, facilitate the enforcement of quality control of ASU &H drugs and sustainable availability of ASU & H raw-materials.
- It envisages flexibility of implementation of the programmes which will lead to substantial participation of the State Governments/UT.
- The NAM contemplates establishment of a National Mission as well as corresponding Missions in the State level.
What is Ayurveda?
- Sanskrit word: Ayu means life, and Veda means knowledge or science Hence it is “The Science of Life.”
- Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India more than 5,000 years ago.
- It was taught orally from one generation to another by accomplished masters.
- Some of this knowledge was later put into writing, but much of it remains inaccessible.
- The principles of many natural healing systems, including Homeopathy and Polarity Therapy, have their roots in Ayurveda.
What are the reasons for the public’s skepticism towards Ayurveda?
- Failed to keep the pace: The Ayurveda establishment has failed to keep pace with the intellectual and scientific advances of the times.
- Archaic theories and lack of evidence-based quality: Archaic theories that are apt to arouse suspicion in the minds of educated patients are peddled as sophisticated dogmas. Treatments are not subjected to straightforward testing as they are claimed to be based on these theories
- Perception that Ayurvedic treatments are slow to heal: Ayurveda treatments are slow to heal is another common view that characterises the public image of Ayurveda.
What are the challenges faced by Ayurveda graduates in pursuing a career in practice?
- Practical usability is limited: Limited practical usability of ancient medical wisdom taught in college training
- Lack of vibrant ecosystem of Research: Dependence on personal experimentation due to a lack of a vibrant ecosystem of science and research. The Research process involves a lot of trial and error with patients and predictably leads to an erosion of the practitioner’s reputation.
- Necessity of complementing Ayurveda with modern medicine: Inability to treat all primary-care illnesses, necessitating complementing with modern medicine, which is prohibited in most states.
- Unhealthy competition and advertisements: Competition from gimmickry and publicity-based practitioners.
How can appropriate policy-making help solve these challenges?
- Proper training: Rejuvenating primary care by training Ayurveda graduates to become good primary-care doctors.
- Evidence-based appraisal of Ayurveda: Conducting a vigorous evidence-based appraisal of Ayurvedic theories and practices to sift the usable from the obsolete
- Practice modern medicines: Statutory decision to allow Ayurveda graduates to practice modern medicine in stipulated primary care areas
Conclusion
- Ayurveda prioritizes patient benefit over gratification and emphasizes prevention through balance, diet, lifestyle, and herbs. Sustainable treatment requires a gradual transition to wellness. Ayurveda, science, and public welfare all stand to gain. What is needed is sincerity, straight-thinking, and some adventurism on the part of stakeholders.
Mains Question

Q. What is Ayurveda? Despite of the efforts to promote Ayurveda, the graduates face significant challenges in pursuing a career in Ayurvedic practice. Discuss.

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March 6, 2023
India-Bangladesh Relations: The Golden Chapter
Central Idea
- In recent years, Bangladesh-India relations have entered the Golden Chapter in their relations. Setting the seal on this bilateral bonhomie, The Prime Minister of Bangladesh has been invited by the Indian Prime Minister to attend the G20 Summit as a special guest. Bangladesh is the only South Asian country to be on India’s guest list. India’s invitation to Bangladesh as its guest speaks volumes of the high priority the country accords its immediate eastern neighbor and ‘best friend’ in the neighborhood’.
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India-Bangladesh ties: An organic transformation
- India’s links with Bangladesh are civilization, cultural, social and economic.
- There is much that unites the two countries – a shared history and common heritage, linguistic and cultural ties, and passion for music, literature and the arts.
- It is also worth recalling that India shares its longest border of 4,096.7 kilometres with Bangladesh, which is also the fifth-longest border in the contemporary world.
- With the onset of economic liberalization in South Asia, they forged greater bilateral engagement and trade.
In Depth: Why Bangladesh is cardinally important to India?
1. India’s largest trading partner in South Asia
- Bangladesh emerged as India’s largest trading partner: In 2021-22, Bangladesh emerged as India’s largest trading partner in South Asia and India is Bangladesh’s second-largest trading partner and its largest export market in Asia. Despite the pandemic, bilateral trade has grown at an unprecedented rate of 14 per cent
- Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement: The two countries are also preparing to sign the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, for substantial enhancement of trade and commercial partnerships between the two countries.
1. Gateway for India’s Northeast
- Strategic location: Efforts have been made in recent years by both Bangladesh and India to improve connectivity between Bangladesh and India’s Northeast, which is geographically located between West Bengal and landlocked Northeastern states.
- Initiatives to Improve Connectivity: Initiatives such as inviting India to use Chattogram and Mongla ports, adding new ports and protocol routes to the shared inland waterway network, constructing the Maitri and Padma Setu bridges, and the upcoming Akhaura-Agartala rail line, aim to provide better trade and transport connectivity. The Mitali Express has also been operationalized for bi-weekly journeys between New Jalpaiguri and Dhaka.
- Important for stability and security issues: Bangladesh has been an outstanding partner of India on security issues, especially with its zero-tolerance attitude towards terrorism. On several occasions, Bangladesh has arrested and handed over insurgents from the separatist militant groups in the Northeast (United Liberation Front of Asom) to India.
- A central pillar in India’s Neighbourhood First and Act East Policies
- Bay of Bengal’s Increasing Strategic Significance: The increasing strategic significance of the Bay of Bengal, heightened by China’s rising and assertive presence in this maritime space has led India to bolster relations with the Bay littorals to ensure its pre-eminence in the Bay, which it considers to be a primary area of interest.
- Important for India’s Eastern Neighborhood Policy: Furthermore, as its western front remains troubled, India is increasingly trying to build stronger relations with its eastern neighbourhood to realise its Indo-Pacific aspirations.
- As china trying to make inroads, India Reviving and Cultivating Cooperation: As China also tries to make inroads into Bangladesh to gain a stronger foothold in the Bay region, India has felt an added impetus to nurture its relationship with the country, reviving age-old bonds and cultivating new avenues for cooperation.
- India’s Vaccine Maitri Initiative For example: In the pandemic, India prioritised Bangladesh and supplied 10.3 crore vaccine doses to the country, making it the largest recipient of its Vaccine Maitri initiative. The gesture was generously reciprocated, by providing of
Key Areas of Cooperation on India’s G20 Agenda
1. Climate change and disaster management
- Green Development, Climate Finance and LiFE’: As the name suggests, the segment is devoted to developing environmental consciousness and understanding the impact of climate change with a particular focus towards not only climate finance and technology, but also ensuring just energy transitions for developing nations across the world.
- For instance: Both countries agreed to cooperate on climate change with particular attention to the Sundarban area which is facing challenges due to climate-induced sea level rise.
- Disaster risk reduction: Both India and Bangladesh experience frequent disasters such as cyclones originating from the turbulent Bay of Bengal. Consequently, the two countries signed an MoU on Disaster Management in 2021, to mitigate this transnational threat.
1. Transition to renewable energy
- Energy transition and cooperation: As energy transitions are an important issue in India’s G20 mandate, recently, Bangladesh announced its target of generating 40 percent of power from clean energy by 2041. India-Bangladesh have increased cooperation in the energy sector.
- Projects for instance: With projects such as the Friendship Pipeline and Maitree Super Thermal Power Project, and agreed to enhance cooperation in energy efficiency and clean energy, including biofuels.
- Cyber security
- Cyber security cooperation: Cyber security is an intrinsic aspect of Digital Public Infrastructures (DPI’s) and also happens to be one of the areas in which India-Bangladesh have agreed to cooperate.
- Joining hands to enhance AI and cyber security: In June 2022, both countries decided to expand their strategic partnership to enhance Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cyber security.
Way ahead: Forging better multilateralism
- Within G20, a priority for India is to promote reformed multilateralism which cultivates accountable, inclusive, just, equitable and representative multipolar international systems, fit for addressing contemporary challenges.
- As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, Bangladesh will become even more important for India in future.
- In many of the multilateral platforms in India’s neighbourhood (an area India seeks to influence), Bangladesh is also a member, for e.g., SAARC, BIMSTEC, and IORA.
- The country’s support is, therefore, necessary, if India’s G20 aspiration is to find a reflection in regional multilateral platforms.
Conclusion
- As India tries to shape the global agenda through G20 it needs Bangladesh’s support to translate many of these ideas into action in its neighbourhood. This will lend further credibility to its presidency and in the long run, some of these nascent areas of cooperation may add pages to the “Golden Chapter” in India-Bangladesh relations.
March 6, 2023
6th Mar 23 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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March 6, 2023

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